The room where
beginners become regulars.
Martial arts in Manotick for kids and adults: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing, across Manotick and south Ottawa. Most people on our mats started with no experience at all.
The friendliest tough room in south Ottawa.
We built our classes for the people who feel most nervous to walk in: the parent, the total beginner, the adult who hasn't trained in years.
Nobody gets thrown to the wolves here. You get patient coaches, the proven Gracie Barra method, and a room full of people who remember being new.
Find your place to start.
Six programs, from a three-year-old's first class through to adult live training.
Built for beginners. Respected by everyone.
Four reasons the nervous first-timer and the seasoned grappler both train here.
Beginner-First Classes
Fundamentals classes built for day one. You learn the basics before you ever spar, never thrown to the wolves.
The Gracie Barra Method
A structured curriculum used by Gracie Barra academies worldwide, so you progress in order, not by guesswork.
Coached, Not Just Supervised
Coach Panda Dave and the team teach every class hands-on, and they are as good with nervous kids as with competitors.
One Room, Every Program
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai for kids and adults, so the whole family can train under one roof.
The questions every parent actually asks.
Everything a parent worries about, answered plainly, before you ever book.
Will my child get hurt?
Jiu-Jitsu is leverage and control, not striking. Kids learn to tap early and often, grouped by their own age.
Is it beginner friendly?
Yes. Every program has a fundamentals path, and most people on the mat started knowing nothing.
What age can kids start?
As young as 3 in our Tiny Champions class, then up through age-grouped Kids programs.
Can I stay and watch?
Parents are always welcome to stay and watch. You will always know who is coaching your child.
Your first class, step by step.
No mystery and no surprises. Here is exactly how your first visit goes.
Your first class is free. Come see the room.
Book a Free Trial →Real people. Real first steps.
A 4.9 average from 79 Google reviews across Manotick and south Ottawa. These are theirs, edited only for length and clarity.
Our kids have been training at Gracie Barra Manotick for about two years now, since they were four and six, and I truly cannot say enough good things about this place. It has honestly become our second home.
I had the opportunity to have Panda Dave as a coach multiple times this summer and he is amazing! He is technical, motivating and very passionate.
We absolutely love Gracie Barra in Manotick! The coaches are incredibly professional and create a supportive environment for both kids and adults.
My son always has a great workout and a smile on his face after a class. The coaches are great!
Had Panda Dave as a coach a few times, he's very well-structured, fun, and always brings a really positive attitude. We've learned a ton from him in just a few sessions and always left smiling.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced fighter, the training is intense but supportive. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their fitness or sharpen their skills.
Walk in curious. Walk out hooked.
Pick a time that works and we'll have everything ready. Your first class is on us, with no pressure and no obligation.
Questions, answered honestly.
No. Our fundamentals classes are built for complete beginners, including adults who haven't trained in years. Jiu-Jitsu rewards technique and timing over athleticism, and Muay Thai is taught on pads long before anyone spars, so you get in shape by training rather than before you start.
As young as 3 in our Tiny Champions class (ages 3 to 5), then up through age-grouped Kids Jiu-Jitsu and Kids Muay Thai. Children always train with kids their own age.
No. Your first class is a guided fundamentals session. You will learn a few movements and a technique or two, you can rest whenever you want, and there is no full sparring on day one.
Just athletic clothes and water. We train barefoot on the mats. We'll share the full details, including what to bring, when you book your free trial.
Yes. Beginners start on pads and bags learning stance, footwork and basic strikes, with no contact sparring. Muay Thai is our most common starting point for adults who want fitness first and are not sure about grappling.
Yes. We run Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, sometimes called Thai kickboxing, for both kids and adults, so families can train under one roof and members can cross-train in both.
In the heart of Manotick.
See why Manotick trains here.
One free class. No pressure, no obligation, no experience needed. The hardest part is walking through the door. We make that part easy.
Book a Free Trial →