Are BJJ Private Lessons Worth It? (2025)

Senior practitioner demonstrating a senior bjj basic techique

BJJ private lessons can definitely accelerate your progress when combined with regular classes. This powerful combination continues to be a cornerstone of my BJJ evolution.

This “no BS” article will show you how to effectively integrate private instruction into your BJJ training, maximizing benefits and avoiding pitfalls. From white belts to seasoned competitors, you’ll learn how to supercharge your BJJ journey through strategic use of private lessons.

New to BJJ? Check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

table showing BJJ Private Lessons Quick Facts Overview

What are private lessons?

BJJ private lessons (or just “privates” as they are commonly called) are one-on-one sessions with an instructor that are laser-focused on your needs and goals. These typically one hour sessions offer personalized attention, immediate feedback, and deep dives into your problem areas. As you’ll see, I’m biased – strongly. Private lessons aren’t replacements for regular classes, but powerful supplements that can dramatically accelerate your progress.

Can I Just Do Private Lessons (and skip the regular classes)?

While private lessons are incredibly valuable, relying on them exclusively isn’t optimal for learning BJJ. Here’s why:

1. Limited Partner Variety: In group classes, you’ll roll with various body types, skill levels, and styles. This diversity is crucial for developing a well-rounded game.

2. Missing the “Pressure Test“: Regular classes provide opportunities for live rolling, where you can test your skills against resisting opponents in a more realistic setting.

3. Lack of Team Camaraderie: BJJ isn’t just about techniques; it’s about the community. Group classes foster friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging.

4. Cost Inefficiency: Exclusively doing private lessons would be prohibitively expensive for most practitioners compared to a mix of group classes and occasional privates.

5. Overreliance on One Perspective: Different instructors in group classes expose you to various approaches and philosophies, broadening your BJJ understanding.

6. Missing Out on Collective Learning: In group settings, you learn not just from the instructor but also from watching your peers’ successes and mistakes.

7. Less Competitive Drive: Healthy competition in group classes can push you to work harder and improve faster.

Remember, the ideal approach is to use private lessons to complement and enhance your regular class training, not replace it entirely.

Are Private Lessons Just a Money Grab?

It’s true that private lessons provide additional income for instructors, and they’re an important part of many BJJ professionals’ livelihoods. However, this doesn’t diminish their value to students. You’re paying for exclusive, focused time with a highly skilled practitioner.

Be wary of instructors who aggressively push BJJ private lessons, but remember that offering them is perfectly reasonable. The key is balance – BJJ private lessons should complement, not dominate, your training. When approached correctly, they’re a mutually beneficial arrangement: you accelerate your progress, and your instructor is compensated for their expertise and time.

Need more convincing – here’s a good article from ELITE Sports on the pluses and minuses to BJJ private lessons.

The Power of Augmentation: Classes Plus Private Lessons

I remember when I first started taking Brazilian jiu-jitsu private classes alongside my regular classes. The difference was night and day. Here’s why:

1. Real-time Intervention: I remember working on the kimura from side control in class one night. I just couldn’t make my opponents arm go in the direction it was “supposed to”. Later that week I asked about this during my private lesson. My instructor showed me how, just by making a few simple shifts in my body postion and technique, I could make the kimura work.

We practiced it a few times. Next class I tapped a couple of people. What was so cool about this was the quick turnaround from failure to success. And the fact that now I was drilling the technique correctly instead of incorrectly! This real-time intervention strategy has been great for me and seems to be accelerating my progress when learning new techniques.

2. Tailored Advice: When your instructor sees you up close in private lessons, they get to know your style, strengths, and weaknesses intimately. This means that even during regular classes, they can give you more specific, tailored advice as they walk by during drills. It’s like having a personal BJJ coach all the time!

Individual BJJ coaching will, importantly, help you learn jiu-jitsu in order. This greatly affects how well you absorb and retain the material.

3. Self-Defense Focus: While most schools teach both sport BJJ and self-defense, the latter often takes a backseat in regular classes. BJJ private lessons enable me to drill these crucial techniques weekly, not just before testing. This consistent practice, coupled with my instructor’s ability to integrate technique nuances, has dramatically improved my self-defense skills. It’s bringing me closer to understanding the “invisible jiu-jitsu” that makes these techniques truly effective.

4. Deeper Understanding: Private lessons allow you to ask those “stupid” questions you might be too embarrassed to ask in class. Trust me, I’ve asked plenty! This deeper understanding then translates to better performance in regular classes.

The Cost Factor: Balancing Classes and Privates

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – cost. Yes, adding BJJ private lessons on top of your regular class fees can be pricey. When I first started, my wallet definitely felt the pinch. But here’s the thing – if you’re serious about BJJ, you’re probably already committed to paying for regular classes at a school.

Many schools require you to be a regular student to take private lessons, which actually makes sense. The private lessons build on what you’re learning in class, creating a comprehensive learning experience. However, some instructors might allow you to just pay for privates, but in my opinion, you’d be missing out on the benefits of group training.

How much should you expect to spend for one hour of personlaized BJJ training. That’s difficult to say as the cost of BJJ private lessons varies by location and instructor. Google will tell you the cost of BJJ private lessons can vary widely, from around $50 per hour to over $1,000 per hour. But in general you should expect to pay about $75 per hour at most schools for black belt instruction.

Here’s a pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: many instructors allow you to buddy up for private lessons without increasing the hourly rate. So if you’re on a tight budget, find a training partner at your level and split the cost. It’s a win-win – you get the benefits of private instruction at half the price, plus you have a dedicated drilling partner!

