Connection Martial Arts is also a member club of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) Canada, an organization committed to the safety of its athletes and to building a positive community in the sport. Learn more here.

What is mixed martial arts?

Mixed martial arts is a combat sport in which different disciplines are brought together. This can include, but is not limited to, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate, Taekwon-Do, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Connection Martial Arts can teach striking (stand up punching and kicking) and grappling (stuff on the ground). But this doesn’t mean you have to learn it all. Some people prefer striking; some prefer grappling. That is the beauty of an MMA studio - you get to choose!

Their Story

Inclusive Connection Martial Arts and Counselling Ltd. was founded by Nicole Sawin in response to barriers to participation in martial arts training experienced by folks marginalized by society. Nicole had watched many people come and go at the gyms she trained at - people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder; those struggling with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses; 2LGBTQIA+ folks; and others with intersectional identities. They were people who could really benefit from what a martial arts community had to offer, but they did not feel welcome in the mainstream gym cultures.

So, Nicole decided to create an inclusive, accessible, and accountable training space. It started in her basement in January 2023 with one class of six people (see picture below). Inclusive Connection Martial Arts and Counselling Ltd. was born on February 10, 2023.