Testimonials

Make a Change

Real People. Real Results

We have countless success stories of students overcoming initial fears or barriers to getting started on the positive lifestyle changes we promote at our academy. Our members are enjoying life-changing results, from transformation in levels of fitness & self-esteem to a measurable improvement in technique and fighting skill.

Mentor and Personal Trainer

Having Omar Salvosa as a mentor and personal training partner for many years has helped me tremendously to win my UFC world title. Thanks for everything Omar.

Carlos “The Ronin” Newton

A genuine interest

Omar takes a genuine interest in his students and selflessly shares all his knowledge of core concepts in Jiu-Jitsu to develop competence and understanding. This is only reinforced by his enthusiasm and passion for the art and his unique ability to motivate and encourage his students, pushing them to the edge of personal performance. He has been a key player in taking my grappling to new levels, His personal skill is unparalleled and I am proud to call him both a coach and a friend.

Sgt. Jason Chin-Leung
President/Head Coach, Trenton Mixed Martial Arts Centre Parachute Instructor, Training Company Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre

Truly Gifted

Omar Salvosa is a truly gifted instructor and martial artist and has proven his excellence in the classroom and by winning in demanding competition. His positive energy and enthusiasm is infectious, creating a warm and friendly environment for maximum growth I his students’ physical conditioning and emotional/spiritual strength. Combining top technical proficiency, understanding, and ability to communicate techniques along with practical athleticism, Omar guides you to reaching your fighting potential, whether your goals are personal and/or competitive. If your desire is to exceed the usual in technical and practical training in a warm and friendly space, Omar Salvosa is the instructor for you!

David Goodman
Boxing Instructor and BJJ/MMA Enthusiast

Warm family friendly atmosphere

My three sons and I have been members of the Salvosa BJJ Academy for many years. The instruction by Professor Omar and his teaching team has been exceptional! The BJJ core fundamentals are taught through a conceptual approach so that they can be generalized to many situations. At the same time, there is an appropriate focus on the fine technical details that raise students to the next level. I am impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the teaching team and collegiality at the club. The Salvosa BJJ Academy produces many world class Brazilian JiuJitsu practitioners, yet retains a warm family friendly atmosphere. The amazing progress I have seen in my own children during their BJJ training is the true testimonial to the outstanding instruction by Professor Omar and the Salvosa BJJ Academy!

Charles Wei
MD, FRCPCStaff Nephrologist, Lakeridge Health

Welcoming and Safe

My husband and I cannot recommend Salvosa Jiu-Jitsu Academy highly enough. We are very happy to be a part of Professor Omar’s jiu-jitsu family. Like all parents, we had concerns about how to educate our children on how to be safe and take care of themselves in a variety of situations at school or in the neighbourhood. After hearing about Professor Omar’s classes from friends, we signed up our 7 year old son a couple of years ago and we could not be more pleased. Professor Omar teaches Jiu-jitsu in a way that the kids learn a variety of techniques and does so in a manner that is fun for the kids. During each class, the students get paired up to practise what they’ve just been taught and Professor Omar consciously makes pairings to suit each child (whether to challenge a student with a tougher sparring partner or to help them improve on a specific skill). As a parent, it’s wonderful to see the marked improvement in your child’s focus, discipline and physical health but it’s even better knowing that they’re learning a life skill that will assist them into adulthood. We believe that Professor Omar and his wife Beverly provide a welcoming environment for your child to grow and learn and look forward to many more years with this academy.

Julie Kwon
Elementary School Principal for the Toronto District School Board

Black Belt’s Perspective

Professor Omar has opened my mind to the ability of JiuJitsu to positively enhance every area of one’s life. I walked into his club 12.5 years ago and through all my stages of development he has provided a positive environment for personal growth. I have enjoyed my time learning from him and even though I am one of his black belt instructors, I have brought my own children to learn from him. Professor Omar presents Jiu-Jitsu as more than a collection of techniques to win a physical fight, but a way to approach all the challenges we face in life on a daily basis.

