# Ronin Grappling > Glasgow, United Kingdom ## Overview **Name:** Ronin Grappling **Description:** Ronin Grappling is a Glasgow-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team established in 2018, located in Rutherglen just 8 minutes by train from Glasgow city centre. The academy is now affiliated with Foundations Jiu Jitsu in Madison, Wisconsin under 3rd degree black belt Mike Velotta, working towards IBJJF registration. The gym prides itself on maintaining high standards of cleanliness and quality facilities, including 40mm pro mats installed on a sprung floor for extra protection and comfort, two spacious changing rooms, electric showers, and an 8-person infrared sauna available to all members. The training space provides excellent insulation for year-round comfortable training. Led by head coach Giles Garcia (1st degree black belt under Christian Graugart of BJJ Globetrotters, with blessings from the council of travelling black belts), Ronin Grappling offers classes for adults of all levels focusing on both Gi and No-Gi training. The coaching team includes multiple black belts: Richard Wood (experienced in Kimuras and Ezekiel chokes), Scott Dickie (lapel specialist and berimbolo enthusiast, certified Yoga For BJJ instructor), Martin Uhricek (armbar specialist from all angles), Cristiana Theodoli (co-owner, top pressure and lapel techniques), and brown belts Scott Gillespie-Hamilton (armbar and back take specialist) and Chris Gregg (arm triangle specialist and standup instructor). The team also includes purple belt coach Christine Willshire who leads the women+ and non-binary class. The academy values inclusivity, welcoming practitioners of all backgrounds and offering a dedicated weekly women+ and non-binary (trans inclusive) class. Ronin Grappling is recognized as a BJJ Globetrotters affiliate and holds traveler-friendly academy status. The gym focuses on technical development, competition training, and fostering a supportive community atmosphere. Classes require booking through their portal system to manage capacity and tailor instruction to attendee skill levels. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 90 Main Street Glasgow G69 6SL, United Kingdom **Email:** info@roningrappling.com **Website:** https://roningrappling.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roningrappling/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoninGrappling ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ## Pricing ### Drop-in - Adult: £8.5/class ## Facilities & Amenities Showers ## Instructors ### Giles Garcia - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Black belt under Christian Graugart (BJJ Globetrotters). Training since 2007. Former Karate practitioner. IBJJF gold medalist at multiple Opens (Paris, Munich, British Nationals 2018). Semi-professional MMA record 1-0-0, Muay Thai C-class 2-0-0. Certified Yoga For BJJ instructor, Judo orange belt/4th Kyu. Featured instructor at BJJ Globetrotters camps and BJJ Codex channel. ### Chris Gregg - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Purple belt promoted 2024. Started grappling for MMA in 2016, switched focus to BJJ after meeting Giles in 2018. Trained in Thailand multiple times, working with Olympic and D1 wrestlers, UFC/ONE/PFL fighters. Amateur MMA record 4-4, Pro Muay Thai record 2-0. ### Christine Willshire - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Purple belt under Giles Garcia. Training since 2019, started with daughter and husband. Joined Ronin Grappling in 2021. Most consistent and determined member. ### Cristiana Theodoli - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black belt training since 2012. Co-owner of Ronin Grappling, handles creative work, website, social media, photography, and admin. ### Martin Uhricek - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black belt promoted September 2025 under Giles Garcia. Started training aikido and karate around 2002, moved to MMA training at Penta Gym Prague. Moved to Glasgow around 2012, trained at multiple gyms in Thai boxing and jiu jitsu. ### Richard Wood - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black belt training since 2014. Known for strong Kimura and Ezekiel choke game. ### Scott Dickie - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black belt promoted November 2022. Training since 2011. Known for lapel-based techniques and berimbolo. Certified Yoga For BJJ instructor. ### Scott Gillespie-Hamilton - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brown belt under Giles Garcia. Started MMA in 2016 under Iain Postlethwaite at Ayrshire Fight Academy. Amateur MMA record 2-2 at bantamweight. Joined Ronin Grappling early 2022, quickly progressing through purple and brown belts. Frequent competitor and cornerman. ## Programs ### Gi BJJ - All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the gi, suitable for all experience levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. **Classes:** - Monday: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM, 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM - Tuesday: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM - Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM, 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM - Thursday: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM - Friday: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM ### No-Gi BJJ - All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Grappling without the gi, focusing on techniques applicable to MMA and submission grappling. Suitable for all levels. **Classes:** - Monday: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM - Tuesday: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM, 08:00 PM - 09:00 PM - Wednesday: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM, 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM ### Competition Training **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Intensive training focused on competition preparation and advanced techniques. Requires at least 3 months prior training experience. **Classes:** - Friday: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM ### Women+ and Non-Binary Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Dedicated weekly class for women and non-binary practitioners (trans inclusive) in a supportive environment. **Classes:** - Thursday: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM ### Takedown Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Specialized standup and takedown training alternating between Gi and NoGi months. **Classes:** - Saturday: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM --- **Last Updated:** November 07, 2026 **Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-kingdom/scotland/glasgow/ronin-grappling)