How Much Is It to Train?

BJJ MoneyAcademy prices, the programs, and scheduling may affect where you want to train. JIU-JITSU school prices typically range from $100-150 dollars per month. This is the price range that is most common. The second price range is under $100 and the third most common price range is over $150.  

Obviously, price may depend on where you live and what the school offers. Many schools today offer multiple pricing programs with multiple time slots. It is no surprise to see schools in some higher income areas reaching close to $300 per month for multiple programs. Is it worth it? That will depend on what you are looking for.  Schools also adjust their rates based on a number of factors.  Rent and Utilities, Staff, Cleaning Services, Special Amenities offered and Self Worth as an Instructor to name a few.  When I first opened my doors 10 years ago my rates were much cheaper, but over the years I have grown as an Instructor and Mentor as well as improved my skills immensely

Jiu-Jitsu can be either recreational for you or a full-time commitment. If you are or plan on being very dedicated, then you obviously want to take as many classes as possible.  For many schools there will be extra charges for this, some schools will offer a reduced rate and others will offer special Open Training times for those dedicated to excelling.

Some schools offer beginner programs at a cheaper rate. Some programs have you sign a contract or an ‘agreement.’ Make sure you read the agreement carefully. Some of these agreements may say they are for a certain amount of FREE time. Sometimes this is on the back end of the agreement. This means if you sign up for a year the last month may be free or something to this effect. Some gyms require a sign up fee and may give you a uniform in the package.

Some other factors you may consider are insurance and media material. Some students do not like being seen on film or print media for professional purposes. Many schools today also use a third party collection agency that will collect for your school if you cannot pay the bill. If this is the case, be aware of it so you can make sure you have the necessary funds in your account.

Many schools offer multiple programs, like I mentioned. Schools are really starting to add more structure in terms of separating classes to fit different students’ needs (beginner through advanced). Some programs also offer other aspects of MMA that will be held at different time slots. Hopefully your program is not too stressful or complicated. Karate and traditional martial arts models work and are very successful, so this trend is really starting to carry over into the BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU sphere.

Always read the fine print and only enter into a contract you can commit to financially. School prices are higher than the local YMCA because you are learning an art. You are learning an art from a teacher who is a professional and had to spend years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to be able to teach. The owner has to pay rent and support their family, so respect whatever price is put in front of you, and if you don’t like it just train somewhere else. It’s that simple. 

Fb 30 day trial profileCome down to Arashi Do and try out one of our great Brazilian programs like Fundamental BJJ, Women’s Only BJJ or Children’s BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-14.

All those and you get a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!

Fighting Tips, Part 1

Edmonton BJJ Fighting tipsIf you want to train when you are 80, start today. – Carley Gracie

In reality, sparring is not always about who is better or who is tougher. Sparring is a great way to learn and get better at BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU. Sparring is something many schools will offer from the start. However, some schools may make you learn a certain set of skills before you spar. Developmental skills programs are slowly becoming the trend; you may in fact choose a school that makes you take a beginner course before you engage in sparring. Sparring should always be at your instructor’s discretion.

Here is what an instructor wrote on a forum: “My approach, and the choice I was given, was to be ‘thrown into the fire’ from the beginning. What I mean by this is that I sparred with everyone, no matter what rank or level they were at. I enjoyed this approach because I am competitive by nature, but I understand it is not for everyone and it can be dangerous. Some may feel discouraged when getting tapped or beaten from the outset. Discouragement from the outset can be detrimental to a student and they may quit. This is a common mistake I made when I started teaching: I did not introduce BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU to people properly, and I did not explain it well enough to make them understand how difficult it was to just come in off the street and be good at it.”

Like anything else, it takes time and effort to develop your skills. No matter which approach you take or what approach is thrown upon you, do take sparring seriously because a lot of learning can take place during sparring if you are not just using thoughtless energy.

I also advise you to try something called “flow rolling.” Flow rolling is going about 50-70% while actually sparring. It is a smooth way to train without putting your ego on the line in terms of who submits whom or who dominates which positions.

Sparring is a time to learn, not always to compete. When you spar with the goal of increasing technical awareness, you will often learn more long-term, and that is the focus: to get better technically and to be more efficient for when you do have to go 100%. Don’t always overcompensate for your lack of technique by using strength. It happens; just make it happen less—your body will be thankful.

Again, I am not suggesting that being strong or athletic is inherently negative in sparring or for any aspect of BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU. In fact, it can obviously be a huge advantage. Anyone can get stronger, but to get better technically happens in BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU class and that takes a long time. Basically, you are learning BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU to learn BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU; many of the movements are not strength-based.

Come down to Arashi Do Edmonton North and try out one of our great Brazilian programs like Fundamental BJJ, Women’s Only BJJ or Children’s BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-14.  All those and you get a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!  What are you waiting for?  Call or text us at 780-220-5425 or email us at myackulic@ArashiDo.com