People who practice Jiu Jitsu often tell their friends and family members that they should try it out. They let their loved ones know how much fun it is and how amazing it is to be rolling around learning self-defense. These things are all true, however, there is something else that you need to consider. It can play a crucial role in whether or not you can practice Jiu Jitsu. It is the cost.
How Much Do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes Cost?
There isn’t a set fee that all Jiu Jitsu instructors charge for their classes. Every school is different and charges different amounts. If you are looking for the average cost of classes, it will depend on the type of gym that you are training at.
Smaller Gyms
Smaller gyms are often run by just one person. The instructor is usually a black belt or a high level brown belt. In some cases, smaller gyms can be run by blue belts.
If the instructor is a blue belt, you could expect to pay around $50 per month for your classes. If the instructors conduct the classes in their own home or their backyard, the classes might even be free. They don’t have to pay rent for a gym or studio and maybe just willing to donate their time.
If the instructor is a high-level brown belt or a black belt, the cost of the BJJ classes can cost around $100 per month. If you are on a tight budget, a smaller gym might be the best option for you.
The Typical Gym
Usually, a black belt will be the head instructor of a typical gym. If the instructor is a black belt or higher, they are referred to as the Professor of the BJJ gym. They will often have one or two other black belts under them who also train students. If the typical gym has a handful of coaches available, who are usually brown belts or purple belts. These coaches can help run the basic and intermediate classes.
A typical gym won’t be in someone’s basement or backyard. Many of these gyms are located in a warehouse while some are in a brick and mortar store.
These gyms are very organized and there will be admin staff that will require you to sign a waiver when you sign up.
These classes cost around $150 per month and it is well worth it. These gyms have a dedicated building, a more structured teaching plan, and plenty of training partners to choose from. They also offer more classes than small gyms because they have an adequate staff that can teach.
Most people who start taking BJJ classes end up staying in typical gyms. It is the kind of gym that has everything that a person will need to have steady progress.
The Big Name Gym
If you want to go with a big name gym, you should expect to pay more. Many of the world champs in BJJ come from big-name schools and they are taught by the best. In the world of Jiu Jitsu, there are black belts and there are world-class black belts. Both understand everything there is to know about the art, but world-class black belts can enforce their will on anyone they go up against even if they have a deep understanding of BJJ. A world-class black belt can grow a very big following and they know how to run a very successful school. A few of the top big-name schools in the country include:
- Marcelo Garcia’s School
- Andre Galvao’s School
- Roger Gracie’s School
- The Mendes Brother’s School (Guilherme and Rafael)
The owners of these schools are at the highest level in BJJ, and they know how to teach. Because these guys are so good, they can charge a lot of money for their classes. They charge between $215 and $250 per month, and you would be paying for their name and their experience.
Options To Pay Less For Classes
If you are thinking about enrolling in a school that is out of your price range, you may have options. Most BJJ instructors are more about getting you to the mats than making a buck, because of this, there are a few ways that you could reduce your cost for the classes.
- Pay a year in advance: Like most things, buying in bulk can save you money and BJJ classes are no different. You can pay every the class which is the most expensive option. You can also pay every month, every six months, or once a year. If you have just started, you should start paying by the week. This will give you a chance to decide if you like it or not. After the first month, you will know if BJJ is for you. At this point, you can pay for the year in advance and save money.
- Discounts: Many gyms will offer discounts to certain people. Military and law enforcement officials are often given a 10 to 15 percent discount. Many instructors know that it is never too late to start training and they offer discounts to senior citizens.
- Discounts in exchange for services: Some gyms will offer discounts for students who are willing to do some work around the gym. You could clean the mats, create a video or website to promote the school, you can teach a beginners class, and you could become a member of the competition team. Some gyms will offer discounts if you are a higher belt because it benefits them to have you there.
At the end of the day, where you will be training will depend on your budget. If you can afford to go to a big-name gym, go for it. You will have access to the best in the business. If you don’t have that kind of money, you can train at a smaller gym and still get the knowledge that you need. If your financial situation changes, you can move up to a bigger gym.
