To completely change your routine, you can start by finding the best martial art in Montreal. If you’re a busy professional drowning in emails, hitting the mats after work is the perfect way to blow off steam.

Now, we know how tough it is to find a place that fits your vibe and schedule. You want a welcoming community that also provides top-notch instruction. 

To make things easier, we’ve put together this list to help you figure out exactly where to start your training. Let’s dive right into the top spots around town!

Type of Plan	General Price Range (CAD)	Notes
Month-to-Month (Adults)	$120–$160/month	Standard rate for 2–3 classes per week
Unlimited Access / Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Gyms	$140–$200/month	Covers multiple disciplines, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai
Annual Memberships	$1,000–$1,350/year	Lowers effective monthly rate
Kids Classes	$60–$85/month	Often $15–$30 per individual class
Drop-in / Single Class	$20–$30/class	Useful for casual training
Private Lessons	$44–$100+/hour	One-on-one coaching

How We Reviewed

1. H2O MMA

Website: http://www.h2oma.com/
Address: 6045 Boul. Monk
Contact: (514) 814-9006 | [email protected]
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 12:00 PM–10:00 PM; Friday, 12:00 PM–9:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM

H2O MMA delivers a massive mixed martial arts program that seamlessly merges Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), boxing, Muay Thai, judo, and Olympic wrestling. With this, you’ll get to blend high-intensity striking with technical grappling under one roof.

You can even book private instruction to sharpen your striking or takedowns away from the crowd. We’ve also heard that the instructors run dedicated women-only kickboxing sessions geared entirely toward beginners. 

Plus, their massive 9,000-square-foot facility includes clean showers and a weight room, so you can skip visiting separate gyms.

Just keep your wallet handy for your first visit because their introductory day pass costs a flat $10 CAD fee.

Customer Reviews

The best martial and mma gym in Montréal !

The best martial and mma gym in Montréal ! I have been part of the H20 MMA family for 8 years now and they have been an amazing outlet and support ! They are the most accepting and inclusive mma gym and the level and quality of the classes and coaches is unbeatable! It is also THE safest place for women to train and that is precious in developing spaces for women to train and learn safely! Don’t miss out and come check it out with the free trial classes ! 

— Soraya El jamai | Google Review 

By far the best martial arts gym in Montreal

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, H2O MMA is by far the best martial arts gym in Montreal. Everyone is so knowledgeable, professional and welcoming. I’ve been going there for a couple of months and I absolutely love it. Highly recommend! 

— Alexandra Guindon | Google Review 

2. Apex Martial Arts Downtown

Website: https://www.gigaprofits.com/apexmartialarts/home.aspx
Address: 1827 Saint-Catherine St W
Contact: (514) 528-5000 | [email protected]
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 12:00 PM–8:30 PM; Wednesday, 7:00 AM–8:30 PM; Friday: Classes shown at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:30 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM–1:45 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM

Apex Martial Arts Downtown combines Muay Thai and kickboxing with wrestling and a youth self-defence program. Adults can work on punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, while kids learn practical skills like anti-bullying tactics in their own classes.

When we interviewed a client whose daughter joined the youth program last year, they said they saw a noticeable boost in her confidence.

The gym also offers dedicated wrestling classes led by Coach Rajveer Talhan, giving students a chance to build takedown skills and strength.

If you’re curious about the classes, you can even request a free trial online before signing up.

However, early-morning options here are limited. The timetable lists 7:00 AM sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays, while Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday classes start at noon.

Customer Reviews

My favourite martial arts gym in Montreal!

My favourite martial arts gym in Montreal! I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at Apex. Amazing highly-skilled coaches who care about your progress, great community and facility. Apex has truly helped me excel on my Muay Thai journey! 💪 

— Kaitlin Annett | Google Review 

A true martial arts family

I’ve been training in martial arts for many years. Upon stumbling across Apex Martial Arts, I was accepted and welcomed into a community of not just great fighters, coaches, and practitioners, but a true martial arts family. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, as this is a gym that honours and respects traditional codes of martial arts. You will learn discipline, patience, and accountability. Coaches take the time to work on your specific goals and guide you on your martial arts journey, ultimately helping you discover your true potential. 

— Ara Nazarian | Google Review 

3. Montreal Martial Arts – Arts Martiaux Patenaude Montréal

Website: https://montreal.patenaudemartialarts.com/
Address: 6968 Rue Saint-Denis

Contact: (514) 276-2701
Schedule: Monday, 6:00 PM–9:30 PM; Wednesday, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Montreal Martial Arts Patenaude stands out as a family-friendly school that brings together traditional Kung Fu, fast-paced kickboxing, and practical grappling.

