Do you know how much different martial arts cost to train? I’m talking about group classes, private one-on-one classes and equipment.
In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 of the most popular martial arts and show you just how expensive they are.
Each of these martial arts has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, but all of them offer a unique experience that is worth checking out.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
In regards to pricing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are on the expensive side. In the United States, for example, the average price per month is around $100 to $200. And if you are taking private lessons, the price is anywhere between $50 to a whooping $1000 per hour.
The reason for the high price is that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires specialized instructors who have years of experience. Since there is a scarcity of these instructors, the prices are bound to be high.
In most cases, you’ll pay a higher price to learn Jiu-Jitsu because certified instructors have spent years training and obtaining a black belt, which is considered one of the more difficult belts to earn.
In other words, BJJ black belts are extremely rare. It usually takes more than 10 years to earn a BJJ black belt. Consequently, there’s a small number of instructors with BJJ black belts who are able to teach the art form proficiently, and this is especially true in places that aren’t Brazil or the United States.
Apart from the cost of instructors, the equipment used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also quite expensive. For instance, a good quality Gi (the uniform worn during training) can cost anywhere from $100 to $200. In addition, other necessary gear such as belts, mouth guards, and groin cups can add up quickly.
A basic mouthguard will cost you $20. If you want the best, expect to pay around $100 for a top-of-the-line mouthguard.
And if you happen to like BJJ so much so that you plan to set up a home gym, the first thing you will need are mats. Of course, the price can vary depending on the amount of space you plan to cover. For BJJ training area in a gym it can range from $5000 to $10,000.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
In recent years, the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has exploded. With the rise of organizations such as the UFC, MMA has become one of the most popular sports in the world.
The likes of Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva have become global superstars, and the sport has only become more popular since then.
As with any sport, there are costs associated with MMA. The most significant cost is the price of training. In order to be successful in MMA, you need to train at a reputable gym with experienced coaches.
The average price of an MMA gym membership is $162 per month. However, this number can fluctuate depending on the location of the gym and the quality of the facilities. For instance, a world-class MMA gym in Las Vegas will obviously be more expensive than a small local gym in rural America.
An actual MMA gym that is dedicated to this art only and includes numerous disciplines and instructors tends to be more expensive, sometimes reaching $200. And if you are getting private lessons, you can expect to pay around $200-$500 per hour.
In addition to the monthly gym membership, you will also need to purchase MMA equipment, which can be quite costly. For instance, good quality MMA gloves can cost upwards of $100. In addition, you will need other gear, such as shin guards, mouthguards, and groin cups.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a popular self-defense system that was developed in Israel. The system is designed to be used in real-world situations and has been taught to military personnel and law enforcement officers around the world.
Due to its practicality, Krav Maga has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many civilians taking up the art form.
In the US, the average monthly membership fee for a Krav Maga gym is around $80 to $170. This number can vary depending on the location of the gym, the quality of the facilities, and the expertise level of the instructor.
A private instructor may charge anywhere from $50-$200 per hour, depending on their experience.
While coaching can be expensive, you don’t have to shell out a lot on gear and equipment. Shin guards, gloves, and workout clothing are the only real necessities.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on kicks and punches. It is one of the most popular martial arts in the world and is an official Olympic sport.
The average monthly membership fee for a Taekwondo gym is between $100 and $150. However, as with any sport, this number can increase or decrease depending on the type of membership, the location of the gym, and the quality of the facilities.
In addition to the monthly membership fee, you will also need to purchase a uniform (called a Dobok), which can cost anywhere from $40-$80. You will also need other gear, such as a Chest Protector, Head Gear, Forearm Guards, Shin and Foot Guards, and a Mouthguard, all of which can combinedly incur a one-time cost of $120-$150.
There are some taekwondo gyms in the US that charge you money for belt promotions. While this is not mandatory, it is something to keep in mind when budgeting for your training.
Since it is an Olympic sport, the instructors charge a hefty fee for private lessons. The average cost of a private lesson is $50-$150 per hour.
Wing Chun
Popularized by Chinese martial arts movie star Bruce Lee, Wing Chun is a close-quarters combat system that uses quick punches and kicks to disorient and disable an opponent.
Essentially, it was a fighting style developed by a female monk to defend herself against larger and stronger attackers.
While in China, the monthly membership fee for a Wing Chun school can be as low as $50, it can be as high as $80-$120 in the US.
