based on 46 reviews
Deven is a great guy, very approachable and professional, would recommend his academy to anyone!
My son cried his first day and Devon was nurturing and kind, he worked with him to build his confidence and now my son loves it!
Ground Control Academy is more than just a training space - it's a transformative environment that nurtures both mental and physical growth. Jiu-Jitsu at this academy helps practitioners develop mental fortitude, learn problem-solving skills, and build self-confidence. The coaches create an environment where students of all levels can thrive.The academy truly embodies the spirit of Brazilian Jiu-... More
Ground Control Academy is more than just a training space - it's a transformative environment that nurtures both mental and physical growth. Jiu-Jitsu at this academy helps practitioners develop mental fortitude, learn problem-solving skills, and build self-confidence. The coaches create an environment where students of all levels can thrive.The academy truly embodies the spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - teaching not just martial arts techniques, but life skills of patience, humility, and perseverance. It's not just a place to train, but a community that helps you become the best version of yourself. All 3 of my kids as well as my husband have trained here and we highly recommend it to everyone! Less
Have been training here for a few months and now have 4 kids in the program as well. Deven is an exceptional instructor and runs great classes for both children and adults. Highly recommend dropping in and trying a class. You won’t be disappointed!... More
Have been training here for a few months and now have 4 kids in the program as well. Deven is an exceptional instructor and runs great classes for both children and adults. Highly recommend dropping in and trying a class. You won’t be disappointed! Less
I highly recommend Ground Control. The coaches are great and work so well with the kids.
GCA is amazing. Both my son and I train here. The kids classes are age appropriate and my the positive benefits we have seen in my son our outstanding. The adult classes are safe, fun, and challenging. We love our time at GCA and are so thankful for Deven and his team.... More
GCA is amazing. Both my son and I train here. The kids classes are age appropriate and my the positive benefits we have seen in my son our outstanding. The adult classes are safe, fun, and challenging. We love our time at GCA and are so thankful for Deven and his team. Less
My son really enjoys the classes and coaches. We homeschool and we love the fact we can attend a weekday class during the day!!! Coach Deven is great with the kids. I’d fully welcome him being a bit stricter with our homeschool kiddos as he is in his evening classes. We will certainly be attending more classes should they offer this option for homeschool programs... More
My son really enjoys the classes and coaches. We homeschool and we love the fact we can attend a weekday class during the day!!! Coach Deven is great with the kids. I’d fully welcome him being a bit stricter with our homeschool kiddos as he is in his evening classes. We will certainly be attending more classes should they offer this option for homeschool programs Less
Both the coaches have been amazing with my children. My son takes awhile to warm up to people and he absolutely loves going to class! 5 star recommend!... More
Both the coaches have been amazing with my children. My son takes awhile to warm up to people and he absolutely loves going to class! 5 star recommend! Less
My son, my daughter and I have been learning Jiu Jitsu at Ground Control. We all love it! Instructors and classmates are great, prices are very reasonable and we are having a ton of fun 😁.... More
My son, my daughter and I have been learning Jiu Jitsu at Ground Control. We all love it! Instructors and classmates are great, prices are very reasonable and we are having a ton of fun 😁. Less
An excellent place to go to as a beginner. Deven is a very welcoming and encouraging instructor who knows how to work with everyone where they are at. As a beginner, it can feel like everything is moving at the speed of light, but the progressions we work through logically build upon each other and Deven breaks them down very clearly and explains everything thoroughly, which makes it easier to di... More
An excellent place to go to as a beginner. Deven is a very welcoming and encouraging instructor who knows how to work with everyone where they are at. As a beginner, it can feel like everything is moving at the speed of light, but the progressions we work through logically build upon each other and Deven breaks them down very clearly and explains everything thoroughly, which makes it easier to digest. The other members are also very welcoming and encouraging. There is no ego involved and it feels like a community. We are incredibly lucky to have such a high quality academy situated in Ardrossan. Less
Deven and his team are excellent. The parents are excellent. The kids, in turn, are excellent! It's great for everyone, thanks GCA!
Ground Control Academy has been a wonderful experience for us! My kids have really grown physically and mentally in the last year. Both of my kids have ADHD. We have noticed a big improvement in their focus and self-esteem since starting Jiu-Jitsu. They absolutely love going to class and have made many new friends. The atmosphere is so welcoming to everyone. I highly recommend!... More
Ground Control Academy has been a wonderful experience for us! My kids have really grown physically and mentally in the last year. Both of my kids have ADHD. We have noticed a big improvement in their focus and self-esteem since starting Jiu-Jitsu. They absolutely love going to class and have made many new friends. The atmosphere is so welcoming to everyone. I highly recommend! Less
I visited this gym on a trip from Ontario. Great experience training here. The gym is clean, people are friendly and the instructor was very knowledgeable, both with the little kids and adult classes. Overall, the gym feel is very safe and I’d gladly train here again.... More
I visited this gym on a trip from Ontario. Great experience training here. The gym is clean, people are friendly and the instructor was very knowledgeable, both with the little kids and adult classes. Overall, the gym feel is very safe and I’d gladly train here again. Less
My 3 boys love the class and the instructor.
