| rev:text
| - Having done MA for most of my life, I am very picky about dojos. I was hesitant to go here initially because I read things like "uniform policy" and "pushy for contracts" and I also didn't see prices anywhere, however I was later referred by a guy whose opinions about places and people I trust and was not disappointed.
So, things of note:
1. Uniform (muay thai): You CAN buy the shorts for $44. You do not have to buy the shorts. Perhaps they're necessary after you start testing, but you do not need to buy them when you sign a contract. I had my own gloves so didn't need to purchase any, but they did say they recommend those to people. They have some there that you can use, but I mean, you might want to buy your own anyway because those things get super sweaty so sharing is kind of gross, especially if you don't wear hand wraps. I'd call it a healthy investment.
2. Contracts: They did not push for a contract AT ALL. In fact, no one even mentioned it until I said "this place is perfect for me!" That REALLY helped me fall for them, to be honest. I hate being hounded for contracts and it's very common at MMA gyms.
3. Price: Unfortunately, these guys ARE pretty expensive - twice what I was paying in Ottawa for unlimited kickboxing, although I doubt I'd find that price for that quality here in Toronto regardless. Anyway, that's where OpenMat loses a star from me: No student pricing, no price-matching, and little flexibility. But what they lack in affordability they make up for in quality instruction and atmosphere.
4. Quality instruction: They're good. I was happy that they recognized right away that I had experience in other styles. They really know their stuff and give helpful tips.
5. Atmosphere: The people are so friendly! My first day there about five other students walked up and introduced themselves to me! Instructors are supportive, kind, and observant. There are no smug attitudes that I've yet come across. On the wall they have printed "We are here to make the world a better place." :) So nice.
6. Workout: The MT classes have a great warm-up, but the rest is much more technique-based than cardio. That said, they run at a good pace so you're not spending too much time observing rather than exercising (I ran into that problem with other dojos I tried in TO). The FightFit classes (included in membership), though, look really amazing and hardcore! They are run by a professional personal trainer. I can't wait to try one! There's a great little gym tucked in the corner there.
7. Trial: The "30-Day Trial" is really an 8-day trial because you can only go twice per week, but it's still better than what most places offer.
8. Physical space: Clean. Good size. Everything you need.
Anyway, bottom line: If you have MA experience, are looking for a good quality place, and can afford it, OpenMat is awesome.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)