Aliveness Gym Aberdeen

FUN not Fear

As the north-east Scotland's Straight Blast Gym International affiliated training group, we provide men and women of all ages with the highest level of realistic martial arts coaching and instruction in a fun, open environment.

Regardless of your age or experience, we have a program that’s right for you!

Our classes are very different from those offered at most martial arts schools. Our approach is unique because:

We train using only martial arts systems that have proven most effective in self defence, full-contact combat sports and military and police applications. And,

Our training methods can be adapted to accomodate all levels of physical ability, skill and intensity.

It is our philosophy that the most modern, cutting-edge training should be made available and enjoyable to everyone interested, not just the young and athletically gifted.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

The delivery systems used in MMA are seen in events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC)

Whether you want to learn to defend yourself in the street or compete in competition, it is necessary to train in the Three Ranges of Fighting: Standup, Clinch and Ground.

We do not like to think in terms of techniques so much as what will work best at any given moment at any of the aforementioned ranges. A punch is a punch, a kick a kick, an elbow an elbow, a knee a knee, a choke a choke, a throw a throw, an armlock an armlock.

It does not matter where it originated from and what fancy name it has been given.

It is important to note that we do not have any "street fighters". We have members concerned with health, fitness and being able to defend themselves in the street.

A byproduct of that training is sometimes the desire and ability of our students to compete in competition. It is training in an alive manner that allows our members to be successful in whatever endeavors they choose. If you don't spar, if your training is not alive but instead a series of dead patterns, and "flow drills", then what you do will not translate in what is actual fighting.

The vast majority of our members train exclusively for self defence, fitness and fun, which translates to stress release and a sense of well being.

Drilling and sparring translates to the most intensive, exciting, challenging and safe way to build the necessary attributes for self-defence as well as build overall fitness.

Competency and progress is gauged by one simple standard - successful execution of a technique against an uncooperative opponent.

We don't waste time on ineffective techniques or out-dated training methods - there is simply too much to do and too little time.

Gear up at MMA Universe

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the world's fastest growing martial arts. It first exploded onto the world scene in the early nineties when the Gracie family defeated all challengers from other Martial Arts and combat sport styles such as Kickboxing, Boxing, Judo, Traditional Japanese Ju Jitsu (Jujitsu/Jujutsu), Taekwondo, Hapkido, Karate, Wrestling, and Kung Fu, in no rules challenge matches.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taken the world by storm. The most in-demand martial arts style has turned the martial arts upside down by emphasizing real-life situations and results over the dramatic kicks and throws of formal competition. The secret? In real fights, the combatants usually clinch and fall to the ground. It is there that the fight is decided. Punches don't matter. Fancy moves don't matter.
Just get your opponent in a choke or lock and it is over. This is the genius of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Example of our Testimonials

"The contrast between "traditional" martial arts training methods and the SBG curriculum is huge,and for me, only became apparent once I began training at Aberdeen's Aliveness Gym.

My previous sporadic martial arts training has,quite frankly, taught me very little of any use except against the choreographed moves for which they were designed - very rarely experienced outside of a controlled training environment.

Here, the "alive" approach to training; the willingness to ADOPT techniques that work and
the willingness to DROP techniques that don't combines to create a highly effective delivery
system that improves fitness; inspires confidence and is focused on personal development.

Since joining I have been made to feel extremely welcome from the start. Everyone is encouraged to coach their training partner regardless of ability and the lack of formality creates a great atmosphere.

If you're at all undecided, come along for your free introduction class - I guarantee you'll notice the difference immediately and come back for more !"

- Tim C

"Over the years I've tried my hand at several traditional martial arts but quickly grew bored of them due to their strict methods of training with katas, too much formality and with no resistance.
The curriculum at Aberdeen's Aliveness Gym totally opened my eyes to the fact that this is un-necessary and in fact hinders progress.
By practicing techniques with resisting training partners it's so much easier to gauge what is effective than it is training with a 'dummy'!

In the short time I’ve been with the Aliveness Gym I have learned more than I did combined in all of my previous training experiences, got in better shape and gained confidence by doing something that I really enjoy.

The friendly atmosphere within the training group is great and I've picked up lots of helpful tips along the way to help improve all aspects of my BJJ.

All of this adds up to create a great package that I'd wholeheartedly recommend to anyone."

- Alan B.