Budget-Friendly BJJ Training: How to Master the Art Without Breaking the Bank

Let's talk about some budget-friendly BJJ training tips for beginners.

If you're new to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you may be surprised at how expensive it can be to get started.

Between gym memberships, uniforms, and training equipment, the costs to train BJJ can quickly add up.

While some of these expenses are necessary, others may not be as crucial, especially for beginners who are still developing their skills.

When it comes to BJJ expenses, there is a wide range of options available, from basic essentials to high-tech gadgets.

By identifying which expenses are worth investing in and which ones are not, you can save yourself a significant amount of money without sacrificing the quality of your training.

In the following sections, I will discuss three avoidable expensive BJJ items in more details and provide alternatives that are more budget-friendly.

Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced practitioner, these tips can help you get the most out of your BJJ training without breaking the bank.

So, let's dive in.

Meet "Bob", my gym's grappling dummy that mostly spends its time sitting in the corner and collecting dust.

Have you ever walked into a BJJ gym and seen a lonely grappling dummy sitting in the corner, collecting dust?

Grappling dummies can cost between $500 to $1,500, and they are often purchased with the best intentions, but unfortunately, they are hardly ever used.

In this section, I will discuss why beginners should avoid buying a grappling dummy and what alternatives are available for a more budget-friendly BJJ training.

First, let's define what a grappling dummy is.

A grappling dummy is a life-size training tool that is designed to mimic the weight and feel of a human opponent.

While they may seem like a useful training tool, the reality is that they are often too expensive and not very effective for beginners.

One of the major drawbacks of using a grappling dummy is that it provides no resistance.

Unlike a real human opponent, a grappling dummy doesn't move or react to your movements, which means that you won't be able to practice your techniques against a realistic opponent.

Even the most expensive grappling dummies are too stiff to mimic a real human body, and they only come in one size or weight, which can limit your ability to practice different techniques.

So, what are the alternative options for a more budget-friendly BJJ training than using a grappling dummy?

One of the best options is drilling with a partner.

Find a training partner whom you are comfortable with and spend time drilling together after class.

You can also do solo drills at home, such as shrimping, bridging, and technical stand-ups.

If you have the space, consider investing in some mats so that you can practice at home and invited your gym friends too.

Another option is to use the budget for a grappling dummy to build a small weight training corner in your house or apartment so you can do strength training for BJJ after class.

Building your strength and conditioning will not only help you perform better in class, but it will also reduce your risk of injury.

The only rare branded gi that I own in my five-year BJJ journey: the off-white Albino & Preto gi that I purchased from a friend.

One item that every BJJ beginners must have in their training is a good gi.

But oftentimes I see beginners buy super rare and expensive gis only to quit training within months.

That is such a waste of money.

If you are still unsure whether you can commit fully to train BJJ, then I believe it is always better to avoid purchasing expensive rare branded gis during the first year of your training.

Rare branded gis, like Shoyoroll, Albino Preto (AP), Vanguard and Origin kimonos, are known for their premium price tags due to their limited release and handcrafted designs.

These brands release their products in limited batches, and once they sell out, they are usually gone forever.

For example, Shoyoroll often sells out within minutes of release, and those who miss out must wait for the next batch.

Other brands, like Origin, put a premium price tag on their gis because each gi is specifically handcrafted for each customer.

This means, when a customer orders an Origin gi, they must provide a detailed measurement of their body so that the manufacturer can craft the perfect fit.

This attention to detail is what makes Origin gis so unique, but also what makes them so expensive.

While these rare branded gis may be aesthetically pleasing and have a certain appeal, they are not necessary for beginners.

The fabric quality of these gis is essentially the same as regular, mass-produced gis.

This means that a $250 Shoyoroll gi will have the same quality as a $100 regular mass-produced gi.

The only difference is the Shoyoroll branding and design, which can be very subjective.

As a beginner, investing in a regular, mass-produced gi is a more practical option.

There are plenty of affordable gis on the market that offer good quality and durability.

One of the most popular combat sports brands, Venum, offers high-quality gis in a more affordable price range.

Their gis come in a range of colors and designs, and are known for their durability.

This is a white Venum gi that I have been using since 2018, when I was still a brand new white belt. The gi still has no tear until now despite being a lightweight gi and it shows how great the quality is.

Another benefit of investing in a regular, mass-produced gi is that they are more readily available.

