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Discover the Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Clubs in Shropshire
- Borderlands Grappling
- May 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Last updated: 22/08/2025
There are several fantastic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu clubs in Shropshire. In this guide, we compare all the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the county. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision on which school is best for you.
This guide is created in partnership with our Head Coach, Owain Williams. With over 15 years of experience training at various BJJ gyms across the UK, he knows how to spot a great school. You will find a comprehensive list of the six best BJJ clubs in Shropshire. Additionally, there's a breakdown of all the key information you need to know, including pros and cons.
Quick List of the Best Shropshire BJJ Gyms
In-Depth Review of the Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Clubs in Shropshire
In this section, we will list the best BJJ clubs in Shropshire. Each club has unique features to help you decide which one fits you best. Read through the sections below carefully to help you fully understand the pros and cons of each.
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1. Borderlands Grappling: Ludlow
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Cast Iron Culture, Ludlow SY8 1EN
💻 Website: borderlandsgrappling.co.uk
🥋 Programs Offered: Adults & Kids classes (Gi & No-Gi)
💷 Free Trial Available? Yes
Club Summary
Borderlands Grappling is known for its inclusive approach. It welcomes individuals of all levels and fosters a strong sense of community. All classes are taught by Head Coach Owain Williams, a black belt with over 15 years of experience. A relatively new school, Borderlands has gained attention from local media, including BBC Radio Shropshire and the Shropshire Star.
✅ Pros
Classes taught by a qualified black belt coach with extensive competition experience.
Focus on BJJ and grappling, providing both gi and no-gi classes.
Small class sizes (max 12 students), ideal for beginners seeking personal instruction.
Strong community ethos with a passionate, competition-tested instructor.
The most established grappling gym in South Shropshire.
❌ Cons
Limited timetable; currently offering three adult classes per week.
Still growing its student base.
2. SBG Shropshire: Shrewsbury
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Castle Business Park, Shrewsbury
💻 Website: sbgshropshire.com
🥋 Programs Offered: Adults, Children & Teens, Gi, No-Gi, MMA
💷 Free Trial Available? Yes
Club Summary
SBG Shropshire offers a broad martial arts program with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They provide engaging classes for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
✅ Pros
Affiliated with SBG International, renowned for developing high-level athletes.
A wide curriculum with classes in various styles, including MMA and self-defense.
Professional facilities equipped with cage walls and strength conditioning gear.
❌ Cons
Larger classes may limit individual attention.
The focus on MMA may dilute pure BJJ instruction for those specializing in sport BJJ.
3. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy: Market Drayton
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Tern Valley Business Park, Market Drayton
💻 Website: thebrazilianjiujitsuacademy.com
🥋 Programs Offered: Adults, Kids, Gi, No-Gi
💷 Free Trial Available? No
Club Summary
The academy emphasizes fitness, coordination, discipline, and confidence through structured programs.
✅ Pros
Family-friendly focus with balanced offerings for adults and kids.
Provides both gi and no-gi options in a dedicated BJJ environment.
Strong emphasis on fundamentals and personal development.
❌ Cons
Limited online presence, making class details harder to verify.
May lack competitive depth for advanced students pursuing high-level competition.
4. Alento BJJ Shrewsbury: Shrewsbury
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Unit 4, Sundorne Trade Park, Shrewsbury SY1 4NS
💻 Website: facebook.com/alentobjjshrewsbury
🥋 Programs Offered: Adults, Children (6+), Gi
💷 Free Trial Available? Yes
Club Summary
Alento BJJ Shrewsbury is recognized for its inclusive environment and community spirit.
✅ Pros
Welcomes both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Family-oriented classes for children aged 6 and up.
Coaches are known for their expertise and dedication to student progress.
❌ Cons
Primarily focuses on gi, which may not suit those interested in no-gi grappling.
Limited public details on competition training or participation.
5. Combat Athlete: Telford
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Telford, Shropshire
💻 Website: combatathlete.co.uk
🥋 Programs Offered: Men, Women, Juniors, No-Gi Submission Grappling, MMA
💷 Free Trial Available? Yes
Club Summary
Combat Athlete offers a comprehensive MMA program, emphasizing no-gi grappling.
✅ Pros
Established MMA gym with a focus on no-gi grappling.
Caters to all ages, including juniors.
Versatile training options for those wanting to cross-train in striking and grappling.
❌ Cons
MMA-heavy focus could overwhelm beginners seeking a slower intro to BJJ.
Limited No-Gi grappling classes.
6. Oswestry Jiu-Jitsu Academy: Oswestry
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Google reviews)
📍 Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
💻 Website: oswestry-jiu-jitsu-academy.gymdesk.com
🥋 Programs Offered: Adults, Gi
💷 Free Trial Available? No
Club Summary
Oswestry Jiu-Jitsu Academy focuses on character development and resilience through Jiu-Jitsu training.
✅ Pros
Community-focused gym promoting character growth.
Welcoming atmosphere for beginners and returning members.
❌ Cons
Smaller facility, which may limit sparring options for advanced practitioners.
How to Choose the Right Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym for You
Did you know that earning a black belt in BJJ can take over 10 years?
Many people often overlook this when selecting a gym. They may prioritize convenience over finding a place they can enjoy attending for years to come.
While it's true that you can switch gyms later if your initial choice doesn’t work out, taking time to find the right fit can accelerate your progress and set you up for success.
We recommend trying multiple gyms to see which one is the best fit for you. Here are some helpful tips for picking the right BJJ gym:
Identify Your Goals: Different gyms have varying training approaches. Knowing what you want to achieve will guide your selection.
Ask yourself: Would you prefer a structured training environment or a more casual one? Are you interested in competing or just training for fun?
Evaluate Convenience: If you plan to train several times a week, convenience could be key to maintaining motivation.
Think about how easy it is to get to the gym. Do the class times align with your schedule?
Research the Coach: A good coach can significantly impact your BJJ journey.
Reflect on their experience in coaching, training, and competition. Are they friendly and approachable? Do you appreciate their coaching style?
Assess the Environment: A positive atmosphere can enhance your training experience.
Consider whether you enjoy the space. Do the people you train with make you feel welcomed and motivated?
Ready to Start Training BJJ in Shropshire?
Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, we invite you to come join us for a free trial class at Borderlands Grappling.
Best BJJ clubs in Shropshire: FAQs
Q: What should I expect on my first day of training?
A: Although each club will differ slightly, most clubs will aim to make it easy for you to get started with training. When you turn up on your first session, expect to get stuck in with the rest of the students. Follow what others do during the warm up and ensure you listen carefully to the instructor.
If you aren't sure about something ask a more experienced student or the coach to help.
Q: What equipment do I need to start, and what should I wear to my first class?
A: You don't need much to get started in BJJ. For no gi classes you can usually just wear a suitable tshirt and shorts, although you may be asked to buy dedicated grappling shorts and a rashguard if you decide to carry on training. If you decide to train in the gi, you will obviously need a gi to train in. Some schools may have a gi you can borrow in order to give training a go, so try reaching out to them first before you buy.
Read our guide to gi vs no gi to learn more about the differences.
You will also need a bottle of water and a gum shield if you intend on sparring. A pair of flip flops or crocs can also be helpful for getting on and off the mats quickly.
Q: Is BJJ suitable for children, or is it just for adults?
A: BJJ is a great sport for children, helping them learn a new skill, discipline and develop healthy habits for life. Most gyms will run a separate, dedicated kid's BJJ program, giving them a safe environment to learn in.
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