Ethan BrownFinding the best MMA gym in Ottawa can feel overwhelming with so many options available. We know how tough it is to filter through schedules, coaching credentials, and facility vibes.
That’s why we rolled up our sleeves and evaluated the top spots in the city. You might want to train for the cage, introduce your kids to martial arts, or ditch your boring routines with personal trainers.
Either way, you deserve a facility that matches your goals. Without further ado, let’s dive into the city’s top choices right now!
How much does MMA training cost in Ottawa?
MMA training in Ottawa typically costs between $100 and $180 per month for standard adult memberships, depending on your contract terms and class access.
| Plan Type | Estimated Cost |
| Long-Term Contracts (12 Months) | $100 to $135 per month |
| Month-to-Month (No Contract) | $150 to $180 per month |
| Bi-Weekly Plans | $50 to $80 every two weeks |
| Youth / Kids Programs | $80 to $120 per month |
1. Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts (OAMA)
Website:https://oama.ca/
Address: 1810 Carling Ave
Contact: (613) 728-0880
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
OAMA blends serious competition prep with high-energy fitness training, allowing you to choose a path that fits your goals.
They combine techniques from boxing, karate, and jiu-jitsu into a single, comprehensive curriculum. This approach gives you a broad fighting skill set.
Plus, you don’t need any prior experience to join, and competition remains entirely optional.
In fact, we spoke with a few recent members who loved how easy it was to start as complete beginners. They added that you can even jump into a free introductory class to test the waters first.
But keep in mind that the facility layout can sometimes feel a bit disorganised during peak hours. Some students also felt the overall cleanliness fell below their expectations.
Still, their complementary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs offer fantastic cross-training value.
Customer Reviews
More than just a martial arts facility, it is a community, a family
This place is more than just a martial arts facility, it is a community, a family. Everyone is so kind and welcoming—whether you’ve trained before or not this is the place to go👍🏻The staff are so supportive and knowledgeable …
- Laura | Google Review
The staff are very respectful and humble
Been with Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts for 3 years and I can honestly say I don’t regret my choice still to this day.The staff are very respectful and humble. Muay Thai class is fantastic BJJ also fantastic, but my favourite is MMA Elite. Highly Recommend. Also they have given me the opportunity to travel overseas and fight for my country which is something I could never forget. #oamastrong
- benjamin fouladi |Google Review
2. Zen Mixed Martial Arts
Website:https://zenmma.ca/
Address: 32 Colonnade Rd N #1000
Contact: (343) 321-8573
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Friday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Walking into Zen Mixed Martial Arts, you’ll notice it’s a huge 4,500-square-foot space built for serious IMMAF-affiliated amateur competition and full-on training.
Their adult classes are easy to follow. They’re set up in clear 90-minute sessions covering striking, grappling, takedowns, and cage work. Training partners are also chosen based on your skill level.
They’ve also got well-structured programs for kids and teens, all inside a super modern gym with high-quality mats and a strong focus on safety.
Plus, there’s a free two weeks of unlimited classes, which is perfect if you want to see what fits.
One thing to know, though, is that their adult MMA classes aren’t open to total beginners. This means you’ll need some Muay Thai and BJJ experience first.
Some parents have also shared that kids’ trial classes ended earlier than expected and didn’t always come with clear instructor feedback.
Customer Reviews
For everyone from beginners to people looking to test their skills
I can’t speak highly enough of Zen Mma. For everyone from beginners to people looking to test their skills, zen feels like home! A competitive and supportive gym culture all in one spot. The instructors have helped me develop in my martial arts career and never hesitate to go the extra mile. If you’re looking to get in shape or sharpen your skills on the mats, look no further!!! 5 Stars
- Isaiah Redden | Google Review
Really enjoy different styles
Great gym, great instructors. Always very friendly, accommodating, and a very clean space to train. One monthly fee for various martial arts classes allows you to diversify and really enjoy different styles. I highly recommend this place to all my friends looking for any martial arts instruction in Ottawa.
