Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian martial art (with roots in Japanese jujutsu) based on grappling and ground fighting. The main focus of BJJ (as it is more commonly known) is on the skill of controlling opponents through techniques that force them to surrender. It’s also one of the best ways to get in shape. So, if you’re thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu training, you might be wondering: how much does Jiu Jitsu cost? The average range of Jiu Jitsu gyms in the U.S costs somewhere between $50 to $250 per month. Obviously, that’s a wide range, but typical BJJ gym memberships cost about $150 per month. However, in addition to membership costs, there are a number of other costs associated with Jiu Jitsu that you may not realize. We’ll discuss BJJ costs in detail below, such as BJJ uniforms, mouthguards, competition entry fees, and other miscellaneous costs.
How Much do Jiu Jitsu Classes Cost?
One of the great things about Jiu Jitsu is you start to learn that getting stuck in the worst possible situation is not the end, and you can always get up and recover. Good training, solid conditioning, and proper rest can minimize the risk of injury, especially for newcomers to the sport. Individuals who train in BJJ often tell their friends that you should try it out. They boast of how amazing it is and how much fun they have while learning a really cool art form, self-defense, and getting in great shape at the same time.
So, you can start as early or as late in life as you want, but the first question most people ask is how much does BJJ cost? There is no exact price that every Jiu Jitsu gym charges, but there are pretty standard price ranges when searching for BJJ classes in the U.S.
Average of Jiu Jitsu class costs in various types of gyms
Below we have composed an average of Jiu Jitsu class costs in various types of gyms. Let’s check them out one by one:
The Smaller Gym
These are the kind of Jiu Jitsu gyms, which are usually managed and run by a single individual. The good smaller gyms are run by black belts or an excellent brown belt trainer. But some of the gyms are even run by blue belts.
These “smaller gyms” run by anyone less than a high-level brown belt, usually charge about $50 per month. These gyms can be even free if it is being operated in a garage or backyard. Many places do not charge any rent.
If the instructor is a highly trained brown belt or (preferably) black belt, then the cost of Jiu Jitsu classes will be around $100 per month. There are possibilities that some of the classes may even charge less. So, the average Jiu Jitsu cost per month in smaller gyms ranges from $50 to $100.
The Typical Gym
In this type of gym, one of the instructors is definitely a black belt as head instructor, and probably a couple of black belts under him. These gyms also have a handful of coaches, who are usually brown or purple belt. These coaches help to run some of the basic and intermediate classes.
Obviously, these gyms will not function in garages or backyards, and they generally operate in a building like a warehouse of some sort or the typical brick and mortar. These gyms are a lot more organized, and one person is assigned to manage all the administrative work.
The cost of Jiu Jitsu classes in these types of gyms is around $150 per month, and this price is well justified. You are getting well-organized training, the gyms are more efficiently managed, and your fees are worth it in these types of gyms. You will get a quality building to train in, professional staff, solid teaching plans and more training partners. These gyms also conduct more classes than the smaller gyms since they have more training partners and instructors. This gives you more flexibility in scheduling your training times.
The majority of individuals prefer these kinds of gyms and most BJJ practitioners stay in these gyms their entire martial arts career. These gyms generally provide all that is required to get professional martial arts training as well as the personal feel of a strong BJJ community.
The Big Name Gym
There are many Jiu Jitsu gyms out there that are managed and run by some of Jiu Jitsu’s biggest names. To join these gyms, obviously, you will have to pay more. Generally speaking, that charge is justified. The instructors are usually well known BJJ trainers and most of the Jiu Jitsu world or national champs come from these big name gyms.
At these gyms you get training from some of the best black belts the sport has to offer. These world champs know a ton about the “gentle art” (this is the rough translation of the term “Jiu Jitsu”). These black belts have a deep understanding of Jiu Jitsu and are strong ambassadors of the sport: they are very good at inspiring new practitioners to fight through all of BJJ’s ups and downs and become the best fighters they can be.
Of course, not everybody opts to take Jiu Jitsu classes in “big name” gyms since they typically charge premium fees. On average, big name gyms charge $200 to $250 per month for Jiu Jitsu classes.
Let’s Compare the Costs of All the Three Types of Gyms
- The Smaller Gym: Cost ranges between $50 to $100 per month.
- The Typical Gym: Cost ranges around $150 per month.
- The Big Name Gym: Cost ranges between $200 to $250 per month.
Now that you have an insight into how much Jiu Jitsu classes cost, let’s take a look at how you might find an option to pay less.
Options to Reduce the Cost of BJJ Classes
In case you are thinking that going to these gyms will be a little too expensive, there are options to pay less. Most of the time the gym owners just want you to get on mats and may not make you pay the full price. They know how addictive Jiu Jitsu is and bank on the fact that you will most likely love the sport. Once you become addicted you are much more willing to pay full price as soon as you are able.
Here are some ways to reduce Jiu Jitsu classes cost:
- You can pay the yearly or half-yearly fees in advance; this way, you can reduce the Jiu Jitsu cost.
- You can pay per class, especially if you are just starting out and want to try it out before you commit fully (believe me, you will eventually!)
- Keep your eyes out for offers and discounts offered by BJJ gyms. Sometimes they offer one or two free intro classes.
