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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Edinburgh: Where to Train
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Edinburgh is a compact, welcoming scene with several academies clustered around the city centre and Merchiston.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Edinburgh is a smaller scene than Glasgow's but a genuinely welcoming one, with several academies within reach of the city centre and a strong university club feeding into it. For a beginner, the short distances make consistent training straightforward.
Academies in Edinburgh
- **Playfair Jiu-Jitsu** — in Merchiston, welcomes all levels and mixes newer students with more experienced players in its classes. Also offers kickboxing alongside BJJ. Address: 46 Merchiston Avenue, EH10 4PA. Contact: info@playfairjiujitsu.co.uk.
- **Osprey Martial Arts** — has provided BJJ, MMA, and fitness training in and around Edinburgh since 2014, with programmes for both adults and children. Based at the Eldin Industrial Estate, Edgefield Road, Loanhead, EH20 9QX.
- CVA Jiu-Jitsu — in central Edinburgh, runs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside Muay Thai, wrestling, and MMA for adults and children.
- University of Edinburgh Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club — has experienced coaches including an IBJJF European gold medallist, and is a common entry point for students.
Choosing an Edinburgh Gym
The city is compact enough that most academies are a short bus ride from each other, so the decision comes down to timetable fit and mat culture rather than travel time. Check that the head coach is a verified black belt, that there are enough weekly beginner classes for you to train two or three times a week, and that the gym covers gi or no-gi as you prefer.
Use the free trial class to get a feel for the room. See our guide on choosing a BJJ gym close to you, and the first class guide for what to expect on day one.
What Training Costs in Edinburgh
Edinburgh memberships are broadly in line with Glasgow's — below the English city-centre average. Most academies bill monthly with a separate one-off gi cost. Confirm what open mat and no-gi access are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Edinburgh BJJ scene good for beginners?
Yes. Edinburgh has a reputation as a welcoming scene, with several central academies running structured beginner classes and a strong university club that takes complete beginners.
Where can I train BJJ in central Edinburgh?
Playfair Jiu-Jitsu in Merchiston, CVA Jiu-Jitsu in the centre, and Osprey Martial Arts all offer BJJ within reach of the city centre. The University of Edinburgh also runs a club.
How much does BJJ cost in Edinburgh?
Broadly in line with Glasgow and below the English city-centre average. Expect a monthly membership plus a one-off gi cost.
Can I do BJJ in Edinburgh without being a student?
Yes. Playfair, Osprey, and CVA are all open to the public. The university club is limited to Edinburgh students and affiliates.
Do Edinburgh gyms teach no-gi?
Most do, alongside gi BJJ. Confirm the current weekly no-gi class count with the specific academy if that is your main interest.
Sources & Further Reading
About the Author
Mohsin AyubBJJ practitioner, 6 years — Gracie Barra
Founder & Editor, BJJ Sportswear
Mohsin has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six years at Gracie Barra and has competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments. He writes about competition, gear, and athlete careers, and founded BJJ Sportswear to help grapplers find equipment and information they can trust.
- Six years training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra
- Competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments
- Writes on BJJ competition, gear testing, and athlete careers
This article was last reviewed and updated on 2026-08-28.