Want to study karate, jiu-jitsu, judo, or wrestling in Edinburgh? There are plenty of great gyms and martial arts centres. Start your search with these.

Gym / CentreDisciplines OfferedFees & Memberships
CVA Jiu-JitsuBJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, MMA, Kids classesFree trial, £60–85/month, £10–15 drop-in
Edinburgh JitsuJapanese Jiu-Jitsu (Adults only)Free trial, £25/month, £25/year license
Endangered MMAMMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, BJJ, S&C, Youth classesFree trial, £50–75/month, ~£10 drop-in
Low Tide BJJBJJ (Gi & No-Gi), Sparring, FundamentalsFree trial, £65/month, ~£12 drop-in
Osprey Martial ArtsBJJ, Kids & Adults classes, Self-defenceFree intro, £45–65/month, £10–12 drop-in
Playfair Jiu JitsuBJJ (Gi & No-Gi), Kids & Adults, SparringFree trial, £55–70/month, ~£10–12 drop-in
Promethean MMAMMA, BJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Teens’ classesFree trial, £55–75/month, £10–15 drop-in
Rick Young’s BJJBJJ (Gi & No-Gi), Self-defenceTrial on request, £65–75/month, ~£12 drop-in
Rick Young’s Black Belt AcademyBJJ, Muay Thai, JKD, FMA, Self-defenceIntro session, from £65/month, £10–15 drop-in
Scottish Martial Arts Centre (SMAC)MMA, Boxing, Krav Maga, BJJ, JuniorsFree trial, £45–70/month, pay-as-you-go available
The best Martial arts tutors available
Jack
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Jack
5
5 (20 reviews)
Jack
£75
/h
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1st lesson free!
Mark
5
5 (27 reviews)
Mark
£50
/h
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1st lesson free!
Francesco
5
5 (32 reviews)
Francesco
£80
/h
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1st lesson free!
Michele
4.8
4.8 (9 reviews)
Michele
£50
/h
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1st lesson free!
Theo
5
5 (10 reviews)
Theo
£50
/h
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1st lesson free!
San
5
5 (22 reviews)
San
£70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Fight box training
5
5 (16 reviews)
Fight box training
£60
/h
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1st lesson free!
Jacek
5
5 (21 reviews)
Jacek
£35
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1st lesson free!
Let's go

CVA Jiu-Jitsu

CVA Jiu-Jitsu is a martial arts academy in central Edinburgh. Like the top martial arts gyms in the UK, it offers disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. There are classes for adults and children, making it one of the most versatile places for martial arts classes Edinburgh has to offer.

People participating in BJJ training.
There are a number of places where you can do Jiu Jitsu in Edinburgh. | Photo by Jonathan Borba

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Gi and No-Gi
Muay Thai fundamentals and striking
Wrestling for grappling and MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – all levels
Kids' martial arts classes (ages 5+)

Fees and Membership Options

Free trial class available on request
Memberships from £60–85/month, depending on access
Drop-in sessions: ~£10–15 per class
Class packs and student discounts are offered

Location and Accessibility

Address: 50 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF

City centre location, walkable from Haymarket and Lothian Road

Clean changing rooms, mat space, and gear storage are available

How to Join

Step 1

Visit cvajiujitsu.com to book your free class

Step 2

Choose between drop-ins or monthly memberships

All experience levels welcome from beginners to competitors. Timetable and booking managed online via the CVA site.

Edinburgh Jitsu

Edinburgh Jitsu is one of Scotland's oldest martial arts clubs. It teaches Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Based in Leith, this martial arts club has been going since 1996. It's affiliated with the national Jitsu Foundation, which has martial arts gyms in London and across the UK.

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu (self-defence based)
Throws, joint locks, holds, ground control techniques
Adults-only classes. Beginners always welcome
Grading preparation and national competition opportunities

Fees and Membership Options

First session free
£25/month standard membership
Annual Jitsu Foundation license required for grading (~£25/year)
No contracts; pay monthly or termly

Location and Accessibility

Address: Edinburgh Jitsu, West Bowling Green Street, EH6 5PB

Located in Leith, easily accessible by bus or on foot

Sessions run in a clean, matted sports hall environment

How to Join

Step 1

Visit edinburghjitsu.org.uk to check times and sign up

Step 2

Show up for a beginner session. No booking needed

All you need is workout clothes and a bottle of water. Gradings and seminars run through the Jitsu Foundation year-round.

Endangered MMA

Endangered MMA is one of the best full-time mixed martial arts gyms Edinburgh residents can visit. It offers elite-level coaching in MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, and strength conditioning. If you want to improve your fitness, learn self-defence, or compete, this is a great option.

