Thinking about starting Jiu-Jitsu and you’re not sure how much it’ll cost? Between classes and gear, it can add up quickly. I know when I first started Jiu-Jitsu I was worried about how much it would cost. Sure there were the monthly payments, but what about the gear? In this post, I break down how much you can expect to spend on classes and gear.
The average cost for a BJJ class is $110 per month. Smaller schools academies can be as low as $60 a month while larger academies can be as high as $250 per month. Expect to spend $100-120 for your first Gi. Optional BJJ gear that you may be interested in purchasing is rashguards ($110), mouthguard($25), ear guard($50), gym bag($35), and sandals($15).
Jiu-Jitsu Price Breakdown
| Item | Average Cost | Least Expensive | Most Expensive |
| BJJ Classes | $110/month | $60 | $250+ |
| Gi | $120 | $65 | $200+ |
| Rashguard Shirt | $50 | $20 | $100+ |
| Rashguard Shorts/Pants | $50 | $20 | $100+ |
| Mouthguard | $25 | $10 | $150+ |
| Ear Guard | $50 | $40 | $100+ |
| Gym Bag | $45 | $30 | $80+ |
| Sandals | $15 | $10 | $45+ |
How Much Are BJJ Classes?
The average cost for a BJJ class is $110 per month. Smaller academies can be as low as $60 a month. Larger academies can be as high as $250 per month. The reason the prices can be so much higher isn’t necessarily the quality of the school, but the location and reputation.
Most Jiu-Jitsu schools will have a special rate for a year commitment, X number of months commitment, or upfront payment rates. The school I go to gives different rates for upfront payments. Paying for two years upfront will save you 50% of the cost than to pay for 2 years month-to-month.
Why Are Some Jiu-Jitsu Schools Cheaper Than Others?
Jiu-Jitsu schools that are lower cost are usually cheaper because they are in a small rural area, small city, lower-income area, or there is no black-belt available to teach. It is always a good idea to check out a gym’s reputation, especially if the price is too good to be true.
Smaller towns and cities don’t charge as much because there may not be enough interest in the area. Higher prices mean fewer people can afford it, meaning fewer people are in the classes.
Schools that are in small rural areas may not have a black-belt in the area to teach. These schools are normally run by someone with a purple or brown belt. Since the person is not yet a black-belt they may not be able to charge as much for their classes.
I’ll note that just because a person is not a black-belt doesn’t mean they do not know what they are doing. Be sure they’re actively trying to improve. Ask them if they travel to a reputable school and are learning from a black-belt.
Why Are Some Jiu-Jitsu Schools So Expensive?
The more expensive gyms are most likely more expensive due to the location and reputation of the instructor(s). Jiu-Jitsu schools in big cities, such as New York, NY, are going to cost much more than BJJ schools in small towns. The cost of rent in a large city like New York is a lot!
Likewise, some famous instructors draw people to train at their gyms. Marcelo Garcia owns a school in New York and charges $250 a month to train there. First, the rent is high in the location. Second, he has a very good reputation in the Jiu-Jitsu world. If his prices were lower, his classes would be flooded with people.
The experience of the instructor can also play a roll in how much classes will cost. A new black-belt teacher may charge less than a 3-6 degree black-belt instructor. A four-degree black-belt has over 10 more years of experience than a fresh black-belt!
How Much Is BJJ Gear?
The most expensive bit of gear you’ll need to buy is a Gi (unless you are doing NoGi Jiu-Jitsu). A Gi can cost as low as $65 or as high as $350+! Other gear components that you can buy are rashguards, mouthguards, bag, sandals, and maybe even an ear guard.
How Much Is A Jiu-Jitsu Gi?
Jiu-Jitsu Gi’s typically range from $65-200; however, more expensive Gi ‘s that offer more exotic martial or features can be upwards of $350+. The average price that you can expect to pay for a BJJ Gi is $120.
Sub One-Hundred Dollar Range
A Gi that is sub one-hundred dollars is generally below one-hundred dollars because they are not as flashy. The Gi will normally have the same color stitching to the material, little to no patches, and are usually made of heavier, thicker material.
