Based in the Leith area of Edinburgh, Playfair Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts school focused on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with classes for adults and children. The school also offers kickboxing and runs dedicated women's BJJ sessions, along with programmes for kids and teens.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art suited to people of all ages and fitness levels, and it is common for schools like this to welcome complete beginners as well as more experienced grapplers. Visitors travelling through can usually arrange a drop in day pass to train while in the area.

BJJ and kickboxing

Kids and teens classes

Women's BJJ

Combat tots session

Drop ins welcome

Located in Leith

Playfair Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts school in Edinburgh, with classes for adults, teens and kids.

Playfair Jiu Jitsu

Based at St Margaret's House in Meadowbank, Edinburgh Judo is a martial arts club focused on the sport of judo. Its main dojo hosts a full weekly programme, with classes running for age groups from three years old right through to seniors, and additional community sessions offered in five areas across the city, from Corstorphine to Portobello.

A judo club like this is a good place to build fitness, coordination and confidence through coached sessions, whether you are completely new to the sport or looking to develop further. Newcomers are welcome, and a free trial is available to try things out first.

All ages welcome

Over 25 classes a week

Free trial session

Community classes

Junior and adult classes

Schools partnership

Edinburgh Judo is a judo club in Meadowbank, Edinburgh, with classes for ages three to seniors and sessions across the city.

Edinburgh Judo

Based in Edinburgh, Hipe is a martial arts training set-up covering wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, combat sports, fitness and self-defence. Training is offered to individuals, pairs, small groups and corporate teams, so sessions can be tailored to different needs and abilities, from complete beginners through to more experienced athletes.

Martial arts training like this is a good way to build fitness, discipline and confidence while learning practical skills. Newcomers can generally expect coached sessions that introduce the basics at a manageable pace, alongside a focus on personal progress and a supportive training environment.

Disciplines covered

Beginner friendly

Flexible formats

Free consultation

Fitness and confidence

Hipe is a martial arts gym in Edinburgh offering wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, fitness and self-defence training.

Hipe

Based in Edinburgh, CVA Jiu-Jitsu (Cora\u00e7\u00e3o Valente Academy) is a martial arts club focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with training that also spans self-defence, Muay Thai and MMA. Classes are coached and structured, following a progression from basics through core skills to mastery, and the club places a clear emphasis on welcoming complete beginners with no prior fitness or experience needed.

A martial arts academy like this is a good place to build fitness, confidence and practical self-defence while learning alongside a supportive group. Coached sessions mean newcomers can pick things up safely and progress at a steady pace.

Coached sessions

Multiple disciplines

Structured progression

CVA Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts club in Edinburgh, welcoming beginners with coached sessions.

CVA Jiu-Jitsu

Based in Edinburgh, Flash Taekwondo Academy offers taekwondo training in Scotland's capital, with a focus on the Olympic side of the sport. Classes are held in spacious, family-friendly spaces and are open to people of all ages and fitness levels, with a community feel to the sessions.

Sessions are led personally by a black belt master, and the academy is an official member of British Taekwondo. Its instructors and assistant coaches are qualified, registered, insured and DBS checked. Taekwondo is a good choice for anyone looking to build fitness, discipline and self-defence skills in a structured, coached setting.

Coached by a master

British Taekwondo member

Qualified instructors

Olympic taekwondo

Spacious venues

Flash Taekwondo Academy is a family-friendly taekwondo club in Edinburgh, open to all ages and fitness levels.

Flash Taekwondo Academy

Based in Edinburgh, Punisher Kickboxing is a martial arts club offering training for those looking to learn kickboxing in the city. It provides a place to build technique, fitness and confidence through regular practice.

Kickboxing clubs generally suit a range of goals, from improving general fitness and coordination to developing striking skills and self defence. Sessions usually combine drills, pad work and conditioning, and many clubs welcome newcomers alongside more experienced members.

Punisher Kickboxing is a martial arts club in Edinburgh offering kickboxing training for a range of abilities.

Punisher Kickboxing

Focused on Krav Maga and self defence, this martial arts club in Edinburgh runs classes for adults, teenagers and children, along with women only courses. Sessions cover practical self defence techniques as well as the mindset behind staying safe, taught by an experienced team.

Krav Maga is a self defence system built around simple, effective responses to real situations. Newcomers can generally expect coached classes that build fundamentals gradually, covering striking, blocking, grappling and ways to avoid or deescalate trouble, so it suits people looking to grow their confidence.

Classes for all ages

Women only courses

Beginners course

Self defence focus

Seminars and regular training

United Krav Maga Edinburgh offers self defence classes for adults, teenagers, children and women only courses.

