Ryan Diaz — a 2x MMA world champion who has competed in over 50 professional fights around the world — is, above all, a proud Vancouverite. Raised in Mount Pleasant, he shared his passion for martial arts and his Vancity pride as the owner and head instructor of Diaz Combat Sports (DCS).
Located in Chinatown for the past five years, DCS -- already one of the top martial arts schools in Canada -- is poised to become one of the best in all of North America.
Offering a perfect balance of discipline and fun, DCS makes physical activities that might seem reserved for the tough and experienced accessible to beginners and pros alike.
Driven by a belief that martial arts training is indeed for everyone, Diaz and his team welcome people from all walks of life regardless of identity, skill level, or goals. The warm, positive, and inviting environment of DCS stands in stark contrast to the intimidating vibe other gyms give off. In this inclusive and ego-free space, everyone is treated equally and respected on the same level.
DCS is by far the best place in the city for authentic martial arts instruction. Diaz, a frequent trainer of top UFC fighters himself, has recruited a stable of the top instructors from around the world. Among them are internationally-renowned Muay Thai instructors, a world famous Jiu-Jitsu player, a Canadian Olympian boxer, and a youth coach responsible for a slate of national medalists.
The presence of trainers with multiple world titles between them brings a truly global perspective to each discipline and enhances the instruction. In addition to their qualifications, experience, and passion, DCS trainers are fun, kind, and truly invested in their students’ progress, counting their triumphs as their own.
Photo: Diaz Combat Sports.
DCS offers classes in Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and Strength & Conditioning. Women’s only kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu classes are available as well, providing a safe and empowering space for women to learn self-defence and build the quiet confidence that comes with it.
Parents and guardians can enroll their kids in DCS’s children’s kickboxing and jiu-jitsu programs. The classes are designed to improve a child’s overall well-being and sense of self — helping them develop into life-long martial artists. An after school pick-up program is in the works, which will help bring these valuable programs to even more youths.
For those interested in training like a fighter without the combat aspect, DCS’s Strength & Conditioning training is there to help establish a solid foundation in strength and aerobic capacities. Through intense workouts, you will build balance, flexibility, muscle, and focus, relieve stress, and see improvements in your overall health and wellness.
Photo: Diaz Combat Sports.
DCS will be taking their operation to the next level with the arrival of their new headquarters, “The Compound”, on Pender Street.
The 11,000 square foot space — double the size of their current gym — will host a $5 million dollar world-class facility. Everything was redone within the concrete building, with Diaz leading the design of the space. Its 3 full floors are large enough to allow for safe social distancing during and between classes, and will come fully equipped with separate areas for kickboxing, boxing, jiu-jitsu and conditioning.
Students will make use of a boxing ring, top-of-the-line wrestling mats, and brand new equipment and co-branded DCS pads from the #1 supplier of kickboxing gear in the world, Fairtex. The strength and conditioning classes will benefit from a massive influx of new equipment, including a SkiErg machine, kettlebells, squat racks, rowers, assault bikes, and sleds.
The many amenities within the facility include a VIP private training room, full change rooms with showers and lockers, saunas, gender inclusive washrooms and showers, a juice and coffee bar, and a merchandise store.
Better yet, the entire space is serviced by a $250K, state-of-the-art HVAC system. Specifically outfitted with 5 additional filters, the system draws in and distributes fresh air throughout the space to keep members safe.
Photo: Diaz Combat Sports.
As excited as they are to welcome their 1100+ members into their brand new home, DCS is especially looking forward to inviting new members into their community.
After the challenges faced by the gym and their community in the wake of COVID-19, Diaz and his team are more determined than ever to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for world-class martial arts instruction.
As Diaz says, “social interaction and being in that positive atmosphere is what people want, while also respecting the guidelines set by our health authorities, One thing we can do right now to have a strong body and a strong mind is to stay in shape, be healthy, and be happy while following the health authority guidelines. In hard times, it’s about remembering how to live life, and we can do that together as a team.”
Newcomers to DCS can try their first martial arts class for free. Learn proper technique, get fit, and most importantly, have fun!
For more info, visit diazcombatsports.com.