Deven is an incredible instructor! I've been going to ground control for a year now and have been really happy with the atmosphere at the gym, great people, always respectful and helpful. Definitely going to keep going here to learn quality Jiu Jitsu techniques with a self-defense focus.... More
Deven is an incredible instructor! I've been going to ground control for a year now and have been really happy with the atmosphere at the gym, great people, always respectful and helpful. Definitely going to keep going here to learn quality Jiu Jitsu techniques with a self-defense focus. Less
The best Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu classes and instruction I've experienced. The head coach is a fantastic teacher who ensures his students understand what he is teaching and the philosophy behind it. He puts time and effort into his lesson plan and curriculum, updating it often to include techniques emerging at the highest levels of sport grappling. The gym and the people training there are very welc... More
The best Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu classes and instruction I've experienced. The head coach is a fantastic teacher who ensures his students understand what he is teaching and the philosophy behind it. He puts time and effort into his lesson plan and curriculum, updating it often to include techniques emerging at the highest levels of sport grappling. The gym and the people training there are very welcoming to both newcomers and more experienced grapplers. You cannot go wrong training at Ground Control! Less
Ground Control Academy has been such a great experience for us! My son has been doing the Little Ninja’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class for a couple months now & he has some learning/processing delays & Coach Deven has been great! He’s very patient with the kids, while still encouraging effort & growth. It’s a nice friendly learning environment with that small community feel. I even joined the Women’s... More
Ground Control Academy has been such a great experience for us! My son has been doing the Little Ninja’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class for a couple months now & he has some learning/processing delays & Coach Deven has been great! He’s very patient with the kids, while still encouraging effort & growth. It’s a nice friendly learning environment with that small community feel. I even joined the Women’s BJJ class & have really been enjoying it :) I highly recommend Ground Control Academy! Less
Great classes, amazing atmosphere. Deven is a great instructor and helps out any way he can. Highly recommend!
Ground Control Academy is very welcoming and family friendly, my 7 year old son loves going to his class. Coach Deven is great with kids and teaches them discipline and how to safely defend themselves in a very fun and engaging class. If you are looking for a jujitsu class for yourself or you child I would highly recommend GCA.... More
Ground Control Academy is very welcoming and family friendly, my 7 year old son loves going to his class. Coach Deven is great with kids and teaches them discipline and how to safely defend themselves in a very fun and engaging class. If you are looking for a jujitsu class for yourself or you child I would highly recommend GCA. Less
Deven is an excellent instructor and coach. The atmosphere of Ground Control Academy is one of friendly competition - awesome to learn in while encouraging lots of effort and growth. I’m so glad we found this gym to begin our jiu jitzu journey, it’s amazing!... More
Deven is an excellent instructor and coach. The atmosphere of Ground Control Academy is one of friendly competition - awesome to learn in while encouraging lots of effort and growth. I’m so glad we found this gym to begin our jiu jitzu journey, it’s amazing! Less
Our whole family trains at GCA. Two little ninjas and two adults. The classes are great and Coach Deven is great with the kids. An excellent team environment for everyone.The adults Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing/Muay Thai is awesome! Great workout, good people and suitable for all levels.It's right in Ardrossan which makes it a perfect choice for acreage folks too.... More
Our whole family trains at GCA. Two little ninjas and two adults. The classes are great and Coach Deven is great with the kids. An excellent team environment for everyone.The adults Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing/Muay Thai is awesome! Great workout, good people and suitable for all levels.It's right in Ardrossan which makes it a perfect choice for acreage folks too. Less
GCA is a kind and welcoming community dedicated to the improvement of physical and mental wellbeing through martial arts. I've been going there for about 4 months now and made friends with virtually all of the participants. There is intensities and sparring partners for all shapes and sizes, experienced and new, casual and competitive. It's a great place, and the owner Deven has always gone above... More
GCA is a kind and welcoming community dedicated to the improvement of physical and mental wellbeing through martial arts. I've been going there for about 4 months now and made friends with virtually all of the participants. There is intensities and sparring partners for all shapes and sizes, experienced and new, casual and competitive. It's a great place, and the owner Deven has always gone above and beyond with his time and knowledge not just for me but for everyone. Less
My youngest son had anxiety and was so scared when he first started learning Jiu-jitsu. He couldn’t even step on the mat. Deven was so patient and the whole Ground Control community was so welcoming and supportive. In less than 5 months, my son has done a complete 180. He is so much more confident and even competed in his first competition and received third place in his division! Deven’s coachi... More
