Over the past year and a half, this pandemic has brought many unexpected challenges to local businesses, forcing them to quickly pivot their products to meet the changing consumer needs.
In Vancouver, with unwavering levels of community support, Diaz Combat Sports (DCS) survived the storm and opened a multi-million dollar martial arts facility on 276 East Pender Street.
Led by two MMA World Champions State-of-the-art Ryan “Lion” Diaz Fitness destinations not only have a comprehensive spirit, We offer classes for everyone, including boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, jujutsu, strength & conditioning.
Provides an unparalleled atmosphere
The idea of stepping into a martial arts school may seem very scary to many who are trying a class for the first time. However, this is not the case with DCS. Diaz strives to create an intimidating, inclusive, safe and enjoyable space — full of positive and encouraging people.
As soon as you enter the DCS, the helpful staff will make you feel at home and part of your family. It’s a place where everyone can get together to push each other and become a better individual while learning martial arts and fitness techniques.
Hire a team of world-class instructors
With a brilliant mixed martial arts career, Diaz has trained and fought around the world, winning titles in Japan, Guam, Abu Dhabi, the Philippines, the United States, Canada and more before turning 20. When the time to fight professionally was over, he knew that the next step was to open his own school. “There is such a saying. If you can’t, please tell me,” says Diaz.
His passion for education is shared by a team of outstanding instructors (World Champions, World Champion Trainers, Olympic athletes) who work with him at DCS. “We have gathered one of the best instructor teams across North America,” says Diaz. “Our instructors come from all over the world, including Thailand, America and Europe.”
The locals in Vancouver are grateful not only for the talent and skills his team has brought to the table, but also for the deep friendships and personal connections he has built with each individual. “I am very grateful to them and I am grateful forever.”
What is Diaz looking for when it comes to hiring a new instructor? Especially those who fit the atmosphere mentioned above. The individuality of the DCS. As he says, “Welcome, send, be positive … and have fun!”
Providing safe and state-of-the-art facilities
DCS has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Vancouver’s garage, lined with mats and heavy hanging bags. A makeshift headquarters where Diaz and his friends can train together. Today, training facilities, unlike other facilities in the city, cover over 11,000 square feet, are filled with the finest custom equipment, and are staffed with talented instructors.
Every aspect of the DCS’s main locations, from washroom toilets and water supplies (two of which include gender) to all signs, railings, and door handles, was carefully selected, Diaz said. “It’s really one of the best gyms in the world and a martial arts dream,” he says.
Since the facility was formed throughout 2020, Diaz has instructed a team of designers and contractors to incorporate specific safety measures for the post-COVID world. This included the installation of a custom HVAC system with three additional air filters to provide consistent ventilation on each floor of the gym.
Have a meaningful impact on the community
Giving back to the community is important to Diaz, and DCS is proud to have hosted free self-defense seminars for women for many years, in addition to free anti-bullying seminars for children. .. Currently, the team is preparing to launch Fight4Kids. This is a foundation developed to sponsor endangered underprivileged children who benefit from martial arts but cannot afford it.
“Because I am a child of East Van, it is very important to give back to the community. I want all other East Van children and everyone in Van City to have the opportunity to be lucky. I think, “says Diaz. “I really want to make a difference in the lives of this city and people.”
During our conversation, Diaz’s love for helping others was clear. “I love making people happy and helping them become better individuals through martial arts,” he says. “I can’t remember how much money we made or what we owned when we died. I remember what we did and the people who helped us. . “
Expanding fitness for everyone
“I grew up on Mount Pleasant in the basement of Vancouver Special,” Diaz said frankly. “I’m an East Vancouver kid with big goals and dreams. I’m not rich and DCS isn’t owned by a big company.” Diaz’s dream always opens his gym and is a world-class martial arts school. Was to bring to Vancouver. This is equivalent to the best school in the world.
Now, as the city shifts to a post-pandemic life, Diaz says he believes people will be more active and want to make new friends. This is driving him to take “calculated risk” and add another building with 8,000 square feet of studio space directly across from the DCS.
“Because we move the boxing area over there, the current gym has more space for kickboxing and jujutsu classes,” he says. “We’ll add another weight room for those who want to get in and lift weights, use cardio machines, or hit the bag themselves. We also have two yoga rooms, one for hot yoga and one for room temperature yoga. We will add a yoga studio. We want to be able to offer yoga to everyone! “
If you’re interested in discovering everything DCS offers, just sign up to try a free class. “Try a free class and share this amazing adventure and our story,” adds Diaz.
Sign up for a free trial or visit the following URL for more information on DCS. diazcombatsports.com..