Reviews of K2 Martial Arts & Fitness

The absolute worst shadey business in the ottawa area.

Predatory sales pressure, they sign you up with the intention of keeping you as a member for at least 5 years, whether you want to be or not. They do a lot of their payment for the extra seminars etc cash only.

The level of training is laughable, the cult like mentality has the head coach not pulling punches and injuring training partners to show off to the rest of the room. They instruct their staff to not cancel memberships and to bounce people between the 3 owners and still try and take money from your bank years after leaving.

You don't get any paperwork detailing what the contract is and they charge you a huge upfront sign up fee which is supposed to save you money but you still pay 120 bucks biweekly and then they charge you a renewal fee again. Massively unprofessional and they just closed down their third location for non-payment of the rent. Avoid like the plague.

Unprofessional and predatory. Lackluster, repetitive training. Says they are a machado affiliate but not listed as an affiliate anywhere on the Machado list of affiliates. Customer service is predatory and two faced. Complete lack of respect for students who are just seen as marks. Will continue to take payments out even after you eventually get through to someone to cancel your membership. There are many other reputable BJJ gyms in the city, save your money, time and frustration and avoid this place!

Continues to take money long after membership has been cancelled! Do NOT give them banking info!!

They continuously change trainers and schedule, without any previous agreement, sometimes with schedule not matching with your personal needs.

THEY NEVER NEVER REPLY ANY KIND OF REQUEST.

I requested many times, since February 2020, in person, by e-mail and registered mail, a partial reimbursement of membership fees paid to the martial arts school, due to certain unexpected personal circumstances and as a result of Covid-19 restrictions which limited access to the facility.

Despite these attempts, there has been no concrete effort on the part of your gym to address my request for partial reimbursement.

I am dismayed, frustrated and quite surprised at the lack of attention to my concerns, particularly given that my family and I have been very good and loyal clients of the facility for a number of years.

I am troubled by their lack of attention to a long-standing client, particularly in light of the principles of honour, professionalism and respect on which their martial arts program is said to be based, especially to our children.

I trained BJJ at K2 for the two years that I was living in Ottawa. During this time I had very positive experiences with both the instructors and my training partners. I am very disappointed that I have to leave this review about K2’s business practices as a caution to others who are thinking about joining.

I have been trying to end my contract because I moved out of province for work. This is an option under the terms of the contract. Since submitting the required “Intent to Cancel Form” and proof of my new address no one will respond to me. The contract indicates that it may take up to 30 days to process the cancelation. It is now well beyond that period. I continue to be billed, the staff continue to be active on social media, but no one from K2 will reply to me.

While I was a member I had heard about this reputation. I ignored these stories because I had not seen this side of K2’s administration. This was a mistake. There are many BJJ gyms in Ottawa that have excellent instructors AND reputable business practices. I strongly advise anyone who is looking for a martial arts gym to avoid K2 as there are numerous better options in the area.

It is shameful when gyms play into the "rip-you-off strip mall McDojo" stereotype. If you are new to BJJ, please know that these business practices are not reflective of all BJJ gyms.

I was a dedicated member even after not being successful with the 6-week challenge. I regret that. I am not trying to get out of a contract because I'm not committed, it's strictly because I've severely broken my leg and can't even walk!

K2 are crooks. I was a dedicated member until I shattered my leg in a skiing accident. I asked them to cease my membership on medical grounds and they have dismissed me or completely ignored every request. The accident happened in March and I've been fighting since. I'm still not allowed to walk on it and won't be able to do intense exercise for at least a year. When I tried to put a stop-payment on the automatic withdrawals my bank had difficulties. K2 makes their name as a payee so difficult that stop-payments don't even work. They include special characters and spell "Ottawa" as "Ottowa. " What kind of institute which teaches it's students decency and respect does that to their members? Maybe if you ran a better gym people wouldn't be trying to leave and you wouldn't have to stoop to that level.

To anyone considering the 6-week challenge: take the $500 dollars they are asking for and get a membership at a community centre. They have classes, you can hire trainers, you can go swimming and use the equipment. These crooks will take your money and half the time they don't give it back, even if you are successful with the challenge.

I have been a BJJ student of K2 Barrhaven off and on since 2010. I have had to cancel my membership twice due to additions to my family. I don't understand people complaining about having difficulty cancelling their memberships. You sign a contract when you start. When it is finished you can stop paying. I can't break my mortgage because my BBQ is broken. If you promise to pay for a specific length of time, fulfill that promise.

The BJJ program at K2 is excellent. There are lots of class times to accommodate any schedule, including morning classes (perfect for shift work). The instruction is well structured and builds on what you have already learned, allowing you to cement that training into your repertoire. Fitness is a focus, and it SHOULD be! If you meet an out-of-shape martial artist, they aren't real. Instructors are friendly and there are always lots of people in the classes so you can always find a challenge.

