Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym in Burlington
Burlington BJJ has been dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction since 2009, founded by certified IBJJF black belt Ahmad (Alex) Zahabi. Our academy emphasizes technical proficiency, safety, and community building through structured classes for all skill levels. With a team of experienced instructors, including world-champion competitors, we offer both recreational and competitive training environments. Our curriculum focuses on fundamental techniques, live sparring, and personalized guidance to ensure student growth. We maintain a welcoming atmosphere for beginners while supporting advanced practitioners in refining their skills.Our facility in Burlington, Ontario, serves as a hub for local and international martial arts enthusiasts. Through regular competition preparation and community engagement initiatives, we foster personal development and physical fitness. Our commitment to quality instruction has earned recognition from students and competitors alike. We prioritize accessibility with flexible membership options and a 7-day free trial program. Our approach combines decades of collective teaching experience with modern training methodologies to deliver exceptional value to our members.
Services
BJJ Classes
Competition Training
Kids Programs
Gi Sales
Private Lessons
Rolling Sessions
Belt Promotion
Tournament Prep
No-Gi Training
Women's Classes
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of structured BJJ instruction with certified black belt coaching
- Our team includes world-champion competitors and experienced martial arts instructors
- We provide personalized training paths for both recreational and competitive practitioners
- Our facility maintains optimal student-to-instructor ratios for effective learning
- We guarantee contract-free memberships with flexible training schedule options
What people say
Best coaching in GTA
Friendly training partners
Womens only class excellence
Student to teacher ratio
Safe welcoming environment
Services
BJJ Classes
Structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for all belt levels. Our curriculum combines fundamental techniques with live sparring practice. Classes emphasize technical precision, positional control, and practical application through partner drills. Instructors provide personalized feedback to improve individual skill development.
Competition Training
Specialized preparation for competitive BJJ athletes. This program includes rule-specific strategy, match simulation, and performance analysis. Our team has produced multiple international champions through systematic competition development programs.
Kids Programs
Age-appropriate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for children. Curriculum focuses on fundamental movement patterns, discipline, and safe technique application. Classes incorporate games and partner drills to develop coordination while maintaining engagement.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals. Sessions address specific technical weaknesses, competition preparation, or accelerated learning paths. Personalized feedback helps students overcome plateaus and refine their unique fighting style.
Rolling Sessions
Controlled live sparring sessions for skill application. Participants practice techniques against resisting opponents while developing timing and adaptability. Instructors supervise to ensure safety and proper technique execution during these practical training sessions.
People
Ahmad (Alex) Zahabi
Head Coach
Second-degree IBJJF black belt with 20+ years teaching experience. Founder of Burlington BJJ in 2009, former Tristar Gym instructor, and brother of UFC coach Firas Zahabi. Holds PhD in Science from McGill University.
Emily McGivern
Black Belt Instructor
2024 Pans Gold medalist and multiple world championship winner. Competes internationally while teaching technical fundamentals and competition strategy. Brings competitive experience from brown to black belt divisions.
Victor McLean
Black Belt Instructor
15-year BJJ veteran with expertise in advanced technique application. Focuses on safe training methodology while maintaining technical intensity. Emphasizes detail-oriented instruction for complex positions.
Chris Hood
Black Belt Instructor
High-level competitor with diverse martial arts background. Trained with top-tier athletes while developing a competency-based teaching approach. Specializes in performance optimization and team dynamics.
Geoff Liang
Brown Belt Instructor
Since 2014, has focused on foundational technique development. Competes in non-traditional rulesets to test skill limits. Prioritizes creating adaptable learning frameworks for new students.
Questions
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience needed. Beginners receive specialized instruction and are paired with experienced practitioners for guidance.
Are memberships contract-based?
All memberships are month-to-month with no contracts. You can cancel or pause at any time.
What should I wear for my first class?
Breathable athletic clothing is sufficient. Avoid loose shirts or shorts with zippers for safety during training.
Is competition mandatory for advancement?
Competition is optional. Most members aren't competitors, and promotions focus on technical proficiency rather than tournament results.
Can I try before committing?
We offer a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. Friends receive 14-day trials when joining together.
Who founded the academy?
Head Coach Alex Zahabi established Burlington BJJ in 2009. He's a second-degree black belt and brother of Tristar Gym founder Firas Zahabi.
Reviews (4)
Alaa Allen Elbanna
Nov 05, 2020
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Amazing place to train. Since joining, I've traveled to different gyms (as part of work trips) and witnessed the difference in quality first hand. Lucky to call this my home gym. Alex Zahabi doesn't spare any effort in helping any of us improve. The culture is great and all of the higher belts are a pleasure to train with.
Petrisor Mateescu
Jan 10, 2020
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I just can describe in words what this sport means to me since I started and I can tell you that Alex Zahabi is one off the best person that I ever met. This club is a big nice family that I can highly recomend to everyone. Thank you Alex Zahabi !!!!
Tyler Philips
Sep 20, 2019
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This gym is absolutely amazing! I signed up with the one month free trial and have been hooked ever since. Coach Zahabi's skill and teaching style is unparalleled and everyone is very welcoming and helpful
Jiu Jitsu has become a very important part of my life and I recommend for anyone to go and give it a try
Jiu Jitsu has become a very important part of my life and I recommend for anyone to go and give it a try
Enoch Wat
Dec 29, 2018
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Alex Zahabi gives everything he has to his students. The high level of technique and ever evolving knowledge keeps the entire club at the forefront of the sport. In all aspects of his life he persues excellence. Zahabi family of 4, Phd, MBA & black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
