FAQs

I have no previous martial arts experience whatsoever – can I still train at DCS?

Yes!!!

DCS is happy to offer introductory classes suitable for the absolute beginner in each of our disciplines, as well as our strength & conditioning programs. We are the ideal gym in Vancouver for beginners and pros alike. 

From our owner/head instructor Ryan Diaz:

“Starting Martial Arts and even walking into a new gym can be very intimidating. We make this experience as easy and pleasant as possible. At many gyms there is a feeling of intimidation.This occurs many times because there is a misconception that to be a tough you have to act tough. This is not a problem at DCS, I personally assure you. I can tell you from training all over the world with the best Martial Artists, they all don’t have to tell you they are tough they just are. We aren’t some fight gym and do not promote an MMA fight team. We are a group of various individuals from all walks of life with different goals. We all want to better ourselves and help each other get better and achieve our goals through Martial Arts.”

What programs/martial arts disciplines does DCS offer?

Muay Thai Kickboxing
Boxing
Jiujitsu (Gi & NoGi)
Conditioning

DCS has a crew of world class instructors providing lessons in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing, Jiujitsu (Gi & NoGi) and Conditioning. Further, we are proud to offer Women’s Only classes in both kickboxing and jiujitsu. We are confident no other martial arts gym in Vancouver can match the strength of our selection or the expertise of our instructors!

Check out our full schedule here.

Does DCS offer children's classes?

Yes!

Offering quality children’s martial arts classes in Vancouver is something we are proud to do. We offer children’s classes in kickboxing, jiujitsu and boxing for your child to take part in.

Our youth instructors are animated, passionate individuals who will engage your child and help them grow into life-long martial artists.

Our instructors instil values of courtesy, integrity, respect, self-discipline and confidence and each one of our classes. We strive to have a perfect balance of fun and discipline in each one of our children’s classes.

Find out more about our children’s classes here.

Do I need to be fit to start training at DCS?

Nope!

DCS welcomes students of all fitness levels and body types looking to train martial arts in Vancouver. You are never forced to do anything you don’t want to do or cannot do. We encourage everyone to go at their own pace and instructors are glad to help in any way possible even if it means to give alternatives to exercises or techniques in class.

I’m an older person, can I still train here?

Of course!

DCS welcomes students of all ages. We pride ourselves on our safe, welcoming atmosphere and we believe you can begin (or continue) your journey in martial arts at any age.

What equipment or training gear do I need to bring?

* Please note we have gear you can borrow for your first classes if you do not have any. You will need different gear depending on the classes you choose, but standard comfortable athletic wear is recommended for all.

You can purchase eqiupment and apparel both in the gym and at our online store.

Boxing
  • Hand wraps
  • Boxing gloves* (rentals available)
  • Boxing Shoes (optional). If no boxing shoes indoor shoes only
  • Mouth guard (Sparring only*)


*16oz gloves required for sparring
*Sparring is optional

Muay Thai Kickboxing
  • Hand wraps
  • Boxing gloves* (rentals available)
  • Shin guards
  • (Intermediate/Advanced/Sparring only*)
  • Mouth guard (Sparring only*)
    Athletic Cup/Support (Sparring only*)

*16oz gloves required for sparring
*Sparring is optional

NoGi Jiujitsu
  • Rash guard (recommended)
  • Mouth guard (recommended)
Jiujitsu
  • Gi with belt (required after one month of training. For first timers gi is not required)
  • Mouth guard (recommended)

Can I purchase training gear at DCS?

Yes

DCS has a broad selection of high-quality gear available for purchase at our Vancouver gym, including Muay Thai and MMA shorts, rash guards, Fairtex boxing gloves, hand wraps, and shin guards!

You can purchase eqiupment and apparel both in the gym and at our online store.

 

Can I become a professional fighter if I train at DCS?

DCS is home to many amateur and professional fighters, as well as world-class coaches. Our instructors currently train some of the top fighters in the world who compete in organizations like the UFC, Bellator, PFL, Glory Kickboxing to name a few. If you wish to compete in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Boxing, Jiujitsu or MMA in Vancouver, our instructors can give you the skills and knowledge you need to reach your potential – the only limit is your own drive!

What makes Muay Thai different from other forms of kickboxing?

Muay Thai is differentiated mostly by its focus on elbow and knee strikes, as well as the clinch – a close quarters mix of standup grappling and striking. Muay Thai fighters are also uniquely recognized for their rhythm, their long guard, and their use of front kicks to maintain distance. Our instructors are real Thai fighters who are thrilled to teach authentic Muay Thai in Vancouver.

What is the difference between boxing and Muay Thai?

While Muay Thai – the “art of eight limbs” – allows for the use of hands, feet, elbows, and knees to strike opponents, western or “traditional” boxing focuses entirely on striking with the hands. DCS is home to amazing boxing instructors, including former world champion Skipper Kelp, and Manny Sobral, former Canadian and IBO Boxing Champion of the World, whose focus on footwork and crisp, technical boxing make DCS the perfect spot for those interested in the sweet science to train boxing in Vancouver.