If I had to make a critique, it would be with the "test week" system. As a shift worker I could never make it to four nights in a row, so it was difficult to progress in rank. But I'm happy being a murderous 2-stripe white belt.

Avoid at all costs. What they promise is not what you get. Very self centered owner.

The good: The teachers are nice and when it comes to keeping the class motivated, they're excellent. The instructors clearly know the ins and outs of what they're teaching.

The bad: K2 Kickboxing is not a place for technique - it is more focused on making the motions of kickboxing in as little time as possible. Because of class sizes (and even in smaller classes), teachers do not devote enough attention to developing and honing technique - more often than not content with a "good enough. " This not only leads to bad form, but increases the likelihood of injury.

The awful: I've been a loyal K2 student for a total of 2 years now, but I am hoping to call it quits. Having signed a 2-year contract in December 2015 with the full intent of attending regularly, I had to freeze my membership from January through March due to a family emergency and personal matter. The term "membership freeze" is misleading - while your time is credited for use in the future, money continues to be taken from your account.

Having missed time since then for personal reasons or because of injury, my membership with K2 has become more of a liability than an asset. After attempting to cancel my contract, I was informed I could only do so for a significant financial penalty - at time, $700! I cannot afford the penalty, but continue to attend as many classes as possible because the bi-weekly payments are "affordable" despite financial constraints I face, and because I have to get my money's worth. I had hoped that as a long-time student I would be shown some compassion or flexibility - or even minimum quality customer service - but I have been found wanting. It has stopped becoming enjoyable and feels like more of an obligation than a recreation.

Do not sign a contract with K2 unless you can attend as many classes as possible, can make the payments, and are okay with it being a cardio-first-technique-second kind of program.

What a waste of time. They are closed on Sundays, so why would you schedule me on the day that you are Closed??? I showed up only to find out that they are closed. How unreliable. Scheduling was done by email, which was highly inefficient in the first place going back and forth.

Beware! I signed up for kickboxing classes, but they ended up being exactly what K2 promised they would not be: overpriced cardio kickboxing taught by people with questionable credentials. Some teachers are better than others, but the focus of these classes is to give you a workout by imitating kickboxing moves and not teaching serious combat sport skills! The classes are large, they play music in the background, and the trainers will show you how to imitate moves, but won't correct your technique. I have witnessed trainers telling people they were doing a "good job" when they were obviously and patently doing it wrong and could easily injure themselves. This is not a serious dojo. The equipment is old and ripped. And good luck getting your money back after the two-month trial. I am one month in, trying to reach the membership coordinator who handles these matters, and following many, many emails and calls, including visits, I finally filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Their conduct is unprofessional and disrespectful. I would recommend that you stay far away from this joke of a dojo.

this place is nothing but a joke!! I signed up for kickboxing and seriously injured my shoulder and was moving out of the city. I had a Drs note and could provide any proof they required. This has been going on since December. It's now February 20th. The manager Dave dragged his feet and was not helpful at all. Even with legitimate reasons for cancelling I had to pay $168 to cancel! Wtf?? Save your money people and go somewhere else!! K2 wants nothing but your money!

And the training is subpar! What a joke! They'll be closed in 2 yrs. ..

If you read all the positive reviews, in this blog, you can see that they are written in the same style and manner. They probably hired a public relations company to beef up their ratings. The bottom line is that the owner only wants to get your money. Be extremely careful in dealing with this guy. When he sees you walking in the door as a potential new customer he only sees the dollar signs $$$$$$$.

My son loved this place for 3 years. Then he broke his arm, while under their care, and had to sit out for 6 weeks. As a result, he moved on and wanted to cancel.

I signed their 'Request to Cancel" on September 8, 2015. Having little faith they would handle this in a timely manner, I put a stop payment on October. Of course, October 1 comes around and they tried to withdraw payment. I sent an email quite upset at this.

Their solution? They want to discuss my son's training. I responded clearly both in email and phone, that we want to withdraw, cancel, stop, just make this end! Now it's October 22 and they say management has to review and approve my cancellation request that was submitted over 1. 5 months ago (Sept. 8). I've requested to speak to whomever runs this joke of a business and have yet to hear back.

Needless to say my next complaint is to BBB.

I am presently part of the bjj class. The sensei are always keeping the classes interesting and fun. You always end up having an amazing work out and learning useful martial arts techniques in the process.

