OpenMat Mixed Martial Arts

Stayed in Toronto for a few days, and walked by this gym on Younge street.
Stopped in, curious as to what they had to offer. I signed up for a class (first one is free), and took the wrestling class last night.
The coach definitely knows his stuff. The class was decent size, and mixed men’s and women’s. He put us through proper warm ups, reviewed techniques previously taught, and introduced some new moves (with variations). Lots of drills and some live scenarios and matches at the end.
I didn’t have time afterwards to try the jujitsu classes, but now I know where I’ll be training the next time I visit.

This is my home !!! Amazing and friendly people and great instructors. I miss it there !!!

Having done MA for most of my life, I am very picky about dojos. I was hesitant to go here initially because I read things like «uniform policy» and «pushy for contracts» and I also didn’t see prices anywhere, however I was later referred by a guy whose opinions about places and people I trust and was not disappointed.
So, things of note:
1. Uniform (muay thai): You CAN buy the shorts for $ 44. You do not have to buy the shorts. Perhaps they’re necessary after you start testing, but you do not need to buy them when you sign a contract. I had my own gloves so didn’t need to purchase any, but they did say they recommend those to people. They have some there that you can use, but I mean, you might want to buy your own anyway because those things get super sweaty so sharing is kind of gross, especially if you don’t wear hand wraps. I’d call it a healthy investment.
2. Contracts: They did not push for a contract AT ALL. In fact, no one even mentioned it until I said «this place is perfect for me!» That REALLY helped me fall for them, to be honest. I hate being hounded for contracts and it’s very common at MMA gyms.
3. Price: Unfortunately, these guys ARE pretty expensive — twice what I was paying in Ottawa for unlimited kickboxing, although I doubt I’d find that price for that quality here in Toronto regardless. Anyway, that’s where OpenMat loses a star from me: No student pricing, no price-​matching, and little flexibility. But what they lack in affordability they make up for in quality instruction and atmosphere.
4. Quality instruction: They’re good. I was happy that they recognized right away that I had experience in other styles. They really know their stuff and give helpful tips.
5. Atmosphere: The people are so friendly! My first day there about five other students walked up and introduced themselves to me! Instructors are supportive, kind, and observant. There are no smug attitudes that I’ve yet come across. On the wall they have printed «We are here to make the world a better place.» :) So nice.
6. Workout: The MT classes have a great warm-​up, but the rest is much more technique-​based than cardio. That said, they run at a good pace so you’re not spending too much time observing rather than exercising (I ran into that problem with other dojos I tried in TO). The FightFit classes (included in membership), though, look really amazing and hardcore! They are run by a professional personal trainer. I can’t wait to try one! There’s a great little gym tucked in the corner there.
7. Trial: The «30-​Day Trial» is really an 8-​day trial because you can only go twice per week, but it’s still better than what most places offer.
8. Physical space: Clean. Good size. Everything you need.
Anyway, bottom line: If you have MA experience, are looking for a good quality place, and can afford it, OpenMat is awesome.

Very in-​depth and detailed instructions from top-​notch instructors in a welcoming environment. It’s no wonder that Openmat produces some of the best competitors in the jiujitsu world right now.
Facilities are clean and well kept. Very positive attitude exhibited by both staff and students. A great place to train whether you are a local or just passing through.

Great atmosphere and friendly people.
Love OpenMat as there is never any attitude here at all.
Instructors are awesome, particularly Shawn Cole the head Muay thai coach, His passion and background in Personal Training means you get looked after in a way that makes you feel motivated and encouraged everytime you go there!
Check this place out!

Jooyoung L. does a great job of summarizing the place.
I just want to touch on the fact that the instructors here understand they are there to help you to become a better person through martial arts. They are invested in your well being and they will take time to say hello to you even if you are not part of their class. This personal touch, this sense of community, is what makes a gym great.
This place is my Cheers where everyone knows my name.
PS: I have been lucky enough to arrive early to class a few times and observe the kids classes. These kids are awesome and the coach to student ratio is amazing, something like 1 coach per 3 young students.

I have been training BJJ for the past couple years in the US and in Canada. During this time, I’ve had the good fortune of training at multiple schools and learning from multiple instructors. I have only been at OpenMat for the past couple months, but believe that it is a truly outstanding dojo. I probably can’t do the school justice in a short Unilocal review, but will list a few things that make this a wonderful place to train.
1) Elliott (the head BJJ instructor) has a very effective teaching style. As a new student, you’ll quickly realize that classes are heavily focused on learning, drilling, and refining techniques that flow together. In a couple short months, I feel that I have learned a tremendous amount about a few common positions/​situations. I have had the chance to develop these new skills into «good habits» by virtue of repetition. Unlike many schools in which each class is dedicated to different techniques, OpenMat classes are structured around monthly blocks of training specific areas of BJJ. This means that you will practice the same techniques over and over, allowing you time to commit techniques to your muscle memory and figure out how to make them work for you.
2) OpenMat has a really friendly and welcoming dojo culture. From the moment you walk in the front door, you will realize that everyone here is very friendly and humble. There are no egos at this dojo. From the top tier people on the competition team, to the hobbyist who comes in to stay in shape, people are super enthusiastic about learning and helping one another; there is a general collaborative spirit in the dojo. In my opinion, this also enhances your training and learning. By being in a place where everyone is friendly and eager to help you learn, you pick up moves and concepts quickly.
3) Class sizes are smaller, which allows for individual attention and help. Despite what other folks have said on this post, I have found OpenMat’s classes to be on the smaller end of the BJJ class-​size spectrum. The dojo has numerous classes throughout the day, which gives you opportunities to train in the afternoon, evening, or at night. Even the evening classes (which are a bit larger) are still small enough so that you can ask questions and get specific help on your game.
4) OpenMat is a very clean dojo. In addition to washing the mats regularly, OpenMat has very clean bathrooms (or as Canadians say «washrooms»). The bathrooms are always in good and clean condition. They always have toiletries and soap. They even provide free shampoo and body wash, which in turn encourages good and safe hygiene for training.
5) OpenMat is not just a place for martial arts. In one of my earliest classes, Elliott addressed students and said (paraphrasing) «Martial arts are a vehicle to become better people.» I believe that this philosophy permeates all aspects of the dojo. Training here has made me a more humble and compassionate person. I think that many of the students have also expressed this same feeling of personal growth through their training here.
In the end, I know that choosing a dojo can be a confusing process. I tried various schools before discovering OpenMat. If you are looking for a fun and friendly place to learn the martial arts, OpenMat is the place for you. =)

