How to Choose the Right BJJ Academy for You

Maybe you’re brand new to the world of martial arts and combat sports. Or, maybe you’re already a seasoned grappler, shopping around for the perfect fit for your ongoing jiu-jitsu journey. Either way, you’re spoiled for choice. From huge, full-service MMA franchises with thriving jiu-jitsu programs to small, boutique grappling academies, BJJ programs are a dime a dozen. The real question is, which one is right for you? 

Here are a few simple steps you can take to start answering that question:

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1. Identify your personal goals as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.

Are you a full-time office worker who’s brand new to martial arts and looking for a fun, accessible way to stay physically fit? Or are you already a seasoned grappler with your eye on an IBJJF Worlds title or the next ADCC Trials? 

Either way, you’ll want an academy that meets you where you’re at. A full-time competitor will find their progress stalled in a gym intended purely for weekend warriors and hobbyists, and a middle-aged hobbyist who only wants to train twice a week may feel alienated or burnt out by the intensity of a strictly competition-focused academy culture.

Find your people: ensure that the academy you choose has built an environment where you can thrive — without being pressured to fit a student profile that doesn’t match up with who you are, or what you want out of your jiu-jitsu practice.

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2. Decide what you’re looking for in a coach.

Different students have different learning styles — and no single BJJ coach is a one size fits all instructor. For some students, extensive competitive experience in a coach is a non-negotiable; these students want a mentor who’s personally been through multiple tournament rulesets, knows how to study tape and craft a game plan, and will be there to corner you on game day. 

For other students, competition experience matters less than the coach’s specific jiu-jitsu style — they might want to focus on the leglock game, or on wrestling for jiu-jitsu, and are hoping to find a specialist in that area. And for still others, it’s all about the particular way a coach structures a class: whether it entails extensive technical breakdowns and highly detail-oriented drilling, heavy duty positional sparring games, or a mixed bag.

Figure out who you want to learn from — and look for an academy with a head coach whose teaching style is a good fit. 

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3. Figure out what your dealbreakers are. 

What are your non-negotiables? For female athletes, a thriving women’s team might be a key consideration. For students who travel frequently, a flexible membership is probably a must. For full-time office workers with demanding professional lives that limit mat time during the day, the right schedule of class offerings will be key to their choice of gym.

List what your dealbreakers are — and don’t compromise on them when you choose your gym. 

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4. Consider what kind of social environment you thrive in.

No two BJJ gyms develop the exact same mat culture. Some have a fairly balanced “work hard, play hard” mentality, while others might be a little more laidback, or alternately, a little more strictly regimented and intense during sparring sessions. Some gyms regularly host friendly get-togethers off the mats, with teammates comprising each other’s primary social circle. Other gyms have a slightly more reserved social culture, where teammates are treated more like friendly coworkers than ride-or-die bros — politely, but with some level of emotional distance.

None of these options are inherently better or worse than any other on an objective level, but one of these is probably better or worse for you, as an individual with your own personal preferences. Figure out what those preferences are, and choose a gym accordingly.  

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5. Do your due diligence in person.

A quick Google search can tell you a BJJ academy’s class schedule, instructor credentials, and if you’re lucky, any major red flags. However, to truly get a feel for the academy’s vibe, you’ll want to pay the gym a visit in person. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to ask questions face to face, it’s also your chance to meet potential new teammates, experience the coach’s teaching style firsthand, and get a genuine feel for that gym’s specific physical environment. 

A Yelp review or a Reddit comment will tell you how other folks feel about this gym — but the only way to find out how you feel about this gym is to spend some time there yourself. Are the other students friendly? Do the coaches structure their lessons effectively for your personal learning style? Keep a running tally of pros and cons during your visit, and at the end of the day, trust your instincts. 

No single gym can be perfect for every student in the world — but there is almost certainly a gym out there that’s perfect for you.

Want to figure out if SDJJ might be the right fit for your jiu-jitsu journey? Book your visit [Scott Dance BJJ | BJJ and Grappling Studio in Arlington, VA] today.

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