What is Jiujitsu?

Jiujitsu is a ground-fighting art that focuses on using leverage and techniques such as joint locks and chokes to control opponents. Jiujitsu is notoriously effective, allowing smaller persons to overcome strength disadvantages through technique. Our Jiujitsu program is helmed by world-class black belt Stuart Cooper, making DCS the best place to train Jiujitsu in Vancouver.

Do you offer other forms of fitness instruction?

Our strength and conditioning programs are some of the toughest, best fitness classes in Vancouver! The instructors, led by head strength coach Tak Sasaki, are strength and conditioning specialists who will help you reach your full potential. Each one is happy to offer private lessons, so your search for the best personal trainers in Vancouver is over!

What is the difference between Combat Conditioning and Fundamentals of Strength & Conditioning?

Fundamentals of Strength & Conditioning

The fundamentals class is geared towards beginners to strength and conditioning focusing on the proper technique in executing the exercises while building a functional body. Those who are experienced in conditioning are definitely welcome to attend and will still get a great workout.


Combat Conditioning

Combat conditioning classes are geared to training like a fighter without having to fight. Do the same exercises that professional fighters do to prepare for competition.

Will I lose weight training at DCS?

We recognize that every person may have unique fitness needs, but between our high intensity martial arts courses and our strength & conditioning programs, we are confident we can help you meet any fitness goals you have in mind! Our Muay Thai classes, for instance, are among the most rigorous forms of kickboxing in Vancouver and are particularly effective at burning calories and strengthening the body.

What sets DCS apart from other martial arts gyms in metro Vancouver?

The Number One reason people love DCS is the amazing, unparalleled vibe we have created.

The welcoming, non-intimidating, fun, friendly, inclusive and positive atmosphere we have is unmatched in the city. We ensure that all egos are left at the door and we boast that our instructors are not only the most knowledgable in the city but also the nicest. Everyone is welcome to come train with us regardless of experience, gender, age, religion. Our doors are open to anyone that wants to learn!!! We firmly believe DCS to be the best gym in Vancouver, if not all of Canada, for fitness and martial arts. We are set apart by our world class team of instructors – including coaches of world champions and multiple-time world champions themselves – and by our atmosphere, which is marked by enthusiasm, inclusivity, and positivity. We are home to a full boxing ring, half MMA cage, large strength & conditioning area, and mat space galore all at affordable rates. Drop by and see for yourself!

Can I try out a free class before committing to a membership?

Yep!

We are pleased to offer you one free trial class of your choice, which you can sign up for here!!!

I want to learn self defence, can I do that at DCS?

Absolutely

The principles you’ll learn in any of our Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing, or Jiujitsu classes are all excellent for self defence. Further, we routinely offer free women’s self defence seminars as well as children’s anti-bullying seminars. Anyone looking to learn self defence in Vancouver would be wise to check us out!

What are DCS instructors like?

The Best!!!

Our instructors are, quite frankly, the best! At DCS we employ legitimate, world-class talents to instruct our martial arts programs. Our instructors are multiple time world champions, coaches of current world champions, or trained by world champions themselves. They come from all over the world – Thailand, the UK, and Las Vegas are a few places our instructors call home – and bring our gym in Vancouver a truly global perspective on martial arts. They are truly passionate about their students’ progress and count your triumphs as their own.

I have some previous injuries, will I be okay to train at DCS?

YES

You are never forced to do anything you do not want to do or cannot do due to injury. So depending on the nature of your injuries, you may not be able to participate in certain classes/activities, we will do our best to recommend a class that won’t aggravate any pre-existing injuries, or our instructors will try to give you alternative exercises if you cannot perform the ones in class. You are never forced to do anything you do not want to do or cannot do due to injury.

Does DCS offer private lessons?

YES

All of our instructors offer private lessons that can be booked at our front desk. Lessons can be catered to your personal needs and wants, whether it be fitness, technique, cardio, conditioning or even for competition. No matter what discipline you choose, at DCS you can have a top-notch, world class instructor as a personal trainer in Vancouver!

Contact us by email at info@diazcombatsports.com to book a private session.

How can I sign up for a membership?

At the front desk

276 E Pender St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1T7

By phone

+1 604 979 0709

Is it possible to put my monthly membership on hold? 

YES

Members can put their memberships on hold for a prepaid fee of $7 per week or $28 per month (Minimum 1 week hold when placing holds).

Holds must be requested through our website.

What is your membership cancellation policy?

You can cancel your membership at any time, however we ask that you give us:

  • 30 days notice for a 6 month membership
  • 60 days notice for a 1 year membership


Cancellations must be requested through our website.

What are your hours of operation?

DCS is proud to offer a full slate of classes all week:

 
Opening Hours

Mon-Fri – 6:30am-9:00pm
Sat – 9:00am-2:00pm
Sun – 10:00am-1:15pm

Check out our full schedule here! 

We are also open for private sessions during periods with no scheduled class times.

Contact us by email at info@diazcombatsports.com to book a private session.