- Sean M | Google Review
3. Brave Martial Arts Institute
Website:https://www.bravemai.com/
Address: 2161 Thurston Dr.
Contact: (613) 319-7951
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brave Martial Arts Institute provides an all-inclusive MMA membership that grants you unlimited access to every class on their schedule. They seamlessly combine advanced striking and grappling disciplines under the guidance of highly experienced coaches.
You can learn from a third-degree BJJ black belt and a veteran Muay Thai instructor. Plus, they can easily accommodate both complete beginners and seasoned fighters.
On top of that, you can take advantage of a free trial to see if the vibe matches your personality.
But their membership can get quite costly if your personal schedule prevents regular attendance. Management also shows limited flexibility regarding contract adjustments.
Lastly, available discounts aren’t always clearly communicated during the sign-up process.
Customer Reviews
I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in BJJ or MMA
Great gym with knowledgeable coaches and a friendly atmosphere. The training is challenging, the instruction is clear, and everyone is supportive. It’s a great place to improve your skills, get in shape, and have fun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in BJJ or MMA.
- Abdelrahman Elakad | Google Review
They’re super welcoming and friendly
This gym overall is just really good in all aspects, you walk in and u can tell its really nice and clean etc. Moving on, the coach is very understanding and when explaining is very clear with what hes trying to say. The community is just amazing as well they’re super welcoming and friendly. Really recommend.
- Omar Nayma | Google Review
4. Neak Ta Martial Arts
Website:https://www.neakta.com/
Address: 1181 Newmarket St.
Contact: +16138596334
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tuesday, Thursday, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Neak Ta mixes a strong MMA focus with Kun Khmer Pradal Serey techniques, making it pretty unique among local gyms. This gym is a small, private spot where you get high-quality instruction and learn distinctive clinch fighting styles, without big crowds.
Because classes are small, coaching is super focused and personal. If you’re aiming to compete, they’ve got their own Invincible Fighting Championship event, which gives you a clear shot at local competition.
It’s also easy to book a free trial here, and you won’t have to deal with aggressive sales pitches.
On the grappling side, they might feel a bit tight if you’re searching for a big gym with lots of training zones.
Customer Reviews
The instructors are very knowledgeable and approachable
Good training at a good price, friendly atmosphere, great place to train either for fun/fitness or competition. The instructors are very knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to explain techniques to ensure understanding. This gym offers kickboxing, boxing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as weight training area so you have plenty of options to help you achieve your fitness goals.
- T Z | Google Review
By far the best gym out of the lot
I have trained at many gyms before: boxing, karate, judo and MMA. Neak Ta is by far the best gym out of the lot.
The coach and other guys training there are both easy going and focused on the combative aspect of martial arts. You will not struggle to find sparring partners here but also will not deal with meat headedness.
A very well balanced gym, I can’t recommend enough.
- Delta Orion | Google Review
5. Bergeron Martial Arts
Website:https://karateottawa.com/
Address: 2544 Bank St
Contact: 613-738-7348
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Friday, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bergeron Martial Arts has an MMA program that’s set up for everyone, from total beginners all the way to advanced students. Their structured curriculum covers everything, from ground grappling and submission moves to practical takedowns.
They have professional, certified instructors who know how to teach for both ring competition and real-world self-defence.
No matter your size or fitness level, you’ll find the gym welcoming and easy to fit in, since lessons focus more on speed and leverage than just pure strength. If you want some variety, you can also check out their kickboxing classes or kids’ programs.
However, we’ve heard that members often feel confused about when memberships are paused or restarted. Also, getting clear answers about billing or contract holds usually means a lot of direct follow-up with management.
Customer Reviews
We are very lucky to have found this hidden gem
This is indeed the best dojo in town. Kyoshi and his staff command respect and excellence. This is a small family owned business that truly cares. We are very lucky to have found this hidden gem.
- Tigress |Google Review
