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The 6 best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu clubs in Shropshire in 2025
- Borderlands Grappling
- May 16
- 5 min read
There are several fantastic Brazilian Jiu Jistu clubs in Shropshire to pick from. In this guide, we compare all of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the county of Shropshire, to help you make an informed decision.
This guide has been made in partnership with our Head Coach, who has over 15 years of experience training at various BJJ gyms across the UK, so he knows a thing or two about how to spot a great school to train at. In this guide you will find a comprehensive list of the 6 best BJJ clubs in Shropshire, along with a breakdown of all the key information you need to know about them including their pros and cons.
Best shropshire BJJ gyms - Quick list:
The best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu clubs in Shropshire, In full:
Below we list all of the best BJJ clubs in Shropshire and give details that will help you decide which one is best for you.
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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, catering to individuals of all levels and fostering a strong sense of community. All classes are currently taught by Head Coach and black belt Owain Williams, who has 15+ years of experience. Even though a relatively new school, Borderlands has already been featured in/on top local media, including BBC Radio Shropshire, the Shropshire Star and the Ludlow & Tenbury Wells Advertiser.
✅ Pros
All classes taught by fully qualified black belt coach with 15+ years and top competition experience
Dedicated focus on BJJ and grappling, with both gi and no-gi classes
Small class sizes (max 12 students), ideal for beginners seeking personal instruction and technical detail
Strong community ethos
Authentic grassroots environment, run by a passionate, competition-tested instructor
Most well established grappling gym in South Shropshire
❌ Cons
Limited timetable, currently offering three adult classes per week (subject to growth).
Relatively new and 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 comprehensive martial arts program with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, providing classes for both beginners and advanced practitioners in a welcoming environment.
✅ Pros
Affiliation with SBG International, a globally recognised organisation that is known for producing high-level athletes.
Wide curriculum and timetable including adults, kids, MMA, and self-defence classes
Professional-grade facilities with cage walls, mat space, and strength & conditioning equipment.
❌ Cons
Larger class sizes may mean less individual attention in some sessions.
Emphasis on MMA and self-defence may dilute pure BJJ instruction for those looking to specialise 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 focuses on building fitness, coordination, discipline, and confidence through structured BJJ programs for all ages.
✅ Pros
Balanced focus on adults and kids, making it a family-friendly academy
Dedicated BJJ environment, offering both gi and no-gi options
Emphasis on fundamentals, fitness, and personal development
❌ Cons
Limited online presence, which can make class times, instructor credentials, and reviews harder to verify
May not have the competitive depth some advanced students look for if aiming for 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 renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and dedication to fostering a sense of community among its members.
✅ Pros:
Inclusive Environment: Welcomes both beginners and seasoned practitioners, creating a diverse training atmosphere
Family-Friendly: Offers classes for children aged 6+, making it suitable for families
Professional Instruction: Coaches are noted for their expertise and commitment to student progress
❌ Cons:
Appears to focus primarily on gi, which may not appeal to those who are more interested in no-gi grappling
Limited publicly available 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 provides a comprehensive MMA program with a strong emphasis on no-gi grappling, suitable for individuals looking to compete or improve their self-defense skills.
✅ Pros
Well-established MMA gym with strong focus on no-gi grappling and functional self-defence
Caters to all age groups, including juniors
Versatile training environment, ideal for those who want to cross-train in striking and grappling
❌ Cons
MMA-heavy focus might overwhelm beginners looking for a slower, more technical 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 emphasizes the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu, aiming to build resilience and confidence in its students through dedicated training.
✅ Pros
Local, community-focused club with an emphasis on character development and resilience
Welcoming atmosphere for beginners and returners
❌ Cons
Smaller gym, which might lack variety in sparring partners for more advanced practitioners
How to pick the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym for you
Did you know that it can take 10+ years to get your black belt in BJJ?
This is something people often overlook when picking a gym, opting for convenience over a gym that they can see themselves happily and consistently attending for the next decade and beyond.
Of course, despite what some people might say, there is nothing stopping you from switching gyms at a later date if your gym doesn’t work for you any more. However, taking some time to pick the right gym in the first place can accelerate your learning and set you up for future success.
We recommend trying more than one gym and picking the one that you feel suits you best. Here are some quick tips on picking the right BJJ gym for you:
Think about what you want to achieve: Different gyms take different approaches to training, and knowing what you want to achieve will help you find the right one for you.
Ask yourself: Would you rather train somewhere very structured or more casual? Do you want to compete or just train for fun? Are you looking for different classes (MMA, kickboxing etc) or just BJJ/grappling?
Consider convenience: If you are training multiple times a week over a long period of time, convenience can play a big role in keeping you motivated.
Ask yourself: How easy is it to get to the gym? Do the class times work for your schedule?
Research the coach: A good coach can make all the difference when it comes to progressing in BJJ.
Ask yourself: How much experience in coaching/training/competing do they have? Are they friendly and approachable? Do you like their coaching style?
Do a vibe check: It’s easier to motivate yourself to train when you like being in that environment.
Ask yourself: Is the environment positive? Do you like the people you train with? Do you feel cared for/listened to?
Ready to start training BJJ in Shropshire?
Whether a total newbie or a seasoned professional, we welcome you to join us for a free trial class at Borderlands Grappling.
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