BJJ Program Design & Curriculum: Complete Resource Hub

Your technical curriculum organises what techniques students learn and when they learn them. Position-based curricula work best for fundamentals (white and blue belt), organising content by positions like mount, guard, side control, and back control. Concept-based approaches suit advanced students who understand principles over specific techniques.

Most successful UK gyms use a hybrid approach—position-based for beginners who need clear structure, transitioning to concept-based for intermediate and advanced students who benefit from creative problem-solving. Belt progression frameworks must align with your curriculum, establishing clear technical requirements for each rank.

Our complete curriculum guide walks through building a structured framework from scratch, including cyclical curriculum design and belt-level progression maps.

Standard UK BJJ classes typically run 60 minutes: 10 minutes warm-up, 25 minutes technique instruction and drilling, 20 minutes live training, and 5 minutes cool down. This format fits busy schedules, particularly for weeknight sessions from 7-9pm that dominate UK gym schedules.

Warm-ups should include BJJ-specific movements like shrimping, bridging, technical stand-ups, and partner drills. Keep warm-ups to 10-15 minutes maximum—students come to learn technique and spar, not spend half the class on conditioning. Technique instruction works best with 2-3 connected techniques per class for beginners, up to 4-5 for advanced students.

Live training should be structured with timed rounds (typically 5 minutes), appropriate rest intervals (1 minute), and clear safety guidelines. Managing sparring intensity prevents injuries and creates a sustainable training culture.

Explore our detailed class structure and lesson planning guide for format templates and time management strategies.

Different student segments require different programming approaches. Kids programmes should segment by age: 4-7 years (game-based learning), 7-11 years (structured technique with games), 11-15 years (adult-style classes with age-appropriate expectations). UK BJJ academies typically offer classes split by age groups, with activities and games reinforcing techniques through fun engagement.

Adult programmes divide into fundamentals (first 3-6 months, safety and survival focus), all-levels (mixed belt ranks, core curriculum), and advanced classes (blue belt and above, complex techniques and higher intensity). Separating fundamentals classes dramatically improves retention by preventing beginner overwhelm.

Women's only classes create comfortable environments emphasising self-defence applications and community support. Masters programmes (40+) adapt intensity while maintaining technical rigour. Competition teams require supplemental training focused on sport-specific strategies and conditioning.

See our kids programme guide and women's programmes cluster for segment-specific strategies.

Balancing drilling versus live training depends on student experience. Research indicates beginners benefit from 60-70% drilling and 30-40% live training to build technical foundations without survival mode overwhelm. Intermediate students need roughly 50/50 balance, whilst advanced practitioners thrive with 40% drilling and 60% live training. Competition preparation shifts to 20% drilling and 80% live work.

Position-based curriculum works systematically through fundamental positions and their associated techniques. Concept-based curriculum emphasises principles like base, leverage, and timing across positions. Self-defence versus sport focus shapes your technical selection—traditional Gracie self-defence versus modern sport BJJ meta.

Most UK market students seek fitness and sport rather than pure self-defence, though self-defence context helps beginners understand practical applications. Hybrid approaches balance both—self-defence fundamentals provide accessible entry points whilst sport techniques maintain engagement for long-term students.

Our drilling versus live training guide explores optimal balance across skill levels.

Special programmes diversify revenue streams and retain students with varying interests. No-gi programmes broaden appeal—they require minimal additional equipment (rash guards and shorts versus gi) and attract students interested in MMA-style grappling. Most gyms integrate 2-3 no-gi sessions per week within their standard schedule.

Open mat sessions (typically Saturday mornings, 90-120 minutes) provide unstructured training time that builds community whilst giving students extra practice. Clear supervision and etiquette guidelines prevent injuries during free training.

Private lessons generate ancillary revenue at £50-£80 per hour for established UK gyms. They're popular for exam preparation, competition prep, or personalised attention for students struggling with specific techniques. Guest instructor seminars (£40-£60 per attendee for a 2-hour session) expose students to different styles whilst generating additional income.

