Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Jiu-jitsu is all about overcoming raw power with leverage and technique. At Etobicoke Martial Arts we practice 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, a non-traditional, no-gi jiu-jitsu system developed by Eddie Bravo
Etobicoke Martial Arts is the premier destination for martial arts training in the Greater Toronto Area. Martial artists and athletes from all across the GTA or “the 6,” trust Etobicoke Martial Arts to deliver world-class training across all of the disciplines we specialize in. Whether you are a brand new student or a seasoned competitor, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are fully invested in helping you reach your potential.
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we are thrilled to offer classes 7 days a week in our brand new 10,000 square foot facility. With over 3,000 square feet of mat space, a fully-equipped training area, and world-class instructors, we are more than ready to help you level up your martial arts skills and achieve your training goals.
Posted Jun 9th, 2025
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is known for its strategic, technical grappling—and as a sport, it continues to grow around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or considering entering your first tournament, one question often comes up: “Are there weight classes in BJJ?”
The short answer is yes—and they’re a fundamental part of the sport. Weight classes ensure that matches are fair, safe, and competitive, especially since BJJ relies heavily on leverage, timing, and control.
Unlike striking sports where size can dominate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes technique over brute force. That said, physical advantages—such as height, weight, and reach—still play a major role when two equally skilled grapplers face off.
Even small differences in weight can significantly affect how a grappling match unfolds. The ability to control or escape from an opponent often comes down to force, balance, and timing—making it essential that both athletes are in the same general range.
The most widely recognized tournament body in the world of BJJ is the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Their tournaments set the standard for weight classes and competition structure.
Here’s an overview of how weight divisions work under the IBJJF rules:
Note: These weights include the athlete’s gi (uniform).
The IBJJF also divides athletes by age group, such as:
Weight classes remain similar across age divisions, but athletes compete only against others in their age group, ensuring fair and appropriate matchups.
If you’re planning to compete in a tournament, it’s crucial to know your weight class and prepare for it in advance. Many BJJ competitions require athletes to weigh in shortly before their match—sometimes just minutes before stepping onto the mat. This means extreme weight cuts aren’t practical (or safe).
If you’re close to the edge of a weight class, consider competing up rather than risking performance or health.
Whether you’re eyeing your first white belt tournament or thinking about levelling up your competition goals, understanding BJJ weight classes is key. It allows you to plan your training, manage your weight safely, and show up with confidence.
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we prepare students for both casual and competitive BJJ. Our experienced coaches guide you through everything—from technique to tournament prep—and help you understand where you fit in the competitive structure.
Interested in trying a class or gearing up for your first competition? Reach out today or drop in for a free trial session. We’ll help you find the right path—and the right weight class—for your BJJ journey.
Posted May 20th, 2025
When most people think of boxing, they picture fast punches, heavy bags, and high-intensity workouts. But behind the sweat and discipline, boxing offers something even more powerful: stress relief. If you’ve been wondering, “Does boxing relieve stress?” or “Is boxing a good stress reliever?”, the answer is a resounding yes—and today, we’ll show you why.
Boxing isn’t just great for your body; it’s also a proven outlet for mental health. The sweet science provides a unique combination of physical exertion, mental focus, and emotional release that few other workouts can match.
When you’re feeling stressed, your body holds onto that tension—often in your shoulders, neck, and jaw. Boxing gives you an active way to physically release that built-up pressure.
Punching drills, footwork, and bag work allow you to channel frustration in a safe, controlled environment. Instead of bottling emotions up, you get to move through them—and move past them.
Like any high-intensity exercise, boxing triggers the release of endorphins, your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. After a few rounds on the bag or mitt work, you’ll often feel a post-training high—lighter, more energized, and mentally clearer. These natural mood elevators help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and everyday stress.
During a boxing session, there’s no room for overthinking. You’re focused on your stance, your punches, your breathing, and your footwork. This mental engagement acts almost like meditation—quieting the noise in your mind and allowing you to be fully present in the moment.
If you’re new to the sport, you might wonder how often you should train to really feel the benefits. The good news? You don’t need to be in the gym every day to experience stress relief through boxing.
Here’s a simple starting point:
On your non-boxing days, consider doing light stretching or yoga to stay flexible and promote recovery.
You can start at home with simple gear—like hand wraps, gloves, and a heavy bag—but for the best experience, joining a gym is highly recommended.
At a gym, you’ll benefit from:
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we believe boxing is more than just a physical workout—it’s a pathway to mental resilience and emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking to blow off steam, get fit, or build confidence, our boxing classes can help you transform stress into strength.
Our experienced coaches will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you learn real boxing techniques in a safe and supportive environment.
Ready to feel stronger, lighter, and more in control? Join us for a class and discover firsthand why boxing is one of the best stress relievers around!
Posted Apr 14th, 2025
MMA is one of the most effective full-body workouts for building strength, confidence, and mental focus. Even better? You don’t need a gym to get started. With a bit of space and consistency, you can begin training MMA at home and lay the foundation for long-term progress.
Here’s how to build a beginner-friendly MMA routine that works in any home setup.
Every MMA session should begin with a warm-up to get your blood flowing and your body ready to move. The goal is to increase mobility, loosen the joints, and elevate your heart rate.
Try this warm-up sequence:
This quick routine sets the tone and helps prevent injuries during your workout.
Striking is a major part of MMA—and shadowboxing is a great way to work on your form, footwork, and combos without any equipment. It sharpens your technique while keeping your body active and engaged.
Focus on simple drills like:
Try shadowboxing in front of a mirror to monitor your form and movement.
