Rick Young's Black Belt Academy in Edinburgh

[McWoodley]

Hello, I have had some striking experience but I quickly realized that it wasn't for me. I have, however had more experience in grappling in my older city (about an hour away from Edinburgh), and although I am a white belt, I still enjoyed learning BJJ a lot, and don't want to give it up.

Has anybody had any experience at Rick Young's Black Belt Academy? I am thinking of joining it to start jiu jitsu, how would you rate the coaching, students and overall atmosphere?

 

[zeli_papa]

Hello, I have had some striking experience but I quickly realized that it wasn't for me. I have, however had more experience in grappling in my older city (about an hour away from Edinburgh), and although I am a white belt, I still enjoyed learning BJJ a lot, and don't want to give it up.

Has anybody had any experience at Rick Young's Black Belt Academy? I am thinking of joining it to start jiu jitsu, how would you rate the coaching, students and overall atmosphere?

Hi mate, I'm a blue belt under Rick and I train at the Academy. I'd definitely recommend it , Rick is one of the nicest people I've ever met and also he's a walking encyclopedia of jiu jitsu, always happy to help, show and explain. There's plenty of good guys to train with, classes are usually busy, that's why I prefer midday ones ( evening classes are sometimes too packed). There's plenty of classes to choose from (GI seems to be more popular but there are No GI classes too). Your first impression might not be great if it comes to meeting people as the club's fairly formal which doesn't suit everyone but give it a chance and don't be afraid to say hi and start the conversation. Just come man, you won't regret it.

 

[McWoodley]

Hi mate, I'm a blue belt under Rick and I train at the Academy. I'd definitely recommend it , Rick is one of the nicest people I've ever met and also he's a walking encyclopedia of jiu jitsu, always happy to help, show and explain. There's plenty of good guys to train with, classes are usually busy, that's why I prefer midday ones ( evening classes are sometimes too packed). There's plenty of classes to choose from (GI seems to be more popular but there are No GI classes too). Your first impression might not be great if it comes to meeting people as the club's fairly formal which doesn't suit everyone but give it a chance and don't be afraid to say hi and start the conversation. Just come man, you won't regret it.

Hi, thanks for replying! I definitely look to start this month, or by next month. I just got a new job last month, so I will be getting paid soon, and look forward to it! I have only been to one BJJ club, but what do you mean by the academy being "formal"? Being in a similar setting to a traditional martial art; like Karate, Judo, Aikido etc?

I think I will look to do as much grappling as I can ahah, £50 is very reasonable for a high quality club in Edinburgh. I just hope that my uni doesn't take up so much time that I can't train as much.

 

[KnightTemplar]

Hi mate, I'm a blue belt under Rick and I train at the Academy. I'd definitely recommend it , Rick is one of the nicest people I've ever met and also he's a walking encyclopedia of jiu jitsu, always happy to help, show and explain. There's plenty of good guys to train with, classes are usually busy, that's why I prefer midday ones ( evening classes are sometimes too packed). There's plenty of classes to choose from (GI seems to be more popular but there are No GI classes too). Your first impression might not be great if it comes to meeting people as the club's fairly formal which doesn't suit everyone but give it a chance and don't be afraid to say hi and start the conversation. Just come man, you won't regret it.

I train with Rick as well, although I tend to concentrate on Kali. I second everything in this post. Rick is both a superb teacher and a world class fighter. If you want to learn BJJ, you won't find anyone better in Scotland, never mind your home town.

Drop into the Academy and speak to Rick himself. He can answer any other questions you may have.

Good luck!

 

[zeli_papa]

By formal I mean there's belt hierarchy( as a white belt you sit at the beginning of the line), there's bowing before and after class etc. Some other clubs in Edinburgh are more relaxed that way, less traditional so to speak. Overall I really enjoy being a part of this club and would definitely encourage you to come and train here, give me a shout when you're planning to join and I'll come and say hi

 

[KnightTemplar]

By formal I mean there's belt hierarchy( as a white belt you sit at the beginning of the line), there's bowing before and after class etc. Some other clubs in Edinburgh are more relaxed that way, less traditional so to speak. Overall I really enjoy being a part of this club and would definitely encourage you to come and train here, give me a shout when you're planning to join and I'll come and say hi

The few times I've trained BJJ, I've actually enjoyed this aspect of the class. It's still informal in the sense that we call Rick by his name instead of his title, "Professor".

I'm also glad there is a belt system, and that Rick makes sure that people have to earn their rank. If you are a Blue Belt at the Academy, you earned it the hard way.

 

[zeli_papa]

The few times I've trained BJJ, I've actually enjoyed this aspect of the class. It's still informal in the sense that we call Rick by his name instead of his title, "Professor".

I'm also glad there is a belt system, and that Rick makes sure that people have to earn their rank. If you are a Blue Belt at the Academy, you earned it the hard way.

Exactly, for me it's a positive thing and I liked that right off the bat, however it might not be to everyone's taste, especially that there are other clubs in Edinburgh which have different vibe. Each to their own as they say, for me this is the place to train and I would never change it for anything else and you're right , getting a belt from Rick has a special meaning, you definitely know that you're worth it