I initially started taking the kickboxing classes at the Barrhaven location for K2 martial arts and fitness as a method of cross training for running. I absolutely love the kickboxing classes with upbeat and encouraging instructors and teammates and an excellent dynamic cardio workout. After doing the kickboxing classes 2x/week for 2 weeks, I was encouraged to try the BJJ classes. Having never done jiu jitsu before, I initially found it a bit overwhelming, which I now understand is normal when beginning your training. However, with the support of some impressively talented and encouraging instructors and my classmates, I've really come to enjoy both the mental and physical strengthening that comes with jiu jitsu training. It is a great whole body strengthening program in a very supportive environment. I would highly recommend the Barrhaven K2 martial arts and fitness facility to anyone looking for a supportive and encouraging team to progress your training or give you a fun way to get or stay in shape!

I would say this dojo is a great fit for those who have time to commit to the full list of courses. If and when you sign a contract, be prepared to follow through with your payments as required. Should you decide to cancel, you will likely have to involve the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Ontario to have the cancellation completed.

The jiujitsu classes are generally good, with a nice mix of technical and conditioning work. You get what you put into it, however even if you only do the minimums (attendance is the minimum), you still progress to black belt regardless of technique and ability.

Sad to say, but it's a money club that has a loyal following because people are stuck once they sign a contract. Do your research first and do not give in to the HEAVY pressure tactics when reviewing the plans they have available if you do not feel comfortable.

they not honest in their deal

Every time said different that present in the deals

Be carful better not made deal with them

I love going to K2 MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS. amazing coaches and they are very understanding and they are very helpful. I hope one day to become a female MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FIGHTER and with their training I see that as a possible goal. I would recommend this school.

Just another money grabbing company. What they promise prior to you signing on the dotted line is totally untrue. We were told that if our child was not comfortable with the group lessons they would fully refund us. After 6 months our child asked us to end the membership. K2 told us that no refund was available and to sell the rest of the membership on Kijiji. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS TO ANY ADULT OR CHILD.

I honestly really enjoyed the kickboxing classes but when I accepted a new job 500km away from Ottawa, I sent in the cancellation forms and two pieces of proof for my move - this was mandatory to send for the cancellation to go through.

I sent my forms and proof of move in on May 5th, today is June 2nd - since this time I've called and emailed the gym and the gym's accountant to figure out the status of this cancellation. Today, I finally received an email saying it was not approved and that I now owe $300. They didn't give an explanation.

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING WITH THIS GYM!!!!!

I have been a student at K2/NX Martial arts for 4 years and I love the BJJ program. One of my teammates just won the Master Worlds as a purple belt, that seems like pretty real BJJ to me. They have so many classes they offer from fundamental, regulator, competition and women’s only classes. Accusing my instructor of buying their black belts is absolutely ridiculous, you cannot buy a RCJ Machado black belt. We are fortunate enough to have three RCJ Machado black belts; all three instructors have over 15 years of experience in grappling and have travelled to seminars and in BJJ camps with the tops BJJ black belts in the world. Someone with 1-3 year experience at a school cannot grasp the time, effort and training my instructors had to go through to achieve their black belts. I find it very sad, that some people are very easy to judge other people credentials and achievements. My instructors are fantastic, legit and they definitely know what they are doing. Not every school is a perfect fit for everyone; I get that but don’t let your personal vendettas diminish my instructors’ achievement.

They steal money and they don't even teach proper jujitsu. Their whole program is a joke! They bought their blackbelts in bjj and try to teach krav maga but don't know the first thing about it. Save your self's! Go somewhere else

I love the early morning BJJ classes. It's so much fun. Initially I was a little apprehensive about trying the class but I quickly realize how amazing BJJ is, I would recommend training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for anyone. It's hard to describe you got to just try it out for yourself. The teacher is very nice, he even stays late to help everyone after the class.

Ive been trying to cancell my membership since feb2014 and it is now Sep2014!!!! and they are still taking my money out of my account everytime they tell me that the payments are stopped. Very unorganized

Resist coercive tactics used by manager in Barrhaven to get you registered.

My husband and I decided to sign my 9 yr old son up for the 30 day “free” trial. When we went in for the initial meeting we were told that if we waived the 30 day free trial we could save money on the enrollment free and still have 60 days to cancel the contract. In that interview I told them that my son was already enrolled in hockey and that he had been diagnosed with a learning disability for which he was getting tutoring, so he was already out 3 times a week and I was not sure he could handle 5 nights a week. Again told no worries that I had 60 days to cancel as long as he attended the 2 classes a week. My son went for the minimum 2 classes per week for 2 or 3 weeks and then decided he could not handle all the nights out. We sent an email requesting a cancelation and that is when the nightmare started. You will have to fight tooth and nail to cancel even if you follow all the rules they set out in the contract.

