About Asylum Training Center

Asylum Training Center is Saskatoon’s community first home for elite-level MMA, Striking, Luta Livre, SAW, Judo, BJJ, women’s self-defence, and programs for kids, youth, and teens.

We train in a controlled, low-ego environment where coaches meet you exactly where you’re at, so whether you’re brand new or returning to the mats you can build skill, confidence, and athleticism at your own pace.

As a Luta Livre affiliate and the home of one of the only two UFC-Certified Strength & Conditioning professionals in Canada, Asylum delivers high level instruction with clear, beginner-friendly pathways.

We’re committed to community impact. Our Programs directly support at-risk youth, mental health & addictions, accessible indigenous culture, and safe spaces for women, building bright futures through martial arts.

If you’re ready to start, your first class is free.

Mission, Values & What We Stand For

Our mission is to grow confident, capable people—on the mats and in daily life. We coach with clear progressions, consent cues, and options so you can train hard safely. We value consistency over bravado, and we show up for our city through free access (4Wolves Friday) and sponsored training (Road to Recovery).

Safety, respect, and consent

Clear coaching and steady progress

Community action, not just talk

About Asylum Training Centre

Our Story - Why We Exist

Asylum began with one goal, Helping People through Martial Arts.

Owner Nicolas Franke, and a small training crew, shaped a 4-day MMA & Kickboxing system so new members could start any day of the week and progress intentionally without feeling lost.

We've partnered with Outlaw MMA to add elite level instruction via Eric Wilson, a high level Canadian Pro Fighter who is a rare caliber practitioner of Mixed Martial Arts, Luta Livre, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , and Submission Arts Wrestling.

We launched Women’s Self-Defence 101 to share quality information that improves day-to-day situational awareness, while training and building fit, capable, intelligent women who can handle real-life situations calmly and develop healthy confidence and self-image in a safe environment.

We built Bully Proof to create healthy role models for the next generation and set it's members up for a bright future. This program teaches kids and teens how to carry themselves and regulate their emotions with confidence. Ask any kid in Bully Proof, respect and discipline comes first—without ego or aggression. It’s about building character, resilience, and leadership at an age when it matters most.

Fridays, we host 4Wolves Cultural Kickboxing, a free community kickboxing session with a smudge and sharing circle afterwards. This program is led by Support Worker and former Professional Athlete, Billy Torrence. Billy is dedicated to providing barrier free activities and indigenous teachings to Saskatoons inner city community. 4Wolves Sharing Circles offer healthy outlets and connection through conversation and emotional release in a non-judgmental setting.

For adults maintaining sobriety, Road to Recovery sponsors the first month to help routine take root.

Low-ego culture; high level training

Programs to meet you where you're at

Built for the general public and vulnerable sectors alike

Meet Your Coaches

Nicolas Franke

Owner & Coach

Leads Asylum MMA & Kickboxing, Bully Proof, Road to Recovery, and Womens Only Striking.

Eric Wilson

UFC-Certified Coach

Leads Outlaw MMA, Eric is assistant Luta Livre Affiliate Representative for Western Canada. UFC Certified Strength and Conditioning Professional. Professional MMA fighter with multiple blackbelts in grappling.

Billy Torrence

Coach | 4Wolves Kickboxing

Billy Torrence is our dedicated community support coach. Strengthening community ties and honoring Indigenous roots.

How We Coach

Classes will generally begin with a warm up, focusing on mobility and flexibility. From there we'll typically go into techniques and drills that will build athletic performance and skills in our desired direction. Depending on the energy levels that day we will do a burnout and cooldown followed by a quick stretch before saying our goodbyes or moving into the next class.

We'll meet you at your level and build you up with structured progressions

Engaging, hard training, in a positive and fun atmosphere

Members and Coaches are respectful of each others Mood, Energy, Skill Level, Gender, and Size when drill, spar, or roll live.

Standards We Follow

Coach-Supervision and Support

Mat hygiene and bathroom cleanliness are high priority

Protective gear recommended (mouthguard, hand wraps; gloves for striking)

Community Programs that Make a Difference

4Wolves Friday: free class + smudge/sharing circle

Road to Recovery: Optional 1 month sponsorship,

self check-ins and an Identity Contract

Mentorship-minded Bully Proof youth paths

We believe access changes lives. 4Wolves lowers the barrier to health, fitness, confidence, and community. Road to Recovery supports people with guidance, structure, goal tracking, and identity work. In Bully Proof, kids learn confidence, respect, and practical problem-solving. Womens Only builds women up from low points and empowers them to be strong in themselves.