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First of all, congratulations on even considering making Jiu Jitsu your vocation! Our belief here is simple: Jiu-Jitsu is awesome, and everyone should have the opportunity to try it. For that to happen, we need to scale Jiu-Jitsu by 100x, and the only way to achieve that is by having passionate, motivated BJJ instructors, and it all starts with a google search just like the one you made.
Becoming a Jiu-Jitsu instructor isn’t an all-or-nothing process. If you want to teach quantum physics at a university, yes, you need a PhD and must be a world-renowned expert. BJJ is different. It’s not about reaching an impossibly high level before you can teach. Instead, it’s about being able to lower the bar and make Jiu-Jitsu accessible to everyone.
So, don’t worry about being the most experienced person in the room. If you’re prepared, relatable, and have a good strategy, you can be an incredible instructor even without a black belt or world champion title. You can start small—teaching things like how to tie a belt or do a forward roll as a white belt with three stripes—and build from there. With the right strategy and preparation, you can expand your teaching as you progress in your own journey.
By starting to teach early, even in small ways, you can grow as an instructor over time, gaining both confidence and knowledge along the way. This mindset of teaching in stages allows you to build a strong foundation without needing to reach the highest levels before you begin. Let’s see what strategies we can take to start or speed up our teaching BJJ journey.
Teaching Jiu-Jitsu can be more than just a passion—it can be a viable career. Whether you’re aiming to open your own gym or teach classes full-time, many instructors successfully turn their love for the sport into a sustainable income. But is it realistic? Let’s explore what it takes.
The income for a BJJ instructor can vary significantly depending on location, the size of the gym, and whether you’re working part-time, full-time, or as a gym owner. Instructors can earn anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, but rates often differ between high-demand cities and less populated areas. For instance, instructors in larger cities like San Diego or New York may earn on the higher end, while those in smaller towns may earn closer to $25-$30 per hour (Sherdog)(BjjTribes).
If you’re teaching five classes per week, with each class paying around $30 per hour, your weekly earnings would be approximately $150. Over a month, that totals $600. For full-time instructors working 15 to 20 classes per week, monthly income could range from $1,800 to $4,000, depending on hourly rates (BjjTribes). Privates and seminars can boost income substantially; private lessons often range from $50 to $150 per hour.
As a gym owner, the financial picture changes. Starting small with a rent of $500 to $800 per month, you’d likely need around 10 students paying $100 each to break even. Once you have around 40 students, you can likely cover your costs, pay yourself a salary, and possibly reduce or quit your other job.
While making a living teaching BJJ is possible, the key lies in having and follwing a game plan, supplementing class income with private lessons, seminars, and possibly running your own gym to maximize earnings.
Private Jiu-Jitsu classes are increasingly popular, especially among white belts looking to improve faster. However, they don’t always need a black belt for this. Blue and purple belts can often teach fundamentals better, as they’re less expensive, more available, and sometimes better suited to beginners. If you’ve mastered the basics, you can offer great value in private lessons.
At $50 per hour or more, teaching two privates a day can generate a significant extra income. If structured well, you can build a steady stream of clients. Jiu-Jitsu is ideal for private lessons, as students often want focused attention on specific skills. Private teaching can be lucrative and rewarding at any belt level.
Also read: Can a Purple Belt Teach BJJ?
Becoming a Jiu-Jitsu teacher doesn’t require formal qualifications or a degree, but it does demand experience and a willingness to start teaching early. After a year or two of training, many practitioners can begin to pass on basic knowledge to others. Think of it as sharing what you’ve already learned, much like teaching someone to tie their shoes.
Also read: Can You Learn BJJ in One Year?
Teaching Jiu-Jitsu is just like learning it—you start with the basics and build up to more complex skills over time. If you’re aiming to become a highly effective instructor or run your own gym, investing in additional education, such as courses on teaching and safety, can dramatically accelerate your progress.
These resources provide essential knowledge to ensure that you minimize risks and prevent injuries in your classes. Programs like those offered by TeachGrappling.com will give you the tools and confidence to teach beginners safely and effectively, helping you avoid the costly trial-and-error approach. By learning from experts, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most: helping your students succeed.
Learning to teach BJJ successfully isn’t about micromanaging students, but providing demonstrations and giving them the space to learn through their own trial and error. You don’t need an extensive toolkit to start teaching—simply demonstrating the techniques and offering helpful tips is often enough for beginners. Let students explore movements and find their own ways to improve. As an instructor, your role is to guide them rather than overcorrect them.
