When it comes to saving on martial arts training, cheaper isn’t always better. We’ll explain why you should look for a school that combines affordability with quality training (even if it costs a few extra bucks).
Mixed Martial Arts & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools fall into four pricing tiers:
CHEAP: <$100 / month
LOW: $100 – $125 / month
MIDDLE: $125 – $200 / month (Crazy 88 MMA tuition rates are situated in this range)
HIGH: $200 – $400 / month
Cheap & Low-tier schools are what you find on every street corner; nothing really distinguishes them from one another. The majority of these gyms lack the the quality coaching and resources necessary to really bring their students to a high level. Their business comes from the convenience-oriented client who just wants a place nearby.
Middle-tier and High-tier schools are similar in regards to the services and quality of training they provide. However, high-price tier training centers are usually located in major cities and most likely capitalize on a current celebrity name. For example, Renzo Gracie Academy in Midtown Manhattan.
Remember — “Cheap martial arts training” rarely translates to “quality martial arts training”.
We’ve all heard the timeless (and tiresome) old saying that “you get what you pay for.” From shopping on Amazon to Craigslist, we all are trying to find ways to get what we want for next to nothing. But in the world of martial arts training, the old proverb still rings true.
Here are a few reasons why the cheapest martial arts training available isn’t always the best martial arts training for you:
Firstly, you are not really paying for martial arts training – you’re paying to achieve your goals. If you don’t achieve them, all the money you saved doesn’t really matter.
While a $100 a month membership at the YMCA looks tempting, consider how you would feel if you never fulfilled whatever desire you wanted to fulfill. What seems like a money-saving decision at the beginning can quickly turn into a complete waste of time and money.
How much do Jiu-Jitsu Classes REALLY Cost?
TRUE STORY: I had a gentleman try out the Free Trial a few years back. This guy worked as a Corrections Officer and LOVED Jiu-Jitsu. He was buying the latest Instructional DVDs and was up-to-date on all the latest news. He even told me that he had been saving up money so he could fly out to California and visit some of the schools he had been reading about. He had been training at different Baltimore Jiu-Jitsu schools for years but when we went over our tuition rates, he said the difference of $20 was too much!
I ran into him a few years later at a local Good Fight grappling tournament. He was still a big Jiu-Jitsu fan, consistently training, trying to win tournaments, but struggling. He never reached the level he wanted to achieve or could have achieved. During that time, lots of Crazy 88 students had far surpassed him. So the question to consider is: did he really end up saving money?
The Jiu-Jitsu classes cost was more than just $20 a month.
What Factors Influence Mixed Martial Arts Gym Pricing
The biggest differences between the schools relate to the following
- Quality of the instruction & teaching (dependent on instructor ability)
- Quality and level of the training environment (dependent on workout partners and gym culture)
- Proven history of success
- Facilities & Customer Service
If you had to sacrifice one of these factors in order to save money – which one would you sacrifice? The answer is: You can’t really sacrifice any of them. They are all an important part of your martial arts experience and will most likely save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
If you’re looking for accessible martial arts training without sacrificing quality, look for the discounts available to you at Crazy 88.
Here are a few of our most popular discounts:
- Family discount
- Active Military & Veterans discount
- Public Service discount
- Upfront Payment discount
- Fighter discount
It all starts with smart shopping. Come in and try out classes for FREE during your trial. You’ll get to meet the coaches, students, and get a first-hand experience about our programs. While you’re here, you’ll be able to speak with our coaches and see if we’re a good match. Call us at (443) 283-1450.
I also recommend reading this previous article that is related to this topic: How to Make an Un-Educated Decision about Choosing a Martial Arts Gym