Ottawa's martial arts scene runs from old-school karate dojos that have been teaching kids for decades to newer Muay Thai and BJJ gyms built around competition training. This list was put together by reading Google Business listings, Yelp, and each school's own site to find schools that are currently operating and consistently well reviewed. It leans toward variety of discipline rather than ranking one style above another.
1. The Ottawa Jiu Jitsu Club
Specialty: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Members describe the club as a tight-knit community with instruction from coaches who have competed and medaled at the world level. Reviews consistently point to a strong emphasis on fundamentals taught with a modern, structured curriculum rather than just open mat rolling. It suits people who want a serious BJJ program without a huge commercial-gym feel.
2. Silver 7 Martial Arts
Area: Barrhaven and Kanata · Specialty: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and kids' martial arts · Rating: 4 stars on Google
Silver 7 runs locations in both Barrhaven and Kanata, offering BJJ, kickboxing, and HIIT-style classes alongside kids' programs. Reviewers highlight a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and coaches who are patient with beginners, plus a clean, simply laid-out facility. It's a solid fit for families looking for one gym that covers both adult and kids' classes under one roof.
3. N1 Thai Boxing Academy
Area: Centretown, 401 Preston Street · Specialty: Muay Thai, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Rating: 4.9 on Google
N1 bills itself as a premier Muay Thai gym in Ottawa and backs it up with a strong Google rating built on dozens of reviews. Customers consistently mention the welcoming atmosphere and the personalized attention trainers give beginners, not just the competitive fighters on the roster. It works well for someone who wants real striking instruction without feeling out of place on day one.
4. Westside Muay Thai
Area: Wellington Street West · Specialty: Muay Thai · Rating: Consistently 5-star reviews on Google
Westside is led by owner Ben Pride, a two-time world champion, with instructors certified by the World Muay Thai Council and international fight experience. Reviewers describe it as one of the top gyms in the city for anyone serious about Muay Thai, with practical equipment and a focus on correct technique over flash. It suits competitive-minded students as much as fitness-focused beginners.
5. Zen Mixed Martial Arts
Area: Colonnade Road · Specialty: Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA
Zen offers Muay Thai classes built around full-body conditioning as well as BJJ and broader MMA training, taught by instructors reviewers describe as professional and technique-focused. Public review aggregators put it in the mid-4-star range across a solid number of ratings, with feedback centered on real technique instruction rather than a watered-down cardio-kickboxing format. Good option for someone who eventually wants to cross-train across multiple disciplines at one gym.
6. Bergeron Martial Arts
Area: Bank Street · Specialty: Karate · Since: 1987
Bergeron has been teaching karate in Ottawa since 1987 and has built its program around personal growth and fitness rather than aggressive competition. Reviews describe the instructors as friendly and professional, with classes aimed at relieving stress and building fitness alongside traditional technique. It suits students, including adults, looking for a long-established, low-pressure dojo.
7. Karate SO
Area: Gladwin Crescent · Specialty: Karate
Karate SO runs out of Gladwin Crescent and reviewers describe the instruction as knowledgeable with a supportive atmosphere for both kids and adults. It's positioned as a solid option for beginners at any age rather than a competition-focused program, with an emphasis on a welcoming environment for newer students finding their footing.
8. Capital Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy
Area: Colonnade Road, Nepean · Specialty: Taekwondo · Rating: 4.8 on Google
Capital Taekwondo has picked up local recognition, including a Top Choice Martial Arts School distinction and a Business Consumer Choice Award for excellence. Reviewers praise the instructors by name and describe the school as family-friendly and clean, with strong reviews across Google, Groupon, and Facebook. It's a good pick for families wanting a structured, belt-progression taekwondo program.
9. De La Costa Academy
Area: Somerset Street West · Specialty: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense
Led by head instructor and co-founder Joe Neurauter, De La Costa offers BJJ and self-defense training for everyone from complete beginners to competitive athletes. Reviewers highlight a clean facility and a welcoming roll culture, with one describing hours of technical training alongside experienced training partners. It suits people who want serious BJJ instruction in a smaller, community-feeling academy.
10. Tina Takahashi Martial Arts
Area: Merivale Road · Specialty: Judo, karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kids' programs
Founded around Tina Takahashi, a Canadian judoka who won Canada's first gold medal at the World University Games in Judo and later coached Canada's first women's Olympic judoka, this school covers an unusually wide range of disciplines under one roof. It's built for families wanting kids' karate and judo alongside adult programs in Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai without switching gyms as interests change.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, including Google Business listings, Yelp, and each school's own website, along with customer reviews found there. It is not a paid placement and no business on this list paid for inclusion. It was last reviewed in August 2026. Ratings and review counts are only included where they were directly visible in a source read during research, and some entries carry no rating because a reliable figure could not be verified.
Sources: N1 Thai Boxing Academy website, Westside Muay Thai website and Yelp, Silver 7 Martial Arts website and Google Maps listing, Capital Taekwondo website and Groupon reviews, De La Costa Academy website and Bark reviews, Tina Takahashi Martial Arts website, Bergeron Martial Arts (karateottawa.com), Karate SO website, Zen Mixed Martial Arts website and BJJ Blog, The Ottawa Jiu Jitsu Club website.
