Your money unlike more traditional gyms with weight rooms are going towards the tuition of learning from a qualified instructor in each class. If the Academy offers more than just Jiu Jitsu then consider that rare and a huge bonus! It is important to check for quality in a gym rather than cost. Meaning is the facility clean, instructors certified, part of an affiliation where you can train across the world, available class times and more. There are numerous benefits for bjj classes; Being in shape, confidence, Self-defense, and self-esteem. It is very likely that training in Jiu Jitsu for 3x a week you will lose weight. Jiu Jitsu is helpful by having a combination of cardio, resistance training and strength. With training 3x a week you should become stronger, have a better cardio endurance which means you’ll learn how to breath correctly.
Not all Academies are the same so make sure to understand their primary focus within their programs. Do they teach Self Defense, sport only or both? Are the instructors a black belt and do they explain the technique for different sizes, shapes and ages of the students. They allow you to grapple day 1 or do they build you up to that? What type of students train there, are they primary older or younger? Academies with older clientele are generally more expensive for they protect their students more.
The popularity of Jiu jitsu has been another reason for it being expensive. Jiu Jitsu is a main part of UFC fights; most fighter know Jiu Jitsu and that gives them the benefit on the ground. Jiu Jitsu (no-gi) is a big part of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts.) People usually interested in becoming an MMA Fighter will usually learn Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, or other combative sports. However, learning Jiu Jitsu doesn’t mean you have to compete or fight and training it’s not like fighting but more of a game of chess once your mechanics are built correctly.
While training in Jiu Jitsu and drilling the techniques will definitely teach you how to fight and know how to defend yourself in a bad situation. Within time of training, you will also see a boost of confidence. You will find that you have a self-assurance with knowing how to defend yourself. You will also find confidence in yourself once you see your self get into better shape. In the end you will know yourself inside and out and that’s something most people never know in their life.
It is important to know that once you become apart of a Jiu jitsu team you become part of a community. Your teammates will motivate you to train more and to possibly compete. Teammates will help prepare their other teammates with training to get better and training for upcoming competitions. On your Journey of Jiu Jitsu, you will not be alone, your team is also on the same journey. If you are planning to compete you will notice your teammates and coaches will help you be prepared for the competition and go there giving their support.
Your teammates will likely become friends which is common when you have been at the same gym together for a while. Do not be discouraged if you don’t immediately clique with the higher belts. Friendship with higher belts usually comes with time. Most people who join a BJJ Gym don’t always stay, except higher belts. Some people just want to roll and not talk so don’t be discouraged if you some don’t socialize often.
So why does it seem so expensive? Simple, it’s an investment to your overall quality of life and once you understand that then it’s actually cheap!