Martial Arts Classes in Chatham, Ontario
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Kickboxing, MMA and martial arts programs for kids, teens and adults at Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts.
Whether you are completely new to martial arts, looking for a fun way to improve your fitness, interested in practical self-defence or want to compete, our programs offer structured training for different ages, experience levels and goals.
Your first class is a FREE no pressure tryout. Please complete a waiver before your first class. A parent or guardian must complete the waiver for students under 18.
Experienced Coaching & Recognized Standards
Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts provides structured martial arts training in Chatham for recreational students, families and competitive athletes. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program follows IBJJF standards, our Kickboxing and MMA programs follow WAKO Canada standards where applicable.
We are an official GFTeam Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy and are registered provincially and internationally with organizations including the OJA, IBJJF and WAKO.
Students can train recreationally, improve their fitness and self-defence skills, or follow a competitive pathway depending on their goals.
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, commonly called BJJ, is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on controlling an opponent using positioning, leverage, takedowns, escapes and submissions. It allows students to develop effective technique without relying primarily on size or strength.
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Chatham are suitable for complete beginners through experienced practitioners. Classes focus on developing a balanced BJJ game through technical instruction, positional training, drilling and live grappling.
Students learn skills including takedowns, guard work, positional control, sweeps, escapes and submissions while developing fitness, problem-solving, confidence and practical grappling ability.
Armstrong Academy is an official GFTeam academy. Students have opportunities to train recreationally or participate in local, provincial, national and international Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition.
Uniform: Gi/Kimono in white, blue or black with a mandatory rash guard worn under the Gi.
Kids Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program introduces children to martial arts in structured, age and skill appropriate classes. Students learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals while developing confidence, discipline, focus, coordination, endurance and respect.
Children learn how to use leverage, positioning and control while developing practical self-defence skills. Training also emphasizes listening, teamwork, problem-solving and remaining calm in challenging situations.
Classes are separated by age and skill level so younger beginners are not expected to learn at the same pace or train in the same way as older or more experienced students.
Competition is available for students who are interested, but it is not required. Kids can train simply to learn martial arts, improve fitness, build confidence and have fun.
Uniform: Gi/Kimono in white, blue or black with a rash guard worn underneath.
Adult No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Submission Grappling
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uses the same core concepts of control, positioning, escapes and submissions as traditional BJJ but is practiced without the Gi.
With fewer clothing grips available, No-Gi training relies heavily on body positioning, hooks, frames, movement and control. The faster pace also makes No-Gi an important part of submission grappling and MMA training.
Students work on takedowns, positional control, guard, escapes, submissions and live grappling in a structured environment.
Uniform: Ranked rash guard and shorts, or shorts with spats. Shirtless training is not allowed.
Adult Kickboxing - K1 / Muay Thai
Kickboxing is a stand-up striking martial art that develops effective punches, kicks, footwork, defence, timing and combinations while providing an excellent full-body workout.
Our kickboxing classes in Chatham are suitable for students who want to learn striking, improve their fitness, develop practical self-defence skills or progress toward competitive kickboxing.
Training includes proper stance and movement, offensive and defensive techniques, pad work, partner drills, conditioning and controlled sparring when appropriate for the student's experience and goals.
Students do not need previous martial arts experience or competitive goals to participate. Beginners progress gradually as they develop technique, fitness and confidence.
Kickboxing members are required to register with WAKO / Ontario Kickboxing where required. Registration is completed online.
Gear: Shorts and shirt/rash guard, 16oz gloves, shin guards and mouthguard.
Youth Martial Arts - K1 Kickboxing
Our youth kickboxing program is designed for students ages 9 and up and introduces the fundamentals of striking in a structured environment.
Students develop stance, footwork, basic punches and kicks, offensive and defensive movement, coordination and full-body conditioning while learning proper technique and control.
Classes help students improve fitness, confidence, discipline and focus while building a technical foundation that can progress into more advanced kickboxing training.
Gear: Shorts and shirt/rash guard, 12oz gloves and shin guards.
Adult MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, combines techniques from multiple combat sports into one complete training system. Students develop skills in striking, takedowns, positional control and submission grappling.
MMA training at Armstrong Academy brings together elements of our Kickboxing and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs while teaching students how those skills connect in mixed martial arts.
Training may include striking combinations, defensive movement, takedowns, takedown defence, ground positioning, transitions and submission grappling.
Students do not need to become MMA competitors to train. The program can be used to develop well-rounded martial arts skills, improve fitness or pursue competition for those interested in taking that path.
MMA classes are available for students ages 13+.
Gear: Shorts and rash guard, 16oz gloves, 7oz hybrid MMA gloves, shin guards and mouthguard.
Open Mat & Fitness Training
Open Mat provides additional unstructured training time for students to work on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi grappling, Kickboxing or specific techniques and drills.
Beginners are welcome and encouraged to use Open Mat in addition to their regular classes. Students can review techniques, drill with training partners or get additional practice between structured classes.
Fitness and weight training equipment is also available during designated Open Mat and Open Gym periods.
New to Martial Arts?
You do not need previous experience, special fitness or athletic ability to begin training at Armstrong Academy. Many of our students start martial arts as complete beginners.
Our classes allow new students to learn fundamentals and progress at their own pace while more experienced students continue developing advanced skills.
Whether your goal is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA, self-defence, fitness, competition or simply trying something new, our instructors can help you determine which program best fits your goals.
Martial Arts FAQs
Can I start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with no experience?
Yes. Beginners are welcome. New students learn fundamental positions, movements and techniques before progressing into more advanced training.
Do I need to get in shape before starting BJJ, Kickboxing or MMA?
No. Come as you are. Training will help you improve your strength, endurance, coordination and overall fitness as you progress.
What age can kids start martial arts?
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs begin at age 4, with classes separated by age and skill level. Youth Kickboxing begins at age 9 and MMA training is available for ages 13+.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good for kids?
BJJ helps children develop coordination, fitness, confidence, discipline, focus, problem-solving and practical grappling skills. Classes are structured for the age and experience of the students.
Do I have to fight or compete?
No. Many students train for fitness, recreation, self-defence and personal development. Competition is available for students who want it but is never required.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Gi BJJ is practiced wearing a traditional Jiu Jitsu uniform that can be used for grips and control. No-Gi is practiced in a rash guard and shorts and relies more heavily on body positioning, hooks and control without clothing grips.
Is Kickboxing suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners learn stance, footwork, basic striking and defence before progressing into more advanced combinations, drills and controlled sparring.
Do martial arts teach kids to fight?
Our programs teach technique along with confidence, discipline, control and respect. Students are taught to use martial arts responsibly and to avoid unnecessary conflict whenever possible.
Am I too old to start martial arts?
No. Adults can begin martial arts at different ages and fitness levels. Everyone progresses according to their own experience, ability and goals.
Can I try a class before joining?
Yes. Your first class is a free, no-pressure tryout. Complete our online waiver before attending and choose an appropriate class from our current schedule.