Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts & Fitness Partner in Ottawa
Founded in 1991, we are a leading martial arts and fitness organization dedicated to empowering individuals through transformative training programs. Our expert team has helped thousands of families in Ottawa, Nepean, and Embrun build confidence, discipline, and physical strength while fostering a supportive community environment. With internationally accredited instructors and a focus on combat-effective techniques, we offer age-specific programs for children, adults, and families. Our mission is to reignite passion for life through martial arts, emphasizing respect, leadership, and personal growth.Recognized for innovation and excellence, we provide award-winning programs including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Kids Martial Arts, designed to meet diverse fitness and self-defense needs. Our leadership team combines decades of competitive experience and teaching expertise to deliver results-driven training that extends beyond physical fitness into character development. We remain committed to making martial arts accessible, engaging, and life-changing for all ages and skill levels.
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Summer Camp Programs
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven martial arts instruction experience with internationally ranked instructors.
- Our programs combine physical fitness with character development for all ages and skill levels.
- We provide combat-effective training methods accredited by Brazilian Top Team Canada.
- Our community-focused approach creates a family-friendly environment for long-term growth.
- We deliver specialized programs for kids, adults, and competitive athletes in multiple locations.
Associations and certifications
- Brazilian Top Team Canada
What people say
Life-changing experience
Amazing instructors
Like family atmosphere
Improved confidence
Best martial arts place
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts program develops confidence, focus, and discipline in children aged 4+. Structured classes teach self-defense awareness, physical coordination, and social skills through positive reinforcement. With age-specific programming like 'Little Ninjas' for ages 4-6, we help children build character and resilience while making learning fun. Parents consistently praise our ability to create lasting improvements in behavior and self-esteem.
Adult Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts classes combine practical self-defense with comprehensive fitness training. Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, our programs improve physical strength, mental focus, and stress management. Participants develop practical combat skills while enjoying a challenging workout that builds confidence and community connections through shared learning experiences.
Kickboxing
Our Kickboxing program offers high-energy workouts that build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. The KICKFIT Bootcamp burns up to 1000 calories/hour while teaching effective combat techniques. Pro Kick classes refine advanced skills with specialized ranking systems, catering to both fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes seeking elite training in a safe environment.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes develop physical strength, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. As a Brazilian Top Team Canada affiliate, we teach techniques that work regardless of size or strength. The program builds practical self-defense skills while improving flexibility, cardiovascular health, and problem-solving abilities through dynamic sparring sessions that challenge both body and mind.
Summer Camp Programs
Our Ultimate Summer Camp combines martial arts training with character development and recreational activities. Children build confidence through skill mastery while staying physically active during school breaks. The program emphasizes teamwork, respect, and leadership through structured classes, games, and outings that create lasting friendships and positive summer memories.
People
Bill Gatchell
Founder and CEO
8th dan Japanese Budo Jiu Jitsu master and 3rd stripe Brazilian black belt with 4x top trainer awards. Internationally recognized for martial arts innovation and community contributions, including 40 Under Forty honors.
Steve Lyrette
Nepean Head Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt Jiu Jitsu Master and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2nd degree Black Belt under Fabio Holanda. Golden Gloves Prokick certified coach with 30 years of professional instruction experience.
Frank Bergeron
Ottawa Head Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt Jiu Jitsu Master and Chito-ryu Karate 5th Degree with Golden Gloves Prokick certification. Award-winning instructor and former action film performer with 30 years of teaching experience.
Melhem Wehbe
Embrun Head Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2nd degree Black Belt under Fabio Holanda. Golden Gloves Prokick certified coach with 20+ years of competitive and instructional experience.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Kids Martial Arts, Adult Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Summer Camp programs for all skill levels.
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes, our team includes internationally ranked competitors and certified instructors with decades of combined teaching experience.
Do you have locations in Ottawa and surrounding areas?
We have three locations in Ottawa, Nepean, and Embrun serving the greater Ottawa region.
How does martial arts benefit children?
Our programs build confidence, discipline, physical coordination, and social skills through structured, positive reinforcement training.
Is martial arts suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! We welcome all skill levels with specialized programs for both complete beginners and experienced practitioners.
What makes your martial arts school unique?
We combine internationally accredited training methods with a supportive community environment focused on personal growth and practical self-defense.
