The 5 Best Martial Arts Schools in Edinburgh to Master Discipline and Push Your Limits
Bad day at the office? Some people do yoga, others write in journals. And then there are those who prefer to punch heavy bags until their daily worries vanish into thin air.
If you’ve been itching to channel that stress into a high-energy workout, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to offer the ultimate escape from the screen-filled grind, where your usual routine is replaced by sparring gloves.
We gathered the best martial arts studios in Edinburgh, where beginners and seasoned fighters train under the same roof. In these places, classes highlight discipline, empowerment, and intense cardio.
Let’s get down to business!
How much does martial arts training cost in Edinburgh?
An adult membership for martial arts training in Edinburgh usually costs between £50 and £80 per month, whilst drop-in sessions can start at £15.
| Class Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Drop-In Class | £15 per session |
| Community Clubs | £30 to £65 per month |
| Combat Academies | £50 to £80 per month |
| Multi-Gym Dual Passes | £100 to £115 per month |
1. Prana BJJ
Website: https://www.pranabjj.com/
Address: 23 Mayfield Industrial Estate, Dalkeith
Contact: +44 7878 919740 | +44 7738 546078 |[email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday: 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (members-only open mat)
Prana BJJ stands out for their coaching team, which includes two Rick Young-trained black belts with deep fitness backgrounds. You get technical coaching from people who know a thing or two about looking after the body.
The academy runs a dedicated junior Brazilian jiu-jitsu programme to teach coordination and discipline. It’s a fantastic way to burn off energy in a structured approach.
Adults get documented sparring rules requiring controlled submissions, ensuring a disciplined environment. Beginners also have clear rules to help keep things under control.
It’s worth noting that they offer free trial classes for both kids and adults, which is an excellent way to see if they’re the right fit.
The only catch is their Sunday schedule, which is restricted to a one-hour open mat for existing members only.
Customer Reviews
One of the best places you could choose to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai
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.
What makes Prana BJJ even more special is the atmosphere. …
- Corey Jack | Google Review
Cannot recommend Prana and Craig 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 of top spec but more importantly it’s so welcoming. Cannot recommend Prana BJJ highly enough.
- Calum Inglis | Google Review
2. Rick Young Academy
Website: https://www.rickyoung.academy/
Address: 9A Duke Street, Leith
Contact: +44 7516 188869 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM; 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM | Friday: 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM; 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM
Rick Young Academy offers Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, providing comprehensive martial arts training under one roof. This setup suits competitors who want a complete mixed martial arts skill set.
Their schedule separates sessions by progression, including a dedicated women’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu class and advanced colour-belt training. It’s easy to pick classes that match your experience.
Additionally, there are children’s martial arts classes for ages four and up. You can start with two free trial sessions to let your kids test the waters before you buy expensive gear.
But open mat sessions are strictly for full membership holders, so a casual one-class weekly plan locks you out of extra training time.
Customer Reviews
By far one of the friendliest environments I’ve experienced
I’ve trained in several martial arts clubs and this is by far one of the friendliest environments I’ve experienced. New starters are welcomed straight away and never made to feel out of place.
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
Having the honour to be taught by a legend
I’ve trained in martial arts for many years, and when I moved to Edinburgh I found Rick Young’s blackbelt school. It’s a fantastic school, with a really great and friendly atmosphere. What makes it special is having the honour to be taught by a legend. Rick is someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about the arts. His teaching abilities are calm and knowledgeable. He is just an open friendly human being . You can not ask for more. I highly recommend this martial arts school.
- Barry Weir | Google Review
3. EdinburghJudo
Website: https://www.edinburghjudo.com/
Address: St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road
Contact: +44 7710 795216 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Thursday: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Friday: 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM | Saturday: 8:25 AM to 4:30 PM
EdinburghJudo is led by a former Olympic coach, giving every student top-tier technical instruction and world-class training. This spot offers a direct route from preschool tumbles to serious tournaments.
The club runs dedicated performance squads for older teens, whilst beginners can stick to the all-levels adult sessions. With these classes, it’s easy for practitioners of every age and skill level to feel right at home on the mat.