Professor Jason McDonald
Black belt BJJ and Black belt Judo

Professional atmosphere

Having little to no experience in martial arts, it became my goal to become a physically, mentally, and spiritually stronger individual. In my vast search for a female-friendly, open-minded, inclusive, and professional atmosphere, I was faced with many gyms that fell short of what I was looking for. Upon finding Salvosa Jiu-Jitsu Academy and meeting Professor Omar Salvosa, my search came to an end. I finally found a gym that not only fulfilled my requirements but also gave me much more than what I was looking for. I rapidly grew in skill, developed a new interest to compete, gained a lot of confidence, made meaningful lasting friendships, and, for once, belonged. If you are interested in a superior level of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction and MMA, look no further. At Salvosa Jiu-Jitsu Academy, your growth, comfort, preferences, and over all well-being is top priority to all of the instructors and fellow students. You will be met with friendly faces, unconditional acceptance, and amazing black-belt instruction upon every class.

Susan H.
BJJ & MMA Practitioner

Highest level of technical training

When we signed our son up 9 years ago for Jiu-Jitsu at Salvosa Academy with Professor Omar we were confident that he would learn a lot about Jiu-Jitsu. However, we greatly underestimated the value the entire experience would entail for our son. He is not only receiving the highest level of technical training and knowledge from Professor Omar, he is also learning about the importance of community and caring for others. Professor Omar teaches his students to be unafraid, self-assured and humble at the same time. Eric has learned to embrace the challenge of competition, that if he prepared, and did his best, win or lose he was happy, content, and without regret. The discipline and love for Jiu-Jitsu that our son has learned from Professor Omar has spilled over into school resulting in academic success. Professor Omar is an incredible role model to his students and he truly cares about every single one of them. We have seen so many children thrive under his tutelage and we consider our family lucky to be part of the Salvosa Jiu-Jitsu Family.

Frank and Tracey Capuano

Integrity,honour and respect

After 10 years off competition, my coach/Professor and mentor on one week’s notice re-entered the competition scene and won the No-Gi Worlds. He has inspired me countless times, but this time he has outdone himself. Thank you Professor Omar Salvosa for giving me jiu-jitsu and representing it with integrity,honour and respect.

Ashton Nemdhari

Top of the pack

Professor Omar Salvosa won Gold in the No-Gi Worlds, which he entered on a week’s notice after 10 years out of competition. Medal or no medal, I am truly inspired by this man and his passion and love for jiujitsu and for sharing this every day with his students- it is inspiring to see him take on this challenge, and to see him come out on top of the pack. This is why I train team Ascension and team Carlson Gracie. So proud to be part of this family. Oss.

Lily Lajoie

One big happy family

After taking break from training I decided to get back to lose some weight and get back into shape. I’ve known Professor Omar since high school and I’ve heard how intense his classes are. Since joining the club I’ve lost almost 22lbs and actually got down to my high school weight. I’ve done other martial arts in the past and have trained in other gyms but they don’t compare to the environment and training you get at Team Ascesnion. Professor Omar is very hands on with all his students to ensure that they all reach their personal goals, whether it’s losing weight, winning a gold medal at competition or winning your first MMA fight. Everyone in the gym is so helpful and willing to share their techniques to help you improve or figure out your jiu jitsu game. The atmosphere is very unique at Team Ascension. Being a very competitive gym, we are also one big happy family. My wife and 2 daughters now train with me. pretty much almost everyday. The VIBE at Team Ascension is AWESOME!….One Love:)

Rico Maranan

There are no egos here

Started here 7 years ago just to get into better shape. I found people a lot smaller would have total control of me and wondered how this could be! Over time, the detailed instructions from prof Omar Salvosa came together so that I to was able to repeat the techniques well enough to control others. The classes are such that they challenge any level to improve so all can get the most from it and those newer challenge themselves to higher standards each time. Even in a large class, everyone always feels like they are getting personal attention and they do! I enjoy helping out those new to the academy as I was helped by higher belts when I started. Here your always challenged respectively
to get better and improve your technique, help is always there. There are no egos here, everyone is made welcome at any level.

