Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been steadily growing in popularity in China over the past decade. With the increasing interest in MMA and other combat sports, more and more people in China are discovering the benefits of BJJ training, both as a form of self-defense and as a way to improve their physical fitness and mental well-being.
There are many BJJ gyms and schools throughout China, with some of the largest and most well-known ones located in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. These gyms often attract a mix of Chinese and foreign students, and many of them offer classes in both Chinese and English.
In recent years, China has also hosted a number of BJJ tournaments, both local and international, which have helped to raise the profile of the sport in the country. The China Open BJJ Championship, for example, has been held annually since 2012 and attracts competitors from all over the world.
Overall, the BJJ scene in China is still relatively small compared to other countries, but it is growing rapidly and has a lot of potential for further development. With more and more people becoming interested in the sport, it is likely that we will see more BJJ tournaments, seminars, and training camps taking place in China in the years to come.
Table of Contents
The Best BJJ Gyms In Shanghai
Absolute MMA Shanghai
Absolute MMA is a well-established BJJ gym that offers classes for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The gym is known for its highly skilled and experienced coaches, and their focus on technique, discipline, and hard work. As you’d expect, it also teaches MMA but also has a big focus on BJJ. You may be aware with the Absolute name, as this gym is owned by legendary Australian grappler, Lachlan Giles.
Address: 667, Changhua Road, 1st floor, S3-S4, Jing’an district, Shanghai
Bushido
Bushido Jiujitsu is another popular BJJ gym in Shanghai that offers classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The gym is known for its friendly and supportive community, and their focus on providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
Address: 9/F, 445 Jiangning Lu, near Wuding Lu. Jing’an District, Shanghai
Shanghai BJJ Academy
The Shanghai BJJ group has a bunch of locations scattered around the city and if you’re a member under its Defgroup franchise then you can train at any of the other locations. These gyms are known for their intense training programs and focus on developing a competitive mindset in their students.
Address: Various
Workshop BJJ
Workshop is a well-known martial arts gym in Shanghai that offers classes in BJJ in a smaller setting with more of a focus on no-gi. So, if you’re after a more personal feel with a less ‘franchised’ atmosphere, then Workshop may appeal to you. The main coach Dean is known as a leg lock specialist. This gym is tough and may not be suited for absolute beginners. Still, it’s friendly enough and the level is decent.
Address: Room 1502, Changxin Building, 1219 Changle Lu, near Wulumuqi Zhong Lu Xuhui District
Wolf MMA
Similar to Workshop, this is a smaller gym but is obviously focused on MMA as well as BJJ. The gym is known for its high-intensity training programs and its focus on developing physical fitness and mental toughness in its students.
How much does it cost to train BJJ in China?
The cost of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in China can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the gym or school, and the level of instruction. In general, however, the cost of training BJJ in China is relatively affordable compared to many other countries.
At some of the more popular BJJ gyms in China, such as those in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, monthly membership fees can range from around 500 to 1500 RMB (approximately $75 to $225 USD) per month. These fees typically include access to all classes and training sessions offered by the gym, as well as use of any necessary equipment or facilities.
In addition to monthly membership fees, some gyms may also charge additional fees for private lessons, seminars, or special events. The cost of these extras can vary widely depending on the gym and the instructor, but they are usually optional and not required for regular training.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in China can also be relatively low compared to many other countries, so even if BJJ training fees are somewhat higher than what you might pay in some other countries, the overall cost of living in China can help to offset this. Additionally, some gyms in China may offer discounts or special rates for students or those who pay for longer-term memberships in advance, so it’s always a good idea to ask about any available deals or promotions.