People MMA sparring.
MMA was inspired by BJJ and many other different martial arts disciplines. | Photo by Vladislav Bychkov

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – beginners to advanced
Muay Thai and boxing fundamentals
Wrestling and BJJ grappling for MMA
Strength and conditioning and fight camp prep
Women-only classes and youth sessions

Fees and Membership Options

Free trial available via website
Memberships from £50–75/month based on access level
Student and youth rates are available
Drop-in options: ~£10 per class

Location and Accessibility

Address: 62a Newhaven Road, Edinburgh EH6 5QB

Just minutes from Leith Walk and Pilrig Park

Full-size cage, bags, strength area, and mat space

How to Join

Step 1

Visit endangeredmma.com to book a free session

Step 2

Choose beginner, intermediate, or advanced class packages

Friendly instructors guide new students through the first sessions. Ideal for those looking for serious training in a down-to-earth setting.

beenhere
Endangered MMA: Serious Training, Inclusive Culture

Whether you’re prepping for a fight or trying a new workout, Endangered MMA blends elite coaching with a down-to-earth, beginner-friendly ethos.

Low Tide BJJ

Low Tide BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in central Edinburgh. It offers Gi and No-Gi classes for all skill levels. Boasting small class sizes, hands-on instruction, and a strong sense of community, it's a popular choice.

Very friendly, welcoming atmosphere with knowledgeable, clear, concise, patient instruction… Highly recommended if you’re in the Edinburgh area!

Kelly Ewing

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Gi and No-Gi
Submission grappling and positional sparring
Beginner-focused instruction and fundamentals classes
Advanced training and open mat sessions

Fees and Membership Options

Free trial class available for new starters
Monthly membership from £65/month
Drop-in rate: ~£12 per session
No contract – cancel anytime

Location and Accessibility

Address: 18 Albert Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HN

Just off Leith Walk, accessible by tram, bus, or on foot

Clean, minimalist gym with a shower and changing facilities

How to Join

Step 1

Book a free trial at lowtidebjj.com

Step 2

Attend a fundamentals class. No experience necessary

All classes are capped for a better instructor-to-student ratio. Bring water, a gi if you have one, or borrow on site.

The best Martial arts tutors available
Jack
5
5 (20 reviews)
Jack
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mark
5
5 (27 reviews)
Mark
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Francesco
5
5 (32 reviews)
Francesco
£80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Michele
4.8
4.8 (9 reviews)
Michele
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Theo
5
5 (10 reviews)
Theo
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
San
5
5 (22 reviews)
San
£70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Fight box training
5
5 (16 reviews)
Fight box training
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Jacek
5
5 (21 reviews)
Jacek
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Jack
5
5 (20 reviews)
Jack
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mark
5
5 (27 reviews)
Mark
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Francesco
5
5 (32 reviews)
Francesco
£80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Michele
4.8
4.8 (9 reviews)
Michele
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Theo
5
5 (10 reviews)
Theo
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
San
5
5 (22 reviews)
San
£70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Fight box training
5
5 (16 reviews)
Fight box training
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Jacek
5
5 (21 reviews)
Jacek
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

Osprey Martial Arts

Osprey Martial Arts is a martial arts club in Edinburgh focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and general self-defence. There's structured training for children, teens, and adults, a common theme with martial arts centres across the country, including some of Birmingham's best martial arts gyms.

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Kids’ BJJ and movement classes (ages 5+)
Adult fundamentals and intermediate BJJ
Self-defence drills and controlled sparring

Fees and Membership Options

Free intro session available
Monthly membership from £45–65, depending on age/access
Drop-in sessions: ~£10–12
Family discounts and flexible class packs are available

Location and Accessibility

Address: Various locations across Edinburgh (including Marchmont and Bruntsfield)

Community hall spaces, easy to access by public transport

Equipment provided for trial sessions

How to Join

Step 1

Visit ospreymartialarts.co.uk to check locations and sign up

No long-term commitment needed.

Step 2

Book a free intro class. Beginners are welcome any time

Instructors provide guidance for new students and families.

Playfair Jiu Jitsu

Playfair Jiu Jitsu is a BJJ academy in Edinburgh. The club offers programmes for adults and children, and it's one of the most accessible martial arts training facilities in Edinburgh. There are both Gi and No-Gi formats, making it great for anyone looking to gain confidence, improve their fitness, or learn real grappling skills.

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What’s Special About Playfair Jiu Jitsu?

Small class sizes, fundamentals-focused sessions, and a welcoming community vibe make Playfair ideal for beginners and families in Stockbridge.

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Adult classes: fundamentals and advanced
Children’s BJJ classes (ages 5–13)
Sparring sessions and competition prep

Fees and Membership Options

Free trial class for first-timers
Memberships from £55–70/month, depending on access
Drop-in sessions: ~£10–12
No contracts; cancel any time

Location and Accessibility

Address: 86 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HH

Centrally located with excellent bus access

Clean, padded gym with changing rooms and on-site facilities

How to Join

Step 1

Visit playfairjiujitsu.co.uk to register or claim a free class

No equipment needed for your first visit. Just activewear and water.