Many of the Gi’s in this price range are fantastic Gis! Gi’s from reputable companies like Fuji and Tatami are sure bets. If you’re on a budget I’d highly recommend checking them out as they are both high quality and affordable.
One-Hundred to One-FIfty Dollar Range
Jiu-Jitsu Gi’s that range from $100 to $150 frequently feature lighter material, different material weaves, some features, and may have more visual appeal. The lower end of this price spectrum has simpler looking Gi’s, much like the less than $100 range. While the higher end of this price point will offer contrasting stitching colors, patches, and fit.
More importantly, more materials and weaves are introduced at this price range. The different materials used can offer lighter or more durable Gi’s. Different weaves provide different looks, durability, and feel. The names of the different weaves are single, double, gold, pearl, and ripstop.
Over The One-Fifty Dollar Price Range
Gi’s that are priced over $150 tend to have more attention to detail, are lighter weight, and/or have something unique. There are Gi’s in this range that features an artist’s artwork as built-in rashguards. Othertimes the Gi is made out of more durable, rarer material, such as hemp or bamboo.
Rashguards
Rashguards are priced from $25-80 for shirts and $25-80 for shorts/pants. A rashguard protects the wearer against rashes caused by abrasion, like mat burn.
A lot of people use rashguards in NoGi Jiu-Jitsu because it can help reduce the spread of bacteria and reduce the amount of moisture. On the flip side, many people that wear a Gi also wear a rashguard underneath their Gi too.
Buying a rashguard can be expensive, especially after buying a Gi. They look great and feel great, but if you’re strapped for cash don’t feel obligated to spend $150 on a rashguard shirt and shorts. I still primary wear my old T-shirts and gym shorts under my Gi.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards can be bought for as low as $10 to $150+ for a custom one. The mouthguard is the next piece of gear I’d recommend buying after the Gi. Mouthguards protection your teeth, tongue and even cheeks.
There are two styles of mouth guards, single and double. A single mouthguard will cover the upper side of your mouth. While a double mouthguard will require both upper and lower teeth to bite down. I recommend getting a single mouthguard as they are easier to breathe in and still provide excellent protection, but see what works best for you!
Ear Guard
Ear guards are optional pieces of equipment for most and cost anywhere from $40-$100. The reason to buy an ear guard is to prevent, “cauliflower ear”. Cauliflower ear is when the ear receives trauma and blood pools in your outer ear (pinna). The pooling causes the ear to become permanently swollen.
An ear guard is optional because not everyone will experience a cauliflower ear and some people don’t care if they get it. If you notice that your ears are always sore and are starting to get lumps, then maybe consider getting an ear guard.
There are many skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the gym I attend that wear an ear guard. Don’t feel embarrassed wearing one, just throw it on before rolling begins and you’re good to go.
Gym Bag
Gym bags offer an easy way to transport gear to and from the gym and cost $30+. I enjoy using a duffle bag to store my gear in. Duffle bags have a large section, perfect for storing a Gi in. They typically have a few small er pockets that I like storing my mouthguard and change of clothes in.
Can’t afford a gym bag? No problem. Reusable grocery bags offer a cheap and affordable way to transport your gear. The bags have a giant section that can fit a Gi in it perfectly and still have space for a mouthguard and an ear guard. They’re also made of more durable material than a plastic bag.
Sandals
Sandals should only cost $10+. There is no need to buy anything fancy as they are only going to be used for navigating around the gym. Jiu-Jitsu gyms prefer you have sandals as they help keep the mats clean. The last thing you want to witness is someone gets off the mat, walk into the washroom, and then come back on the mat in their bare feet. If you can’t afford, just use keep your socks close to the mat to use!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is going to typically cost $110 a month but could be more or less expensive depending on location and instructor reputation. There are a lot of gyms that offer discounts when someone commits to a year.
Jiu-Jitsu gear is going to cost some money too. A Jiu-Jitsu Gi is normally going to cost $120 is required in Gi Jiu-Jitsu. If you can only afford the classes initially, try training NoGi for a while as you can usually just use a T-shirt and gym shorts.
Protective gear is optional in most BJJ schools; however, I’d highly recommend getting a mouthguard at the very least. A mouth guard will cost ~$25 but can be found cheaper at sports stores. Be sure it is one that is mouldable to your teeth.