In a typical US setting, to learn Wing Chun, the regular monthly tuition is around $80, with level testing costing around $80 (every three months for the first 12 levels), testing for technicians ($500 for the 1st, $600 for 2nd), and chi-Sao “section” (2-man form) seminars cost $120.
The good news is that there is little to no requirement for gear and equipment. All you need is proper gym clothes.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese martial art that comprises an array of styles and techniques. It is one of the oldest martial arts in existence, with a history that dates back thousands of years.
This martial art is often described as a life-long journey and can take many years to master.
In China, learning Kung Fu can be expensive, with some schools charging up to $800 per month. This may include accommodation as well. However, in the US, the average monthly membership fee for a Kung Fu school can range between $80 and $120.
Because there aren’t that many great schools in the US, one has to really look around to find a reputable instructor. The average private lesson can cost $60-$200 per hour.
There is also a wide range of Kung Fu styles, each with its own unique weapons and techniques. The cost of learning all these different styles can add up quickly.
Also, there is no cost regarding gear and equipment as you only need comfortable clothes to participate in the training.
Karate
Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes. It is one of the most popular martial arts in the world and has been featured in many movies and TV shows.
Many schools charge a weekly membership fee of $40. However, group lessons are the least expensive and can cost as little as $5 per class. The average private lesson costs between $50 and $100 per hour.
You will also need to purchase a uniform (called a Gi), which can cost anywhere from $30-$70. You may also need other gear, such as a Mouthguard, which can incur a one-time cost of $10-$20.
There are some karate tournaments that charge an entry fee. While this is not mandatory, it is something to keep in mind when budgeting for your training.
Since there are hundreds of gyms and dojos that teach karate, it is not hard to find a reputable instructor at a reasonable price. However, you will have to keep in mind that the quality of instruction can vary greatly from one place to another.
Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws and takedowns. It is an Olympic sport, and many of its techniques are used in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. It is inspired by jujitsu, which is a similar martial art that focuses on grappling and submissions.
The average private judo dojo in the US charges $100-$200/month, although this figure varies depending on region and number of weekly classes. You will also need to buy a judogi (traditional uniform), which could cost an additional $50-$200.
The primary reason judo clubs charge such diverse prices is their location. An individual running a club in the heart of New York City will have to bill more than someone in rural Idaho. That being said, people who reside in populated areas are often seeking out more competitive students.
If you reside in a small town, it may be more challenging to find an excellent judo sensei. In fact, if you live in a small town located in the United States, chances are there is only one judo club that trains regularly throughout the week.
Boxing
Boxing is a combat sport that involves two opponents throwing punches at each other while wearing gloves. It is one of the most popular sports in the world and has been around for centuries.
The cost of boxing training can vary greatly depending on your location, but you can expect to pay $50-$200 per month for group lessons and $60-$100 per hour for private lessons.
In addition to monthly or hourly fees, you will also need to purchase some gear, such as boxing gloves, punching bags, hand wraps, and headgear. These items can cost anywhere from $50-$200.
As with most sports, there are competitions you can enter which may require an entry fee. However, this is not mandatory, and you can still enjoy the sport even if you never compete.
Boxing is a great way to get in shape and learn self-defense. It is also one of the most affordable martial arts, as you only need a few pieces of gear to get started.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport that involves two opponents grappling with each other in an attempt to take the other down to the mat. It is an ancient sport with roots in many cultures, and it is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Freestyle wrestlers are some of the best athletes in the world because they’re incredibly strong, fast, and have great endurance. In terms of technique, freestyle wrestling is superior to other sports for takedowns, control, and scrambling.
Wrestling can be expensive, depending on the level of training you’re seeking. For example, Olympic-level training can cost thousands of dollars per month. However, if you’re just looking for some basic instruction, you can find wrestling schools for around $2500 per year.
You will also need to purchase a singlet (uniform), which can cost $30-$70. In addition, you may need other gear, such as wrestling shoes and headgear.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of prices when it comes to martial arts training. The cost of training depends on the specific martial art you’re interested in, as well as your location and the level of instruction you’re seeking.
That being said, there are many affordable options available, so don’t let the cost deter you from finding a martial art that’s right for you.
Do some research and find a martial art that suits your needs and budget. You may be surprised at how easy it is to get started, and you’ll never regret learning how to defend yourself.
Always purchase good quality gear from a trusted supplier to avoid injuries. Most importantly, find a reputable instructor who can teach you the techniques properly. With the right instruction and some hard work, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a martial arts master.