Downtown Toronto Martial Arts
InnerCity MMA is Toronto's premier Downtown MMA gym. We believe in community - whether you’re an experienced martial artist or a newcomer to the sport, there is a place for you here. We have created an environment for learning, fitness and practice where everybody can feel safe and welcome.
In addition to boasting the most female friendly dojo in the city, we offer classes suited to every skill level from beginner to competitive fighter. If you have a positive attitude, an open mind and a desire to improve, InnerCity MMA has a program suited for you.
With Professor Shah Franco, one of the most decorated martial artists in Canada, you will receive focused, hands on instruction. Combining world-class teaching with the support of your teammates, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
How about Some Fun Facts about our gym?
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Jiu Jitsu
The Gentle Art – our Gracie style Jiu Jitsu is an excellent way to increase strength, fitness and flexibility in a workout that is rigorous and low-impact.
Improve your fitness, strength and flexibility with our Jiu Jitsu program
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Beginner Classes
Teaching the basics such as Professor Franco’s twelve forms and overall rolling etiquette.
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General Classes
Where members of all skill levels can learn together, offer each other advice and refine their technique.
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Competition Classes
Competition class, great for those who want to dedicate themselves to tournament rolling.
Are you ready to roll?
Sign Up Now!Kickboxing
A safe, fun kickboxing program to develop self defence and conditioning
Boxing
The two pillars of successful boxing are solid fundamentals and excellent conditioning.
InnerCity MMA’s program is designed to emphasize both aspects of the game. Boxing promotes muscle coordination, weight loss, toning and incredible cardiovascular endurance, a great option for an all around workout.
And for those looking to take their striking to a competitive level, our emphasis on technique and diligent practice will help you bust through plateaus and become stronger contender.
Karate
New program coming soon!
MMA
This is for those who want the UFC experience. In other words we train you like an ultimate fighter – combining top level training in striking, grappling, and high intensity fitness program with dedicated coaching for competitions.
The sport has come a long way from the days when it focused on pitting martial art styles against each other to see which doctrine was the most powerful. Today, MMA event showcase matches between very versatile and well-rounded athletes at the top of their game.
MMA is one of the fastest growing sports out there and it isn’t hard to see why. If you want to learn what it means to be a mixed martial artist in today’s competitive leagues, we’ll see to it you get the support and coaching you need.
Youth Martial Arts - Ages 8+
Our goal is to give youths the structure and discipline that helps them grow into more successful adults. Not only do we train young athletes, but we encourage them to become more responsible adults. And we do it in a way that is safe, fun and fascinating.
Why Martial Arts?
“Almost 1/3rd of students in Ontario experience bullying at school, and one quarter report having bullied someone else.” – CAMH, 2009
What they will learn?
Techniques from a variety of disciplines including boxing, karate, judo, and Brazilian jiu jitsu are combined into one comprehensive program that is encourages learning, self-respect and camaraderie.
Instructors
Professor Shah Franco
Learning to negotiate efficiently is the cornerstone of martial arts training. Patience with yourself and your partner will allow for the most enjoyable progress. The word jiu jitsu translates to gentle technique/ art, and gives the modern day martial arts student guiding principles to be applied to their everyday lives. These guiding principles have been handed down from prominent leaders of the past. Making martial arts part of your lifestyle, is a way of being in the world that requires congruence between beliefs and actions.
Professor Franco, often called “The Godfather of Canadian MMA” has a lifetime of experience as a teacher and practitioner of martial arts. Holding an impressive record as a competitor, Professor Franco now focuses his attention on his role as director of InnerCity MMA, where he is developing well rounded martial artists and a vibrant, thriving MMA community.
4th degree BJJ, 8th dan Shotokan Karate, Kru Muay Thai
Highest ranked Canadian BJJ coach
Canadian MMA and BJJ pioneer
Over 30 years of experience teaching both children and adult
International Karate World Title, 1985
National Captain of Canadian Karate Team
North American Kumite Champion
Multiple time Canadian National champion
Prof Shah grew up as the youngest of 11 siblings, 10 boys, one girl. He is also one of the highest ranked overall martial artists in the world.
World Games Athlete
Professional MMA coach since 1997
Trained and cornered numerous athletes and coaches, including UFC fighters Antonio Carvalho, Rob MacDonald, Sean Pierson and Justin Bruckman
Who are we anyway?
Meet the team who built the dream
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CHARLES THOMPSON
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DONNY CLARKE
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ROYA SARWARY
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JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ
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DAINIS NGUYEN
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EDWARD
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DAVID SHEMILT
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TUSHARA VEERELLA
Join Innercity
InnerCity is always open to new members. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your practice, get in shape or try something new, follow these three simple steps:
Say Hi – Give us a call at (416) 731-6697 or send us an email at info@innercitymma.com to set up a first visit and answer any questions you might have.STEP 1
Come See Us – Once you set a time for your first visit, come down to the gym and see what we’re all about. It’s understandable to be a little nervous your first time in – give yourself a few extra minutes to relax and meet some of the team, you’ll be at ease in no time.STEP 2
Sign Up! – We’re confident you’ll be hooked after your first class – at that point, we can talk about setting up a membership. Don’t forget to ask about any deals or promotions we might have on!STEP 3
SCHEDULE
Contact
InnerCity MMA is the premier gym in downtown Toronto. Bringing together the bustle of Chinatown, the Art Gallery of Ontario, University of Toronto and Queen Street, into a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. We’re not the biggest gym in the city, but what we lack in size we make up for in top quality facilities including: Boxing ring, Olympic weightlifting area, 10 Different bags (including one-of-a-kind custom made bags), Padded grappling area, Lockers, showers and changing rooms.