There are tons of different kinds of martial arts out there. This means that there are tons of different martial arts classes as well.
If you’re looking for martial arts classes, we know it can be a bit overwhelming to go through and every one of those on your own. And that’s why we took it upon ourselves to help you out!
In this article, we featured the best martial arts classes in Calgary along with everything there is to know about them. But first, let’s talk a bit more about the costs of enrolling in a martial arts class.
Table of Contents
How Much Do Martial Arts Classes Cost in Calgary?
Of course, one of the most important things to consider before beginning any long-term plan is the cost. If you’re planning on pursuing your martial arts classes consistently, you’ll need to know how much you’ll be spending.
Most schools offer monthly membership rates and, in the table below, we listed down the average cost per of different kinds of martial arts programs in Calgary. Take note that the actual cost could be much higher or lower depending on the school you choose.
The Best Martial Arts Classes in Calgary
You may be wondering what were our criteria for choosing the top martial arts classes in Calgary. Well, this is what they were:
1. Black Belt Academy
| PROGRAMS | Teaching Tang Soo Do: A Korean Mixed Martial Art that focuses on defense Balance, Mediation, Energy Work, finding Peace andInner Strength Inclusive curriculum for certain types of special needs children and adults and many more here |
| WEBSITE | https://black-belt-academy.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 8 390 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2K 6K7, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 464 0549 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday to Sunday: CLOSED |
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
We recently enrolled in Black Belt Academy and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of their services. The instructors are highly skilled and provide personalized attention to each student, ensuring we learn and progress effectively.
Furthermore, the efficiency of their teaching methods stands out. Each class is structured to maximize learning within the allotted time, making every session productive and engaging.
Transitioning to affordability, Black Belt Academy offers competitively priced programs that deliver excellent value. We appreciate their flexible payment options, which make top-notch martial arts training accessible to more families.
Additionally, the facilities at Black Belt Academy are exceptional. The dojo is spacious, clean, and equipped with the latest training gear, providing a safe and conducive environment for learning.
Moreover, the sense of community and support at the academy is remarkable. The staff and fellow students create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging camaraderie and mutual respect.
Lastly, the professionalism of the Black Belt Academy team is evident in every aspect of their operation. Their dedication to fostering both physical and personal growth has made our experience incredibly rewarding.
Pros
- Open daily
- Online class registration
- Online viewing of fees
- Offer a free trial class
Cons
- No promos at the present
Customer Reviews
“Great for bringing in confidence and real life skills in your child!” — Shan Sandhu
“Awesome instructors and very family oriented. Tang Soo Do is fantastic art for all.” — Philip Tang
2. Summit Martial Arts
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Summit Martial Arts is a martial arts school that’s been voted as the top one in Calgary consistently since 2017. They offer classes for beginners to advanced black belts and accept all ages starting from 4 years old.
Their facilities are also really decent with a lot of space to practice. It’s been described as well-organized and one that follows COVID-19 protocols strictly.
They have 4 different programs: Little Monkeys for ages 4-5, Little Dragons for ages 6-8, Beginners Class for ages 9 and above, and Intermediate/Advanced Class for green belts and above.
The best way to get in contact with them for inquiries or registrations is through email. You can sign up for their classes online too.
You can view the full list of their fees here if you are wondering how much their classes are.
One thing we really like about this school is that they work closely with the parents as well. This is to make sure that both instructors and parents are able to address the student’s specific needs.
They follow a pretty rigorous standard for the belt promotion criteria which we think is really important especially for those who really want to pursue martial arts. This helps them help the students really push themselves and reach their full capacity.
Pros
- Open daily
- Offers Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo
- Online class registration
- Online viewing of fees
- Voted as Calgary’s Top Martial Arts School
- Offer a free trial class
Cons
- Fewer programs offered compared to others
Customer Reviews
Provides best training and experience, celebrates successes, quick and effective care
“My kids have been with Summit Martial Arts for the last 3 years. Over this time, it has been a wonderful place for them to celebrate their successes after working hard to achieve their goals, as well as a place for them to learn the values of perseverence and good sportsmanship. Since the pandemic, I have watched them quickly and effectively pivot and adjust to the ever changing restrictions. I have never felt uncomfortable with bringing my children to class. It is obvious how much Mrs. Morris and Master Morris care about providing a safe environment for their students, while also continually working to provide their students with the best training and experience.” -Vania
Knowledgeable instructors
“Awesome instruction, knowledgeable and you earn your belts. Follows COVID-19 government mandated protocols. Feel safe in their facility.” -Tyler
3. Elite Martial Arts Academy
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Elite Martial Arts Academy offers a traditional way of teaching martial arts in a modern environment which we think is really important in helping people develop the skills they need. It was voted as the top martial arts school by ThreeBestRated in 2019.
