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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Glasgow: Where to Train
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Glasgow centres on The Griphouse, Scotland's longest-running dedicated grappling gym, alongside a handful of other academies.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Glasgow has a clear anchor. The Griphouse has been the centre of Scotland's grappling scene for two decades, and most serious BJJ in the city connects back to it in some way. The scene is smaller than Manchester's or Birmingham's but the standard of coaching is high.
Established Academies in Glasgow
- **The Griphouse** — in the north of the city, founded in 2005 by Guy Ramsey and Paul McVeigh to give combat-sports athletes a home for high-level coaching. Runs BJJ, wrestling, and judo six days a week, has produced multiple black belts, and its coaching staff includes black belts promoted under the Roberto Atalla lineage. Address: Top Floor, 10 Possil Road, G4 9SY. Contact: 07710 769490, thegriphouse@gmail.com.
- **Scottish Hit Squad** — based in Coatbridge just east of the city, an MMA team with a full grappling programme covering BJJ, wrestling, and no-gi.
Glasgow also has a small number of independent academies and university clubs, but The Griphouse is the reference point for anyone serious about the gi.
Choosing a Glasgow Gym
With fewer options than a larger English city, the decision is usually about schedule fit rather than picking between rival big names. Check that the head coach's black belt lineage is stated openly, that the timetable has enough beginner classes for you to train two or three times a week, and that the gym teaches the format — gi or no-gi — you actually want.
Take the free trial class. Our guide on choosing a BJJ gym close to you explains why consistency beats prestige, and the gi size chart helps you get your first gi right.
What Training Costs in Glasgow
Glasgow memberships are among the more affordable in the UK, below the English city-centre average. Most academies bill monthly with a separate one-off gi cost. Confirm open mat and no-gi inclusion before comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tagged with:#Glasgow#Scotland#UK#city guide#gyms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main BJJ gym in Glasgow?
The Griphouse, founded in 2005 by Guy Ramsey and Paul McVeigh, is Scotland's longest-running dedicated grappling gym and the reference point for serious BJJ in Glasgow. It runs BJJ, wrestling, and judo six days a week.
Is there good BJJ coaching in Scotland?
Yes. The Griphouse has produced multiple black belts and its coaching staff includes black belts under the Roberto Atalla lineage. The standard of instruction in Glasgow is high despite the scene being smaller than larger English cities.
How much does BJJ cost in Glasgow?
Glasgow memberships are among the more affordable in the UK, below the English city-centre average. Expect a monthly membership plus a one-off gi cost.
Can I train no-gi BJJ in Glasgow?
Yes. The Griphouse and Scottish Hit Squad both run no-gi grappling alongside gi BJJ. Confirm the current weekly no-gi class count if that is your priority.
Do Glasgow BJJ gyms take complete beginners?
Yes. The Griphouse runs structured beginner classes and offers a trial session. No grappling or martial arts background is needed to start.
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.