MMA gyms in Toronto. Any suggestions?

[EL CORINTHIAN]

Hello everyone, sorry in advance if this isnt the proper place to post this. So for many years I have wanted to train for MMA but never really had the opportunity/money until now and I'm feeling like I want to finally take some action here.

I have looked at a couple of places like Openmat and Evolucao Thai which seem to be solid places train but wasn't sure what the general consensus was for these gyms if I wanted to train with the intent on eventually doing some MMA. I have searched these forums and know these are good schools but I havent really gotten anything conclusive when it comes to actually training for MMA and possibly competing if Its in my capacity. I'm open to all suggestions.

Cliffs: suggestions for gyms in Toronto with intent on training for MMA and possibly competing on the amateur level.

Thank you in advance guys.

 

[j123]

Most gyms here usually don't let their fighters jump straight into mma; They usually have fighters have some individual competition exp. before transitioning (muay thai smoker/fight, no-gi tourneys, etc)

The thing is MMA is pretty new here in Ont. there are a few orgs. that are available and decent. ACE so far is the only one I know thats well organized, AMMAO is around, but I don't know much about them other than the fact they do bloodwork on ammys.
For competitors, due to the shortage of orgs. until recently, most of the time they took fights in the States or overseas.

For list the of gyms in Toronto:
-Evolucao Thai
-Open Mat
-Black Devil MMA
-Primal MMA
-Xtreme Couture (Etobicoke)
-Undisputed (Scarborough)
-Headrush (Grant Brothers)
-Revolution MMA (North York + Thornhill)
-MMA World Academy (Scarborough)

Evolucao trains rough. If you're okay with that, then by all means. Hard sparring is the norm over there, occasionally KOs do happen. Xtreme is similar from what I've heard as well. I'm not saying to avoid them, its just sometime to keep in mind on your gym selection, if you're a rough dude who's okay with that, then its fine.

 

[EL CORINTHIAN]

Most gyms here usually don't let their fighters jump straight into mma; They usually have fighters have some individual competition exp. before transitioning (muay thai smoker/fight, no-gi tourneys, etc)

The thing is MMA is pretty new here in Ont. there are a few orgs. that are available and decent. ACE so far is the only one I know thats well organized, AMMAO is around, but I don't know much about them other than the fact they do bloodwork on ammys.
For competitors, due to the shortage of orgs. until recently, most of the time they took fights in the States or overseas.

For list the of gyms in Toronto:
-Evolucao Thai
-Open Mat
-Black Devil MMA
-Primal MMA
-Xtreme Couture (Etobicoke)
-Undisputed (Scarborough)
-Headrush (Grant Brothers)
-Revolution MMA (North York + Thornhill)
-MMA World Academy (Scarborough)

Evolucao trains rough. If you're okay with that, then by all means. Hard sparring is the norm over there, occasionally KOs do happen. Xtreme is similar from what I've heard as well. I'm not saying to avoid them, its just sometime to keep in mind on your gym selection, if you're a rough dude who's okay with that, then its fine.

Exactly what I needed thank you very much for this. I don't expect to jump into it right away because I'm just so out of shape and although I have dabbled in the past I'm still a beginner. But it's good to know there is a good choice of schools out there to choose from. Out of those that you listed do you have any preferences in terms of MMA activity? I have no problem with the roughness that Evolucao could dish out. Getting slapped around would be a great experience

 

[Badger67]

Where is your location and is travel an issue? Factor that in when deciding on a club. If you can make it to Oshawa as an example, Para Bellum is a solid club. I'm an Ascension guy myself but occasionally bounce around for the odd weekend.

 

[EL CORINTHIAN]

Where is your location and is travel an issue? Factor that in when deciding on a club. If you can make it to Oshawa as an example, Para Bellum is a solid club. I'm an Ascension guy myself but occasionally bounce around for the odd weekend.

I live right by Greek Town don't have access to a car but I can use the TTC so I'm able and willing to go as far as it allows

 

[Badger67]

Then the world is in your hands for these clubs. I say try a few and see what atmosphere you like best. Also factor in walking to the TTC after, post training foods/coffee, the people etc.

 

[EL CORINTHIAN]

Then the world is in your hands for these clubs. I say try a few and see what atmosphere you like best. Also factor in walking to the TTC after, post training foods/coffee, the people etc.

By far the best one out of all of them when all variables are considered would have to be openmat. Its like 10 minutes away, love the vibe , teachers seem solid ect ect. The only thing stopping me from going there is lack of opinions about its MMA program and whether or not there is a better option out there

 

[Badger67]

Check their websites and see if they have a list of active fighters/coaches. From there look up their records and opponents records. Ask the coach what the overall team record is, where they typically fight, why that location and their safety record. For any team.

 

[EL CORINTHIAN]

Check their websites and see if they have a list of active fighters/coaches. From there look up their records and opponents records. Ask the coach what the overall team record is, where they typically fight, why that location and their safety record. For any team.

Ok I'm gonna make a fee calls tomorrow and I'm gonna keep everyone updated. It would be good to have this thread in the future for people curious about this exact thing

 

[Stephan Kesting]

I can vouch for the quality of the grappling at Open Mat MMA - it is absolutely top notch. I think their striking program is pretty good too!!