Edinburgh has a host of martial arts clubs to choose from. Edinburgh University has several well…read moreknown societies including a tournament winning Karate team, and Leith has its own mixed martial arts champion, Rick Young. But it's Yee's Hung Ga school that I believe offers one of the best martial arts experiences, not only in Edinburgh, but in the country. Yee's Hung Ga is an organisation with several Kung Fu schools, most of which are in America, but also another in Aberdeen. Yee, if you are wondering, refers to Yee Chi Wai, grandmaster of the school. Each school offers the authentic experience of learning one of China's most famous Kung Fu styles. Hung Ga is a southern Chinese martial art that focuses on devastating and powerful close range techniques and low hard stance training and is famously associated with the Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung. As a child I, like so many, was in awe of martial arts I saw in films, games and comic books. I won't deny the cliche, I was part inspired by Bruce Lee and other Kung Fu stars. Early on I tried a few classes of Judo which turned out not to be for me. I then joined a Karate school which I enjoyed much more but unfortunately closed down not long after. It wasn't until much later when I spent a few months studying in London, where I joined a Kung Fu school for a short time, that I was truly impressed, and knew I had to continue with the arts in some form. After moving back to Edinburgh I sought out another Kung Fu school, which led me to Yee's Hung Ga. Yee's Hung Ga is particularly effective in not just teaching you flowery fists and embroidery kicks, but genuinely effective self defence techniques, in both physical execution of moves but also the necessary mind set. But it's not all about learning to fight and defend. There are also more peaceful , some might say spiritual aspects to the art. A good part of each class is taken up with traditional Chinese Qi Gong, which at the very least helps you to relax. These aspects of the class are not just geared toward keeping a composed mind during training, but also for everyday life. At the moment classes are taught in the Methodist Central Hall by Tollcross, however plans are in the work to soon move to a new dedicated venue nearby. Currently classes are taught three days a week, with beginners able to attend one class on each of those days, all starting at 19:00 and lasting an hour. Monday's class focuses on form training, Wednesday drilling sessions and sparring, Friday is applications and slow sparring. More details can be found on the excellent new website along with more contact details. Look out for updates on this review or on the website when the school moves to the new location. Anyone can come and try classes out. All ages, all abilities, whether you've trained in other arts before or not. Expect the class to be tough. Expect to train hard. But that's not to say you won't be welcome. Far from it. Each person is simply expected to try their hardest, to the best of their ability at the time, and to progress at their own level. There is no competition here. One of the things that attracted me to this school was the seriousness of attitude, complemented by a feeling of family and camaraderie, as opposed to the macho or flippant attitude unfortunately found in some other schools. Yee's Hung Ga Edinburgh branch offers a chance to experience genuine Kung Fu in a great atmosphere. If you are thinking of taking up a martial art, there's no harm in giving this school a change. To give you an extra push, the first class is free!

It is hard enough to find a good martial arts class in the UK ordinarily, but to find a good…read moreChinese martial art class, in a sea of Japanese, is even more difficult. Yee's Hung Ga, is an intense, profesionally taught class that runs three times a week. Hung Ga is an old southern Chinese style that blends both external and internal and is known for its deep stance training. This takes the form of Qigong, a combination of movement and breathing techniques that helps not only in the art but everyday life; and more pratical and applicable self defence. Each lesson a week focuses on a different aspect of the art but always involves Qigong.The lessons can be physically intense, but all that is to be expected of you is to try your best and train hard. The cost of lessons is average for martial arts (perhaps below average if you take the quality of teaching into accont) and the first lesson is free. A profound, expertedly taught martial art that helps you make the most of your body and mind, both in lesson and in the greater context of your life.

my two kids love coming here one has been attending for just under 3 years while the other around a…read moreyear now and they have learned so much from the coaches, even get to take part in competitions and interclubs. All staff are very friendly and look after both my kids in a safe and secure environment, would highly recommend bringing your kids along to see for yourself.