The school keeps children’s classes organised by age, with groups starting from age four so younger students can learn at a comfortable pace.

Parents can even join dedicated parent-child sessions, giving families a fun way to train together and stay active.

For newcomers, the school offers a generous seven-day all-access introductory pass. That gives you time to try different striking and grappling classes before committing to a membership.

The one thing to consider is how the adult classes are structured. Kung Fu/ self-defense, kickboxing, and grappling are generally taught as all-level sessions rather than separate beginner and advanced groups. That can be great if you like training alongside people with different experience levels, but complete newcomers who prefer a dedicated fundamentals class may want a more level-specific setup.

Customer Reviews

The best martial arts school in Montreal

The best martial arts school in Montreal. I’ve been improving quickly in my MMA class with the amazing focus on techniques and creating great body strength. I love the atmosphere there, the friendly vibes, and the growth mindset everyone has. 

— Elie Haber | Google Review 

Fantastic Martial Arts school!

Fantastic Martial Arts school! I began coming here with my daughter last year as a way to spend quality time and to learn a new skill. The experience has been nothing short of amazing. I’m in much better shape now than I have been in years and have a lot more energy and focus. Sibok is a dedicated teacher who will encourage and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Everyone in the school is respectful and welcoming. Strongly recommend for all ages, my only regret is not starting earlier. 

— Marc-Olivier Fortier | Google Review 

4. Carlson Gracie Team Montreal – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Website: http://www.carlsongraciemontreal.com/
Address: 275 Sherbrooke St W
Contact: (514) 492-1507 | [email protected]
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM–8:30 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:30 PM

Carlson Gracie Team Montreal makes it easier to start jiu-jitsu with a six-week beginner package. The program includes fundamentals training, a uniform and belt, an introductory orientation, plus access to Muay Thai and wrestling.

With everything included from the start, you can step onto the mat feeling prepared instead of worrying about what you need to bring. Your enrollment also gives you access to the gym’s Muay Thai and wrestling sessions.

For women who want a more supportive setting, the instructors run dedicated women-only jiu-jitsu classes. If you’re considering adding one-on-one fitness coaching, you can also compare personal trainers to see what fits your routine.

But keep your long-term budget in mind. Memberships lasting three months or longer require full payment upfront instead of monthly instalments.

Customer Reviews

The BEST gym in Montréal for martial arts!!

The BEST gym in Montréal for martial arts!! All of the coaches are beyond knowledgeable and help their athletes grow according to their individual level. I’ve met some of the best people at Carlson Gracie Montreal, athletes and players alike. 

— Chloé Larocque | Google Review 

Great place to learn martial arts!

Great place to learn martial arts! The instructors are highly experienced and skilled in their craft, and the training environment is excellent. I’ve improved a lot in a short time since joining. It’s also a really enjoyable place to learn. 10/10! Would definitely recommend! 

— Zein Ohara Arafat | Google Review 

5. Nintai Centre D’arts Martiaux

Website: http://www.nintai.ca/
Address: 6532A Ave Papineau
Contact: (514) 279-3656 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday, 5:45 PM–8:30 PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM; Thursday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM

Nintai Centre D’arts Martiaux focuses their training on Aiki Ju-Jitsu Nintai Ryu, with tailored programs for both adults and children. 

Founder Pascal Serei developed the system around practical self-defence techniques and demanding physical conditioning.

For younger students, the academy separates children into three age groups so they can train at a pace that suits their maturity. Parents can also join dedicated parent-child classes, giving families a fun way to learn throws and holds together.

If you’re new to martial arts, the academy offers two free trial classes, so you can experience the training before signing up.

However, cancelling your membership requires an in-person visit. You can’t cancel online or over the phone, which can be inconvenient.

Customer Reviews

A wonderful place to learn martial arts

A wonderful place to learn martial arts. Our two boys love it and are progressing with passion thanks to the patient, competent, and enthusiastic instructors. Each child is known individually and learns at their own pace. A gem! 

— Leslie LEMBERGER | Google Review (Translated by Google) 

I highly recommend this martial Arts school!

I highly recommend this martial Arts school!

At this time of review there are two classes being provided; Nintai Ryu Aiki-jujitsu and Kosen Judo. The school itself is kept nice and clean.

The Nintai teachers are outstanding who know their craft and are all in good physical condition. The students are all helpful and are eager to learn solid fighting skills. Having classes open to all 6 days/week is really convenient to match most anyone’s schedule.

The Nintai Ryu Aiki-jujitsu system itself is a well rounded style. It’s steeped in Japanese tradition but kept modern and relevant… 

— Chris Wheeler | Google Review