Mmmm…3.5?
I got it into my head that I wanted to learn how to do some kicking and punching. It may have had something to do with having to work for a living! I needed to find somewhere appropriate for beginners. The array of MMA centres in Toronto is a bit dizzying-​particularly if you’ve never done any kind of martial arts before. Thanks to my Google searching, I came across Open Mat and liked the idea of the free one-​on-​one introductory session.
I managed to make my appointment via email-​it took a bit of time because they mainly arrange things over the phone. I eventually got a slot with Devin on a Sunday. I decided to go to the gym and for a run first because it was just a lesson and turned up ready for action at around midday.
The gym is upstairs on Yonge and was pretty quiet at that time. The space is great-​very open with shiny new equipment. The changing rooms were spotlessly clean with nice showers and plenty of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner etc etc.
I had a really fun session with Devin learning how to punch and kick. His instructions were good and he really watched to see that I was picking it up and that my form was good. I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson. What I enjoyed a little less was the fitness test at the end. If I’d known in advance I don’t think I would have gone running and hit the weights before doing timed pushups, burpees and a wall-​sit!
Then came the chat. I started by telling him how much I hated the hard sell I got at Extreme Fitness where they expected me to sign up that day. I think that may have kind of ruined his moment a few seconds later where he had to take out the folder with the membership rates. It included special offer discounts if I signed up that day. Perks like free DVD and t-​shirt for early sign-​up etc. I wasn’t allowed to get a copy of the rate schedules from him but they were expensive… somewhere between $ 100 and $ 140 per month for 2 classes per week I think. It didn’t suit me for a number of reasons-​they wanted a commitment to a particular class which is really difficult with my job and it was far too expensive.
So nice facility and good teaching. If you have the money and have a more regular schedule than I do it’s worth a go. There’s a 30 day free trial offer but I ended up not going through with it because it affected the price of the packages if you wanted to get them after. I really don’t like feeling tricked or coerced into a membership or any kind of opacity when it comes to rates so had to knock it down to a 3.

amazing instruction from shawn and fabian for muay thai, great workout all the time, clean facility with reasonable class schedule and everyone knows your name, –1 for no class sunday and parking can be hassle, as well as intermittent air conditioning — it can be damn hot when a lot of ppl are training in the same room
–1 for price as it is expensive and now new uniform rule, big mistake — their cheap t shirts do nothing to wick away the sweat

I love this place. Sometimes the mats get crowded but that’s a good thing because everybody is there to make each other better.
Instruction is really detailed and drills are superb. It is a great facility located in the Good Life right at Yonge and Bloor. That is about as good as a location as you can get in this city!

Mount, closed guard, side control… it takes two to grapple!
With a slogan like «Believe in Yourself» on their posters, you know that you are participating in a no-​attitude class. A friendly atmosphere is exactly what you will find.
Elliot had another BJJ school for women, Kimono Girls, which is unfortunately no longer around. =(But I’m glad there is OpenMat!
As a new student, you are able to attend classes for a 30 day trial period. Zero dollars for 30 days worth of classes! Perfect if you want to check the school out!
~Location~
The classes are held at the Goodlife Fitness on Park Road, one street east of Yonge and Bloor. The studio space can hold about 20 to 25 students. You are able to use the Goodlife changerooms as well, just bring a lock.
~Instruction~
Elliot is a FANTASTIC instructor. He’s a model teacher and one of the best instructors I’ve had! He usually teaches intermediate level classes but happened to be the instructor for my class.
He is high energy and personally greeted all his students. He ensured new students felt welcome, introducing them to everyone at the beginning and at the end of class. I attended a beginner class but they offer competitive level training and MMA classes as well.
The beginner class focused on a few moves and practicing them with a partner. He demonstrated all the moves, posture teaching, and walked around assisting. The curriculum is circular rather than sequential so you can jump in anytime.
~Classmates~
It’s all about the people.
All the students are Incredibly friendly and welcoming. The students set up the mats, wipe them down and put them back up.
The classes are mostly male which isn’t too much of a surprise.
As a female I didn’t feel too awkward. There were a few girls in the class to partner with! Everyone was so nice and the classes are fun!
I highly recommend OpenMat if you want to learn BJJ without any meat-​head attitude.