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

Beginner friendly

Hard and soft techniques

Self defence focus

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.

Scottish Academy of Chinese Martial Arts

The Cat's Glove School of Traditional Defence

UKTC Taekwondo

Han Tae Kwon Do

Traditional Japanese Shotokan karate is taught at this martial arts academy in Edinburgh. Jiyū Karate Shoto Edinburgh Academy offers a range of classes for all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced practitioners, within a friendly and welcoming community.

A karate club like this is a good place to build discipline, fitness and technique through structured, coached training. With classes running on several days each week and a dedicated Tigers programme for children, there are options to suit both adults and younger students looking to start out.

Classes for all ages

Kids classes

Coached instruction

Traditional Shotokan

Classes across the week

Jiyū Karate Shoto Edinburgh Academy teaches traditional Shotokan karate for all ages in Edinburgh.

Martial Arts clubs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Shorinji Kempo

Edinburgh Tae Kwon Do

Scottish Academy of Chinese Martial Arts

The Cat's Glove School of Traditional Defence

UKTC Taekwondo

UKTC Taekwondo

Han Tae Kwon Do

Jiyū Karate Shoto Edinburgh Academy

Elite TaeKwon Do

Master Dosoo Tae Kwon Do Academy

Rencounter* Krav Maga Edinburgh - Crags

UKTC Taekwondo

Jiyū Karate Shoto Edinburgh Academy

Martial Arts clubs in other towns & cities