Step 2

Join the beginner programme or open sparring, depending on experience

Instructors are friendly, experienced, and focused on steady progress.

Promethean MMA

Whether you're looking for top martial arts gyms in Manchester or Edinburgh, MMA is seemingly everywhere. Promethean MMA on Breadalbane Street offers classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA for adults and teens. This offers training in mixed martial arts that Edinburgh locals can enjoy without feeling intimidated. It has a wide schedule and strikes a good balance between competitive training and inclusive education.

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – beginner to advanced
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Muay Thai striking and pad work
Wrestling and submission grappling
Teens' MMA and BJJ classes

Fees and Membership Options

Free trial class available by request
Monthly memberships from £55–75/month
Drop-in sessions: ~£10–15
Flexible access levels for single discipline or all-in-one

Location and Accessibility

Address: 3 Breadalbane Street, Edinburgh EH6 5JW

Near Leith Walk and The Shore. Easy access by tram or bus

Modern gym with matted floors, striking area, and strength zone

How to Join

Step 1

Visit prometheanmixedmartialarts.co.uk to sign up or view the timetable

Free trials available for MMA or BJJ

Step 2

Coaches guide newcomers through their first sessions

Classes are structured by level, with no experience necessary to start

Rick Young’s BJJ (Leith)

Rick Young's BJJ is a technique-focused training space in Leith. Rick Young has helped shape the development of martial arts in Edinburgh with a progressive approach to BJJ. This Leith-based gym focuses on small-group training.

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Technical drills and position-based sparring
Self-defence applications of grappling
Small-group sessions led by Rick Young

Fees and Membership Options

Trial sessions by arrangement
Monthly membership from £65–75/month
Drop-in sessions (~£12) for visiting students
No long-term contracts

Location and Accessibility

Leith area

Accessible from Leith Walk, with parking nearby

Quiet, well-maintained facility for focused instruction

How to Join

Step 1

Visit rickyoung.academy and enquire via the contact form

Trials available which are ideal for serious learners and grapplers

Step 2

Class sizes are small so early booking is recommended

Expect a respectful, focused learning environment

Rick Young’s Black Belt Academy

Another of Rick Young's centres, Rick Young's Black Belt Academy, is one of the most respected martial arts clubs Edinburgh has to offer. This centre provides BJJ, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do (JKD), Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and self-defence.

A kickboxing match.
Kickboxing offers a much different kind of experience to boxing. | Photo by Wade Austin Ellis

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Muay Thai and kickboxing
Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee’s martial arts philosophy)
Filipino Martial Arts (stick and blade defence)
Practical self-defence and grappling
Conditioning and fitness-based training

Fees and Membership Options

Introductory sessions available
Memberships start from £65/month, depending on access
Drop-in sessions from ~£10–15
Introductory sessions available
Multi-disciplinary packages available

Location and Accessibility

Address: 20 Stewartfield, Edinburgh EH6 5RQ

Located in Leith and is easily reached by tram or bus

Fully equipped academy with mats, pads, bags, and changing areas

How to Join

Step 1

Visit rickyoung.academy to register interest or view the timetable

Beginners welcome with no prior experience needed

Step 2

Choose from a specific discipline or multi-class access

Classes are structured and high-quality, taught by senior black belts

Scottish Martial Arts Centre (SMAC)

The Scottish Martial Arts Centre (SMAC) is a training facility that offers a range of disciplines. It's located in Edinburgh's west end. It provides martial arts classes that Edinburgh locals trust.

A person in a karate gi with a white belt.
You could take up karate for self-defence. | Photo by Nathan Dumlao

Disciplines and Classes Offered

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for all levels
Boxing (technique and conditioning)
Krav Maga and practical self-defence systems
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fundamentals
Junior and teen programmes

Fees and Membership Options

Free or discounted first trial class
Monthly plans from £45–70, depending on age and discipline
Family memberships and multi-class packages are available
Pay-as-you-go options for some classes

Location and Accessibility

Address: 33 Westfield Street, Edinburgh EH11 2QF

Accessible by tram, train, and several bus routes

Dedicated facility with ring, mats, bags, and strength equipment

How to Join

Step 1

Visit smacmartialarts.co.uk or call directly for timetable info

Step 2

Book a free trial class or drop in for a session

Friendly instructors are available to guide you through your first class. Ideal for self-defence, fitness, and full-contact training.

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portrait of writer Joseph Philipson

Joseph

Joseph is a French and Spanish to English translator, language enthusiast, and blogger.