1256 Granville St #1, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Lions MMA. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Dropped in on a morning class and the coaching/instruction was very good. I was travelling from out of town and Coach Dan was super welcoming. Would definitely recommend this gym, lots of opportunities throughout the day / evening to train here.
Lions MMA has been the highlight of my adulthood thus far. I had stop going when I got some health problems then I moved to NYC. When I first came and gave it a shot, it was purely out of interest in MMA. I was unathletic all my life. The progress I made in there and the community I found, is something I never had imagined and is something I’m very grateful for. If you’re reading this, just at least, give it a try. Even if it’s a rough start, they have beginner classes which are special in their own right, it’s fun, and it’s a special place. If you’re at least able to go — you’re so lucky.
I moved to Vancouver temporarily for five months. Lions MMA offered a week-long free trial, and from day one it was clear the gym was excellent. I felt welcome from day one. Gi, the head coach, is super nice, knowledgeable, and, above all, cares about every student. He takes his time to explain everything in detail and watches every roll, coaching people. The people there were also super nice and helpful. I will never forget Nick's big smiles all the time. I certainly made some great connections and will definitely go there when I go to Vancouver. One of the best gyms in the heart of Vancouver, right in the city center.
I used to train at this gym when I lived in Vancouver, and it was one of my favorite places. Even though I was only back for a 7-day trip, I made sure to drop in again! I joined Daniel’s ladies’ class twice, and both classes were just as amazing as I remembered. The atmosphere was welcoming, the training was fun and challenging, and everyone was so supportive. I had a blast, and I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in Vancouver!
Great gym, attentive coaches and classes are great for learning and endurance training. They also offer a flexible free trial for new members to see if they like the classes or not.
This is my 6th year of going to Lions MMA, and I realized I never wrote a review. I originally started training because I’ve always had an interest in martial arts, but over the years it has become a part of my routine and lifestyle thanks to the amazing coaches and teammates who created such a welcoming and motivating environment. I honestly could not recommend this gym enough. Having numerous high-level striking coaches gives you exposure to different styles, perspectives, and incredible attention to detail. The coaching here is truly top tier. It’s not just the coaches either. The training partners are amazing as well. Everyone holds each other accountable and constantly pushes one another to improve and become better every day. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, Lions MMA creates an environment where you can truly grow.
Great MMA gym with a strong atmosphere and professional coaches. The training sessions are well-structured, and the coaches are supportive, attentive, and always in control of the process. You can feel that they care about both your physical and mental progress. There are also private training options, which is a big plus. The people training here are respectful, focused, and motivated — everyone is there to work, not just to hang around. For me personally, this place has helped not only physically, but also mentally. Training here made a real difference in dealing with stress and challenges after war experiences. Highly recommend.
My son trains striking and Brazilian jiu jitsu at Lions MMA and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and clearly care about the kids as people, not just as students. They strike a great balance between pushing the kids to improve and keeping the environment fun, safe, and welcoming. Beyond the technical instruction, what really stands out is the culture. Respect, discipline, and confidence are woven into every class, and you can see it carry over outside the gym. The facility is clean, well-organized, and the variety of programs under one roof makes it easy to grow across multiple disciplines. If you're a parent in Vancouver looking for a martial arts gym that takes both the craft and the kids seriously, Lions MMA is the place. Highly recommend.
Extremely good coaches who clearly enjoy helping their students. Great facilities with wide ranges of classes from early in the morning to late at night. Really clean facilities and a really welcoming atmosphere. Easily one of the best MMA gyms I’ve trained in and would recommend for both beginners and high level fighters. Also the location is easily accessible by public transport which is a bonus.
Posted 2 years agoLions is a really welcoming, friendly gym! I’ve been going here a bit more than a year now for jiujitsu. The head coach, Neto is an high level, experienced competitor from Brazil and he creates such a fun, welcoming energy for his classes. He takes time to get to know his students and wants you to succeed. Gabi’s women’s classes are solid, highly technical and the women are really supportive of each other. Nick and Dan teach in a way which is great to grasp the fundamentals if you’re just starting out. Overall great location and great people.
Posted 2 years agoLions is hands down the best MMA place in town! The staff is exceptionally friendly & professional, fostering a positive atmosphere. The classes are always well structured. The coaches are highly dedicated to teaching & go the extra mile at motivating/helping each member excel. The sessions strike a perfect balance between intensity and enjoyment, offering challenging yet fun workouts for all levels. Would highly recommend this place to everyone!
Posted 2 years agoHands down the best gym in town. Great variety of classes and Martial Arts, teaching adapted to all levels, and very good value. Me and my daughter have been going for years. The Little Lions program is awesome. They know how to keep it fun and engaging for kids, while learning serious techniques. The teen program is as good and serious as adult classes but adapted to the audience. Whatever the reason you'd like to go (breaking a sweat, cardio, learning/perfecting your Martial Arts techniques, self-defense, contending...) you are sure to find what your looking for. And more: when you join Lions MMA you don't just join a gym, you also become part of a family. (Probably more fun and less intrusive than your real one too 😂😂)
Posted 2 years agoAmazing gym. My son is in the kids program and it is the best part of the week. A family oriented gym with great coaches. I am 50 and take the Muay Thai classes and Jiu jitsu and I enjoy this the most out of any other exercise. If you are on the fence .. just go ! It’s a two free week trail. Best gym , best people in the city. Great community! It will be the best thing you ever started.
Posted 2 years ago
Lions MMA
1133 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1, Canada
Free trial
Kalib Starnes
1238 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3E1, Canada
Free trial
XMartial Gear
888 Hamilton St #2404, Vancouver, BC V6B 5W4, Canada
More BJJ in Vancouver
Find more academies and competitions in the area.
