Blog

A no-affiliate-link guide to what a new BJJ practitioner actually needs in year one. Skip the marketing, buy four things, train.

Honest 2026 pricing for monthly membership, drop-ins, gear, and seminars. Where to save and where you'll regret saving.

The honest tradeoffs between training in the gi and training no-gi. What each one teaches, what each one neglects, and how to pick.

A clear BJJ membership starts with the whole agreement: included classes, total cost, renewal, pauses, and the exact process for leaving.

Separate recurring tuition from optional spending before trying to price the years between your first class and a BJJ black belt.

A gi patch can mark your team or a favorite trip. Check academy policy, competition placement, and the attachment before making it permanent.

A family BJJ discount is only part of the decision. Compare schedules, supervision, full costs, and what happens when one member changes plans.

A practical guide to spats under BJJ shorts: academy policies, fit checks, competition rules, and the laundry your new outfit requires.

Understand BJJ gi weave, GSM, jacket and trouser fabrics, and why fit and event rules matter more than a lightweight label.

Check BJJ rashguard fit through movement, measurements, sleeve length, and your full training outfit before buying or competing.

Gi color does not equal belt rank. Check academy policies, tournament requirements, travel needs, and care before choosing your next uniform.

What to notice when watching a BJJ class before joining, from teaching and partner selection to the questions only the front desk can answer.

The gi versus no-gi debate is one of BJJ's longest-running arguments. Both have distinct advantages, and the answer to which you should train depends entirely on your goals.

BJJ was born from self-defense, but modern sport BJJ has evolved beyond its roots. Here's an honest look at what BJJ offers for real-world self-defense and where its limitations lie.

Picking a BJJ gym is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a grappler. Here's a structured approach to evaluating academies so you find the right fit — not just the closest one.

Everything you need to know before your first BJJ class — from what to wear and what to expect on the mats, to the unwritten rules every new student should understand.