Conditioning is key for any MMA athlete. Home workouts can be incredibly effective with just your bodyweight.
Beginner MMA conditioning circuit (repeat 2–3 times):
These exercises mimic the pace and demand of a real MMA round, improving both cardio and muscular endurance.
You don’t need a partner to start learning grappling. There are solo drills you can practice to develop movement patterns and build muscle memory.
Solo grappling drills to include:
If you have access to a grappling dummy or heavy bag, you can also explore:
If you’re new to MMA, you might be wondering how often you should train to see results. The good news? You don’t need to go all-in from the start. A few structured sessions each week can build a strong foundation.
Here’s a simple starting point:
You can train solo using online tutorials, mobile apps, or even a basic workout timer—but for long-term progress, nothing beats training with a coach.
You’ll get more out of your training in a professional environment with:
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we understand that MMA is more than just a sport—it’s a form of therapy. Whether you’re looking to blow off steam, build your confidence, or simply improve your overall health, MMA gives you the tools to feel better, inside and out.
Our MMA classes are open to all levels and led by experienced coaches who will help you progress at your own pace. You’ll learn real skills, get an amazing workout, and leave every session feeling more in control of your body and mind.
Ready to turn stress into strength? Join us for a trial class and experience the difference for yourself.
Posted Mar 26th, 2025
If you’re stepping into the world of Muay Thai, one of the first things you’ll need to master is properly wrapping your hands. Whether you’re hitting the heavy bag, working on pads, or sparring with a partner, wrapping your hands correctly protects your knuckles, wrists, and small bones from injury.
Let’s go through a simple, step-by-step guide to wrapping your hands for Muay Thai to keep you safe and ready for action!
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why hand wraps are so crucial. Muay Thai involves a lot of striking, and without proper protection, the repetitive impact can lead to bruises, fractures, and even long-term damage.
Hand wraps provide:
Now that you know why hand wraps matter, let’s move on to wrapping techniques that will keep your hands protected.
All you need is a pair of Muay Thai hand wraps, usually 4.5 meters (180 inches) long. Longer wraps offer better coverage and support, making them ideal for beginners learning proper wrapping techniques.
You should wrap your hands every time you train Muay Thai, whether you’re hitting pads, sparring, or practicing combos. Consistency helps reduce the risk of injury and ensures longevity in your training journey.
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we emphasize proper techniques to ensure our students stay safe and progress effectively. Our experienced instructors guide you through every aspect of Muay Thai, from hand wrapping to mastering striking techniques.
If you’re ready to take your Muay Thai training to the next level, visit us today to experience professional guidance in a supportive environment!
Posted Feb 25th, 2025
When it comes to self-defence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals looking to gain confidence, improve their fitness, and learn practical techniques for real-life situations. Unlike traditional striking-based martial arts, BJJ focuses on grappling, ground control, and submissions, making it an effective system for neutralizing threats, especially against larger or stronger opponents.
So, is BJJ good for self-defence? Let’s break it down by exploring its real-life applications, advantages over other martial arts, and potential limitations.
One of the biggest advantages of BJJ for self-defence is its emphasis on technique over brute strength. Here’s how it prepares you to handle real-world confrontations:
BJJ offers several unique advantages that set it apart from striking-based martial arts like boxing or kickboxing:
While BJJ is an excellent self-defence system, it’s not without its limitations:
Overall, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains one of the most effective martial arts for self-defence, particularly for those looking to learn techniques that don’t rely on size or strength. Its focus on ground control, leverage, and submissions provides a practical way to neutralize threats safely and effectively. However, like any martial art, it’s important to recognize its limitations and consider cross-training with striking-based disciplines to ensure a well-rounded self-defence strategy.
If you’re ready to build confidence, develop practical self-defence skills, and improve your fitness, consider trying a BJJ class at Etobicoke Martial Arts. Our expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals, ensuring that you feel empowered and prepared for real-life situations. Come train with us today!
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can join our community here at Etobicoke Martial Arts. We look forward to welcoming you into our community!
Posted Jan 31st, 2025
MMA is a sport that requires unparalleled versatility. Fighters must combine striking, grappling, and endurance with strength and agility. Cross-training is essential to achieve this, and weight training plays a pivotal role in preparing fighters for the physical demands of the ring.
Let’s explore why weight training is crucial for MMA athletes, how to design a balanced training schedule, key exercises to include, and common mistakes to avoid.
MMA isn’t just about mastering a single discipline—it’s about excelling in multiple areas. Cross-training helps fighters become well-rounded athletes. By incorporating weight training into their routine, fighters enhance their strength, power, and resilience, giving them an edge in the ring.
A well-rounded MMA training program balances skill development, weight training, and recovery. Overtraining can hinder progress and lead to injuries, so planning is essential.
Weight training for MMA focuses on functional strength—movements that translate directly into fight performance.
1. Compound Lifts:
2. Explosive Movements:
3. Bodyweight Exercises:
Weight training is an excellent tool, but it must be integrated thoughtfully. Avoid these common pitfalls to maximize your results:
When combined with skill training, weight training is a game-changer for MMA athletes. It builds the strength and explosiveness needed to dominate opponents while reducing the risk of injury. However, the key is finding the right balance: focusing on functional exercises, scheduling recovery time, and avoiding common mistakes.
At Etobicoke Martial Arts, we understand the demands of MMA and tailor training programs to help you build strength and skill efficiently. Whether stepping into the ring for the first time or looking to refine your performance, our coaches can guide you every step of the way.
Ready to take your training to the next level? Visit us and see how weight training can transform your MMA journey!
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