5 Best Martial Arts Schools in Edinburgh to Unleash Your Inner Fighter
Bored of running nowhere fast on a treadmill? Swap those endless miles for flying kicks, sharp punches, and a workout that packs a proper punch!
Even if you’ve tried the best personal trainers in Edinburgh, martial arts brings a whole new challenge.
Be picky with the martial arts gym you join, though, as not all of them are built for the same fighter. Some train aspiring champions, while others welcome beginners and youngsters finding their feet.
If you’re not sure where to get started, we got you. We’ve rounded up the best martial arts schools in Edinburgh to help you find your fighting fit!
How much does martial arts training cost in Edinburgh?
Martial arts training in Edinburgh costs £8.00 to £15.00 for a single drop-in class and £36.00 to £110.00+ per month for regular memberships, depending on how often you train. Junior and kids’ classes typically run £30.00 to £45.00 per month.
| Option | Typical Price |
| Drop-in / Single Classes | £8.00 to £15.00 per session |
| Part-Time / Weekly Bundles (1 class per week) | £36.00 to £50.00 per month |
| Regular / Multi-Class Pass (2 to 4 classes per week) | £52.00 to £85.00 per month |
| Unlimited / All-Access Memberships | £65.00 to £110.00+ per month |
| Junior & Kids Classes | £30.00 to £45.00 per month |
1. Prana BJJ
Address: 23 Mayfield Industrial Estate, Dalkeith, Midlothian
Contact: +44 7878 919740
Hours: Monday: 12:30 PM to 2:20 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM; Tuesday: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 4 PM to 8:30 PM; Wednesday: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 9 PM; Thursday: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 6 PM to 8 PM; Friday: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, 2 PM to 3:30 PM, 5 PM to 7 PM; Saturday: 9:45 AM to 1 PM; Sunday: 11 AM to noon
Getting into martial arts shouldn’t feel like stepping into a championship cage. Prana BJJ in Dalkeith keeps things welcoming with a strong emphasis on respect, discipline, and good mat etiquette.
Founded by black belts John Kennedy and Craig Ali, the academy brings serious grappling experience to the mats.
There’s plenty to get stuck into, from Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to other martial arts disciplines. Children’s classes and adult training options give different age groups room to develop their skills.
Better yet, beginners can try a class for free before committing. Family and sibling membership options make training together easier to arrange.
We also appreciate their clear rules on hygiene, punctuality, and respectful training.
That said, Prana’s Dalkeith location does mean Edinburgh city-centre residents face a longer journey. It’s worth factoring the extra journey into your routine before signing up for regular classes.
Cannot recommend Prana BJJ highly enough.
I have been attending Prana and working closely with Craig for nearly 5 months now. For a beginner looking to learn this amazing martial art I cannot recommend Prana and Craig highly enough. The Gym is top spec, but more importantly, it’s so welcoming. Cannot recommend Prana BJJ highly enough.
- Calum Inglis | Google Review
You can feel how much they genuinely care about helping you progress, no
matter your level.
Prana BJJ is one of the best places you could choose to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. Whether you’re completely new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner, this gym welcomes you with open arms. The coaching staff here are second to none – they don’t just teach techniques; they invest real time and passion into every single student. You can feel how much they genuinely care about helping you progress, no matter your level.
- Corey Jack | Google Review
2. Rick Young Academy
Address: 9A Duke Street, Leith
Contact: +44 7516 188869
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM, 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM; Friday: 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM, 5 PM to 7 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 1:15 PM
Fancy learning more than one way to pack a punch? Rick Young Academy in Leith serves up a lively mix of martial arts for youngsters and adults alike.
With veteran martial artist Rick Young behind the academy, there’s plenty of experience on the mats. We particularly like the variety, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali.
For younger fighters, Little Champions welcomes ages 4–8, while Junior Champions caters to ages 9–14. Both programmes emphasise discipline, self-control, and teamwork alongside physical skills.
Meanwhile, adults can choose lunchtime or evening sessions to fit around work.
Better yet, everyone gets two complimentary trial classes before committing to regular training.
But there’s a catch if you’re hoping for extra practice without a full membership. Open-mat sessions require full membership.
Weekend training is also limited, since Saturday classes finish at 1:15 PM, so anyone who can’t make the weekday lunchtime or evening sessions has a narrow window.
The coaching is first class.
The coaching is first class. Rick’s experience and knowledge are obvious as soon as you step onto the mats, and the whole coaching team does a great job of helping students improve. Years later, I’m still learning something new every week.
- ELSGaming | Google Review
Highly recommended for anyone thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The BJJ instruction is excellent, and there are plenty of opportunities to develop whether you’re training in gi, no-gi, attending competition classes, or just looking to improve your fitness. Highly recommended for anyone thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Luke Baxter| Google Review
3. Low Tide Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Address: 25 Rodney Street
Contact: 07786 393716, [email protected]
Hours: Class-dependent times
Why dash across Edinburgh for grappling and gym sessions when you can tackle both under one roof? Low Tide BJJ in Canonmills brings martial arts and strength training together across two dedicated spaces.
