The 5 Best Martial Arts Gyms in Dublin Where Tough Gets Tougher
Finding the right combat gym can transform your fitness, confidence, and personal safety. If you want to learn practical self-defence or step onto the competition mats, finding the best martial arts classes in Dublin gives you the proper foundation.
Luckily, the city boasts world-class training facilities run by seasoned black belts and active competitors. You get clean mat spaces, structured beginner curricula, and welcoming communities that make stepping onto the canvas feel natural.
We weighed all the pros and cons, and now we’re here to share what we found. Stick around to see which ones we think are the best!
How much do martial arts cost in Dublin?
Martial arts classes in Dublin typically range from €60 to €130 each month, depending on your weekly class frequency and discipline access.
| Membership Tier | Typical Monthly Cost | What Is Included |
| Off-Peak / Single Discipline | €60 – €90 | Limited weekly sessions, morning classes, or kids programmes. |
| Unlimited Full Access | €100 – €130 | Open timetable access across grappling, striking, and conditioning. |
| Introductory Course Bundles | €60 – €99 | Four-week foundational tracks often paired with a starter uniform. |
1. Alexandre Fitness Jiu Jitsu Academy
Website: https://www.alexandrefitness.com/
Address: Kylemore Park South
Contact: 0899676451
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Stepping into grappling can feel intimidating, but Alexandre Fitness Jiu Jitsu Academy prioritises discipline, wellness, and practical martial arts for everyday people.
Their structured beginner programme teaches essential movement patterns like hip escapes and basic rolls before any live sparring begins. The coaches break down self-defence techniques with patient, step-by-step guidance.
If you overdo your neck or back during early training sessions, local chiropractors can help you recover quickly.
One downside is their limited timetable for mixed martial arts, as the academy focuses mainly on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Still, they remain an outstanding hub to build fitness and learn martial arts safely.
I really appreciate the professionalism
I would like to thank Sensei Alexandre for having me and my family at his dojo.
We are trainning Mixed Martial Arts in private sessions so I can bring my kids on our own time and because of this we are able to go regurlaly.
When I go by self, it is hard core because Sensei Alexandre push my limits.
I really appreciate the professionalism and the kind enviroment built up with a great professional team and other dedicated Jiu Jistsu sudents and friends.
- Renan Devita | Google Review
The classes are great and easy to follow
I’ve been training martial arts for over 10 years and this is by far the most welcomed I have felt as a new student by not just Alex but by everyone in the gym. The classes are great and easy to follow no matter what level you are. As a full-time worker I found it hard to train as much as I wanted but thats not an issue here, the class times are great and I can fit 2 sessions per day around my job. I would 100% recommend Alexandre Fitness / De Lá Riva Dublin to anyone new or experienced.
- S B | Google Review
2. Satori BJJ
Website: https://www.satoribjj.com/
Address: 17 Old Quarry Campus Northwest Business Park Ballycoolin
Contact: 0831523568
Hours: No Hours Listed
Brothers John and Patrick Sheridan, who run Satori BJJ, bring over sixty combined years of martial arts experience to their Ballycoolin mats.
John holds black belts in Kenpo Karate and BJJ, while Patrick holds a sport coaching degree alongside his jiu-jitsu black belt.
Their introductory four-week programmes include a free training uniform to get you started smoothly. When we stopped by during an evening fundamentals class, we noticed how the calm coaching style immediately put newcomers at ease.
On the downside, their junior MMA class groups children aged ten to seventeen together, which creates a wide physical gap.
Still, their technical martial arts coaching delivers immense value for beginners and seasoned grapplers.
Great gym
I’ve been a member of Satori for two years and would highly recommend the club to anyone looking to participate in martial arts at any level of experience. The gym has fantastic facilities and great quality coaches who break down complex movements into clear, easy to understand steps. The atmosphere in the gym is very welcoming and the Sheridan brothers have created a culture of everyone pulling in the same direction, trying to make each other better. Great gym.
- Eoghan Ó Donnchú | Google Review
All good vibes
Satori is truly the best gym I’ve been to. The knowledge, respect and good vibes with genuine people is on another level. I would, and do recommend Satori to all my friends interested in starting or growing their knowledge in various martial arts disciplines! Big fresh facilities and wonderful straff. All ages, All levels and All good vibes.