Competition teams suit gyms with established student bases. They require dedicated training times (Sunday afternoons work well), competition preparation timelines, and careful balance between hobbyists and competitors to avoid alienating recreational students.

Explore our guides on no-gi programmes, open mat structure, private lessons, and competition team development.

Position-based curricula organise techniques by fundamental positions: mount, guard, side control, back control, turtle, and transitions between them. Students master escapes from each position first (survival), then controls and pins (dominance), then submissions (finishing).

Advantages: Clear structure for beginners, easy to organise and teach, measurable progress through position mastery, works excellently for self-defence emphasis. Disadvantages: Can feel rigid, less adaptable to individual games, may not reflect modern competition meta with its emphasis on leg locks and complex guard systems.

Best for traditional self-defence gyms, fundamentals programmes, and beginners who need systematic progression.

Concept-based curricula organise around principles rather than positions: base and posture, leverage and mechanical advantage, timing and rhythm, pressure and connection. Students learn principles first, then apply them across various positions to develop personal games.

Advantages: Develops problem-solving skills, highly adaptable, reflects modern competitive BJJ thinking, encourages creativity and individual style development. Disadvantages: Can overwhelm beginners, harder to structure systematically, requires highly skilled instructors who understand principles deeply, progress harder to measure objectively.

Best for advanced students, competition-focused gyms, and experienced instructors comfortable teaching concepts.

Most successful UK gyms use hybrid models: position-based for fundamentals (white and blue belt levels) transitioning to concept-based for intermediate and advanced students (purple belt and above). This provides beginners with clear structure whilst allowing experienced students creative development.

Why 80% of successful gyms use this model: Clear beginner pathway reduces early dropout, structured fundamentals build solid foundations, creative advanced development retains experienced students, balances predictability with flexibility, adapts as students progress.

The hybrid approach recognises that beginners need concrete techniques they can practise immediately, whilst advanced students benefit from understanding the 'why' behind techniques to adapt them to different situations.

Traditional Gracie self-defence curricula emphasise street effectiveness: clinch work, takedown defence, striking defence, positional control for safety. Modern sport BJJ focuses on competition techniques: current meta positions (De La Riva, leg entanglements), berimbolo and inversions, competition strategy and scoring.

Most UK students want fitness and sport rather than pure self-defence, but self-defence context helps beginners understand practical applications of techniques. A balanced approach uses self-defence fundamentals as accessible entry points (everyone understands defending against attacks) whilst incorporating sport techniques that maintain engagement for long-term students interested in competition.

Your lineage and background naturally influence your emphasis. Be transparent about your approach so students know what to expect.

Fundamentals classes (required for new students, first 3-6 months) focus on safety, survival positions, and basic techniques with controlled sparring. All-levels classes form your bread and butter—mixed belt ranks training core curriculum with full sparring. Advanced classes (blue belt minimum) retain experienced students with complex techniques and higher intensity.

No-gi classes broaden appeal to MMA-interested students and those who prefer less traditional training. Competition training (optional, for competitors) emphasises sport-specific strategy and conditioning. Open mat provides unstructured community training time. Kids classes create significant revenue streams whilst building your future adult membership base.

• Monday: Fundamentals 7pm, All-levels 8pm
• Tuesday: No-gi 7pm, All-levels 8pm
• Wednesday: Fundamentals 7pm, All-levels 8pm
• Thursday: No-gi 7pm, All-levels 8pm
• Friday: Fundamentals 7pm, All-levels 8pm
• Saturday: Open mat 11am, Competition training 12pm
• Sunday: Kids classes 10am (ages 4-7), 11am (ages 8-12)

This schedule provides consistent weeknight options for working adults whilst offering weekend training for dedicated students and kids programming for family revenue.

