The average cost of jiu-jitsu classes is $50 to $200 per month, depending on the class age range, number of classes per week, your commitment or contract length, and the instructor's expertise and reputation. Jiu-jitsu gyms and academies are more expensive if they have well-known instructors who are national champions on staff.

In addition to the monthly class or gym fee, you'll have extra costs for gis and belts. A jiu-jitsu gi costs $60 to $120 on average, while belts cost $15 to $30. Some gyms also charge a fee for belt promotion. However, this is frowned upon by reputable academies and is often considered a warning sign of a low-quality gym.

Jiu-jitsu is a self-defense martial art based on grappling and ground control, focusing on the skill of taking your opponent to the ground and wrestling for a dominant position. jiu-jitsu uses the principles of leverage, pressure, grip, timing, and angles to subdue your opponent.

Jiu-Jitsu classes provide:

• Self-defense skills
• A fun and exciting way to improve your fitness
• Increased focus and concentration

Japanese martial arts expert Mitsuyo Maeda was the first to bring grappling and groundwork-focused jiu-do demonstrations to other countries. In 1914, Carlos Gracie became one of Maeda's first Brazilian students. Carlos and his brother Hélio Gracie, along with fellow students Luis França and Oswaldo Fadda, later went on to develop Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, conditioning, and endurance.

Jiu-jitsu is a highly effective self-defense martial art. Jiu-jitsu teaches you how to control a stronger and larger opponent, allowing smaller or weaker individuals to defend themselves and increasing their ability to escape dangerous confrontations.

Though jiu-jitsu is a contact sport, when practiced with proper technique and form it is safer than many other martial arts because it doesn't focus on striking your opponent with punches and kicks. In statewide competitions, jiu-jitsu resulted in fewer injuries than judo, Taekwondo, mixed martial arts, or traditional wrestling.

Jiu-jitsu can be extremely beneficial for kids, helping them to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Improve discipline and focus
• Increase strength and resilience
• Develop respect for themselves and others
• Foster new friendships
• Improve coordination and body awareness

Follow these tips to find jiu-jitsu academies and gyms near you:

• Look for a reputable academy that focuses on jiu-jitsu rather than a mixed martial arts gym.
• Research the instructors' competition record and reputation.
• Read academy and instructor reviews on Lessons and Google.
• Confirm the academy offers classes for your experience level.
• Visit the academy in person to confirm it is clean and well-maintained and the staff is professional.
• Take advantage of their free day or week-long trial membership to ensure the school is a good fit for you.
• Get a copy of the contract in writing before making any payments.

When researching new jiu-jitsu academies, be sure to ask these questions:

• Is the gym beginner friendly?
• What kind of contracts do you offer?
• Do you offer a free trial class?
• What is your class schedule?
• How many students do you have?
• How many students are in a typical class?
• What is the instructor's lineage and competition record?
• What kind of uniform is required? Do you offer no-gi classes?
• Do your students and instructors compete regularly?
• Do you charge for belt promotions?
• How often do you clean your mats?