They even provide community sessions in areas like Portobello and Broughton to save you the exhausting drive into the city centre.
But these classes only run during school term, which can throw off your training rhythm during the summer holidays.
Customer Reviews
Warm, supportive atmosphere
I visited this Judo club during my 10-day holiday in Edinburgh. I’ve been training Judo for about 2 months as a beginner, and this was my first time at this club.
Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. The trainer gave me personal guidance a few times during the class, showing me how to do things correctly, even though they knew I was just visiting from Vienna and probably wouldn’t come back. They also kindly lent me a Judo gi so I could fully participate, without expecting anything in return.
I really appreciated the opportunity and the warm, supportive atmosphere. …
- Safak Can Tato | Google Review
A great place to learn judo
It’s a great place to learn judo/ catch up with friends. Children love going there, they have fun and they make friends, the main thing is exercise. It even opens during school holidays, so if it is a bad weather day, there’s still a place to go to burn their energy.
Plus, it is very local to us.
- D Possee | Google Review
4. Flash Taekwondo Academy
Website: https://flashtkd.co.uk/
Address: Granton: 81 Boswall Parkway / Clermiston: Munro Community Centre, 6 Parkgrove Street
Contact: +44 7521 991909 | [email protected]
Hours: Granton: Thursday: 4:45 PM to 7:00 PM | Sunday: 3:30 PM to 5:45 PM / Clermiston: Wednesday and Friday: 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM
Every session at Flash Taekwondo Academy is led by a black-belt master with fully background-checked assistant coaches, giving parents peace of mind when dropping off their kids.
This place caters to younger learners needing a supportive atmosphere, where groups are split strictly by age. The five-year-olds are kept safely away from the teenagers and adults, ensuring every student can build confidence and skills at a comfortable pace.
You also get a Sunday afternoon training slot at their Granton venue, which is a huge relief for parents who work late during the week and can’t manage the evening rush.
The catch is, their schedule is very limited. Both venues only offer two regular class days, which interrupts your training if you miss a session.
Customer Reviews
Flash Taekwondo Academy is truly exceptional
Flash Taekwondo Academy is truly exceptional. From the moment my son Ismaeel joined in September, I’ve seen a positive transformation in his confidence, discipline and enthusiasm. The environment is warm, structured and incredibly supportive.
What makes this academy stand out is Master Moez. He is unbelievably talented, patient and gifted at bringing out the absolute best in every student. His teaching style is inspiring, he knows exactly how to motivate children, push them to grow, and make them feel proud of their progress. …
- T | Google Review
The classes are well organised, engaging and suitable for children of different abilities
We absolutely love Flash Taekwondo Academy! Both of my children attend and they have really enjoyed their experience. The instructors are fantastic with the kids, creating a friendly, encouraging and positive environment while also teaching discipline, confidence and respect.
It’s been lovely seeing their confidence grow and watching them develop new skills along the way. The classes are well organised, engaging and suitable for children of different abilities.
We would highly recommend Flash Taekwondo Academy to any parent looking for a great activity for their children. We’re so glad we found them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Shazadi Hussain | Google Review
5. Elite Warriors MMA
Website: https://elitewarriorsmma.com/
Address: 40 Restalrig Drive
Contact: +44 7399 250079, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday-Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
One of our top picks is Elite Warriors MMA because of their founder and head coach, Oskar Smykiel, who brings a heavy competitive background in boxing and mixed martial arts. He’s even a two-time Scottish boxing champion.
The classes here are diverse, including Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and wrestling. You don’t need experience at all, since all skill levels are welcome.
The studio offers one-to-one personal training packages for those who want to refine their striking mechanics away from the crowded group classes.
Flexibility is another feature, as you can train without a long-term financial commitment. You can pay as you go if you have a busy schedule, or opt for the £90 monthly membership to access unlimited classes.
But they don’t do refunds for missed classes or partially used memberships, so a sudden schedule change could leave you out of pocket.
Customer Reviews
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
For fans of mixed martial arts, it is a must-visit place
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 ! 🙂
- Popey | Google Review