I honestly can't recommend this gym highly enough! It's only wee, but it packs a punch. As well as…read moreboxing, kickboxing, MMA and jui-jitsu classes, they also do personal training, Little Gladiators classes for kids and a bit of outdoor fitness as well. The egotistical/macho behaviour that I've seen at more than one martial arts gym before is very much not tolerated here, so it's great for women, or anyone who might feel a bit intimidated by the idea of walking into a 'fight' gym for the first time. The ladies boxing and kickboxing classes are a great place to start and, because you can take things at a pace that suits you, suitable for all fitness levels. The owners and instructors know what they're talking about, and will keep you right. Classes are usually a good laugh as well, and I appreciate the feeling that I'm getting fitter at the same time as learning what might turn out to be pretty useful new skills, rather than just running on a treadmill in a big glass box. Give it a go!

Great club....Brilliantread more

Goodbye Edinburgh leisure membership, hello Edinurgh Boxing Academy!!…read more If you're looking for a proper work out, like walkingoutwithjellylegsohmygoshicantstopsweating kind of work out, you'll definitely want to try this place out. I did one class of the ultimate fitness and my abs were sore for a week! Its a very male dominated gym and can be quite intimidating when you first go in, especially as a somewhat unfit female who believes a quartetly run counts as regular excersie, but you'll just have to get over that quickly. You'll feel amazing, strong, sore, tired, and energetic all at once for days afterward. Trainers are good. They'll push you hard but they're not mean about it, just to the point. I'm hooked and plan to make this my regular gym, give it a go if you're looking for something different.

Fantastic teacher and group of students who have been doing this class for years. The instructor is…read moreteaching Yong Chun White Crane kung fu from the Yong Chun county in the Fujian province of China. There is variety to the classes so you're able to stick to the softer aspects of the style which are lighter tai chi-like movement or to the more hard style aspects which are more physically demanding

From the owner: Welcome to Bai He Alba School of White Crane Kung Fu…read more At our martial arts club we teach White Crane Kung Fu which is one of the most highly respected martial arts and is a rare opportunity to learn this tradition in Scotland. Incorporating both the internal (soft) and external (hard) elements of Chinese martial arts, we offer something for everyone regardless of previous experience. White Crane is a sophisticated and evolved system utilising skill and clever body mechanics to promote health and wellbeing whilst teaching a devastating form of self-defence. Rather than relying on brute force and weight, White Crane promotes relaxed and supple movements that develop self-defence skills against a larger opponent. Our classes are always open to complete beginners. You do not need to be fit, strong or have any previous experience to come to our classes. The club has a friendly and open attitude and warmly welcomes all new students.

YES! Finally a 24…read morehour gym opens in Edinburgh. Pure Gym is situated on the new up-and-coming quartermile in Edinburgh, just a stones throw away from the Meadows and a short walk from the University - ideal for everyone. It only costs £17 a month to be a member of the gym, with a £20 initiation fee which is such a bargain. The gym is a really decent size and is filled with lots of workout machines and weights without being overcrowded. Every member is given a pin code which is used to enter and leave the gym, as well as enter the changing rooms. Classes are available at the gym, such as spinning, and there are plenty of personal trainers on hand to help you with your work out. Pure Gym is purely a gym - there is no swimming pool, sauna or jacuzzi, but there is a sun bed! The gym is never too overcrowded and there are always plenty of machines meaning that no one has to wait in line to use one - amazing.

So I gave Pure Gym a go…read more I've never been a member of a gym, nor have I ever been on any of those mad machines. I tried it for three days to learn the ropes and (since I'm not sure I'll have time for gyming for a bit) to try out a gym while I have a bit of free time. Applying for membership took about 5 minutes, all online and I was good to go immediately. The next day I showed up for my induction which was given by a lovely, relaxed - and most importantly completely not intimidating - lady who was patient in showing the machines, how to use them and explaining the ins and outs. After induction I was left to my own devices, so I tried out some machines. I was there at rush hour (but maybe some days are busier than others) and it was fine. There was no waiting for anything and everyone was friendly. I made the most of my brief membership and had fun. The gym itself, though I can't compare to other gyms, seems well equipped and there seems to be a relaxed atmosphere. The classes look like fun and apparently rarely fill up (even when the online thingy says they have, apparently they recommend you try showing up because there's so many no shows). There's a few rules such as: your stuff needs to be locked up (padlocks are available for £4), you need to carry a sweat towel when you're using equipment (again, available in vending machines) and there's no opportunity to bring friends (you're paying very little so I guess that makes sense!) Overall it was a good introduction to gyming. I had fun. The facilities are adequate, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is fine.