Maksym KuzaievStarting something new can be a little nerve-wracking, especially when it involves stepping onto a mat and throwing a few punches or kicks.
Not too long ago, I decided I wanted to try martial arts, mostly because I was looking for a fun way to get active and boost my confidence.
Of course, there are so many options out there that it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. I quickly realized I wasn’t the only one in Ottawa trying to figure out which school would be the right fit.
With that said, here are the best martial arts schools in Ottawa that combine great teachers, a welcoming vibe, and classes you’ll actually want to show up to. Read on!
How much does martial arts training cost in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, martial arts training typically costs between $80 and $150 per month for adults, depending on the school and program you choose.
Some dojos charge per class (around $20–$25), while others offer unlimited monthly plans or family discounts.
1. Neak Ta Martial Arts
Address: 1181 Newmarket St.
Phone: +1 613 859 6334
Business Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3:30 PM
What’s cool about Neak Ta is how they mix things up: students here get a blend of kickboxing, BJJ, wrestling, and MMA.
They have a unique Khmer edge—a lot of their clinch work, throws, and ground wrestling trace their roots back to Cambodian warrior fighting systems.
The vibe in the place hits that spot between hardcore and welcoming. We noticed how the instructors push the students while still keeping a family atmosphere where everyone’s progress is tracked and celebrated.
Another thing we appreciated is the before-and-after approach with photos and fitness journals. This really keeps people accountable, and there’s no better motivation than seeing your own transformation.
Facility-wise, it’s clean, well-organized, and has enough room to handle technical drills, pads, and even circuit-style training. From chatting with clients, we’ve also heard a lot about the transparent communication here, from start to finish.
Just a heads up, though, classes tend to max out quickly because of high demand, so you need to grab your spot early.
Fun and rewarding atmosphere
“Best gym in Ottawa! I’ve tried most of the gyms around town and this is the place to be, top level instruction for the best price in town. No hidden costs or pressure to buy merchandise, just a fun and rewarding atmosphere, great people and a serious workout everytime.”
Al Morrison, Google Review
Welcoming and friendly coach
“I like attending classes like Kickboxing and bjj, doing everything from warmup to drills and other techniques that are taught for combat. Coach Sam is welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly coach. This gym has a positive environment and a great community.”
Udai Shankar Raria, Google Review
2. Outlaw Martial Arts
Address: 207 Bayswater Ave.
Phone: +1 819 923 7575
Business Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Outlaw Martial Arts has this really authentic, practical vibe. Sensei Mike and his team focus on combining strong technical skills—Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and programs for kids and teens—which really sets them apart.
Furthermore, their curriculum is well-paced and offers not just martial arts classes but also those Bullfit and Bullkick HIIT-style sessions.
This is great for anyone who wants to get stronger or sweat it out with something different. Both group and private sessions are available, and they also run self-defence workshops and even team-building events.
Several parents even told us they notice positive changes in their kids—better focus, more confidence, and a real sense of belonging.
Space is also clean and organized, and people really appreciate how the instructors keep things engaging, whether you’re six or sixty.
Sadly, there aren’t classes running every hour of the day—scheduling can be tight, so plan.
Excellent support and training
“My son has been attending Outlaw for three years and it has done wonders for him! The support and training he has received are helping him become a confident, caring young man and we are so proud of him. I would highly recommend Outlaw Martial Arts to anyone seeking to better themselves, get fit, and find a supportive family environment.”
Liz Campbell-Bachand, Google Review
Passionate and caring coaches
“The Outlaw family are incredibly passionate and caring. They instill strong values in their students and they made me realize that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art — it’s a way of life built on discipline and the pursuit of one’s dreams.”
Baher Radwan, Google Review
3. Tina Takahashi Martial Arts
Address: #8, 1061 Merivale Rd.
Phone: +1 343 882 4655
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 3 PM
Tina Takahaashi Martial Arts has this established, multi-generational reputation in Ottawa.
You’d be surprised how diverse their crowd is, from toddlers in preschool karate and elementary kids up to adults mixing it up with Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and combat Sambo.
The real backbone here is the Takahashi family legacy. Tina herself carries forward everything she learned from her father, Master Masao Takahashi, an 8th-degree black belt with a storied career.
There’s definitely a sense of trust when you know your class is run by people who’ve actually lived and built the sport from the ground up. Moreover, the vibe here has always been friendly and safe, even with all ages sharing the mats.
