First of all, we’re not here to complain; we’re here for a hard-to-swallow reality check.

You see, BJJ is one of the fastest-growing martial arts right now, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the prices of training and equipment. They’ve exploded over the past few years, reaching unbelievable all-time highs.

Let’s shed some light on the topic!

The Gear Tax is Absurd

Let’s start with the gear. Individual pieces of equipment might not be that expensive, but they add up insanely fast. Here’s what we’re referring to:

1. A decent BJJ gi from a middle-of-the-pack brand will set you back roughly $100 to $150
2. Rash guards are roughly $50 to $75, and you need 2, so that’s another $100 to $150
3. You’ll splash another $100 on stuff like mouth guards, ear guards, and knee braces
4. Athletic tape is another $5 to $10 per month, which adds up quickly, too
5. You’ll also need a proper carrying bag for your equipment, which is roughly $50

That’s roughly $400 you’ll need to spend before your first training. And let’s not forget the price of a proper gym. Depending on your area, it will set you back another $100 to $300 a month. Specialized training sessions, tournament buy-ins; these are all ongoing costs that average around $100/month on a yearly basis.

In other words, it’s expensive af!

Where to Cut Corners?

Luckily, there are many ways you can cut corners and save a ton of money, especially if you’re just starting out.

Don’t waste money on improving your mental game. There are many free ways to do so, including card games like poker, or strategy games like chess, both of which build your pattern recognition and decision-making under heavy pressure.

Another huge cost-saving method is to get a second-hand gi for a fraction of the price (typically $30 to $50, depending on the condition). You can find great deals on Facebook Marketplace and by talking to your gym colleagues.

Athletic tape usually costs around $5 to $10 per month. But if you buy it in bulk early on, you could spend $30 for a whole year’s worth of tape.

Look for open mat sessions. Many gyms have open mat sessions completely free of charge, which is a great way to assess if BJJ is the right choice for you.

Finally, you don’t need a pro coach right away, so why waste money there when you can explore channels like Chewjitsu and Lachlan Giles on YouTube? They provide tons of instructional videos that can easily be recreated within the comfort of your own home.

Is BJJ Worth The Price in 2026?

Realistically speaking, many people quit BJJ not because they’ve hit their skill ceiling but because they can’t justify the costs.

Mind you, the prices haven’t always been like this. Before 2020, the prices were roughly 30% lower than they are today. We’re not nitpicking here; 30% difference is huge!

But, at the end of the day, BJJ is still worth it… for most people, that is.

It all depends on your approach. If you’re buying second-hand gear and cutting corners on the mental aspects and specialized training sessions, you’re ready for the long term.

If you’ve already splashed a ton of money in your first 6 months and now you’re worried it’s only going to get more expensive, you’re already in too deep.

Here’s a solid piece of advice: put a cap on your BJJ budget and stick to it!

Final Thoughts

Yes, BJJ has become quite expensive, especially if you’re buying new stuff fresh off the press. Still, the bare-bones “entry fee” is affordable, and the community is packed with knowledge and used equipment at dirt-cheap price tags.

Plus, you can’t really measure the knowledge and the experience in money. There’s no empty inspiration here; it’s all based on consistent hard work and hours of intensive workouts every single week.

If you don’t mind getting down and dirty to master the art of BJJ, you’re more than welcome to join us!

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