- rasmus troell | Google Review
3. SBG Ireland HQ – Dublin BJJ & MMA
Website: https://www.sbgireland.com/
Address: Unit 13 Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Inchicore
Contact: +353 1 460 4845
Hours:
- Monday, Friday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
World-famous for developing top combat talent, SBG Ireland HQ welcomes complete novices right alongside seasoned international athletes.
Their extensive timetable features Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai striking, Olympic wrestling, and a complimentary ladies-only grappling class.
They also offer Víkingaþrek, a high-intensity conditioning system designed to forge stamina using bodyweight exercises and kettlebells. Training alongside disciplined teammates provides unmatched motivation during difficult rounds.
The main drawback is the early Saturday afternoon closing time, which could be inconvenient for some schedules.
Still, if you’re serious about high-level martial arts training, they offer an impressive mix of expert coaching, varied classes, and a strong training environment.
Awesome, welcoming
I came to SBG last year and walked in just to see the gym where Conor trains. Being a huge fan I loved it. The staff were awesome and welcoming. They had a section of gear for purchase and an impressive set up for a MMA gym. I lived in Ireland for years and was very pleased to finally make it down here and see the gym in person.
- Ian Lambert | Google Review
Good experience
I came over from Italy to see the gym where a legend was born… Guys from the gym were super nice 👍 and I bought a couple of nice tshirts… I was the only fan in the gym and Conor was there!!!! … But, to my delusion, Conor himself warned me not to take any photo while a professional photographer was taking many… And then we had to leave because fans are not allowed to stay long 😪
- Customer | Google Review
4. Royal Grappling Academy BJJ Dublin
Website: https://rga.ie/dublin/
Address: Junction 6, Castleknock
Contact: +353872104407
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday, 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sunday, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Founded in 2011, Royal Grappling Academy BJJ Dublin is home to two Marcelo Garcia black belts who teach pure ground-fighting fundamentals.
Their beginner curriculum removes all live sparring, letting you learn body positioning, escapes, and submissions without fear of injury.
A friend who trains here regularly mentioned how easy it was to settle in as a total novice. And after tough weekend grappling, he said relaxing in local swimming pools helps flush out muscle soreness.
The main drawback is that they focus exclusively on jiu-jitsu, so anyone interested in striking will need to train elsewhere.
Still, it’s a strong choice for anyone looking to develop technical ground-fighting skills.
The best gym
Started bjj here at age 26 with no martial arts experience at all. 8 years later now and still training consistently. Couldn’t have been luckier stumbling into this gym with its welcoming members and passionate and friendly coaches. Trained all over the world since and this is definitely the best gym I’ve trained in.
- mohammed mahdi | Google Review
Recommended
One of the best clubs i have ever participated in for martial arts. The number of purple, brown and black belts on the mats really has excelled my progress. Everyone is so down to earth and nice. Well recommend this club.
- Mohammed Alobaidi | Google Review
5. Vieira Martial Arts – Muay Thai & Fight Gym Dublin
Website: https://www.vieiramartialarts.com/
Address: 40, North Lotts
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Sunday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Centrally located on North Lotts, Vieira Martial Arts focuses on personal empowerment, confidence, and functional fitness through authentic Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu.
Their classes teach crisp pad work, Dutch-style combinations, and tactical self-defence in a lively group setting. The coaching staff keep training energetic while correcting defensive footwork and punching form.
Plus, their flexible pricing tiers allow you to book budget-friendly morning sessions or full unlimited memberships.
However, weekend class options are relatively scarce compared to their busy weekday schedule.
Even so, for city-centre commuters, this gym offers a convenient place to train in dynamic martial arts while building fitness, confidence, and practical skills.
Highly recommend
Awesome place to train. I came into Dublin for a couple days and needed to train some BJJ to burn off the pints. Professor Alex is super friendly, great structure with drills that transitioned to move of the day.
Highly recommend if you are in Dublin.
- Rommel Baylon | Google Review
Good experience
I had the privilege of attending Vieira martial arts for a No-gi BJJ class while in Dublin. The club culture was warm, welcoming and respectful. Within minutes of stepping into the club I was welcomed by students and coaches. The BJJ coach was effective at teaching through building on a fundamental concept throughout the lesson. The lesson structure was ideal with a short period of warming up/conditioning, followed by drilling and building on concepts, finishing with free rolling. If you’re l looking for an MMA gym in Dublin, it should be this one.
- Linden Martyr | Google Review