Master Your Jiu-Jitsu Skills
Martial Arts - Family-Friendly, Traditional, Fun
Upcoming events
Meet our instructors
Behind every great martial artist is a team of exceptional mentors. Our instructors combine decades of high-level competitive experience with a deep passion for teaching. From our kids' program to our advanced adult classes, you'll be learning direct from elite black and brown belts dedicated to helping you master the ground theory of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Head Professor
Paulo "Tubarão" G.
With over two decades on the mats, Professor Paulo - known universally as "Tubarão" (The Shark) - is the driving force behind our academy. Born and raised training in Rio de Janeiro, Paulo earned his nickname for his relentless pressure and inescapable submission game. After moving to Portugal, he founded the academy to share the authentic, life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kids Program Lead
Hugo L.
Coach Hugo believes that Jiu-Jitsu is the ultimate tool for building confident, resilient kids. Leading our youth programs, Hugo channels his boundless energy into structured, engaging classes that focus on the "Three Ds": Discipline, Defense, and Determination. He specializes in anti-bullying strategies and kinetic development, ensuring our youngest students learn to protect themselves while having a blast.
Professor
Clara D.
Clara is a fierce competitor and a passionate educator. Don't let her welcoming smile fool you - Clara is a decorated black belt with a highly technical, dynamic guard game that has earned her multiple gold medals on the international circuit. She specializes in breaking down complex modern strategies into simple, actionable concepts.
What our students say
William Isaksson“I visited Playfair on Arthur street while on a family holiday in Edinburgh. Can't reccomend them enough. I had a great NoGi session with a verry competent instructor. All participants where verry welcoming. Make sure to send them a message and drop in :)”
SEBASTIANO LOMBARDO“Good vibe, very good people. They are very kind, they give to me a gi and a rashguard because I don’t have space on my luggage. Professor Steven is awesome, if you are in Edinburgh join to a class. 10/10”
JIAYI CHANG“Fantastic gym with excellent coaching and a really welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are knowledgeable, the training is high quality, and everyone is friendly and supportive. I’ve learned so much here and recently earned my blue belt. Couldn’t recommend this place more for anyone interested in BJJ.”
Filip Negoita“I trained today through an open mat, beginner Gi class and comp NoGi, and let me tell you how much of a gem this academy is. Firstly there is a vast degree of knowledge between everyone, from white to black. The content is structured well, not too overwhelming, whilst also allowing the members to experiment with their own game. Everyone seems to have infinite gas tanks and if you manage to not get distracted by the beauty of the place, you can actually see the plethora of medals they collected from all around. There's something for everyone, from children classes to beginner friendly ones up to skilled competitor level (which most seem to be). I'm really grateful for having the chance to train here and will definitely be back, and I genuinely recommend everyone to give it a go! I trained at the Leith studio but I'm sure the second one is just as good. Friendly tip, let them know in advance you're dropping in, as it can get quite busy.”
Gilbert Tate Patterson“I spent 7 months training here (Lieth Studio - they have 2, FYI) and only have good things to say... The team at Playfair took me from zero experience to being able to successfully compete in my first local comps in no time. Overall Its a very freindly and relaxed environment for all new comers to the sport; of all ages and all abilities for sure. Theres a strongly diverse demographic. Additionally, theres an excellent cohort of competition level men and women, who happily offer support and always around to learn from. The gyms staff are always highly accomodating and very happy to support your personal training progression. I.e keeping it casual or being abmitious. I found this approach created a very good community. The staffing team is really varied which is an absolute strength for this gym. And the new facilities are up and coming which is nice to see the development and ongoing success and reinvestment. Special mentions to: Steven and Mariusz Niall, Derrie, John, Zac and Dan. Thanks for all the support and quality lessons..”
Grip BJJ
Grip BJJ: Ground Theory. Human Practice.
Located in the historic Belém waterfront of Lisbon, Grip BJJ is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy dedicated to technical excellence and a strong "tribe" culture. We bridge the gap between traditional discipline and modern competition, offering a clean, high-performance environment for practitioners of all levels.
Whether you are stepping onto the mats for the first time in our Fundamentals program or sharpening your submissions in No-Gi, our world-class Professors provide expert instruction in a safe, respectful, and ego-free space. At Grip, we don't just teach martial arts—we build resilience, community, and a solid foundation for life.
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- WiFi
- Changing Rooms
- Parking
- Showers
- Café & Bar
- Equipment Rental