How to Choose a BJJ Gym: Red Flags & What to Look For

Contents

The Most Important Factor: The Instructor

The instructor shapes everything — culture, safety, technical quality. Look for: verifiable lineage and belt; teaching experience (not just competitive experience); positive demeanor toward beginners; and willingness to answer your questions transparently. A world champion instructor who ignores beginners is worse than a purple belt who invests in every student.

What to Evaluate on Your First Visit

Factor	What to Look For
Mat cleanliness	Mats should be cleaned daily. Smell-test counts.
Sparring culture	Watch a sparring round. Are students controlling intensity or ego-rolling?
Beginner treatment	Are new students paired with experienced partners who help, not smash?
Class structure	Warm-up → technique → drilling → sparring. Structured classes build better students.
Community	Do students stay after class and talk? Good culture shows in informal interactions.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

Instructors who claim black belt without verifiable lineage. Required long-term contracts before trying a free class. Culture of injuring or humiliating new students. No mat cleaning protocol. Instructors who promise fast belt promotions. Mandatory 'joining fees' before any trial class.

Gi vs. No-Gi Focused Schools

Some schools are 100% gi, some 100% no-gi, most offer both. If you have a specific goal (MMA, self-defense, sport BJJ), match the school's focus accordingly. Neither is objectively better — both develop excellent grapplers. Try both before committing to one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many classes should I try before joining a gym?

Most reputable academies offer 1-2 free trial classes. Use both. Also try classes at 2-3 different schools in your area before committing. The community and instructor matter more than price or location.

What questions should I ask before joining a BJJ gym?

Ask: What's the instructor's lineage? What's the promotion criteria? Is sparring mandatory? What's the monthly cost and contract length? Do you have beginner-friendly classes separate from advanced?

Is it worth paying more for a better BJJ school?

Generally yes. Your investment is your time, not just money. Training at a lower-quality school for 2 years produces less improvement than training at a higher-quality school for 1 year. Quality instruction is worth the premium.