My youngest son had anxiety and was so scared when he first started learning Jiu-jitsu. He couldn’t even step on the mat. Deven was so patient and the whole Ground Control community was so welcoming and supportive. In less than 5 months, my son has done a complete 180. He is so much more confident and even competed in his first competition and received third place in his division! Deven’s coaching has been incredible that even my other son has join Ground Control, who also was scared and nervous to try Jiu-jitsu.This community has been life changing for my family and we all owe it to Ground Control Academy! Less
We have only been going to ground control academy for a few weeks but man is it great!!! My 2 boys are high energy kids who love to run and laugh and learn. Deven takes that energy and moves it into a skill that helps them move and get stronger, all while have fun. I highly recommend these classes.... More
We have only been going to ground control academy for a few weeks but man is it great!!! My 2 boys are high energy kids who love to run and laugh and learn. Deven takes that energy and moves it into a skill that helps them move and get stronger, all while have fun. I highly recommend these classes. Less
Patient and knowledgeable instructor who leads by example and inspires his ninja’s to learn and improve every step of the way. Totally recommend it for anyone with knowledge or even just curious of wanting to know what jijitsu is all about.... More
Patient and knowledgeable instructor who leads by example and inspires his ninja’s to learn and improve every step of the way. Totally recommend it for anyone with knowledge or even just curious of wanting to know what jijitsu is all about. Less
Our sons conference is soaring. Kind children with encouraging parents. Professional instruction that keeps children engaged while having fun. My husband is a veteran and was impressed by the level of advisement in the children.... More
Our sons conference is soaring. Kind children with encouraging parents. Professional instruction that keeps children engaged while having fun. My husband is a veteran and was impressed by the level of advisement in the children. Less
My daughter LOVES going to her Jiujitsu class each week! She is learning how to control body and how to defend herself without hurting anyone. I would highly recommend!... More
My daughter LOVES going to her Jiujitsu class each week! She is learning how to control body and how to defend herself without hurting anyone. I would highly recommend! Less
Been training with Deven for 6 months now. He is super professional and a real leader. Natural teacher. The curriculum is easy to understand and do. PERFECT for beginners as well as experienced players.My nephew started last week and he is loving it. Might even quit hockey!... More
Been training with Deven for 6 months now. He is super professional and a real leader. Natural teacher. The curriculum is easy to understand and do. PERFECT for beginners as well as experienced players.My nephew started last week and he is loving it. Might even quit hockey! Less
Deven does a great job of creating a comfortable learning environment for both kids and adults. It can always be intimidating starting out learning a new skill however he really breaks it down step by step, and is very helpful.Highly recommended for all ages, we are happy to have this facility in the community!... More
Deven does a great job of creating a comfortable learning environment for both kids and adults. It can always be intimidating starting out learning a new skill however he really breaks it down step by step, and is very helpful.Highly recommended for all ages, we are happy to have this facility in the community! Less
Classes have been such a positive experience for my two girls. I have a 10 year old and a 6 year old registered with Ground Control. They look forward to going to every class to see what they can learn. They are making new friends and the class is very welcoming to nervous new students.... More
Classes have been such a positive experience for my two girls. I have a 10 year old and a 6 year old registered with Ground Control. They look forward to going to every class to see what they can learn. They are making new friends and the class is very welcoming to nervous new students. Less
This has been a phenomenal school to learn jiu jitsu from. Deven is incredibly thorough and detailed in teaching the techniques and has the patience to work through them with you as slow as necessary. The atmosphere and comradery in the gym will make anyone have a great time and look forward to their next class. Can't recommend enough... More
This has been a phenomenal school to learn jiu jitsu from. Deven is incredibly thorough and detailed in teaching the techniques and has the patience to work through them with you as slow as necessary. The atmosphere and comradery in the gym will make anyone have a great time and look forward to their next class. Can't recommend enough Less
I’d definitely recommend checking out Ground Control Academy especially if you’re starting out (just like me). Deven’s understanding and approach of teaching BJJ fundamentals is phenomenal!... More
I’d definitely recommend checking out Ground Control Academy especially if you’re starting out (just like me). Deven’s understanding and approach of teaching BJJ fundamentals is phenomenal! Less
Deven creates a very safe and comfortable learning environment. He knows his stuff and has obviously prepped for every lesson. His gym is clean and a very comfortable place to learn at any level. You do not have to be an elite athlete to learn and get gains. Lots of time and opportunity to learn and apply each concept. Worth the drive.... More
Deven creates a very safe and comfortable learning environment. He knows his stuff and has obviously prepped for every lesson. His gym is clean and a very comfortable place to learn at any level. You do not have to be an elite athlete to learn and get gains. Lots of time and opportunity to learn and apply each concept. Worth the drive. Less
