Why is jiujitsu so expensive?! Breaking it down for you

[@89Kele]

$120/month, no contracts. I train under a Gracie Academy Black belt, not a Certified Training Center though. Gi/NoGi, show up as many times as you want. No class limits, no contracts, I think it’s good deal.

[@walterleiva7233]

How many days outta the month for $120????

[@Samson789]

@@walterleiva7233I’m on the same plan, I pay 125 instead which is close, we got three locations and we get all 7 days unlimited thankfully. And also MMA and kickboxing too

[@89Kele]

@@walterleiva7233as many as you want, there’s no limit.

[@89Kele]

@@walterleiva7233there’s class every day except Sunday. Usually twice a day, early morning and evening.

[@89Kele]

Everyday of the month, no limit.

[@DJPTEXAS]

People forget it is a business ...

[@edmondlau511]

Gyms are expensive to operate: -high traffic area rent is expensive. Low traffic area might not get you enough exposure -AC so people aren’t passing out -water (drinking and cleaning) -likely someone around the front desk consistently to answer inquiries (phone, email & social media), tours, sign up trial members -buying clothing and equipment (for resale or loaner) -cleaning equipment and supplies. Bleach, disinfectant, mops and cleaning machines aren’t cheap. I have a deep clean machine that’s $2,000 -mat repairs -insurance -labor for instructors But I also see gyms that don’t take advantage of potential revenue streams such as beverage sales (I know a gym where people walk next door to the convenience store to buy bottled water, Gatorade, Monster, etc when the gym could be selling that). I’ve seen gyms sublease to fitness instructors during off times to help offset the cost of doing business. I’ve trained at a gym that would grandfather students in at the rate they joined. Great way to keep students loyal. One of the best advertising campaigns for your business is word of mouth.

[@Lifecounselor710]

BJJ should be $99-$170 across the USA for unlimited training. If your paying more than $200 your being scammed. I’ve been in this business for over 20 years.

[@nmr20067]

Agree. Good points. I’m not a fan a year long term contracts…. I don’t really care for contracts at all because what if you decide in month 6 you want to move to a new, better gym? I’m stuck for a year? No…

[@Djudo-q9x]

Been to two gyms. 10 planet and a GF team gym. The gf team gym was only 80 bucks. The gym I'm gonna join hopefully is 160

[@nmr20067]

@@Djudo-q9x So is the 10th planet JJ gym the $160? If so, do they require a contract, contract, commitment of any kind? What made you pick 10 plan if that’s who you picked? Aren’t they more sport oriented? Nothing wrong with it that’s what you want, but I’m just trying to see.

[@Djudo-q9x]

@@nmr20067 10th planet was at least 130 but I didn't have a car so I would take a bus. Also majority of the class were 20 year olds with egos.

[@nmr20067]

@@Djudo-q9x Interesting. Yeah, I know about Eddie Bravo and the 10th planet community. I know they are all about hardcore competition. I’m sure you ran into a lot of over confident 20 something year old studs that just want roll rough and prove a point... You could tap early and they still won’t let go of the leg lock late to prove a point to you how tough and hard they are.. To each is own, I guess. I know their competitions are they slap at you, I think? Which is ridiculous to me because you might as well go to MMA…. Was never a big fan of Eddie Bravo. I’m not saying his system doesn’t work, though… Again, to each is own..

[@nmr20067]

I don’t mind 120-170 a month. But I’m not a fan of contract locks ins, especially one year contracts…. But I agree it’s all about supply and demand. The demand is high for it today. I do think prices have stabilized.. But BJJ and GJJ schools are ubiquitous in any given city, town, or state now a days…

[@jopesol7765]

Judo. 50 bucks for the whole family in my city.

[@yumiglory]

What city?

[@trex5878]

For those on a budget who want to train, find a judo school and pay half the price.

[@Shikami85]

I did this for a while, but in Judo they don’t focus on teaching playing the guard as much but on quick osaekomi waza(pins) and submissions after a throw. Unless it’s a Kosen Judo gym which is rare. It’s good and I recommend it if you are short on money, but now that I also train BJJ, my ground game has improved so much more it’s not even funny, my Judo partners have no chance. The same, in stand up, my BJJ partners have no chance, so taking both at the same time is even better !

[@هذاأنا-ذ3ث]

In that case, I would go with wrestling over judo.

[@Vertex-xy8ts]

​@@Shikami85 The judoku just has to stand up

[@JEFFMAN90]

If you can find a Judo club that has adult classes. As much as I love BJJ I agree that its way overpriced. 160 month is how high I would pay for it. Anything over that then I wouldnt go to that academy especially in this economy

[@shrimuyopa8117]

Some gyms, the gym owners are getting rich (they are also the ones providing the greatest value to their customers). Most gyms are not getting rich, most are guys that still work a full time job and run the school, and are earning peanuts to do it.