With more instructors, expand to include lunchtime classes (12-1pm for city professionals), afternoon sessions, multiple fundamentals tracks throughout the week, dedicated advanced classes (7-8pm alternate nights), women's only classes (often popular on Tuesday evenings), and separate kids age groups (4-7, 8-11, 12-15 year olds).

Medium gyms can also add morning classes (6-7am for early risers), weekend workshops and seminars (Saturday afternoons), and private lesson availability throughout the week.

Weeknight preferences cluster around 7-9pm as the most popular training time across the UK, accommodating work and family commitments. Weekend morning classes (10am-12pm Saturday and Sunday) work well for students unable to train weeknights.

Lunchtime classes succeed in city centres (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh) where professionals seek midday training. School holiday adjustments matter for kids programmes—reduce weekday kids classes during half-terms when families travel, or offer holiday camps as additional revenue.

Cold weather in winter requires slightly longer warm-ups (12-15 minutes versus 10 minutes in summer) to prevent injuries. Space constraints common in UK premises (converted industrial units, small retail spaces) influence warm-up design—adapt exercises to available mat space rather than forcing American-style running laps.

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) maintains the most widely recognised belt standards globally. Adult belts progress: white, blue, purple, brown, black. Kids belts include grey (ages 4-6), yellow (7-15), orange (10-15), and green (13-15).

IBJJF minimum time-in-grade requirements:

• White to blue: Minimum 2 years (typically 2-3 years)
• Blue to purple: Minimum 2 years (typically 2-4 years)
• Purple to brown: Minimum 1.5 years (typically 2-3 years)
• Brown to black: Minimum 1 year (typically 2-3 years)
• Total to black belt: 8-12+ years typically

IBJJF age requirements: blue belt minimum age 16, brown belt minimum 18, black belt minimum 19. As of 2022, IBJJF allows coaches to ignore minimum time requirements if the practitioner wins an adult world championship at their current belt level.

The stripe system provides intermediate milestones: white, blue, purple, and brown belts each have four degrees (stripes) before promotion to the next belt colour.

Unlike judo (which has standardised British Judo Association grading syllabuses), BJJ has no universal UK standard. The United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) serves as the National Governing Body but doesn't mandate a detailed public grading syllabus like judo organisations do.

Most UK gyms follow IBJJF general timelines, with individual instructors determining specific criteria based on their own standards, mat time, skill demonstration, and competition performance. Governing body affiliation impacts approach—BJJA-affiliated gyms may reference their curriculum framework, UKBJJA-affiliated gyms benefit from organisational support, but independent gyms enjoy complete flexibility setting their own standards.

Your lineage matters—if your professor uses specific curriculum or standards, students often expect similar criteria. Be transparent about what affiliation (or lack thereof) means for belt progression.

Effective belt progression criteria combine multiple factors. Technical proficiency requirements might specify X essential escapes, Y submissions, Z sweeps students must demonstrate. Time-in-training minimums ensure adequate mat hours (not just calendar time—someone training twice weekly needs longer than someone training five times weekly).

Class attendance thresholds verify consistent training rather than sporadic appearance. Competition experience can be optional consideration (some instructors weight it heavily, others don't require it). Attitude and character matter—students who help beginners, maintain ego control, and embody your gym's values deserve recognition.

Document your criteria and share them with students. Transparency builds trust—students should understand expectations rather than guessing when promotions might occur. Regular feedback from instructors helps students understand their progress between formal promotions.

See our complete belt progression guide for detailed criteria templates and UK-specific considerations.

The 'Goldilocks zone' maintains recognised standards whilst acknowledging individual journeys. Blue belt should feel like an achievement earned through dedicated training—if everyone gets blue belt after 12 months regardless of progress, the belt loses meaning. Purple belt represents advanced competence, not merely 'showed up for four years.'

