Martial arts
Barcelona has a deep combat-sports tradition: Olympic judo lineages, Brazilian jiu-jitsu on every other block and boxing gyms that double as neighborhood institutions.
Choosing the discipline
Striking arts like boxing and Muay Thai reward cardio and precision; grappling arts like BJJ and judo reward patience and leverage. Trial classes exist everywhere — take one of each before choosing.
Choosing the gym
Look at who trains there, not the champion on the poster: mixed levels, controlled sparring and beginners treated with patience. A gym that only breeds competitors also breeds injuries.
Belts, gis and gear
Initial gear costs are modest for boxing (gloves, wraps) and higher for judo or BJJ (gi). Ask what the academy requires before buying anything — loaner gear usually exists for the first weeks.