Elite Training Center

Elite Martial Arts Centre is an excellent mixed martial arts gym in Calgary with amazing coaches, a highly experienced competitive team, and a decent facility. I was originally just a member of Canuckles MMA, but got a second membership at Elite because they had things to offer that Canuckles didn’t. Both gyms have their pluses and minuses which is why I keep two memberships, and I consider myself a member of both teams. I would recommend the hell out of either gym, and if you asked me to pick a favourite, I couldn’t do it!
First off, the training/​competitors at Elite MMA are just that — elite. Francois Duval is an amazing muay thai coach who literally gives his fighters 110%. The calibre of his stand-​up instruction is top-​notch; there are trainers that can teach you how to throw a punch or set-​up combos, but Francois breaks it down like a science. Everything from the way you’re turning your feet, when to turn your fist for the punch, where you’re looking, where your feet are, where your hands are, etc. You can spar all day and actually become a force to be reckoned with, but that will only take you so far. Crisp technique is the difference between a good martial artist and a great martial artist. If you’re a regular UFC watcher, you’ll notice that the tough, brawling fighters only get so far — the technical fighters are the ones who become champions. Not only does Elite have Francois, Master Dab, a Thai who has been doing muay thai longer than I’ve been alive, is also a regular instructor. It takes years of coaching to achieve the level that these guys are on. A point I feel I have to touch on is just because you’re a skilled martial artist does not necessarily mean that you know how to teach, and vice versa. Sean Thompkins, one of Canada’s most famous mixed martial arts coaches for example, had a professional record of 0 – 4, yet went down as one of the greatest coaches of all time. In other words — coaching is an art all on it’s own and it takes years to master.
One thing I like about Elite is the day classes they have available — muay thai on Tuesdays and Thusdays at noon. This is huge. A vast majority of the martial arts/​fitness clubs in the city only offer classes during the evenings. For a person who works all nights, 6 days on, 3 days off, this is extremely inconvenient. Sure you can train solo, but it just isn’t the same. The drive/​extra work/​quality of training you get from a class is completely different than just lifting weights, running on the treadmill, or hitting the bag by yourself.
Elite Martial Arts Centre is extremely diverse with members of all skill-​levels, sizes, and genders. Their competitive team is extremely successful — but don’t take my word for it, Google their records and see for yourself. A gym can brag all they want, but the results in the octagon are what counts. Having people this talented to critique and train with you will boost you exponentially. If you’re a person who’s just considering signing up, Elite is great for that too; I would say they have more new members than old members at this gym. Another thing that cuts Elite from the pack is the amount of females they have there. It’s no secret that girls in an MMA club are a rarity. This can discourage many interested females from signing up — and I don’t blame them! What girl wants to do any activity where she’s singled out and surrounded by 30 men, let alone roll around on the ground and fight with them! If you’re a girl, there will be plenty of other ladies for you to work with.
Lastly, the location is very accessible and convenient. Deerfoot to Barlow, a right 90 seconds later, and you’re there!
Elite offers a one-​week free trial so what are you waiting for — if you’re interested, try it out! Whether you want to learn a martial art, to fight in the ring one day, or simply get in shape, I can confidently say that Elite will get you to reach your goals.