However, overly strict standards cause high white belt attrition. Students quit frustrated if they train consistently for three years without promotion whilst seeing peers at other gyms progress faster. Regional standards matter—if nearby gyms promote to blue belt in 18-24 months, your four-year minimum will lose students.

The sweet spot: Clear time minimums aligned with regional norms, technical requirements ensuring competence, flexibility recognising different learning speeds, and regular feedback so students understand their trajectory.

UK BJJ academies typically structure kids classes into age groups: 4-7 years (game-based learning with lots of activities), 7-11 years (structured technique with games integrated), 11-15 years (adult-style classes with age-appropriate expectations). London Grapple divides into 4-7, 7-11, and 11+ groups, whilst London Fight Factory accepts ages 6-14 grouped by age and skill level.

Classes begin with games to warm up, then activities enhancing technical skills, followed by BJJ techniques practised with partners, and controlled sparring in safe environments. Educational games reinforce techniques through fun engagement—kids learn better through play than lecture.

Discipline and structure matter increasingly as age increases. Young kids (4-7) need constant activity changes every 5-7 minutes. Pre-teens (7-11) can handle 10-15 minute segments. Teens (13-15) manage adult class structures but with appropriate intensity management.

Parent communication proves critical—regular updates about progress, behaviour, and expectations maintain engagement and retention. Enhanced DBS checks for all instructors working with children are essential (covered in safeguarding section below).

Our complete kids programme guide provides age-appropriate curriculum templates and game libraries.

Beginners need fundamentals focus, safety emphasis, and encouragement. Expect slow initial progress—first month focuses on survival, basic positions, and controlled movement. Pair beginners with patient upper belts who remember their own early struggles.

Intermediate students (blue and purple belts) require skill development opportunities, increased rolling intensity, and exposure to diverse training partners. They benefit from learning 'why' techniques work, not just 'how' to perform them.

Advanced students (brown and black belts) seek refinement through details, competition preparation if interested, and teaching opportunities that deepen their own understanding. Many advanced students enjoy mentoring beginners—formalise this through instructor development programmes.

Masters students (40+) need intensity adaptation whilst maintaining technical rigour. Masters programmes emphasise technique over athleticism, injury prevention through proper warm-ups and controlled training, realistic self-defence context, and long-term training sustainability.

Women's only classes create comfortable environments for women new to martial arts or uncomfortable in male-dominated spaces. Technical curriculum remains identical to co-ed classes, though many women's programmes emphasise guard positions (where women often excel due to flexibility) and defensive escapes (practical self-defence applications).

Self-defence integration proves particularly popular in women's programmes. Practical scenarios (defending against grabs, holds, pins) provide clear value propositions for women hesitant about sport grappling.

Community and support focus matters more than competitive atmosphere. Many women join BJJ for fitness, empowerment, and community rather than competition aspirations. Create culture reflecting these values whilst maintaining technical standards.

Explore our women's programmes cluster for detailed marketing, curriculum, and retention strategies.

Enhanced DBS checks are essential for martial arts instructors teaching anyone under age 18 or working with adults at risk. Martial arts governing bodies require Enhanced DBS checks with barred list searches for all teaching, coaching, or supervisory roles.

Costs: Enhanced Disclosure for volunteers/unpaid instructors costs £24 (including postal costs), with different rates for paid instructors. Annual renewal recommended alongside recognised safeguarding qualifications and first aid training.

The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts (developed by Sport England with martial arts governing bodies and safeguarding experts) provides recognised standards. Requirements cover: comprehensive safeguarding policy updated within three years, procedures covering reporting concerns and recruitment, codes of conduct and social media guidance, education and training for coaches, and regular policy reviews and risk assessments.

Parent communication protocols for kids programmes, supervision ratios (typically one instructor per 12-15 kids), and Gov.uk guidance compliance demonstrate professionalism and protect students.

UK insurance providers require structured programmes demonstrating duty of care. Documented curricula show professional approach to instruction. Fundamentals programmes separating beginners from advanced students demonstrate injury risk management.

