Time to step onto the mats and immerse yourself in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Toronto? Toronto is a thriving hub for BJJ practitioners. And whether you are a jiu jitsu black belt or a white belt (working their way towards the coveted black belt!), Toronto is home to a number of BJJ gyms, each with its own unique charm and expertise.
This post will guide you through BJJ in Toronto: focusing on the downtown core options as well as giving you a few training alternatives in case you live outside of Toronto's commercial center.
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Overview of BJJ in Toronto
Toronto's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is thriving, with practitioners from all walks of life who share a passion for the art. The city is home to several BJJ academies and training facilities with plenty of access to world-class instructors.
There is a strong argument to be made that Toronto is the jiu jitsu hub of Canada in terms of access to training (its main competition being the Vancouver area). It is certainly the biggest jiu jitsu city in Ontario.
Access to several different BJJ gyms means that there is truly something for everyone interested in BJJ. In the section below, we'll discuss some of the top BJJ gyms in Toronto as well why you should go to them.
In terms of jiu jitsu competitions, Toronto has several throughout the year - including events by the IBJJF, ADCC, and more.
Jiu jitsu seminars are available throughout the year in Toronto, and usually take place within BJJ schools. Some larger seminars will book out larger halls (this is fairly rare).
What's the best way to know about BJJ seminars and competitions taking place in Toronto? Quite simply, follow a few different Toronto BJJ academies on Instagram. While some schools do try to update their websites, or build newsletters, we've found that most are wildly inconsistent at any such endeavors.
Top BJJ gyms in Toronto
There is no shortage of great Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies around Toronto. All the schools listed below have excellent instruction and atmosphere. As a caveat, this is a list for schools that primarily teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the City of Toronto.
If a gym is clearly more focussed on mixed martial arts, karate, or any other discipline, it likely won't be included below. The same goes for gyms that are not actually located in Toronto itself.
If you'd like a collection of MMA gyms or BJJ gyms in the Greater Toronto Area, let us know in the comments, and we'll make it happen.
Toronto BJJ
Toronto BJJ is largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Toronto with several affiliate schools across the GTA (and even in other provinces of Canada), under the Jiu-Jitsu for Life banner.
There are several class timings available every day of the week (more options than any other Toronto jiu jitsu school that we could find), with a mix of Gi and No-Gi on offer. The emphasis being weighted more towards Gi classes.
Toronto BJJ is home to several of Toronto's top BJJ competitors, and has options for Women's Only classes, as well as a children's program.
Additionally, Toronto BJJ features an unlimited one month free trial for anyone new to BJJ, making it almost a no-brainer to check out if the location works for you.
Head Instructor: Jorge Britto
Website: Toronto BJJ
Location: 813 Bloor St W.
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Call in advance.
Openmat MMA
Located in possibly the most central location of all the Toronto jiu jitsu gyms, Openmat MMA is known for having an incredibly welcoming and inclusive atmosphere (in addition to some excellent BJJ, of course).
Openmat MMA has classes running seven days a week with options at most popular times (morning, lunch, and evening), with dedicated Gi and No-Gi classes of various levels. The schedule leans slightly towards more No-Gi training, and even more so if you consider the availability of wrestling classes. There are also a limited amount of Muay Thai and Boxing classes available.
Openmat has active competitors. There are a limited number of children's and youth classes available each week. Openmat MMA's beginner BJJ programs have more of a self-defence aspect to them, while the more advanced classes open up to more competition-oriented BJJ.
Openmat MMA provides a limited free trial. Inquire with their team to learn the latest offering.
Head Instructor: Elliot Bayev
Website: OpenMat MMA
Location: 295 College St
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Call in advance.
Gracie Barra
Mantling the famous Gracie brand, the downtown west location of Gracie Barra is a well located and popular option for those interesting in following the Gracie syllabus, or just those living in the western downtown part of Toronto.
There are multiple classes held, six days a week (closed on Sundays), with Gi and No-Gi offerings. However, the emphasis is very heavily weighted towards training in the Gi. The beginner syllabus includes self defence training.
Gracie Barra has active BJJ competitors, but with only one competition class per week, BJJ competition is probably not their primary focus. A children's program is available.
Gracie Barra Toronto offers a free introductory class. At the time of our visit, due to a lack of sign-up options (they only offered a monthly unlimited training package), they are also one of the more expensive BJJ schools in Toronto.
The monthly fee is inline-ish with other Toronto jiu jitsu gyms' unlimited tiers, however most academies offer lower priced options for those that only intended to train one to four days a week.
Head Instructor: Alexandre Ramos Santos “Carioca”
Website: Gracie Barra West Downtown
Location: 521 Adelaide St W.
Drop-ins allowed? No. (But try calling in. You might have better luck.)
Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club
If you're further to the East side of the city, Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club is a fantastic option with a good number of classes to choose from in their schedule, which also includes judo and wrestling.
Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club runs classes six days a week, and are known for a welcoming open mat on Sunday afternoons (do make sure to confirm it's on before showing up, of course!). They have a mix of Gi and No-Gi classes, with a slightly heavier emphasis towards training with the gi on.
Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club has a number of great competitors at all belt levels. They have a Women's Only program, as well as some children's classes.
A free one-week trial is available for anyone interested in trying out the club before making a commitment to join.
Head Instructor: Michael Sheehan
Website: Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club
Location: 2072 Danforth Avenue
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Call in advance.