- Talk to any friends you know that train BJJ. They might be willing to teach you a few beginner moves before you decide if you want to commit. They may also be able to talk to their gym manager about offering you a discount price.
Other Costs Associated with BJJ Training
Jiu Jitsu Competition Entry Fees
BJJ competitions, once you are ready for them, usually have entry fees. You can get discounts if you enroll yourself well in advance or a few months before the competition starts. Most of the Jiu Jitsu competition entry fees cost from $80 to $100.
Gi (Uniform)
With every sport or martial art, you need a proper uniform. For the traditional form of Jiu Jitsu, you will need at least one BJJ Gi (uniform for training) and belt. Rash guards and mouth guards are also recommended to wear in addition to your Gi.
Here is a sample list of the cost of BJJ accessories:
- Jiu Jitsu Gi (uniform): $100. This is required for all BJJ training unless you go to a class labeled specifically as “no Gi”. No Gi classes are generally for BJJ students looking to cross over into MMA training.
- Jiu Jitsu White Belt: $20. Also required if you are going to wear a Gi. Not all Gis that you buy come with a belt, so make sure you have a belt before you go to your first class.
- Rash Guard: $25. This is more of a preference than anything else. Every class I’ve been to, I wear a t-shirt under my Gi, but I’m sure a rash guard would be more comfortable.
- Mouth Guard: $35. Another optional accessory. However, there is a reason they are popular: they help prevent a lot of mouth injuries during training (ie. biting your tongue). They take a little while to get used to though.
- Finger Tape: $12. Optional. NIce to have, though. Tape stabilizes your fingers or toes and can help prevent mat burn on your toes.
- Elite Sports Boxing Gym Duffle Bag for Jiu Jitsu: $60. Also optional but it sure is nice to stay organized!
- Liquid Bandage: $5. Optional but totally worth the $5. Dries quickly so that you can get back on the mats after minor scrapes and burns.
Obviously, to keep your expenses low, especially if you are just trying the sport out, it is always better to focus on low priced accessories to begin with. As you train more and get to know your own unique needs, you can be more picky about the things you pay for.
Words of wisdom: resist the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe of Gis
I’ll admit: a closet full of kick-ass Gis is a pretty cool sight. But it is also important to keep the things in your budget and try to keep your BJJ learning costs minimal. Also, a new Gi is something that should be earned after hard work and many lessons learned. Your training partners might ridicule you a bit if they see you working hard at buying all the latest Gis, but not putting much effort out on the mats.
You should probably have, at most two Gis, when you first start out. It is nice to have two Gis when you are training 3 or 4 days a week so that you always have a fresh one available. Your rolling partners will appreciate your fresh Gi every class too!
However don’t allow yourself to fall into the Gi addiction trap. Avoid spending if you can control it. Your addiction should be to Jiu Jitsu training, not the accessories. Keep your focus on the art and use buying a new Gi as a motivator to reach training goals. For example: treat yourself to a new Gi when you attain a blue belt, purple belt, and so on.
Creative ways to keep the cost of BJJ low
Train with a friend who already knows Jiu Jitsu
Some of the new Jiu Jitsu learners are fortunate enough to have someone in their close vicinity who is a Jiu Jitsu expert. If you are one of these lucky people, there is no point in joining the typical gyms and paying a bunch of money to get started: you can start your training in a low-key, low-pressure environment with your buddy.
Watch BJJ YouTube videos (preferably with a training partner)
In the case you are not that fortunate to have a friend or family member to teach you BJJ (most of us), you can start your training on YouTube. This way, you will have some basic knowledge, and you will be in a better position to judge whether you need further training in gyms. It is also super helpful to have a close friend (maybe your spouse or partner) to watch and train with you. Most BJJ moves require you to practice on a partner. Just remember to take it easy on each other and ALWAYS respect your partner’s “tap out” signal!
Benefits of Jiu Jitsu Classes as Opposed to a Typical Gym Membership
- Start taking classes directly from someone you know is a real Jiu Jitsu fighter and has faced the same struggles that you have as a beginner.
- In direct Jiu Jitsu classes, you will get personal attention, as your trainer knows you well. This will give you a lot of support on the initial days of Jiu Jitsu training.
- As you start to get familiar with your instructor, you won’t feel shy in asking anything regarding Jiu Jitsu
- BJJ gyms really are a great community to be a part of. 95% of the people in these gyms (instructors included) are super friendly and totally willing to help out new practitioners.
- You get in shape QUICKLY, you learn self-defense, and you improve your creativity by learning a new art form! After all, it is called a martial ART.
Conclusion
There are usually three types of gyms that provide Jiu Jitsu training. These are (1) small home gyms, (2) typical gyms, and (3) “big name” gyms. The monthly cost of Jiu Jitsu classes ranges between $50 to $250. Sometimes you can save your Jiu Jitsu costs by attending some free classes or also watching Jiu Jitsu lessons on YouTube with a partner. You can even get direct training from your friends, brothers/sisters, or relatives who are already trained in BJJ. You will need some accessories for learning Jiu Jitsu, but don’t get too excited and spend a ton of money on Jiu Jitsu attire and accessories in the beginning. Whatever your budget, there are a ton of options to learn BJJ! Now get to rolling!