Instructor qualifications matter for insurance coverage—insurers prefer instructors with recognised qualifications, DBS clearance for kids programmes, and first aid certification. Competition training requires specific insurance coverage due to increased injury risk.

Public liability insurance (£5-10 million minimum coverage) proves essential. Martial arts-specialist providers like BMABA understand BJJ-specific risks better than general fitness insurers.

See our complete insurance guide for UK provider comparisons and coverage requirements.

BJJA (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association) affiliation provides curriculum framework support if you choose to follow their system. UKBJJA (United Kingdom Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association) serves as the National Governing Body, offering membership benefits including liability insurance, discounted courses and competitions, and UKBJJA ranking points for tournaments.

Independent gym flexibility allows complete curriculum autonomy. Many successful UK gyms operate independently, setting their own standards based on lineage and instructor preferences. Affiliation benefits (insurance, legitimacy, tournament access) versus autonomy costs (membership fees, curriculum constraints) require individual assessment.

Explore our governing body guide for affiliation comparisons and decision frameworks.

London gyms typically emphasise competition focus due to larger BJJ community and more tournament opportunities, alongside diverse demographics requiring varied programme offerings (kids, women's, masters, lunchtime professionals). Regional gyms (outside major cities) often focus more on community and family atmosphere, with emphasis on recreational training over competition, and closer-knit student relationships.

Scotland and Wales bring local martial arts culture considerations—judo and wrestling remain popular in Scotland, whilst rugby culture in Wales influences physicality expectations. Adapt marketing and programme design to regional preferences rather than copying London gym models.

Problem: Beginners overwhelmed in all-levels classes face high dropout rates. They don't understand terminology, can't keep up with pace, feel unsafe rolling with aggressive students, and quit within 2-3 months frustrated.

Solution: Structured fundamentals track with clear progression (first 3-6 months dedicated beginner programme), slower pace emphasising safety and survival, controlled sparring only (positional or specific training), and patient upper belts as training partners.

Problem: No coherent progression creates confused students who can't connect techniques. They struggle to remember random techniques without context, have gaps in positional knowledge, and don't understand systematic progression.

Solution: Organised curriculum with themed weeks or months (e.g., guard passing month, submission month), techniques building on previous lessons, clear connection between related positions, and documented curriculum instructors follow consistently.

Problem: Missing significant revenue stream—kids classes often generate 30-40% of gym revenue. You're also missing future adult members (kids who train through teens become long-term adult members) and family membership opportunities (parents join after watching kids).

Solution: Dedicated kids programme with age-appropriate structure, qualified instructors with Enhanced DBS checks, game-based learning for young children, and parent communication systems maintaining engagement.

Problem: Beginners intimidated by aggressive culture quit quickly. Unsafe environment creates injury risk, ego-driven training discourages learning, and new members feel unwelcome.

Solution: Separate fundamentals and advanced classes clearly, manage sparring intensity strictly (enforce tap early culture), pair beginners with patient partners, and create welcoming culture where helping beginners proves valued.

Problem: Lose ambitious students to competitor gyms offering dedicated competition training and team atmosphere. Students interested in tournaments need specific preparation they can't get in regular classes.

Solution: Optional competition training and team (Sunday afternoons work well), competition preparation timeline support (help students prepare 8-12 weeks before events), team atmosphere fostering competition interest, but balance with hobbyist culture so recreational students don't feel excluded.

Problem: Student experience varies dramatically by instructor. Some instructors teach thoroughly, others rush through. Technique emphasis differs (instructor A loves spider guard, instructor B never teaches it). Students confused by contradictory advice.

Solution: Instructor training on curriculum and teaching methodology, curriculum guidelines all instructors follow, regular instructor meetings to coordinate themes, and documented lesson plans ensuring consistency.

See our instructor training guide for quality control systems.

