BJJ is a martial art that has gained popularity in recent years. Many people are interested in taking up BJJ, but are put off by the cost. In this blog post, we will discuss the average cost of BJJ and how to find a school that fits your budget.
The Average Cost of BJJ Training
The average cost of BJJ training can vary depending on where you live, the type of school you choose, and how often you train. For example, private lessons with a certified instructor will generally cost more than group classes at a local community center. In addition, if you decide to compete in tournaments or attend special seminars, those costs will also need to be factored in.
That being said, the average monthly cost of BJJ training is between $100 and $200. This price range covers most schools and training schedules. Of course, there are always going to be exceptions to this rule; some schools may charge more or less depending on their location, amenities, etc.
Gym Fees
Many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms lack transparency in pricing on their websites, making it difficult to compare different locations. Factors such as location, facilities, and extras offered (e.g., MMA classes or kickboxing) can lead to large variations in monthly fees charged by BJJ gyms.
You can usually find gyms that will allow you to pay their fees every two weeks or monthly. For adults, the fees generally include an unlimited number of classes. In these cases, the more often you train, the cheaper each class becomes. Additionally, some gyms may lower your monthly fee if you agree to a 12-month contract.
For example, my gym in Ukraine costs approximately $40 each month for 3 sessions weekly, my gym in Belgium used to charge 50 euros for 7 sessions per week.
Be aware, some gyms have hidden fees like graduation fees, where they charge an extra fee when you receive your next stripe or belt.
Average Monthly BJJ Gym Fees
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| USA | $100-200 monthly |
| Europe | €30-80 monthly |
| Australia | 120-180 AUD monthly |
| UK | £100 monthly |
Gear
When you sign up for classes, you’ll probably need a gi, no gi apparel which you wear to no gi class or under your gi, a mouth guard, slippers and a gym bag.
How Much Does a BJJ Gi Cost?
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi typically costs between $70 and $200. The price of a BJJ gi depends on the quality of the material, the brand, and whether it is intended for competition or everyday training. For example, a simple cotton gi may cost as little as $70, while a competition-grade gi from a well-known brand could cost upwards of $200.
Many BJJ schools have their own branded gis that they sell to students at a discounted rate. These gis are usually of good quality and are a great option for those on a budget. In addition, many online retailers offer discounts on BJJ gis, so it is always worth checking the internet for deals.
Some gyms like the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu schools, pioneered by Eddie Bravo, train exclusively in no gi attire, which is basically a rash guard and no gi shorts.
How Much Does No Gi Gear Cost?
No gi gear, also known as MMA or grappling shorts, typically costs between $30 and $60. The price of no gi gear depends on the quality of the material, the brand, and whether it is intended for competition or everyday training. For example, a basic pair of MMA shorts from a well-known brand could cost as little as $30, while a pair of competition-grade grappling shorts from a lesser-known brand could cost upwards of $60.
As with gis, many BJJ schools have their own branded no gi gear that they sell to students at a discounted rate. In addition, many online retailers offer discounts on no gi gear, so it is always worth checking the internet for deals.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a piece of safety gear that is worn while training or competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mouthguards help to protect your teeth and gums from injury, and they can also help to prevent concussions.
You can buy them at sports stores, or you can go to a professional who makes them, or you can go to a dentist and get one made specifically for you. The price of the mouthguard will vary depending on which option you choose.
- Boil and bite: a boil-and-bite mouthguard just needs to be heated up in boiling water, after which you bite on the mouthguard to get a closer fit. Costs around $20-30.
- Custom mouthguard: a custom mouthguard usually requires you to make an impression of your teeth using a home kit, after which you send it back to the mouthguard company and they’ll send you a finished mouthguard. Costs around $50.
- Dentist mouthguard: a dentist will create a professional impression of your teeth and fit the mouthguard for you. Can cost from $300 to $500.
Mouthguards typically cost between $10 and $30. The price of a mouthguard depends on the quality of the material, the brand, and whether it is intended for competition or everyday training. For example, a basic mouthguard from a well-known brand could cost as little as $10, while a high-end mouthguard from a lesser-known brand could cost upwards of $30.
Competitions
Most of the Jiu Jitsu competition entry fees cost from $60 to $100. The price of a competition entry fee depends on the location, organization, and type of competition. For example, a local tournament may have an entry fee of $60, while a major international tournament could have an entry fee of $100.
In addition to the entry fee, competitors must also pay for their travel and accommodation expenses. Competitors who are traveling from out of town may also have to pay for a rental car or taxi fare.
The total cost of competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the location and type of tournament.
Other Costs
- Seminars: Jiu-Jitsu seminars are taught by world-renowned instructors and typically last one to three days. The cost of a seminar depends on the instructor, the length of the seminar, and the location. Seminars can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.
- Instructionals: There are many instructional videos about BJJ on websites like BJJ Fanatics. These videos can cost from $50-$200, depending on who made the video.
- Hygiene: Soaps with essential oils, like tea tree, eucalyptus, and manuka oil, are said to have antifungal properties. These kinds of soaps may help protect against skin infections common among jiujitsu practitioners, like ringworm. Some popular brands include Defense Soap and Arm Bar Soap. A bar or bottle of this type of soap typically costs $5 – $10 USD.
- Transportation: If you do not have a car, you may need to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get to and from your jiu jitsu academy. The cost of transportation will vary depending on your location, but it can range from $20 – $100 per month. Traveling to competition costs hundreds of dollars more.
Conclusion
Bjj is a martial art that has many benefits; however, it can be costly to get started. The average monthly cost of BJJ training is $100-$200; however, there are ways to find an affordable program that fits your budget. Community centers and recreation departments offer low-cost classes, and many reputable online instructors offer reasonable video courses. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family for recommendations as well!