[@ctb3386]

225 a month unlimited at Igor Gracie Academy in NY. 100% worth every last penny for the level of instruction, the close knit group friends you make, the location, the larger Renzo Gracie community in NYC area, etc.

[@folumb]

so true. THe cheapest school i can find in my city is full of old mats and 20something year olds with huge egos. For the money I save, i would lose it instantly with the medical bill that place would eventually give me training there. better pay more money for a safe clean training environment than save money on a dirty dungeon filled with staph and ringworm

[@hockysa]

For me I feel very fortunate now that I’m able to afford training at a place where I love the people, it’s clean, comfortable and safe. It’s definitely not the cheapest but it’s good value. However I remember a time where it’s just something I couldn’t afford in my budget. The gym would be worth it but the price would be something that’s cost prohibitive. Nothing against the gym or the value they could offer I just needed to know the price not because price was the most important thing I valued at the time I needed to be financially sensible about my luxury purchases especially an ongoing recurring cost.

[@achunable]

Thanks for the insight. 👊

[@ZK_33]

Well, in France that'd be 200 bucks per year for 10 classes per week...

[@ConveyApp]

I paid $190 per month unlimited classes including MMA and wrestling classes. I eventually paid for a lifetime legacy membership for $10,000. That seems like a lot but that’s just prepaying for 5 yrs. I’m in it for around $25,000 at this point. Including private lessons. I am a 1.5 yr purple belt currently.

[@هذاأنا-ذ3ث]

I really dislike gimmicks like different plans, buying the school's gear, contracts that are so difficult to cancel, etc. Just charge a flat rate whatever it may be. Also, just say what the price is on the website. My couch's school is very successful and he only takes cash and a flat rate. It was $80/month when I first started 15 years ago and now it is $100. He also owns the place so no rent.

[@johnthree1611]

A black belt who owned his own bjj gym, told me not to make a car payment every month for jiujitsu.

[@NF12222]

Most people do own a car far more expensive than what they actually need... I plan on driving my 13' Ford Focus until it needs to be towed off the road lol

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Same with my 335k miles Toyota sequoia. Sadly, it’s to the point where it’s no longer “cheaper to keep her.”

[@Travis_Gixxer]

I train at a Gracie Barra here in the uk. 6 month minimum contract, unlimited classes, for myself and my 10 year old son I pay 140 a month gbp total. Not super cheap, but pretty reasonable for what’s on offer, the quality of the space, mats etc

[@AlexanderSantana-t7b]

Dudes, your prices are $600 for 20 classes….

[@YeenanKanyeYezudan]

If you break that down that’s $30 per class not too bad at all

[@inmediagratification2163]

I’m at NH Renzo Gracie and it’s only $150 month unlimited training and three facilities within 30 min of my house

[@blankbandits]

I like this channel a lot, but their school is the most expensive I've ever seen. I don't think you can justify it given the options one now has in southern California. At some point, you just have to admit that it's a designer brand where you simply pay more because of the name, but the instruction isn't necessarily better - self-defense or otherwise. It's like paying to drive on the toll roads or for an elite gym where it's less crowded and maybe looks a little nicer on the facade, but those aren't core values. I think when you live in areas like south OC (Kama headquarters), you become a bit disconnected with the realities of the world where most people aren't wealthy and where, of course, price is going to be one's primary decision-making factor. While I can afford it, I choose to commute and to go to a gym that costs less and is in a rougher neighborhood, and I couldn't be happier. My peers aren't just the elite of the community; rather, my peers are plumbers, cops, waitresses, laborers, doctors, lawyers, etc. I don't want to be in a room practicing bjj with only Wall Street guys and the like. At their prices, those are the only people who will spend that kind of money for years just to learn bjj. I work with these people all day as it is; I don't want to have to be surrounded by only them while training bjj, too.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

And for you, price is your deciding factor. Riddle me this, how much do you earn if you were to calculate it per hour, and how much more does it cost you to drive to your current school? For example, let’s say your work time is worth $100/hr. And let’s say you drive 15 min further each way to train. That’s costing you $50 for EACH day you train. And let’s say you pay $5/gal for gas and you get 20mpg and you drive an extra 10 miles each way. That’s now an extra $55 you lose (in time and gas) each training day. Now let’s say you train 2x/wk (9x/mo)… That’s $495 you LOSE every month. I’m no calculus scholar, but I DO know elementary math… You’re LOSING 2x the cost of Dave Kama’s monthly tuition. PLUS, I’m thinking you’re not training at your current school for free… and even if you did, you’re STILL losing out on almost $500/mo.