Freestyle Dojo
Further to the West side of Toronto is Freestyle Dojo. Freestyle have an excellent number of classes on offer in their schedule though their location is a little on the smaller end of the spectrum in terms of mat space.
Classes run Monday to Saturday. The gym is focussed on No-Gi jiu jitsu, but also teaches kickboxing. It's worth keeping an eye on Freestyle Dojo's website/social channels as they often host excellent seminar guests.
Freestyle Dojo provide a free class trial to anyone interested.
Head Instructor: Mike Romano
Website: Freestyle Dojo
Location: 191 Geary Avenue
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Call in advance.
JT6 Studio
Located further North East is JT6 Studio, possibly the most aesthetic of all Toronto's BJJ gyms, with clean white mats and large low-set windows.
JT6 has a good number of classes on offer, and are open seven days a week. There are only a few midday classes available at this location. But there is a one hour open mat hosted here on Sunday afternoons.
JT6 Studio offers both Gi and No Gi classes, however the emphasis is slightly more on Gi classes. There are separate children's and women's only classes available.
JT6 offers a one week free trial for those new to jiu jitsu. Unlike most BJJ schools, JT6 lists all their membership prices and packages on their website which suggests a more student-first approach - something that really should be pushed more in the BJJ community.
Head Instructor: Alessandro Roman Carmago
Website: JT6 Studio
Location: 28 Industrial Street, Unit 218
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Book via website.
Yorkdale Martial Arts Academy
If you live close to Yorkdale, Yorkdale Martial Arts may be for you. It's a family-oriented academy with plenty of focus on children's classes, and training options seven days a week. This is the headquarters of the Body of Four association.
The class schedule includes Gi and No Gi but is heavily weighted towards Gi classes. Women's classes, Tae Kwon Do (kids only) and Muay Thai sessions are also available.
Yorkdale Martial Arts offer a one week free trial.
Head Instructor: Marco Costa
Website: Yorkdale Martial Arts
Location: 62 Clarkson Avenue.
Drop-ins allowed? Yes. Call in advance.
Honourable Mentions
We've listed out seven of Toronto's most popular Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools here. But that's not to say there aren't many other great BJJ schools in Toronto. Here are a few more places that are certainly worth checking out if you're in the area.
- Toronto No Gi
- Tanuki Martial Arts
- Action Reaction MMA
- 10th Planet Etobicoke
Which Toronto jiu jitsu club to choose
Which BJJ school in Toronto you choose to go to will be determined by a few factors.
Vibe check. There are plenty of great BJJ gyms in Toronto, but you may personally vibe with some more than others. Having a good feeling is important to your consistency.
Aspirations. Looking to be a competitor? You should probably opt for a school that's focussed on the type of competition you're interested in. Looking to ease into a new hobby? Don't walk into anything that says "competition class".
Location. An unfortunate reality about Toronto is that it can take forever to get places. A school that's nearby and easy to reach will be one you can go to more regularly.
Pricing. Some places cost more than others. Do what your budget allows.
Cost of BJJ in Toronto
The price of jiu jitsu in Toronto varies from gym to gym. Luckily, most gyms have different packages available, depending on how often you want to train weekly, how long you commit to, and whether you pay in advance i.e. you'll get the best deal if you're okay with commiting to a full year of training, and paying entirely in advance.
Not so luckily, most gyms do not advertise their rates and packages. In most cases, to find out you will need to go in for a trial class/week, and then sit through a sales pitch.
Thankfully, these are usually not high pressure sales pitches that you see in some places. Toronto is good like that. JT6 and Tanuki are notable exceptions as both provide their rates on their website.
There aren't any really cheap options (this is Toronto we're talking about, after all). But there is a fairly large range with $175 (including HST) being the minimum for a monthly unlimited, while around $300 (including HST) is the maximum.
Private classes
Most BJJ gyms offer private classes or small group classes. The price can vary quite spectacularly based on the instructor's experience and reputation. They are usually in one hour blocks.
Open mats in Toronto
With the cost of jiu jitsu not being super cheap in Toronto, a lot of people are looking for ways to supplement their training with extra rolls. Attending open mats is a great way to get some more mat time while also getting to meet others doing jiu jitsu.
The open mats noted below are usually free to attend for gym members and visitors, but it's always good practice call in before showing up just to be polite (and also to make sure nothing has changed since the writing of this post):
Toronto Jiu Jitsu Club hosts an open mat every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm. They often have open mats during long weekends too.
Tanuki Martial Arts hosts an open mat every Saturday from 1pm to 2pm.
Freestyle Dojo hosts an morning open mat every Tuesday from 7am to 8:30am (perfect for you early birds!), as well as one every Thursday evening, 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
JT6 Studio hosts an open mat on Sundays from 12pm to 1pm.
Toronto No Gi host open mats three days a week: Tuesdays from 8:30pm to 10pm; Wednesdays from 8:30pm to 10pm; and Saturdays from 1pm to 2:20pm.
Primal MMA hosts a BJJ open mat on Sundays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
If you run a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu open mat at your academy in Toronto, and would like to be added to this list, please feel free to reach out.
Summary
There are plenty of great BJJ schools in Toronto to choose from. Look through our list of 7 BJJ schools and see which one works best for you. Feel we've missed something? Comment below and let us know.
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