Ian CheesemanI’ve been hearing good things about jiu jitsu lately, so when my friend invited me to join his gym, I jumped at the chance. Just as expected, it was all kinds of awesome!
It’s fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work—you can’t expect jiu jitsu skills to be downloaded instantly onto your brain (ala Neo from The Matrix). But once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel confident and strong.
Mind you, I’m no black belter, but I’m already reaping the benefits of this Japanese martial arts form. So, for those still on the fence, don’t be shy—check out Etobicoke’s best jiu jitsu classes.
How much do jiu jitsu classes cost in Etobicoke?
In general, jiu jitsu classes in Etobicoke cost $100 to $200 per month. Drop-in classes are typically offered at $20 to $40 per class, and some gyms provide discounts for kids or families.
Factors that may affect the price include training in gi or no gi, private lessons, and class frequency. Don’t forget to check out gyms that offer free trial classes.
How We Chose the Best Jiu Jitsu Classes in Etobicoke
1. Nu Wave Jiu Jitsu Academy
Nu Wave Jiu Jitsu Academy believes that developing discipline and perseverance is just as important as learning about proper jiu jitsu techniques. TBH, we couldn’t agree more.
You can learn from two amazing instructors. Chris Pesavento is a black belter who has placed in a number of tournaments, and Zoran Trbovic has been practicing jiu jitsu since 2007.
Here, Brazilian jiu jitsu is offered to kids and adults, with no gi and gi options.
For adults, there are class schedules five days a week, with Fridays dedicated to learning fundamentals. Sessions are held for kids three times a week.
Open mat sessions are also offered, but these are by appointment only, so plan ahead.
To get a feel for what they’re all about, try their free trial class. Just book well in advance (for the free trial or enrollment), since we heard that slots fill up quickly.
Most welcoming, warm, and inclusive BJJ gym I have ever trained at
“The most welcoming, warm, and inclusive BJJ gym I have ever trained at. The instruction is top-notch. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, and the workout is exhausting. I’m so happy to train here, and I feel like I found the best BJJ gym in the city.”
Quinn Wilson, Google Review
Really good balance of fitness, theory/technique, and rolling
“Fantastic group and teachers. This was my first exposure to BJJ, tried out one other academy, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Really good balance between fitness, theory / technique, and actually rolling.”
Puneet Seth, Google Review
2. BJJ Battalion
BJJ Battalion has a no-frills, straightforward mission: to make you a champion—in the ring or in your daily lives.
It’s led by Ricardo Carminetti Galli, who actually had pro fighting experience. He fought in the MMA, alongside big names like UFC 6 Tournament Champion, Igor Yakimov.
Their main focus is developing no gi skills, but they also offer gi training. Speaking of training, we like that they hold exclusive classes for men, women, teens, and kids.
Just be sure to confirm your appointments beforehand since we heard about sessions that were canceled abruptly.
Now, let’s talk memberships—unlimited plans cost $144.99 to $169.99/month. If you or your kid is a frequent attendee, these would help you save in the long run.
And just like you wouldn’t normally buy shoes without trying them on, you can also try out this gym via their free 7-day trial offer.
Among the highest level BJJ you can find in Canada
“Among the highest level BJJ you can find in Canada. Welcoming to all levels, ages, and body types. Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, and BJJ Battalion honours a lineage that demonstrates this. This team is great, and all are welcome.”
Wayne Bach, Google Review
Awesome with the kids and has a great sense of humor
“We just finished our week long free trial in which my 5 & 6 year old both went to 3 classes. They love this dojo and the instructor! They have fun and learn self defense. Sensei Ricardo is awesome with the kids and has a great sense of humor while maintaining a seriousness for the art of Jiu-jitsu & MMA. Kids have chosen this as their favourite trial and will become members asap. Its also a great price. I might even try a trial week for myself! 5 stars. I highly recommend.”
Jolene M, Google Review
3. Etobicoke BJJ
If you decided to learn jiu jitsu to become a better version of yourself, then Etobicoke BJJ might just be the gym for you. Why? Because that is literally their mission!
For adults, they offer BJJ Fundamentals, and as you might have guessed, it covers the basics of this martial art. Here, you’ll learn self-defense techniques, proper positioning, and jiu jitsu combos. Classes for kids and teens are offered as well.