Their focuses are on Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For Muay Thai, they teach kids, teens, and adults while they only take on adults for Jiu-Jitsu.
Their kids and teens classes accept students of 4 to 14 years old. Their aim is to help your child develop their motor skills, agility, and learn all about self-defense.
However, they don’t mention the duration of the classes for kids and teens so be sure to ask about that. They also don’t offer any free trial.
For adult Muay Thai and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the classes run for an hour and 15 minutes. We like that they take on anyone from beginners to those who are well-versed in the sport so everyone has a chance of learning it properly.
They have two branches: one in Southwest Calgary and one in Southeast Calgary. This makes them accessible to a larger group of students who are interested in martial arts.
The school itself isn’t that big but, with the limited number of students taken in per class, the size is still pretty decent. The facilities are described by students as clean and well-maintained.
You can easily get access to their class schedule by filling up the contact form on their website.
Pros
- Open daily
- Online registration
- Two branches in Calgary
- Wide range of programs offered
- Wide range of classes offered
- ThreeBestRated’s top school in 2019
Cons
- No free trial
- Need to sign up for class schedule viewing
Customer Reviews
Great experience
“Was a great experience taking my grandaughter. We arrived a little early , the instructor showed me around. Class was anice balance of teaching ,fun and respect.” -Stephen
Amazing, knowledgable, and friendly instructors
“We love everything about Elite! The instructors are amazing, knowledgeable, and super friendly. Thanks to Tina for keeping us up to date with the latest COVID updates & reopening plans, and to Kru Kyle for keeping the Teens involved over the zoom classes. They treat you like family! Looking forward to getting back at it.” -Lorrett
4. Studios Group Martial Arts (SGMA)
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Studios Group Martial Arts Calgary offers classes to preschoolers, kids, and adults. They also offer family martial arts and are the only academy that offers an after-school martial arts fitness program.
We commend how they don’t require any long-term contracts for you to take classes with them. Instead, they work on monthly memberships to ensure that their students pursue the sport because they want to instead of out of obligation.
They have tons of different membership plans that range from $99-$900. These differ in age groups, belt levels, and the number of classes you can attend per week.
Now, one of our favorite things about this academy is that they offer a free trial week. This grants you 2 free classes for a week and is available to all new students.
We also find it very convenient that having a membership with them grants you access to their training videos, Live Stream classes, and more. This way, even if you’re too busy to attend their classes in person, you’ll still be able to train by yourself at home.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can either give them a call, send them an email, or fill out the contact form on their website. Take note that this school is closed on Sundays.
Pros
- Wide range of programs offered
- Wide range of membership plans offered
- Offers free trial
- Online registration available
- Grants access to at-home videos
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- Limited range of classes offered
Customer Reviews
Amazing instructors, great supportive community
“Amazing people, I have no words to describe our gratitude for helping our boy learn how much he can accomplish if he is patient and work hard. They stood to our family and gave confidence to our boy to go through some challenging times. They teach patience, consistency, hard work, resiliency, kindness and discipline which are solid life skills for the children as they navigate life from toddlers, to teen years and adulthood. It’s a great supportive community which promotes morality and fairness. Thank you both, you are a blessing in our boy’s life!” -Katerina
Very engaging environment
“Very engaging environment is great when I am training here! I love the amount of motivation and difficulty that the Taekwondo training proves to me when I work hard and feel accomplished with learning a new Taekwondo skill every time! Teaching here has been a very memorable experience and all the students and have been phenomenal! Looking forwards to normal training and teaching at the facility again.” -Howard
5. 5 Elements Martial Arts
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Known as the largest martial arts studio in Calgary is the 5 Elements Martial Arts school. They provide different curriculums for all different kinds of age groups and skill levels to make sure that anyone who wants to learn is able to.
They offer classes for 5 different kinds of martial arts: Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Shotokan Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing.
They also have tons of different programs including family programs, fitness programs, group classes, private lessons, self-defense, and even summer camps.
One thing that really sets them apart is their inclusive curriculum for children with special needs. They also teach children with ADHD, ADD, mental health issues, survivors of trauma, those with physical impairments, and students who have autism.
It’s good to know that they offer free classes because attending an initial class is the best way for you to determine if that academy is for you or not.
However, we found it a bit of a hassle that their rates and monthly memberships plans aren’t posted online. They’re relayed to you by their reception staff instead.
The school itself isn’t that big but everything you need for the classes are definitely there. The class sizes are also limited so the limited space isn’t a problem.
If you want to get in contact with them, you can either give them a quick call or fill out this contact form on their website. If you’re interested in checking out their free class, just fill up this form and wait for them to get back to you.
