Innercity MMA

I started looking around at gyms last summer because I needed to get into shape, full stop. Didnt have any particular interest in MMA but I knew I needed something that would hold my interest because I wouldnt ever go if I was just hitting a treadmill 3 times a week by myself. I went to a couple of other places and kept feeling like either they didnt have any interest in me because I wasnt already experienced, or just got a vibe that they were trying to rip me off. I looked at Inner City because it was close to where I live, and felt completely at home since I started. No ego, no one sizing you up trying to prove themselves. Everyone looks after one another and everybodys super friendly no matter your experience level. Professor Franco is completely not what I expected, very laid back and hilarious but you can tell hes a master of his craft. All of the other instructors are also very capable and make sure youre getting practice in the areas you need. I dont get to go as often as I want to or should because of my work schedule, but when I go I can sense an overall improvement in my mood and physical well being.

The Space:
Walking into Innercity MMA feels like getting into a very special place: amazing fighting paintings from famous Toronto painters, interesting colours, and the amazing smiles of everybody in the dojo.
Teaching level and atmosphere:
If like me, you have been subjected to weird or crazy coaches (I have been training martial arts for 13 years), Professor Shah Franco is a total breath of fresh air: you can tell he knows his stuff inside out and yet, he does not take himself too seriously. In the last year, since I’ve joined, I got to learn and practice a variety of styles (different kinds of stand up, ground work, BJJ, wrestling, self-​defence) while having a ton of fun.
Training is intense, but the atmosphere is jovial and everyone works hard without any ego flaring.
There is a wide range of people training there from professionals to recreational but levels remains fairly high.
Instructor attention to class:
I have been injured many times in the past because other people could not understand the principle of sparring, and would go full out. No such thing happens here because Prof. Shah monitors sparring sessions (and every class) at all times, and he even spars and rolls with us most of the time (which is pretty amazing, considering how coaches are usually too broken to do so).
In one word, Innercity is a gem. If you want to train the real stuff, while having fun, it is the place for you.