Upstairs, The Loft hosts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and yoga, while The Workshop downstairs offers kickboxing, fitness classes, and weights. We like how this setup gives you plenty of ways to work up a sweat.
New to grappling? Their four-class introductory programme covers essential positions, self-defence, and submissions before you progress to regular BJJ sessions.
For more experienced students, there are adult classes and dedicated women’s BJJ sessions. Head coach Si Tutton brings second-degree black-belt expertise to the mix.
Still, younger fighters may face a wait, as Cubs BJJ for ages 6–11 currently has a waiting list.
Weightlifting access also costs existing martial arts members an extra £15 monthly, so factor that into your budget.
Suitable for a broad range of skill levels.
Fantastic gym, suitable for a broad range of skill levels. All of the coaches are friendly and welcoming, and the quality of instruction is top-notch. The studio/gym, particularly the Loft, is fantastic. Easily the most visually appealing BJJ training space I’ve rolled on. Low Tide has a great sense of community, which the staff actively nurture. If you’ve ever wanted to try BJJ but were nervous about doing so, this is the place to go.
- Samuel Hollins| Google Review
I couldn’t recommend the place higher.
Amazing place! Si and the rest of the coaching staff at Low Tide are all unbelievably welcoming and talented at explaining complex ideas for new practitioners of the sport. I couldn’t recommend the place higher. Personally I began with their Intro course and have gone on to the mixed level classes in an extremely smooth transition that has helped me feel comfortable with my progression. Everyone has taken my safety seriously and I have never felt any pressure to attempt techniques or positions I wasn’t confident with.
- Jordan McRitchie | Google Review
4. The Edinburgh Combat Project
Address: 545-551 Gorgie Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7 AM to 8 PM; Tuesday: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Thursday: 4:30 PM to 8 PM; Saturday: 11 AM to 2 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 2:30 PM
You don’t need dreams of a championship belt to enjoy a good scrap! The Edinburgh Combat Project brings Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA to Gorgie Road, welcoming newcomers and experienced fighters alike.
We like how their classes cater to different skill levels without throwing beginners in at the deep end. Newcomers build fitness and technique, while advanced students tackle more demanding fight preparation.
There’s more to ECP than throwing punches, though. As a registered charity, it supports young people through martial arts, mentoring, and community programmes.
Better yet, monthly memberships come without long-term contracts. That gives beginners room to find their fighting feet without making a lengthy commitment.
The main consideration is location if you’re travelling from northern Edinburgh. ECP trains on Gorgie Road, so factor the journey into your weekly routine before signing up.
Highly recommend for anyone wanting to start learning martial arts
Highly recommend for anyone wanting to start learning martial arts and get in shape in a friendly environment! Great team, coaches, training and location. I’ve been training here since 2019 and it gets better every year!
Good patter as well!
- Ross Colquhoun | Google Review
Coaches are super friendly and very knowledgeable
Great gym to train at. Coaches are super friendly and very knowledgeable. You learn new things every class and can feel the improvements in sparring. Best place to go to get fit, fight and make friends
- Nathan Eastwood| Google Review
5. Elite Warriors Edinburgh
Address: 40 Restalrig Drive
Contact: 07399 250079
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 6 PM to 8 PM; Wednesday: 5:30 PM to 8 PM; Friday: 6 PM to 7 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Fancy throwing a few punches without splashing out on boxing gloves first? Elite Warriors Edinburgh lets newcomers try a class for free, with protective gear available to borrow.
Better yet, there’s no need to register beforehand. Just turn up in comfortable sportswear and get a feel for the action.
From Muay Thai and boxing to BJJ, wrestling, and MMA, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. We appreciate how their coaches welcome different experience levels, helping beginners find their feet.
Not ready for a monthly commitment? Single classes cost just £10, while dedicated programmes give children and juniors a chance to join the fun.
Trying every discipline comes with a higher price tag, though, as unlimited access costs £90 monthly.
Missed classes aren’t refundable either, so choose a schedule you can stick to.
The classes are at a very high level.
Great gym with a very positive atmosphere during classes. The classes are at a very high level. An ideal place for muscle building, and for fans of mixed martial arts, it is a must-visit place. Lots of equipment and a good team. I recommend it to everyone! 🙂
Good patter as well!
- Popey | Google Review
Best martial arts I have found in Edinburgh
Best martial arts I have found in Edinburgh, amazing experience with great atmosphere, it is so welcoming and fun, this school is special with a perfect balance between discipline, technique and fun. If you are thinking about BJJ, MUAY THAI or MMA, no matter what your level, this is your place.
- Dariusz Wachulak | Google Review