Problem: Missing ancillary revenue (private lessons at £50-£80/hour generate significant income), neglecting personalised service students value, and losing students who need individual attention to progress.

Solution: Structured private lesson programme with clear pricing, calendar availability (even just 2-3 slots per week), marketing private lessons for exam prep, competition preparation, or struggling students, and instructor training on private instruction versus group classes.

Our private lesson guide covers pricing strategies and marketing approaches.

1. Complete BJJ Curriculum Guide for Gym Owners — Build a structured curriculum framework from scratch
2. BJJ Class Structure & Lesson Planning — Design effective class formats and timing
3. Belt Progression Systems & Standards UK — Create fair belt progression criteria
4. Fundamentals vs Advanced Class Structure — Organise your class offerings by level

5. Kids BJJ Program Development UK — Build engaging kids programmes by age group
6. Competition Team Development — Structure a competition programme that wins
7. No-Gi Program Integration — Add no-gi classes to your schedule
8. Private Lesson Program Structure — Monetise private lessons effectively

9. Open Mat Best Practices — Run productive open mat sessions
10. Drilling vs Live Training Balance — Optimise training methods by skill level
11. Guest Instructor & Seminar Planning — Host successful seminars

IBJJF belt progression guidelines provide globally recognised standards. Gracie University curriculum resources offer inspiration (though adapt rather than copy directly). YouTube instructional channels (Lachlan Giles, John Danaher, Bernardo Faria) provide technique ideas and systematic approaches.

UKBJJA provides organisational support for affiliated gyms. DBS check process (Gov.uk) explains background check requirements. NSPCC safeguarding guidance covers child protection best practices.

Gym management software with attendance tracking helps monitor student progress. BJJLINK specialises in jiu-jitsu schools with belt progress tracking and event management. Zen Planner (from £99/month) tracks promotions, attendance, and testing milestones with customisable rank requirements. Martialytics automates belt progression eligibility calculations based on attendance and skill criteria.

Lesson planning tools like Notion, Google Docs, or Trello help organise curriculum calendars and technique sequences. Video libraries (private YouTube channels, Google Drive folders) provide technique references for instructors.

Explore our software cluster for detailed comparisons of UK-available platforms.

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro provides excellent progression framework organised by belt level. The BJJ Globetrotter by Christian Graugart explores programme philosophy and gym culture. Various established gym curricula (Gracie Barra, Alliance, Atos) offer systematic approaches you can adapt to your situation.

Decide your emphasis: self-defence versus sport focus (or balanced approach), position-based versus concept-based curriculum (or hybrid), target student profile (families, young professionals, competitors, recreational adults), and your lineage influence on curriculum choices.

List core positions and techniques by belt level. White belt (30-50 essential techniques): all basic escapes, 2-3 guard passes, 2-3 sweeps, basic submissions. Blue belt (50-80 total techniques): expanded positions, advanced escapes, more guard passes and sweeps, broader submission arsenal.

Organise into themed weeks or modules covering all major positions over 12-week cycles. Each cycle includes slightly different techniques and variations so experienced students avoid repetition whilst beginners can join any week.

Determine class types needed (fundamentals, all-levels, advanced, no-gi, kids), weekly schedule design balancing student access with instructor availability, and instructor assignments considering experience and teaching strengths.

Start conservatively—better to run 6-8 excellent weekly classes than 15 mediocre ones. Add classes as membership grows and instructor capacity increases.

Establish belt progression requirements combining technical standards, time minimums aligned with regional norms, attendance thresholds, and character considerations. Document criteria clearly and share with students so expectations remain transparent.

Launch with core programme focused on fundamentals and all-levels classes. Gather student feedback after first 12-week cycle through informal conversations, anonymous surveys, and retention analysis. Refine over 6-12 months based on what works, documenting successful approaches and adjusting struggling elements.

Curriculum development remains ongoing—annual reviews ensure your programme stays current with evolving sport meta and student needs.