The instructors are approachable, and the way their programs are split makes it really easy to progress—there’s traditional martial arts and even options for family sessions. Lots of families love how their kids have grown more focused and disciplined.
However, we’ve heard the sales pitch for sign-ups can be pretty persistent.
Top-tier level of coaching
“Top-tier technical training. Sensei Sean MacFadyen and his entire family are legends for a reason. Whether you’re a beginner or training in the ‘Black Belt Club,’ the level of coaching at Takahashi Martial Arts is elite. Highly recommended.”
Mark Laroche, Google Review
Enjoyable class environment
“I’ve had an opportunity to train in multiple judo classes at Tina Takahashi Martial Arts with very good experience- many thanks for the excellent teaching of Sensei Sean along with Sensei Tina and Sensei Liam. I also enjoyed the class environment as well as being around the super friendly and helpful class mates. I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in judo training to participate in judo or MA-related classes that this school can offer, regardless of gender and age.”
Nam H. Khieu, Google Review
4. Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts
Address: 1810 Carling Ave.
Phone: +1 613 728 0880
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10:15 AM to 1:30 PM
We got pretty hooked on how Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts’ anti-bully classes turn nervous kids into confident little superheroes. Parents of some shy ones mentioned that their kids really start speaking up at home, which doesn’t just happen in most places.
The instructors run a tight ship but somehow stay approachable, cracking jokes one moment and showing off pro techniques the next.
OAMA has this buffet of programs, too—Tiny Tigers for the littlest ones, and then a full roster for adults, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.
They even have these Women’s Only classes that are apparently a game-changer for anyone who’d rather not spar with random dudes.
And let’s not forget that free trial week—this makes testing the waters feel more like a casual hang-out than a sales pitch.
Furthermore, OAMA’s facility is spacious and spotless, but the place can get pretty packed sometimes—that’s sort of a byproduct of being so in-demand.
Skilled and professional coaches
“Highly Recommended!
I enrolled my nephews at OAMA and they absolutely loved it. The instructors are professional, disciplined, and skilled at teaching while being both friendly and challenging. Management was a pleasure to deal with as well, and the environment is clean, safe, and fosters respect and growth. If you’re looking for high‑quality martial‑arts training for yourself or your kids, this place comes highly recommended!”
Ibrahim M., Google Review
Well-organized and responsive team
“My child had an excellent experience with the after school program at the Carling location. They loved it and were very well taken care of by all the staff. As parents, we were thrilled that OAMA filled a void when the bus was cancelled and we were scrambling to figure out a solution. It was very well organized and Tracy and Brianne always responded so quickly whenever I had questions. Cannot recommend highly enough!”
Stephanie Stoddart, Google Review
5. Gracie Barra Ottawa
Address: 250 City Centre Ave., Unit 128
Phone: +1 613 232 4646
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 2 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM
Gracie Barra is absolutely where the serious martial arts folks end up, alongside total beginners. What caught our eye is how welcoming this place feels—total beginners roll in next to elite-level fighters, and honestly, everyone’s cheering each other on.
The instructors crank up the professional vibes with top-tier knowledge in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s also pretty obvious that nobody gets left behind here.
Something that stands out to us is the split between women-only classes and co-ed sessions. Thanks to this, there’s room for anyone who wants to train in a more comfortable space—a lot of people we’ve spoken with really appreciate the option!
We also commend their multiple changing rooms, proper showers, and a huge open mat. A parent told us their kid went from shy to unstoppable in the kids’ Muay Thai, so there’s legit family appeal too.
The only catch is that there are no walk-ins here—everything runs by schedule or appointment.
Expert-level instructions
“A great gym run by great people. Nick and Mark are salt of the earth kind of guys. Both life long martial artists and genuinely good guys with a passion for sharing their knowledge, spreading martial arts to the masses and making the world a better place. The staff they have brought in are top shelf. All are very personable and likeable in addition to offering expert level instruction. This gym is a welcoming community of positivity with everyone working together towards self improvement through martial arts. I can’t endorse it highly enough.”
Lucas Schubert, Google Review
Supportive coaches and team
“I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey at Gracie Barra and 5 years later I haven’t looked back! The owners and coaching staff are amazing, the culture and team is supportive, fun and safe. I began in the womens only program and so happy that it is still up and running! I recommend this gym to all my friends and several have joined over the years.”
Adrianne Usher-Jones, Google Review