While rare branded gis sell out quickly and may require waiting for the next batch to be released, regular gis are always in stock and can be purchased at any time.

This means that beginners do not have to worry about missing out on a limited release or waiting for the next batch to be released.

In conclusion, rare branded gis are not necessary for beginners in BJJ.

While they may be aesthetically pleasing and have a certain appeal, they come with a high price tag that is not justified by the quality of the fabric.

Investing in a regular, mass-produced gi is a more practical option, and there are plenty of affordable gis on the market that offer good quality and durability.

So, don't feel like you have to break the bank to look good on the mats.

I completely agree that private sessions can offer huge benefits for BJJ practitioners, who want to learn more technical details.

However, I don't think that beginners can gain much from them.

Why?

Because it is only worthwhile to have a private session with a black belt or a high-level competitor when you already understand some basic concepts or jiu-jitsu game and want to dig deeper.

Beginners, on the other hand, might not even have the slightest idea of what they need to improve.

Furthermore, private sessions can be expensive.

A one-hour private session with a black belt could cost at least $250.

And if the black belt is a highly reputable competitor, the cost might even be in the range of $1,000 for an hour.

It is a lot of money to spend, especially for beginners who are still trying to figure out whether BJJ is the right sport for them.

Attending regular classes is much more affordable and provides an opportunity to properly develop jiu jitsu skills for beginners.

A full month of regular classes usually costs around $150, which is significantly less expensive than a private session.

Regular classes offer several benefits that private sessions cannot provide.

First, they give beginners the chance to drill basic techniques with different partners, helping them to develop a solid foundation in BJJ.

Second, regular classes provide an opportunity to learn from a variety of instructors, each with their own unique teaching style and approach to the art.

Finally, regular classes offer the chance to roll against different people, helping beginners to develop a more diverse game and learn how to adapt to different styles and approaches.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your regular classes and improving your BJJ skills:

Arriving early to class gives you time to warm up and stretch before class begins.

It also gives you a chance to talk to your training partners and instructors, which can be a great way to get to know the BJJ community and make new friends.

When your instructor is demonstrating a technique, pay close attention and try to understand the mechanics behind it.

Ask questions if you don't understand something.

Don't always drill with the same person.

Try to work with different partners of different sizes, shapes, and skill levels.

This will help you to develop a more diverse game and learn how to adapt to different styles.

After class, take a few minutes to jot down some notes about what you learned.

This will help you to remember the techniques and concepts that you learned in class.

BJJ is a complex and challenging martial art. It takes time and consistent effort to get better. Make sure that you are attending class regularly and putting in the necessary work to improve your skills.

Another great alternative to private sessions is to purchase premium BJJ instructional videos on BJJ Fanatics.

These videos provide valuable insights and knowledge from world-class competitors and black belts at a fraction of the cost of private sessions.

With instructional videos, you can essentially get a private seminar from experts in the field without the huge investment needed.

BJJ Fanatics offers instructional videos at various price points, ranging from $27 to $197.

Plus, they often offer discount codes on special days, making them even more affordable for budget-friendly BJJ training.

Investing in instructional videos can be a great way for beginners to gain knowledge and insights into the world of BJJ, especially if they don't have the resources to attend private sessions.

With instructional videos, you can learn at your own pace and revisit specific techniques and concepts as needed.

Are you interested in improving your BJJ skills on a budget?

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Overall, private sessions can be a valuable investment for experienced practitioners, but beginners can still improve their BJJ skills without them.

By attending regular classes, drilling with partners, and utilizing instructional videos, beginners can develop a strong foundation in BJJ without breaking the bank.

To summarize, I have discussed three expensive BJJ items that beginners can avoid to have a budget-friendly BJJ training.

These expensive items include grappling dummies, rare branded gis, and private sessions and they can put a strain on a beginner's budget without offering significant benefits in terms of skill development.

Instead, it's important to find budget-friendly alternatives for BJJ training, such as attending regular classes, utilizing free online resources, and purchasing affordable but high-quality gear.

By focusing on building a strong foundation and improving their skills through consistent training, beginners can make the most of their time and resources without breaking the bank.

Remember, BJJ is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and perseverance.

While it can be tempting to invest in expensive equipment or private sessions, it's the regular training and hard work that will ultimately pay off in the long run.

So, keep your focus on improving your technique, learning from your mistakes, and enjoying the process.

Thank you for reading, and I hope these tips will help you on your BJJ journey!