Toronto has plenty of gyms that teach one grappling art. We teach all three under one roof, and we get asked constantly: what’s actually the difference, and which one should I start with?

Judo: throws and control

Judo is built around throws, takedowns, and off-balancing your opponent, standing up. If the idea of throwing someone to the ground and controlling the fight from the feet sounds appealing, Judo is your starting point.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the ground game

BJJ picks up where Judo often leaves off, once you’re on the ground. It’s about position, leverage, and submissions. Size and strength matter far less than technique, which is why it’s one of the most accessible combat sports for any age or body type.

Wrestling: control and conditioning

Wrestling is relentless control, takedowns, and top pressure. It builds a level of physical conditioning and grit that carries directly into both Judo and BJJ. A lot of the best grapplers in the world have a wrestling base.

So which one is right for you?

Honestly, most serious grapplers end up training more than one. Judo sharpens your standup, wrestling builds your control and conditioning, and BJJ rounds out your ground game. That’s exactly why we built The Academy around all three, so you’re not stuck choosing.

Not sure where to start? Come to a free trial class and our coaches will help you figure out the right fit based on your goals.