You know what’s cool? Due to popular demand, they’ll soon have Women’s BJJ classes, where aspiring female students can learn in a safe and intimidation-free space.
And sure, free 7-day trials are nothing to scoff at, but their 28-day free trial is a total winner. Pretty generous, if you ask me.
As expected, however, their classes fill up fast. You might want to book well in advance if your heart’s set on joining this gym.
Great place to begin your BJJ journey
“Etobicoke BJJ is a great place to begin your BJJ journey — especially if you’re an older student. Jorge and Alex are encouraging, supportive, and always create an environment that is challenging but not threatening. I highly recommend Etobicoke BJJ.”
Greg MacDonald, Google Review
Helped me become more disciplined in every way
“Etobicoke Bjj helped me become more disciplined in every way. Jorge is one of the best teachers in Canada and his patience for new practitioners makes it easy to fall in love with the sport. For a beginner like me with no martial arts background I couldn’t think of a better place to train. Just like everything else, some days are good training days and some days you don’t perform at 100%. But practicing Bjj with Jorge will sharpen your mindset into believing in yourself that no matter what happens you show up the next day and try to be a little bit better. This mindset will help you live a better life and practicing bjj consistently will sharpen this mindset.”
Shakil Hossain, Google Review
4. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu focuses primarily on no gi jiu jitsu instruction. This means they focus more on real-life, self-defense scenarios as opposed to competition training.
For beginners, they’re more than happy to break down every jiu jitsu move, sequence, and transition until you get the hang of it.
And if you’re going to learn no gi, then you might as well learn from one of the best—Micah Brakefield. Not only is he a Submission Underground Record Holder, but he’s also a professional MMA veteran.
A unique class he teaches is the Kids Bully Proofing Program, which aims to develop the physical and mental well-being of children. Other classes include BJJ All Levels, Advanced Kids BJJ, and 10th Planet Drills.
Unfortunately, we heard that some classes for kids were a tad crowded, making it hard to receive one-on-one attention.
Best No-Gi gym in the country
“Best No-Gi gym in the country. I have been to many jiu-jitsu gyms in the GTA over the past 15 years, so I know what I am talking about. Also its a very clean gym with a good shower facilities and parking.”
Patrick Bateman, Google Review
Most welcoming, positive gym I have been to in the GTA
“By far the most welcoming, positive gym I have been to in the GTA. Micah is a top level competitor and a world class instructor, his classes are extremely well run and his assistants ensure every student gets the attention they need. The kids program is fantastic for all ages I urge everyone to get their kids in to Jiu Jitsu at this school!”
Jordan Stutt, Google Review
5. Etobicoke Dojo
Etobicoke Dojo is run by Paulo Cardoso, who’s like a human Terminator. I mean, not old did he rank through the Japan Karate-do Foundation, but he also earned black belts in Kali de Leon (a Filipino martial art) and BJJ.
His old-school gym focuses more on the traditional side of jiu jitsu. Expect to learn more about its roots and philosophies, alongside actual techniques.
Kids can start as young as 4 up to 12. Those 13 and up would join the Youth & Adult mixed class. Self-defense classes are offered as well, for small groups of up to 12.
We think their pricing is pretty fair—an 8-week program (1 class a week) is $220. But if you or your kid wants to train twice a week, you’d snag a better deal at only $385.
Sady—well, for morning folks at least—they offer only afternoon and evening classes.
Best dojo in the city!!
“Best dojo in the city!! Would highly recommend their program for kids. My son goes there for karate and BJJ. Has been going there for 3 years. Sensei is a wonderful instructor. He is amazing with kids of all ages.”
Connie Lam (CL Fitness), Google Review
Top-notch instructors who excel at teaching adults and kids
“Returning to martial arts after a 22-year hiatus, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than at the Etobicoke Dojo. Paolo and Josephine are top-notch instructors who excel at teaching both adults and kids. Their expertise, patience, and passion for the art shine through in every class. The welcoming atmosphere and the supportive community also make it a fantastic place to train. Highly recommended for anyone looking to start or continue their martial arts journey.”
Frank Verrilli, Google Review