I was trying out several different BJJ schools around the Edmonton area. Most were excellent with great cultures and instructors, but something always felt missing. I felt I was being force fed too much or too little. Also, regardless of where I went, I got injured which is really common in this sport for beginners. It's why most people quit in the first year.I was feeling somewhat disheartened u... More
I was trying out several different BJJ schools around the Edmonton area. Most were excellent with great cultures and instructors, but something always felt missing. I felt I was being force fed too much or too little. Also, regardless of where I went, I got injured which is really common in this sport for beginners. It's why most people quit in the first year.I was feeling somewhat disheartened until I heard about this new instructor who moved near by. I thought I would check it out. After having been involved on and off with martial arts for over 20 years, I have to say Deven was easily on the the best martial arts instructors I've ever come across.Not only does he offer a relaxed and safe environment but his methodology of progressive, focused blend of skill and knowledge development helped me grasp techniques faster and with a greater confidence. Deven focused on nuances most instructors miss or just expect you to figure out through trial and error, which doesn't always come for many new students.Deven also caters to every individual's strengths and weaknesses, whether it was offering alternative variations to techniques or providing strategies best suited for your physical attributes or size.After every class, I felt like I had gained more knowledge in one class then two weeks at other schools. Devin helped me have more confidence when I attending other gyms of more advanced BJJ students.Deven also didn't push rolling until he felt I was truly ready. Only after I grasped some of the fundamentals, we started safe, low aggression flow rolling. Our training was gradual so were less likely to get injured in practice or rolling.Also, Deven focuses on self defense application that other competition focused BJJ schools miss or brush over.If you're a beginner or slightly intermediate student, Deven is a godsend in a world of overwhelm and confusion. This is really a great place for anyone starting out who wants to avoid injury and also really master this art and has a passion for BJJ.Deven clearly has a deep passion and commitment not only to BJJ but to the art of teaching BJJ more than almost anyone I've met.If you really want a leg up when starting as a beginner and really want to get good fast, ...Or you have less time to train....Or you're wanting to prevent getting severely injured in the first few months of training, Deven is your man.If you're looking for a school with chill, friendly vibes along with people with a real passion and commitment to this art, Ground Control Academy maybe the best choice for you.If you're on the fence, just check it out. It will be worth it, I promise. Less
If you are thinking of learning Jiu-Jitsu or a novice player. Deven is a great guy to learn from. He is really passionate about the sport, has compassion and patience when teaching. I highly recommend joining his academy as he cares about your personal improvement, pushing you to be better while being safe as well.... More
If you are thinking of learning Jiu-Jitsu or a novice player. Deven is a great guy to learn from. He is really passionate about the sport, has compassion and patience when teaching. I highly recommend joining his academy as he cares about your personal improvement, pushing you to be better while being safe as well. Less
Trained with Deven in London, ON for a year or so. I even taught a couple of classes with him. He’s a great instructor and an even better training partner. Can’t wait to visit and roll with you and your students!... More
Trained with Deven in London, ON for a year or so. I even taught a couple of classes with him. He’s a great instructor and an even better training partner. Can’t wait to visit and roll with you and your students! Less
Very, VERY, good training experience. Devin is very friendly, professional, and a naturally good teacher. Had a lot of real good times training with him. Definitely a great place to go if you want to learn some jujitsu. Don't think I'll get caught in a guillotine again very easily; had to learn that lesson the hard way many times over🤣🤣.... More
Very, VERY, good training experience. Devin is very friendly, professional, and a naturally good teacher. Had a lot of real good times training with him. Definitely a great place to go if you want to learn some jujitsu. Don't think I'll get caught in a guillotine again very easily; had to learn that lesson the hard way many times over🤣🤣. Less
Definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to start jujitsu, Deven is the reason I'm hooked on jujitsu, he is a natural teacher with a very likable personality.... More
Definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to start jujitsu, Deven is the reason I'm hooked on jujitsu, he is a natural teacher with a very likable personality. Less
Awesome training experience from Deven! Lots of good times training and rolling💪🏽😎Highly recommended!
I’ve personally done several months of training with the owner. I would recommend him to anyone interested in learning the basic fundamentals of jiu jitsu. His likable personality, hard work ethic and attention to detail will undoubtedly enable you to get a good grasp of the basics of the sport of jiu jitsu!... More
I’ve personally done several months of training with the owner. I would recommend him to anyone interested in learning the basic fundamentals of jiu jitsu. His likable personality, hard work ethic and attention to detail will undoubtedly enable you to get a good grasp of the basics of the sport of jiu jitsu! Less
Devan was one of the best instructors I have ever had in any field. His ability to work with people and transmit his knowledge to them is remarkable!!!... More
Devan was one of the best instructors I have ever had in any field. His ability to work with people and transmit his knowledge to them is remarkable!!! Less