The biggest MMA news in the Greater Toronto Area this weekend may have been the opening of the MMA World gym in Scarborough, drawing not only a multitude of fans from the city’s east end but also honoured guests Pickering-Scarborough East Member of Provincial Parliament Tracy MacCharles and former UFC middleweight champion Rich “Ace” Franklin.
The facility, located at on Marshall Drive near Morningside and 401, provides over 8200 square feet of training space with a full-size boxing ring and octagon, 1800 feet of grappling/jiu-jitsu space and a 1550 square foot yoga studio upstairs. There are a full range of classes offered, including boxing, wrestling, BJJ, combat fitness, yoga and kids’ classes.
Franklin was on hand for the grand opening to provide autographs and pictures for fans as well as run two seminars for those fortunate enough to attend. Franklin told MMASucka “I love Toronto and this is an amazing new facility, I’m honoured they asked me to attend”. MacCharles added that it was “a great achievement” for the city of Scarborough.
Even upon opening, the gym skyrockets to the top of the heap for quality martial arts instruction in the GTA. Owners Winston Layne and Gerry Gillis did a lot of research on MMA gyms not only in the GTA but Las Vegas as well, and their work has borne fruit in a beautiful facility that is clearly a labour of love. Martial arts students and fans in the area would do themselves a disservice not to check it out.
MMA World’s website can be found at www.mmaworld.ca and you can follow them on Twitter @MMAWorldAcademy
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