5 Factors to Consider When Choosing A BJJ Gym in Vancouver

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling and ground fighting-based martial art, combat sport, and self-defence technique. It is frequently cited as one of the best martial arts for self-defence. 

The success of BJJ for adults in mixed martial arts (MMA) events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is another notable accomplishment.

With so many BJJ gyms, knowing where to start cannot be easy. Here are things to consider when choosing a BJJ gym:

Are The Students Happy And The Mats Tidy?

When you arrive, are you welcomed with kindness? Any martial arts facility ought to be a place you eagerly anticipate visiting rather than where you feel inadequate and scrutinised. Your teammates ought to act like teammates. 

Even while they might not always be kind to you, they will let you know that everyone has worn the white belt before and is aware of how challenging it may be.

On the other hand, if no one welcomes you, the mats are dirty, and there is a foul stench, leave immediately. A BJJ gym needs to be a friendly environment where people may grow. There will undoubtedly be difficult days, but your workout partners should at least greatly reduce their impact.

Do Higher Belts Exclusively Roll with Smaller Males, Women, White Belts, etc.?

Be mindful of this and refrain from forming fast judgments about instructors higher belts who may be exhausted or injured from teaching all day. 

However, you ought to have a little trouble beating opponents of a higher rank. This is the finest approach to learning.

The Size of the Classes

It’s important to take note of the average attendance and class size at a BJJ gym. If the classes are small (less than 10 people), you may not get a diverse range of sparring partners. If the classes are too big (more than 30 people) you may miss out on help and guidance from your instructor and/or higher belts.

Do They Demand A Specific Uniform? 

Even though it’s not a deal-breaker, it should be mentioned. If you’re switching gyms and already have a dozen different colored gis, but they only accept white gis, you’ll need to decide whether you want to spend money on brand-new gis.

How Much Does Membership Cost? 

How does this gym stack up against others nearby? Are there any expenses in addition to the regular membership fee?

The cost of membership differs by region (perhaps significantly). Make a comprehensive investigation of the area. Make sure you are getting twice the value if one gym charges twice what the others do (more classes, better instruction, better facility, etc.).

Watch out for “belt fees.” Belt testing is a practice in many countries, and while I don’t like it, it’s not always illegal. Belt inspections, however, can cost a lot of money in some organisations. 

These seem to be cash grabs rather often. The same is true if kids frequently ask for lectures. It’s another difference if they provide seminars as a cool add-on with a fair price tag. You should be fine as long as the extras are optional.

Conclusion 

When choosing a BJJ gym, it is important to consider the following factors: the size of the classes, the atmosphere of the gym, and the price. With so many gyms out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, by taking the time to research and ask around, you will be sure to find the perfect gym.

From beginners to expert MMA fighters and law enforcement, the Marcus Soares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers the best instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At our Academies, students are treated like family; our top priorities are friendship and trust. Whether it’s to get in shape, learn self-defence, prepare for competition, or pursue a career in MMA or as a BJJ competitor, we always try our best to help our students achieve their goals. Visit our BJJ gym in Vancouver today!

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