Who Can Benefit Most from This Combo?

In my experience, this powerful combination of classes and private lessons can benefit almost everyone:

1. Beginners: Build a solid foundation right from the start. Use private lessons to refine the techniques you learn in class. One-on-one BJJ training allows for immediate feedback so you can improve faster.

2. Competitors: Fine-tune your game plan and work on specific strategies for tournaments.

3. Busy Bees: If your schedule is crazy (I feel you!), private lessons can help you catch up on anything you missed in regular classes.

4. Technique Tweakers: Got a specific technique you’re struggling with? Use BJJ private lessons to break it down in detail. Private jiu-jitsu lessons can accelerate your progress with every aspect of your grappling and self-defense game.

How to Make the Most of Your BJJ Private Lessons

Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of combining classes with private lessons. Awesome! Here’s how to squeeze every ounce of value from this approach:

1. Sync Up: Schedule your private lessons soon after your regular classes. This way, you can immediately work on refining what you’ve just learned.

2. Come Prepared: Keep a BJJ journal of questions and challenges you face in regular classes. Bring these to your private lessons.

3. Focus on Weak Points: Use private lessons to work on areas you struggle with in regular classes. It’s your chance to turn weaknesses into strengths!

4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Apply what you’ve learned in private lessons during your next regular class. It’s all about reinforcement!

How Often Should You Take BJJ Private Lessons?

Here are recommendations based on your starting belt level:

  1. For Beginners (White Belts):
  • Start with 1-2 private BJJ lessons per month
  • Focus on fundamentals and proper technique development
  • Use private instruction to correct mistakes from regular classes
  • Schedule privates after you’ve had a few weeks of regular classes to identify problem areas
  1. For Intermediate Students (Blue/Purple Belts):
  • 2-4 private jiu-jitsu lessons per month is optimal
  • Use sessions to refine specific techniques and develop your game
  • Schedule privates around competition preparation if competing
  • Time sessions to work on challenges encountered in regular rolling
  1. For Advanced Practitioners (Brown/Black Belts):
  • 1-2 private lessons monthly for maintenance
  • Increase frequency when working on specific advanced techniques
  • Focus sessions on developing teaching skills if pursuing instruction

Factors to Consider When Setting Your Private Lesson Schedule:

  • Your budget (private BJJ instruction typically ranges from $60-150 per hour)
  • Available time to practice what you learn
  • Your regular class attendance (minimum 2-3 regular classes per week)
  • Physical recovery needs
  • Specific goals (competition, self-defense, or general improvement)

Pro Tips for Frequency:

  • Start conservatively with one private lesson monthly
  • Space lessons 2-3 weeks apart to allow practice time
  • Increase frequency temporarily when preparing for competitions
  • Consider semi-private lessons (2-3 students) to reduce costs while maintaining regular private training

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Taking too many privates without enough regular classes
  • Not having sufficient time between sessions to practice
  • Feeling overwhelmed with information
  • Physical or mental burnout

Remember: The key is finding a sustainable balance between private BJJ instruction and regular classes. Most successful students maintain consistent attendance in regular classes while using personalized BJJ training as a powerful supplement to accelerate their progress.

Finding the Right Balance

BJJ private lessons have greatly helped me advance in BJJ
I am so glad I started with private jiu-jitsu lessons very early in my BJJ journey.

Remember, the goal is to find the right balance between regular classes and private lessons. For most people, 1-2 private lessons a month alongside regular classes can make a significant difference. But listen to your body (and your wallet) – it’s not about burning out, it’s about steady, consistent progress.

FAQs

1. How often should I take private lessons alongside my regular BJJ classes?

– The ideal frequency depends on your goals and budget, but most practitioners find 1-2 private lessons per month to be beneficial. This allows you to address specific issues regularly without overwhelming your schedule or finances.

2. Are private lessons worth the extra cost on top of regular class fees?

– While private lessons are an additional expense, many practitioners find them to be a worthwhile investment. They can accelerate your progress by providing personalized attention and allowing you to focus on your specific needs. To manage costs, consider sharing private lessons with a training partner.

3. How do I choose what to focus on during my private lessons?

– Use private lessons to work on techniques or concepts you’re struggling with in regular classes. Keep a BJJ journal to track areas you need help with, and bring these topics to your private instructor. Also, focus on refining techniques you’ve recently learned in class.

4. Can private lessons replace regular BJJ classes?

– No, in my humble opinion, private lessons should not replace regular classes. They work best as a supplement to your regular training. Group classes provide essential experience with different partners and the opportunity to pressure test your skills in live rolling.

5. How do I get started with private lessons at my BJJ school?

– Start by asking your head instructor or coach about private lesson availability. Most schools offer private lessons, but policies may vary. Discuss your goals, schedule, and any concerns you have. Be prepared to explain what you hope to achieve through private instruction.

Conclusion: Your BJJ Journey, Accelerated

So, there you have it – the truth about integrating BJJ private lessons with your regular training. Is it a magic bullet? Nope. But can it significantly accelerate your progress and help you break through plateaus? Absolutely!

The combination of regular classes and strategic private lessons has been a game-changer in my BJJ journey, helping me iron out weaknesses, refine techniques, and gain confidence on the mats. It’s about getting the best of both worlds – the energy and diversity of group classes, plus the focused attention of private lessons.

If you’re serious about improving your BJJ, I highly recommend trying this combo. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner, private BJJ instruction can help. Set clear goals, find a great instructor, and prepare to see your game level up!

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