One of the topics constantly debated within different online BJJ forums is the practice of walk-in fees. Some feel that they’re a good practice, while some Jiu-Jitsu hippies think walk-ins should train for free.
Let’s break down the practice of walk-in fees in BJJ academies and if they’re a good or bad practice.
What are Walk-In Fees?
For the lower belts who may not know, walk-in fees are a payment BJJ academies charge non-members for training. A similar practice that fitness gyms use for people, who aren’t members of a gym.
Why do BJJ Academies Implement Them?
BJJ academies implement walk-in fees for a number of reasons. Here are the main reasons the practice of walk-in fees are used in BJJ academies.
The Price of Labor?
Walk-ins for BJJ academies are important, because of the price of labor for running a gym. It costs a lot of money to keep a gym running and they can’t let everyone train for free.
Some people don’t like the practice of walk-in fees, but paying a small training fee will help support a gym. It’s also a way to show respect for the BJJ academy owner for allowing a visitor the privilege of training.
Deter Gym Hoppers
In every city, there are BJJ practitioners known as “gym hoppers.” These cheapskate grapplers don’t belong to any gym and will abuse the kindness of academy owners.
Gym hoppers often make a reputation for themselves in their residing city for training and not paying. They’ve most likely trained in every big Jiu-Jitsu academy within their city and never paid one of them.
Weed Out Toxic Walk-Ins
The practice of walk-ins in BJJ academies also helps weed out toxic individuals from entering gyms. Most people that come into academies are nice, but sometimes, there are some sketchy people that come in.
Those odd ducks are less likely to pay a walk-in fee than normal people, which helps keep a positive climate.
In What Scenarios are These Fees Not Implemented?
Walk-in fees aren’t always implemented in BJJ academies. There are certain scenarios where BJJ schools will not implement a walk-in fee.
Friend of the Gym
Affiliate School
Free Class Promotion
Friend of the Gym
If a visitor is friends with the gym owner or with the school in general, they will not be charged. They are welcomed to train at the gym and will often bring their teammates or students to train with them.
It’s always a good time when a buddy from another gym comes in to train from every so often.
Affiliate School
Probably the best thing about being part of big affiliates like Gracie Barra, GFTeam, Checkmat is the access to other gyms. You aren’t just a member of your home gym, but also welcome to train in other schools of the same affiliation.
If you’re traveling to another city and reach out to an affiliate school, you won’t be charged. They will welcome you in the gym, just like if you were one of their regulars.
Free Class Promotion
To boost membership, Jiu-Jitsu schools often do annual promotions, where they offer free classes. If you’re new to a city looking for a new gym and visit one doing this promotion, they won’t charge you.
What’s a Reasonable Walk-In Fee For BJJ Schools?
A walk-in fee price is a hotly debated topic in the BJJ community. We’ve seen some academies charge anything from $5 to $50 depending on who’s running the school. $5 is probably too low and anything at or over $50 is a ridiculous price.
Honestly, a reasonable walk-in fee would probably be between $10-$20. With this price range, it feels like the instructor is getting something for the price of their labor.
Gym Etiquette For Walk-Ins?
Earlier this year, the B-Team posted a dos and don’ts video for visitors training at their gym. It was so good that we need to repeat some of the etiquette for walk-ins.
Check-in: Go right to the front desk to introduce yourself and ask if there’s a fee to train.
Pre Contact Online: The best practice would be to reach out to a gym before you come in. They will give you all the info you need beforehand and you’ll know what’s expected of you.
Respect Gym Etiquette: A good gym will usually have their rules posted on the wall. Respect those rules if you wish to be welcomed back to train again.
Don’t Show Up Late: Always come earlier if you’re visiting a gym and even to your own gym. It’s disrespectful to walk in 15 minutes late and expect to be allowed in class.
No Porrada: You’re not at ADCC, you’re visiting a gym,which means you shouldn’t be rolling to the death. Train hard, but don’t try to kill any of the regulars while you’re visiting.
Are Walk-in Fees a Good Practice?
The practice of walk-in fees in BJJ academies aren’t just a good practice, they’re a must. It costs money to run a Jiu-Jitsu school and they can’t just let everyone train for free.
A school must not only put value on their work, but also ensure that the gym is a positive environment. All good BJJ academies implement walk-in fees and they need to continue doing this practice.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.
