Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. This Absolute MMA blog post will walk you through how to choose the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym for you. There are a wide range of factors for you to consider when selecting a BJJ gym/academy to get started.
Before we cover the key points on choosing the right BJJ gym for you, let’s briefly go over what BJJ is. These key points will help you make an educated decision on the gym you want to train at.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a hand-to-hand combat system that teaches people to take a fight to the ground and utilize technique and leverage to subdue an opponent. BJJ’s roots can be traced back to the Gracie family in the 1900s in Brazil where members of the Gracie family learned Judo and Japanese Jujutsu.
What makes BJJ unique is its emphasis on ground fighting and ground techniques. In our BJJ classes, you’ll learn takedowns, dealing with strikes, and how to escape bad positions. You’ll also learn sweeps, how to get to dominant positions, and effective submissions.
Today, BJJ is one of the most popular Martial Arts due to its effectiveness in self-defense and combat sports like MMA. BJJ gyms and academies can be found all around the world with practitioners of different ages and physical abilities.
Here’s how to choose the right BJJ gym for you
There are different factors you need to consider when choosing a BJJ gym to begin your training. It’s important to understand how the various variables shared below affect how easy it is to train and will also affect your motivation to make it to your BJJ classes.
5 factors you need to consider when selecting a BJJ gym for you
- Location: Distance matters when it comes to selecting a BJJ gym. If possible, choose a gym that’s less than 30 minutes away from your home and work. This will make it easier to train.
- Price: Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms charge around $100-200/month depending on the contract you agree to. Monthly rates can vary depending on the contract you sign i.e. 6 months, 12 months, 24 months. Find a gym that works within your budget.
- Gym focus: Does the gym you want to train focus on competition? Are they more self-defense oriented? Whether you want to compete or are simply looking for a new form of exercise, think about your goals when you test out a gym.
- Teaching style: Not all BJJ instructors follow a teaching curriculum. Some don’t have a game plan. If you’re someone who wants/needs structure to learning a new martial art, find a gym that teaches BJJ systems. It’s a better long-term strategy for learning and it’ll help you be more well-rounded.
- Gym cleanliness: Sanitation is a must! You’re in close contact with people in each and every class. Choose a gym that’s regularly cleaned and well-maintained. This will reduce your chances of getting sick.
All of the factors listed above will help you make the best decision possible when it comes to choosing a BJJ gym.
Be patient when choosing a BJJ gym
Give yourself some time when selecting a BJJ gym. We recommend attending more than one class so you can get a better idea of a gym’s culture and environment. Doing so will help you make a more informed decision when deciding on a BJJ gym. Patience and deliberate research will allow you to be more confident when signing up for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Frequently asked questions about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Absolute MMA
Here are a handful of questions we regularly receive regarding our BJJ classes here at Absolute MMA in West Jordan, Utah.
Q: Does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help me with my fitness goals?
A: Yes, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu engages multiple muscle groups as you learn to move and grapple. It’s not uncommon for BJJ practitioners to feel stronger, more flexible, and increase muscle mass from consistent training. You’ll gain a better understanding of how to move your body as you train regularly.
Q: Do I need a background in martial arts to learn BJJ?
A: No, you don’t need prior experience in any martial arts to get started in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but it does help in your progress.
Q: Will I be able to ask questions during class?
A: Yes, our experienced instructors will answer your questions due to their focus on your progress and growth. They’re focused on helping you safely train while improving your BJJ skills.
Q: Do I need to be in shape to start learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
A: Being in good physical shape prior to starting BJJ does help but you’ll quickly learn that the best way to improve your fitness for BJJ is to do BJJ. In our BJJ classes, you’ll learn everything from how to properly warm up to how to pace yourself during sparring/rolling.
Q: What types of people do BJJ at Absolute MMA?
A: Our BJJ classes attract people of various ages and backgrounds. You’ll meet individuals who want to learn BJJ for different reasons like competing, learning self-defense, and weight loss goals. Not only will you learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but you’ll also make new friends!
Q: Who is Absolute MMA affiliated with for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
A: Absolute MMA is affiliated with Grand Master Flavio Behring who began his BJJ journey with the Gracies in 1947. Absolute MMA owner and head coach Rob Handley is a black belt under Grand Master Behring. Professor Rob Handley continues to share the knowledge and traditions of Behring Jiu Jitsu.
Q: What equipment should I bring for Jui Jitsu class?
If you want your own equipment, we recommend for your first class to bring headgear, gloves, and a mouth guard. See the link for more details.
Try out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Absolute MMA for free!
Stop wondering if Absolute MMA is the right gym for you to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and sign up for a one-week FREE trial! You’ll be able to participate in our classes for an entire week with no obligations. Try out our classes using this link! https://absolutemma.com/free-trial/