For this blog we jump over Hadrian’s Wall and head up north to Glasgow Scotland, a historically tough and gritty city, so there is bound to be some tough Glasgow Jiu Jitsu. In this article we go through some of the best BJJ academies in Glasgow. Scotland has a special relationship with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with the Gracie Jiu Jitsu family having its roots in Scotland. While shocking for some to hear of the family having roots in Scotland, the jiu jitsu scene there makes sure to represent those roots proudly.

The Griphouse

The Griphouse Academy is one of the first academies that comes to mind when thinking about BJJ in Scotland. A mainstay of the Glasgow Jiu Jitsu scene, The Griphouse has produced many high-level competitors. Founded in 2005 by Guy Ramsey and Paul McVeigh, the Griphouse was established to give those with an interest in combat sports a venue where they could go and receive the highest level of coaching in a host of reality-based martial arts. From the start, jiu jitsu was at the heart of the program. The Griphouse is the only gym in Scotland with two BJJ Black Belt coaches under Roberto Atalla - Paul McVeigh and Garry Christie. The Griphouse is a full-time academy with specialist coaches to teach you in disciplines such as Freestyle wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA. This gym is a mainstay of the Glasgow Jiu Jitsu scene and a leading academy in all of Scotland's BJJ.

MNBJJ

MNBJJ (short for Marcos Nardini Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) is centrally located in Glasgow. Head coach Marcos Nardini is a third-degree black belt and a European and multiple-time IBJJF Champion. He was awarded his black belt in 2006 under Professor Amal Easton in Colorado. The academy is purely BJJ focused, with Beginners, Advanced, and Competition Classes being offered from Monday to Saturday. Whether you prefer gi jiu jitsu or no-gi, make sure to stop in for a roll with one of MNBJJ’s knowledgeable coaches.

Ronin Grappling

Ronin Grappling is another BJJ-only academy representing Glasgow Jiu Jitsu. Head coach Giles Garcia is a jiu jitsu black belt under Christian Graugart. Ronin Grappling offers classes Monday to Sunday, with Gi, NoGi, Open mats, Yoga for BJJ, and Women’s and Non-Binary only jiu jitsu classes. Assistant jiu jitsu coaches include Lorna Kinnoch, an experienced BJJ Purple Belt competitor. Visitors are given the opportunity to train for free, something to keep in mind when you are visiting Glasgow and get the itch to train, especially for those traveling and training BJJ on a budget!

Gracie Barra Glasgow

Gracie Barra Glasgow is a prominent member of the jiu jitsu community. Head Coach Ricky Gillon is a First Degree Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Lagarto, a direct student of Carlos Gracie Jr. Gracie Barra Glasgow offers a diverse range of classes, including Beginners, Gi, NoGi, Kids, and Ladies-only classes. They also have the 'Barra Fit' program, which is a jiu-jitsu-inspired workout designed to promote weight loss while increasing overall fitness.

10th Planet Glasgow

10th Planet Glasgow is the only 10th Planet jiu jitsu gym in Scotland. Head Coach Steven Thompson is the first and only 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Instructor in Scotland. The academy offers jiu jitsu classes every weekday evening and classes over the weekend. As a grappler, you couldn't ask for much more, with access to fitness classes, cardio, weights, and MMA gyms, along with complimentary use of the Sauna & Steam Room, and all Adult exercise classes.

While of course this list is not exhaustive, these are five of the top Glasgow BJJ academies. Keep your eye out for similar articles on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene in the UK and other places around the world. Wishing you all the best out there on the mats!

-Team Progress Jiu Jitsu