[@blankbandits]

@@KamaJiuJitsu Thanks, Ryan. Appreciate your perspective; however, the true measure is an economics concept called opportunity cost, which I think you're trying to illustrate. In my case it would be the time lost from commuting to a marginally more distant school from my home. I'm not losing out on another opportunity to make money because all of this time would be my leisure time. So, yes, only a marginal increase in cost in gas using my hybrid. The upside is that I get to be immersed with people of all walks of life who have different perspectives and experiences, and this is because the gym is accessible and affordable to so many more people. I spend so much time at my bjj gym, I want to make sure I have my pulse on the entire community and not just with the elite of the community.

[@bujindork]

I'm at $189 a month in everything is expensive CA. No fees for any ranks though and unlimited classes.

[@mtgsalt1151]

You don't know our expenses, our price is justified. ........ Also, the owner/coaches "Can you teach a class for me?" "You are required to buy our rashguard, gi, and shorts." "Guys, mix up with the less experienced people and help them," "Guys, when someone asks for help, help them and spread the knowledge," "Also, guys.. no coaching." "We are family, no training at other gyms." "You have to compete to prove yourself." Etc....Etc...Etc ... no i pay a lot of money each month to learn jiu-jitsu and get good, I am required to pay all of my medical bills, my time is also money so pay me to help or don't bother me. Let someone turn one of these down and see how the coach or owner reacts.

[@user-nr2kb3mw8i]

So some masters/black belts/professors have to pay their coach/master/professor to say they are under them? Could you clarify please?

[@frenchmike]

It's expensive and there is very little in teaching it. Weird dynamics.

[@argoshikan]

Cause people are greedy.

[@JoeHeine]

There a wolf behind you

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Oh, dang. Really?! 😂

[@ProfessorMichaelWingert]

Free Jiu Jitsu? I'll join your church group! 😂

[@sliderx1897]

I find it amazing how many ppl will down talk their school becuase they require u wear their gi. Rent needs to be paid ppl

[@mtgsalt1151]

Yes, which is why they charge a monthly

[@sliderx1897]

@@mtgsalt1151 monthly payment dont always cover expenses. Most school owners dont make anything

[@Icehso140]

Only question a student should ask is, "What should I work on for this lesson?".

[@GIS1979]

bc its a pay to play system.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

What “system” is NOT “pay to play?”

[@justinmarkow6117]

@@KamaJiuJitsulife is pay to play.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Stated like someone from the school of hard knocks.

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

The local gym charges $175 per month, which is insane and not worth it. I already tap out the guys best students half the time using the skills I learned in Isshinryu karate. Gracie BJJ is OVERRATED.

[@bujindork]

You went to a Japanese jujutsu school. Any legit school the mid blue belts taps a karate guy with no ground experience. I've seen it way too many times to think otherwise

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

@@bujindork I was trained in ground game by my Okinawan karate instructor, which has always taught ground game. I tapped out pro fighters with over 20 professional MMA wins and I even tapped out 3rd degree bb pro fighter with 6 professional wins ON THE GROUND and even ONE HANDED. I can show you how to do it.

[@bujindork]

Bro I'm gonna have to pass on this convo.I saw you video you seem unwell. But if you ever in CA drop me a dm you can come roll at our school.

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

@@bujindork Well, you're half right. I've had two strokes in the past 3 years, and I can still tap out BJJ specialists.

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

@@bujindork Let me explain something to you. IN spite of my illness, I'm going to cut weight and fight in an Amateur MMA fight in a few months, just to prove I can win it. I'm going to try to win by STANDING SUBMISSION so that I don't hurt my opponent. Most likely a wrist lock with combined striking, or a reverse neck breaker or standing back breaker: Something they've never seen anyway. Understand? I don't play by their rules, and I don't fight like a stereotypical MMA fighter. No, I don't want to "roll" with you. I want to fight as realistically as possible with as few rules as possible, starting in the standing position.

[@rbjj861]

I am very fortunate that when I started it was $10 a half an hour with Rorion and then they raised it to 15 and eventually 20

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

😂 it was $40 when I started mine with Relson. That’s how much privates with Rickson were when I did them in the early 90s, as well.

[@XSABROH6]

$249 unlimited. Pvt classes $275 an hour for regular professor; $400 an hour from head professor of gym. We had to buy the brand specifically from them. Great instructors, family friendly atmosphere, always packed / crowded. But unable to justify 1 or 2 days a week for the amount of money. I found a gym just as close to my first gym, same family lineage smaller group, I can actually wear my color of black or gray gis. I would’ve signed up for your Laguna Hills gym as it’s 6 miles from home. Hours were just off with my schedule.

[@JamesIanGilliam]

$250 a month is extortion... then I saw your Laguna Hills comment

[@viperman2454]

It's $400 an hour because he doesn't want to teach privates.

[@JEFFMAN90]

You're getting ripped off and trying to justify it 😂😂

[@XSABROH6]

@@JEFFMAN90 Nope, since left and went with the Bulldog mascots down the road @ 50% in fees and anyone can get to wear different colored gi.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

What academy are you talking about in your OP?