United Krav Maga Edinburgh

Set in Edinburgh, Elite Warriors is a martial arts gym offering a broad mix of disciplines under one roof. Training covers Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing, giving members a rounded grounding in both striking and grappling.

The gym caters for all ages, with dedicated junior and kids programmes alongside adult classes, and offers monthly memberships, pay as you go options and personal training. A martial arts gym like this is a good place to build fitness, discipline and confidence, whether you are stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to sharpen existing skills.

Disciplines taught

Kids and juniors

Flexible membership

Personal training

Elite Warriors is a martial arts gym in Edinburgh offering MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, BJJ and boxing for all ages.

Elite Warriors Edinburgh

Set in Canonmills, Low Tide BJJ is a martial arts and fitness studio in Edinburgh built around Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alongside a wider mix of movement classes. The studio has two spaces: The Loft upstairs hosts BJJ and yoga, while The Workshop downstairs is used for kickboxing, circuit training, the studio's own Jiu Fitsu sessions, and a weight-lifting area.

Classes run for both adults and children, with introductory and fitness sessions open to everyone rather than members only. BJJ gyms like this are a good place to build strength, coordination and confidence, and beginners are usually eased in through fundamentals before moving on to fuller classes.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Kids classes

Open to non-members

Varied timetable

Two studio spaces

Low Tide BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness studio in Canonmills, Edinburgh, with classes for adults and kids.

Low Tide Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Based in Edinburgh, Martial Fitness Coaching combines martial arts with strength and conditioning to build training plans around each person's goals. Whether you are new to training or already experienced, the coaching is tailored to help you make progress at your own pace.

Sessions are offered as one to one training, small group work and online coaching plans, giving different options depending on how you prefer to train. This kind of coaching suits people who want structured, personalised guidance rather than following a fixed group programme.

All experience levels

One to one coaching

Small group training

Online coaching

Martial arts and S&C

Martial Fitness Coaching in Edinburgh offers martial arts and strength coaching through 1to1, small group and online plans.

Martial Fitness Coaching

Set in Edinburgh, Rick Young Black Belt Academy is a martial arts school offering a broad mix of disciplines under one roof. Members can train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi grappling, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Kali Escrima, Jeet Kune Do and Yoga, with classes available for both adults and children.

A martial arts academy like this suits people looking to build self-defence skills, fitness and confidence, whether you are starting out or already have experience. Alongside the physical benefits such as strength and cardiovascular improvement, training here is framed around discipline, personal growth and stress relief.

Range of disciplines

Adults and children

Two free classes

Established academy

Rick Young Black Belt Academy is a martial arts school in Edinburgh teaching BJJ, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and more.

Rick Young Black Belt Academy

Based in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Jitsu is a martial arts club teaching Ju Jitsu, a Japanese art with roots going back to around the 8th century. Established in 1996, the club practises the Shin Tai Wa Ryu style, a name that translates as co-ordination of body and mind. Sessions are offered for both adults and younger students, with a focus on self defence.

Ju Jitsu clubs are a good place to build practical self defence skills, fitness and confidence in a structured, coached environment. Beginners are usually welcome, and training tends to cover throws, grappling and controlled techniques suited to a range of ages and abilities.

Adult and youth classes

Founded in 1996

Shin Tai Wa Ryu style

Edinburgh Jitsu is a Ju Jitsu martial arts club in Edinburgh, teaching self defence to adults and youth since 1996.

Edinburgh Jitsu

Based in Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Combat Project is a mixed martial arts gym offering coached classes across a range of disciplines. Newcomers are welcome to drop in and try a session, with a published timetable to help you plan your visit.

An MMA gym like this generally brings together several combat sports under one roof, so members can build fitness, technique and confidence at their own pace. Coached sessions mean you learn with guidance rather than training alone, whatever your starting level.

Drop-in sessions

Coached classes

Edinburgh location

Published timetable

The Edinburgh Combat Project is an MMA gym in Edinburgh offering coached classes and drop-in taster sessions.

The Edinburgh Combat Project

In the heart of Edinburgh, Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy teaches the traditional martial system of Hung Ga, a style that traces its roots to the Shaolin Temple in Southern China. Training covers self-defence, fitness, hand forms, weapon forms, lion dance, qi gong and body conditioning, with classes for both adults and children.

A traditional kung fu school like this one suits people looking to build fitness and self-defence skills while learning the forms and philosophy behind the art. Beginners are welcome, and a free introductory class gives newcomers a chance to try it before committing.

Adults and kids classes

Free first class

Traditional Hung Ga

Wide range of training

Lion dance team

Weekend classes

Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu is a traditional Hung Ga martial arts academy in Edinburgh, with adult and kids classes.

Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu

For anyone in Edinburgh looking to take up a traditional martial art, Kuk Sool Won offers classes suited to adults, children and whole families. The school focuses on supportive tuition, whether your aim is learning self defence, building strength and fitness, or improving your general wellbeing.

Kuk Sool Won is a Korean martial art, and classes like these generally cover striking, grappling and traditional techniques alongside discipline and coordination. Newcomers can book a free trial lesson to get a feel for the training before committing.

Free trial lesson

Traditional martial art

Kuk Sool Won is a traditional martial arts school in Edinburgh offering classes for adults, children and families.

Kuk Sool Won

Aimed at children, Little Ninjas Edinburgh is a martial arts club offering age-specific classes across the city. The younger Little Ninjas sessions focus on building discipline, focus and confidence, while the Junior Krav Maga classes introduce older children to self-defence skills alongside fitness training. Classes are structured around each child's ability, recognising that no two children learn the same way.

Children's martial arts classes are generally a good way to develop coordination, focus and self-confidence in a structured, supportive setting. Trial classes are available for families wanting to try things out before committing.

Classes for children

Junior Krav Maga

Little Ninjas classes

Trial class available

Expert-designed classes

Little Ninjas Edinburgh runs age-specific children's martial arts classes, including Junior Krav Maga, in Edinburgh.

Little Ninjas Edinburgh

Set in Edinburgh, this martial arts club teaches Shorin-Ryu karate, the traditional empty hand art from Okinawa. Sessions run in a small group setting and cover the core principles of the style, including strikes, kicks, body shifting, throws and joint locks. There is also a separate Ryukyu Kobudo class for those with karate experience, focusing on traditional Okinawan weapons such as the Bo, Sai, Nunchaku and Tonfa.

Classes take place at the St. Brides Centre on Orwell Terrace. A traditional karate club like this is a good fit for people interested in self defence, self improvement and learning technique, form and kata in a structured way. Private one to one lessons are also available.

Traditional Shorin-Ryu karate and Kobudo classes in Edinburgh, taught in small groups at the St. Brides Centre.

Edinburgh Karate

Set in the heart of Edinburgh at Rutland Square, the Scottish Arts Club is a sociable members club bringing together arts enthusiasts and creatives. With a history stretching back around 150 years, it describes itself as a classic club with a contemporary feel, hosting events, workshops, classes, groups and exhibitions.

At the centre of everything are its members, who might drop in for a creative session, a meeting, lunch, an event or simply a quiet moment. It is a welcoming spot for anyone keen to be part of Edinburgh's wider arts community.

Central Edinburgh setting

Around 150 years of history

Members community

Events and workshops

Creative sessions

Dining available

Scottish Arts Club is a sociable members club for arts enthusiasts and creatives in central Edinburgh.

Scottish Arts Club

Practising the Japanese sword art of Iaido, Edinburgh Roshukai is a martial arts dojo based in the city centre, meeting at Walpole Hall by St Mary's Cathedral on Palmerston Place. Sessions run on Monday and Thursday evenings, led by accredited instructors within an established lineage.

Iaido focuses on the controlled drawing and handling of the sword through precise, repeated forms. Newcomers to this kind of practice can generally expect a disciplined, technical approach, with progression through grades over time and guidance from more experienced members.

Iaido training

Two evenings a week

City centre venue

Accredited coaching

Established dojo

Edinburgh Roshukai is an Iaido martial arts dojo in central Edinburgh, meeting Monday and Thursday evenings.

Edinburgh Roshukai

In Edinburgh, this club practises Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese martial art developed in Japan after the Second World War. Drawing on Shaolin Kung Fu and Buddhist philosophy, it blends 'hard' techniques such as kicks, punches and blocks with 'soft' techniques including releases and throws, alongside meditation and acupressure massage.

The emphasis is on a healthy mind, a healthy body and practical self defence. Martial arts training like this generally suits people looking to build fitness, coordination and confidence, and newcomers are welcome to learn the fundamentals from the ground up.

Shorinji Kempo

Hard and soft techniques

Edinburgh City Shorinji Kempo, a martial arts club in Edinburgh teaching the Japanese art of Shorinji Kempo.

Edinburgh Shorinji Kempo

Edinburgh Tae Kwon Do

Based in Edinburgh, the Scottish Academy of Chinese Martial Arts is a martial arts school focused on Chinese fighting traditions. It offers a place for people across the city to train and develop their skills, whether they are starting out or looking to build on existing experience.

Chinese martial arts cover a broad range of styles that can help with fitness, coordination, discipline and self-defence. Sessions at a school like this are typically instructor-led, and newcomers can usually expect a structured approach that builds technique gradually over time.

Scottish Academy of Chinese Martial Arts, a Chinese martial arts school in Edinburgh.

Martial Arts clubs in Edinburgh