Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Gym in Kitchener-Waterloo
At Darkside Muay Thai, we are dedicated to providing premier martial arts training in Kitchener-Waterloo. Our programs in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. With a focus on discipline, respect, and community, our experienced coaches foster a supportive environment where members grow both physically and mentally. Our 5,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art equipment, including a competition boxing ring and MMA cage.We emphasize teamwork and personal development, ensuring every member feels valued and motivated. Our mission is to enhance athletic performance, build confidence, and promote overall wellness through authentic martial arts training. Join a tight-knit community where champions are built through hard work and mutual support.
Services
Muay Thai
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA
Youth Programs
Fitness Training
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic martial arts training rooted in discipline and tradition.
- Our expert coaches include championship fighters and certified instructors.
- We provide programs for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
- Our supportive community fosters teamwork and personal growth.
- Our 5,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art training equipment.
What people say
Great coaches
More confident
Welcoming environment
Positive change
Supportive community
Services
Muay Thai
Authentic Muay Thai training in Kitchener-Waterloo, taught by experienced champions. Develop striking techniques, cardiovascular endurance, and mental focus. Ideal for self-defense, fitness, or competition. Our classes emphasize traditional discipline while adapting to modern training needs. Join a community that values skill development and mutual respect.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Master Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques for self-defense and competitive grappling. Our Waterloo-Kitchener programs cater to all skill levels, focusing on ground fighting, leverage, and strategic control. Learn from certified instructors with international competition experience. Build physical resilience and tactical problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.
MMA
Comprehensive MMA training combining striking, grappling, and conditioning. Designed for athletes seeking versatile combat skills in Kitchener-Waterloo. Our program integrates Muay Thai, BJJ, and wrestling fundamentals. Train in a structured environment that prioritizes safety, technical precision, and progressive skill development for amateur or professional aspirations.
Youth Programs
Specialized martial arts classes for children and teens in Kitchener. Foster discipline, confidence, and physical coordination through age-appropriate Muay Thai and BJJ instruction. Our programs emphasize character development, teamwork, and respectful behavior. Safe, engaging environment for young athletes to grow physically and mentally.
Fitness Training
High-intensity fitness programs blending martial arts techniques with strength and endurance training. Access Kitchener-Waterloo's premier facility featuring a weight room and 2,500+ sq ft matted area. Improve overall athleticism, burn calories, and build functional strength. Tailored workouts for individuals seeking practical fitness results through combat sports methodology.
People
Kru Darryl Marin
Coach
Kru Darryl Marin is a certified martial arts instructor with extensive international fighting experience. His expertise spans Muay Thai, MMA, and BJJ, with multiple North American championship titles. He emphasizes technical precision and mental resilience in training.
Kru Rick Walker
Coach
Kru Rick Walker brings decades of martial arts experience to Darkside Muay Thai. A decorated competitor with international accolades, he specializes in developing well-rounded fighters and fostering team cohesion. His teaching philosophy combines tradition with modern athletic development.
Questions
What is included in the free trial class?
The free trial includes access to any Muay Thai, BJJ, or MMA class. No equipment needed—just wear comfortable workout clothes and experience our training environment.
Are there age restrictions for martial arts classes?
We offer programs for all ages, including dedicated youth classes starting at age 5. Adults of all experience levels train together in separate skill-based sessions.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear athletic shorts, a t-shirt, and bring water. For BJJ, wear a rash guard if available. We provide loaner gloves and wraps for the trial class.
Do you offer competitive fight training?
Yes, our competition team trains fighters for amateur and professional events. We provide specialized sparring, conditioning, and strategy sessions for aspiring competitors.
Are classes available for women only?
We offer women-specific classes that focus on self-defense techniques and fitness training in a supportive environment tailored to female practitioners' needs.
Reviews (4)
Mary Sd
Aug 31, 2021
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It's really intimidating walking into a new gym (especially when you have never done martial arts before), but everyone at Darkside is so welcoming. All the trainers are super nice and take an interest in you -- no matter what stage you’re at. I like how they give me tips so, that I get the most out of every class. I've learned a lot the past couple of months and not to mention, I'm having fun while doing so! Glad I made it out and joined the club. Would highly recommend 😁
Sukh Saran
Jul 30, 2021
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Great place to learn a new skill and be physically active. Three demo classes, staff was helpful, and explains techniques for moving forward.
Jon Szucs
Jun 01, 2021
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A great atmosphere to train. Signed up for a year and they kept me positive and ran virtual training during the pandemic. Can’t wait to get back to it. Can’t recommend the place high enough.
Tran Le
May 22, 2021
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I have been training here since July 2020 and it has been a great experience. All the coaches/trainers at this gym are very welcoming and knowledgeable. Like any other gym, the harder you work the more you will get out of your experience but Darkside is still a great place to train recreationally as well! I would recommend anybody interested in martial arts to come train.