Once they have your credit card, there is no cancelling. Injury? Forget it... You are in for the year, like it or not.

I've been training with Coach Delphie for almost a year. I love her classes! Initially I was nervous about training in such a male dominated sport but found the atmosphere very welcoming and friendly. I'm not a very competive person so this has been a really positive experience for me. I looking to compete sometime in the fall. However even if you don't want to compete, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is excellent for building confidence in one self.

I am a former martial arts student from K2. I still practice when I can, I go for runs and attend sessions given for free by coaches at other schools. I originally trained at FIT mma, I was there for about a year and a half doing muay Thai, no gi jujitsu, and boxing. I've also been a student at Victory mma for 6 months and have visited/ participated with N-1 Thai boxing, beaver boxing, access mma and evolution (on an invite basis). I joined k2 since it was close to my home and I've NEVER had a worse experience. I felt alienated from the team, rejected by the students, they always pressured me to buy their equipment and logos and I always felt uninformed of events and potential extra training (even though I paid 109 biweekly! That's about 250$ a month once you get your 26 payments. To top things off, I was an active member who decided that I disliked the gym. I wanted my 60 day money back guarantee, I wanted to leave the gym, for satisfaction reasons as well as financial reasons. K2 martial arts had given me a membership card about 30 days into my membership and never even told me the importance of using it! So three months at the gym, I've paid over 1000$ and they're still asking me for 700$ to cancel the remaining contract, again with the worst service imaginable. For anyone reading, there are much better gyms in Ottawa, whether it's for cardio and getting in shape or brazillian jujitsu, and especially if you want to compete.

Search: 100%martial arts, florin mma, Greco lean and fit, ronnin martial arts, victory mma, team evolution, the Ottawa academy of martial arts and many more. Even goodlife offers better value than k2.

Goodluck in your ventures and from athlete to athlete, you can do better than k2.

I'm a husband, father and grandfather. Everyone in my family has at one point or another participated in a program at K2 Martial Arts. I can't tell you enough about how welcoming and positive the atmosphere is at the school. I find the instruction very clear, positive, and constructive. The other students are great as well and very supportive of one and other. I'm a little up there age wise so I appreciate everyone working at a level I'm comfortable with. The school is very clean and well maintained which I appreciate very much. They have lots of equipment including padded floors, & punching bags, and work out equipment like Kettle bells and weights, they also have these new type of MMA bags that are really neat and versatile in the way you can use them. My grand children like the kicking paddles and Nunckaku(spiny things). I like it when someone hold the hand pads or shield for me it allows me to work on footwork and distance as I throw my punches and kicks. They also invite a lot of guest instructors to teach so it adds a lot of flavour to the classes. Last month they invited Matt Hughes a famous UFC fighter to teach. I even got an autograph and photo with him. I've been with them so long, that they now call me the 'Dojo Ambassador'(I know it sounds a little silly, but I appreciate that they try to make me feel involved and that I matter) and ask me to help greet and acclimatize new students to school. Hopefully I'll be there to greet you on the night you visit!

I have been studying at K2 Martial Arts for the last 6 and a half years starting in their basic kickboxing program and gradually enrolling in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. K2 has a great set of instructors and a variety of programs for different peoples needs. It is a warm, easy going environment that helps people achieve their best.

I started training at K2 MA a couple years ago and just fell in love with the place. I have been in other Ottawa MA gyms but the atmosphere and quality of the training is just not comparable to K2 MA. Everyone is friendly, and I am treated with respect and dignity. They cater to my ability and needs. I am an older woman with minimum sport experience and they build me up to a fantastic kickboxer. I recommend this gym to everyone who wants the best MA training. They have other awesome programs like brazilian jiu jitsu (where I see a lot of women), MMA, adult jiu jitus, kids martial arts.

So I've been learning for quite a while and I've learned a lot. From what other people say, it's a rip off. Either they are lying and have actually had no experience with this school or they are trying to give it a low rating on purpose. My brother quit the 60 day trial and we got our money back. Arthur known as the owner of the dojo is an amazing coach along with the friendly sensei's and senpai's.

DO NOT GO HERE!!! F RATING FROM BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU FOR BAD BUSINESS PRACTICES---------------------------------------------http://www.bbb.org/ottawa/business-reviews/martial-arts/k2-martial-artstherien-martial-arts-and-kickboxing-in-ottawa-on-36291 ---------------------------------------------------------------------stories of people here getting ripped offf------------------------------------------ http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96344&page=2&s=6a414f5d83fecf818531a1101c5b1a6b ------------------------------------------PEOPLE END UP GOING TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT TO GET THEIR MEMBERSHIP MONEY BACK!!!!!---------------------------------------------------------------------