It's insane how expensive mma gyms are. For example just training muay thai is $120 a month but if you want to train bjj you have to double the pay or for $ 200 month you can sign a long term contract to save 40 bucks.
In this situation you have to rely on an established wrestler and let him train for free or low cost and have him sponsor the gym. When it's too expensive you can only get rich kids who don't have to work because parent provides training fee. Assuming if parents are cool with it.
Not saying " UFC is dying" but how can you get the best talent in mma when prices are through the roof?
Meanwhile boxing is inexpensive and the pay potential is higher than ufc fighters.
this has been the case since like 2001... with all martial arts gyms for the most part. that is standard pricing if not cheap.
Not only do you have to pay the gym fee but they also require you to purchase their equipment and clothing for classes too.
they will also charge for belt testings and other things.
its a business and is ran that way. I admit it felt bad being young and constantly being told i have to pay more and more. i remember it was the reason i never connected to the coaches there. I just felt like i couldn't appreciate it at the time when i had to over pay for extremely limited training and coaching and if i wanted more i had to pay for privates. i felt like they owed me not the other way around.
to get good at something like jiujitsu you don't do it 2-3 days a week for an hour and sometimes not even roll. that is an extremely slow path but these schools run that way. They are often more family oriented and don't like the competitive side of the sport.
its not expensive though. that is typical pricing. most adults who have their shit together can afford that very easily.
you can invest in some mats gets some friends. be smart. dont get hurt and learn through youtube.
i also want to add that when i received my blue belt i lost my job around that time and they offered for me to train for free moving forward until i was in a better spot.
about a year or so later i got a new job and i had to move and joined a new gym. i get my purple belt and the same thing happens i lose the job and they offer to let me always train for free
in my experience if you establish good relationships at this place and are a dedicated student and good example they want you in there. especially with jiujitsu where most students dont even make it to blue belt they like having experienced people in there and if you speak up over time im sure you can have your dues reduced if you are actually financially struggling