Sidney D’Souza

Truly passionate

My 6 year old son started training here a few months ago. What made me chose this place for him over others – despite it being far from us- is the amount of attention he gets from Professor Omar Salvosa as well as his many other volunteer coaches who are there to make sure no mistakes go uncorrected. The amount of helpers is a testament to how much Omar is respected and liked by his students. But aside from the high coach/student ratio, Omar is someone who is truly passionate about educating kids. Highly recommended!

Marcus Picaser

Best BJJ club in the city

Best BJJ club in the city. Great atmosphere, clean facility and great owner. I don’t have anything negative to say about this place. I’ve been training on and off for a number of years and have visited a number of other clubs. I chose to train at Salvosa even when I lived on the other side of the city. If you’re looking for somewhere to train with friendly, helpful and skilled individuals, this is it. Look no further. See you on the mats!

Michael Glassman

Developing individuals

Professor Salvosa is an amazing instructor and a talented Jiu Jitsu fighter. He is consistently able to create excitement and positive energy in his classes. The culture in the gym is challenging, but rewarding. It focuses on developing individuals tailored to their personal goals.

Sivarooban Markandu

Growing as a team

I’ve trained in martial arts for many years in different disciplines and under different instructors. There are schools out there that have become mainly a business with less emphasis on the development of the individual student. There are schools that will promote students even though the student has not shown proficiency or has not earned the promotion. Salvosa BJJ is most assuredly not one of them. For those searching for an instructor who genuinely cares about the development and progression of each student and will gladly give individual attention, Professor Salvosa is definitely one such instructor. For those looking for a place to train where emphasis is given to growing as a team and each success is earned, Salvosa BJJ is certainly an academy to consider.

Jeffrey R. Robles

As a woman who trains here…

Salvosa BJJ Academy is a great martial arts training school in Toronto. Professor Omar is an exceedingly skilled black belt and dynamic teacher who does not lose sight of his students achievements and developments. The people training here are always willing to help out and make up for the great energy and culture. As a woman who trains here, I can absolutely validate myself in saying Salvosa BJJ is a great place to train for women, kids and men.

Charmaine A.

Hands on coach

One of the best places to train in Toronto. Omar is a hands on coach who has been honing his craft for decades. His skills in the gym are only second to his kindness, generosity and attitude. He always gives you just a bit more. Whether you’re having a tough time grasping a technique, or having troubles outside the gym he always takes the time to give you the time.

Sajid Rizvi

Most patient instructors

I met Omar over 10 years ago at the MMA expo, I hadn’t really trained in BJJ yet at that point. I was living downtown and later decided to attend a few BJJ schools it wasn’t until I found Salvosa BJJ in 2010 I think it was that I truly fell in love with the martial arts aspect of BJJ. I then took a few years away and came back about 2 years ago and have not let go since…it’s a testament to the academy that the day I decided to enrol in BJJ I only thought of Salvosa BJJ, this despite the fact that I had now moved to Whitby, it was worth it and still is. The atmosphere was unlike any school I’ve been to before, the first thing as a new member you’ll notice is the positivity on the mats. If you want an environment where you can truly learn and be taught by some of the best most patient instructors this is where you should come. Women, children, men, all are more than welcome in this 2nd home.

Sofian El Keurti

family. team. stronger. together.

ascension

Salvosa BJJ Ascension

31 Progress Avenue, Unit 1
(Kennedy & Hwy 401)
Scarborough, Ontario

416•677•2722

info@mmatoronto.com

Academy H0urs

Open 7 days a week. Contact us for more information.