Taching starts with simplicity. Just as you wouldn’t expect to master advanced techniques right away, you don’t need to wait to start teaching until you’ve acquired world-class skills. Start small, focus on the basics, and gradually expand your teaching as you grow more confident.
Yes, you can absolutely teach BJJ without a black belt, and in fact, many instructors around the world don’t hold one. While a black belt carries status and prestige, it’s not a diploma in teaching skills. Teaching Jiu-Jitsu is a separate skill set from being a high-level practitioner. Many blue, purple, and brown belts are excellent instructors, especially for beginners, because they are closer to the learning process themselves and understand the struggles that new students face.
Teaching requires patience, communication, and the ability to break down techniques in a way that makes sense to students. These skills can be developed at any belt level, and as long as you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals and a desire to help others improve, you can be an effective instructor. In fact, lower belts are often just as valuable, if not more so, for teaching the basics and helping students build a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu.
As a blue belt, an online course can help you solidify your understanding of the fundamentals. It’s designed to give you confidence in teaching the basics, which is especially important for new students who need clear and supportive instruction early on.
Read this post for more insight: Can a Blue Belt Teach BJJ?
Becoming a BJJ instructor is a gradual journey that starts with small, simple steps. It begins when you help new students with basic things like tying their belts or showing them how to drill a move properly. You don’t need to be a high-level belt to start this process—being patient, humble, and ready to listen are the most important qualities. These small actions help you build the foundation for becoming an effective instructor.
Anyone that really wants to.
Over time, you learn that being a BJJ instructor means more than just showing techniques. It’s about understanding your students, being able to listen to their struggles, and guiding them with care. The process is ongoing, and as you develop these skills, you’ll find that teaching Jiu-Jitsu is about creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable to grow. It’s a journey of continuous learning, where every interaction helps you improve as a teacher.
Also read: Can a Purple Belt Teach BJJ?
Yes, competition experience isn’t necessary to teach BJJ effectively. An online course provides the practical tools you need to teach the basics and beyond, helping you avoid outdated or inefficient teaching methods. It’s about making sure your students get the right instruction in a safe, supportive environment, without needing to be a competitor yourself.
Getting certified as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor online is more accessible than ever. With flexible programs that fit your schedule, you can gain the skills and credentials needed to confidently teach, all from the comfort of your home.
Getting certified as a BJJ instructor is a valuable step, especially for those starting to teach as blue, purple, or brown belts. Certification programs allow you to learn from the mistakes and successes of experienced teachers, so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Instead of trial and error, you get a structured approach that has already been tested and refined. This can save you a lot of time and frustration, helping you avoid common pitfalls that new instructors often face. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor certification provides a foundation you can build on as you gain more teaching experience.
Taking a Jiu-Jitsu instructor certification program is like following a proven blueprint that eliminates the stress of building a teaching system from scratch. When you’re just starting out, expecting to create an entire curriculum with little experience is unrealistic. A structured program gives you the guidance and confidence you need to deliver high-quality lessons without the guesswork.
Whether you’re a blue belt, brown belt, or black belt, having a well-designed framework ensures you offer your students the best possible experience while continuing to grow as an instructor. Earn your official certification in just 10 hours and start teaching with confidence. Don’t wait—sign up today at TeachGrappling.com and fast-track your success!
When you’re building your BJJ toolkit, it’s helpful to learn from high-level instructors. Below are some reputable programs and instructors that have excellent learning materials for both techniques and teaching strategies:
These resources can help any instructor refine their understanding and teaching of Jiu-Jitsu, with a wide range of techniques and strategies that can be integrated into their teaching curriculum.
If you’re looking for more discussions about Jiu-Jitsu, along with free resources to help you improve, check out the BJJ 4 Life online hub at network.yogaforbjj.net. It’s a community of passionate BJJ instructors, students, and practitioners who share knowledge and tips. Whether you’re interested in teaching advice, improving your mobility, or just connecting with others in the Jiu-Jitsu world, this hub is a great place to learn and grow with like-minded people.
Teaching Jiu-Jitsu offers both a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career, but it’s a journey that begins with small steps and continuous learning. You don’t need to be a black belt or world champion to start teaching; instead, focus on sharing the fundamentals, being relatable, and guiding students as you grow. With the right strategies and a structured approach, you can make a living through classes, private lessons, and eventually, your own gym. The key is to be patient, humble, and ready to learn from every step of the process.
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