You can view their specific schedules per class here. Sadly, they don’t offer online registration, which is rather inconvenient.
Pros
- Open daily
- Offers free trial
- Inclusive curriculum for children with special needs
- Wide range of classes
- Wide range of programs
- Online viewing of class schedules
Cons
- Class fees not mentioned online
- No online registration
Customer Reviews
Amazing coaching team
“Maeghen has built a community second to none. She has brought together an amazing coaching team, supported brilliantly by dedicated senior graded members who are simply awesome role models.” –Mike
Great sense of community
“I have only recently become part of the 5 Elements family, but so far I absolutely love it. I love being here every day, I love seeing all of the happy faces that come in, it is the highlights of my day. I have been doing martial arts for a very long time, and it was amazing to become involved with this school in Calgary.” -Gabrielle
6. Affinity Academy of Martial Arts
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Classes offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Affinity Academy of Martial Arts is a school that aims to teach children, teens, and adults the skills and knowledge they need to be able to practice martial arts. Whether it’s for fitness, self-defense, confidence building, or the like, we think Affinity Academy does a great job at training all its students.
The school itself is a very well-maintained and clean one according to reviews left online. Aside from this, what’s great about them is that they have an affiliate school in Fernie, BC named Fernie BJJ..
If you’re interested in viewing their schedule and booking your free session with them, all you have to do is fill-up the form on their website’s landing page. Unfortunately, they don’t mention their schedules or rates online so you’ll have to contact them for this.
They offer 8 different programs for different skill levels and ages which is a lot compared to most schools in Calgary. Their Tiny Ninjas is for ages, 4-6, their Junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for ages 6-8, their Youth BJJ is for ages 9-14, and their Kid’s Kickboxing is for ages 8-13.
We really like that they offer Women’s Only BJJ which is a great way to teach women self-defense in an environment where the more sensitive women will feel safer. They also offer Adult BJJ, Kickboxing, and they also offer Summer Camps for kids of all ages.
Pros
- Open daily
- Wide range of programs
- Wide range of classes
- Offers women’s only BJJ
- Offers free trial
Cons
- No online viewing of schedule
- No online mention of rates
Customer Reviews
Game and life changer for my son
“Affinity Academy has been a game and life changer for my son. The skills he learns are 100% transferable to life. His academics, confidence, respect for people, general outlook to situations improved drastically this year from the lessons and instruction from the coaches. The coaches genuinely CARE for the kids it’s so evident to see. We have struggled with a bully in school for the entire year and last week he approached the bully with confidence and the skills to shut it down without conflict. PROUD and thankful momma post” -Heather
Great gym, top-notch instruction
“I just did a drop-in class at Affinity when I was in town, but I would absolutely train here if I lived in Calgary. The gym is great, and Andell’s instruction is top-notch. I appreciate how he teaches BJJ on a conceptual/theory level at the same time as teaching the physical moves.” -Marc
7. Kung Fu For Life
| Criteria | Rating |
| Programs offered | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Kung Fu For Life is a center that offers Kung Fu classes for an extensive range of individuals may they are just starting their journey in the art or if they have highly advanced knowledge of it already.
We like that their private classes are further divided to accommodate various individuals such as women’s self-defense classes, meditation guidance, and kung fu for kids.
Furthermore, their facilities are spacious and adequately equipped to accommodate all activities that maximize learning and the experience such as training, sparring, and group instruction.
Rates aren’t readily available on their website though and those interested may need to call or email them for more information.
Nonetheless, with their versatile teaching approach, certified instructors, and effective experience learning Kung Fu, we strongly recommend them to clients who are looking into getting professional Kung Fu classes.
Pros
- Experienced instructors
- Comprehensive classes for different individuals
- Advanced training facilities
Cons
- Rates unavailable
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“I have been attending Kung Fu For Life since 2007. This studio provides comprehensive personalized training that allowed me to learn at my pace. I have experienced nothing but positive results. Grand Master Piercey and the curriculum that he has set out works for any type of person. This is my favourite quality of the Kung Fu For Life studio. The other is that it is non competitive training, which in turn allows a different level of comfort. Thank you Kung Fu For life for being awesome.” – Shane McKinnon
“The Art is a lot about personal mastery. The more I give to the art the more I receive. I came to learn self-defence and have been awarded other health and fitness benefits I never imagined. There’s a lot of philosophy in Kung Fu and the longer that I’m here the more that recognize how the practice changes my character for the better.” – Jeannette Sirois
FAQs about Martial Arts Classes in Calgary
Now, that brings us to the end of the best martial arts classes in Calgary. We hope you found it informative and helpful as you pursue your interest in this.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us! Also, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you tried out any of these martial arts schools!
You may also want to check out our other articles on different ways to keep fit in Calgary below.
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