Complete BJJ Gym Equipment Checklist for UK Gyms

Opening a BJJ gym involves more than rolling out mats and hanging a sign. This checklist covers every category of equipment you'll need, from the obvious (mats, first aid kits) to the easily overlooked (music licensing, mat cleaning supplies, fire extinguisher annual servicing).

We've organised equipment into three priority tiers:

• ESSENTIAL: Must-have items from day one. Without these, you cannot legally or practically operate (mats, insurance, first aid, fire safety equipment, cleaning supplies).
• IMPORTANT: Should have within the first 1-3 months. These enhance student experience and safety but aren't absolute day-one requirements (conditioning equipment, sound system, additional training aids).
• NICE-TO-HAVE: Add as budget allows and membership grows. These improve member experience but aren't critical to operations (mirrors, retail stock, premium sound systems).

Each section includes UK-specific costs from multiple suppliers, helping you budget accurately. Use our downloadable PDF checklist to track purchases, record quotes, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks during your busy startup phase.

Mats are your single largest equipment expense and the most critical decision. Quality matters enormously — cheap mats wear out quickly, creating false economy.

Puzzle Mats (Most Common for BJJ)

Coverage needed: Calculate based on training area size. A 1,500 sq ft training area requires approximately 75-90 mats depending on mat size and layout. Allow 10% extra for wastage and awkward corners.

Mat specifications: Standard size is 1m x 1m x 40mm thickness. Never compromise below 40mm for BJJ — 20mm mats are too thin for takedowns and cause injuries. Some gyms use 50mm mats for superior impact protection, though these cost more.

UK mat suppliers:

• Jigsawmats4martialarts — Trusted for 20+ years, sold over 75,000 mats to UK gyms, warehouses in Kent and Great Yarmouth
• MMA Matting — UK-manufactured mats with attention to detail
• Gym-Flooring.com — Free shipping on orders over £250, sold over 500,000 tiles, running 30% off 2026 promotions
• Escape Fitness — Commercial-grade gym flooring
• Newitts — General gym equipment including mats

Pricing (2026):

• Budget (used or economy brands): £25-35 per mat → £1,875-£2,625 for 75 mats
• Mid-range (new from reputable suppliers): £40-50 per mat → £3,000-£3,750 for 75 mats
• Premium (high-density, reversible, top brands): £50-70 per mat → £3,750-£5,250 for 75 mats

Reversible mats: Cost £5-10 more per mat but offer different colours on each side, allowing you to quickly create competition layouts (e.g., red on one side, blue on the other for match areas).

Density matters: Mat density ranges from 90kg/cbm to 120kg/cbm. Higher density lasts longer and provides better impact protection. Budget mats (90kg/cbm) wear faster and compress more quickly. Premium mats (110-120kg/cbm) maintain shape for years.

Used Mat Market

UK used mat market offers 20-40% savings vs new. Sources include:

• eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree
• Gym closures and refurbishments (contact commercial gym liquidators)
• Reddit r/bjj UK Buy/Sell threads

Inspect used mats carefully: check for compression (mats should spring back when pressed), tears or rips (especially around edges), excessive wear patterns, and hygiene (avoid mats with persistent odours or staining). Used mats from gymnastics clubs or other martial arts gyms often have minimal compression damage as they're not used for ground grappling.

Roll-Out Mats (Less Common)

Pros: Quick setup/takedown, seamless surface (no gaps between pieces), professional appearance

Cons: Very heavy (difficult to move), expensive (£2,000-£5,000+ for average gym space), difficult to reconfigure or expand, requires large storage space when rolled up

When they make sense: Permanent installations where you never need to reconfigure space, high-budget gyms prioritising aesthetics, gyms with very large open spaces

Mat Tape

Essential for securing puzzle mat edges and preventing gaps. UK suppliers include specialist gym equipment retailers. Seamless jointing tape (10cm wide x 12m long) costs £20-50 for large rolls. Budget for 2-3 rolls for an average gym.

Mat Cleaning Supplies

See dedicated cleaning section below for comprehensive details on disinfectants, mops, and hygiene equipment.

Beyond mats, certain training equipment is essential from day one for safe, effective classes.

Wall Clock / Interval Timer

Large, visible from anywhere on the mats. Interval timer function critical for timing rounds (5-minute rolls, 30-second rests, etc.). Digital timers with programmable intervals work best. Cost: £30-100 depending on size and features. Mount high on wall where it's visible to everyone.

Gi Storage

Students need somewhere to hang gis after class (they shouldn't leave sweaty gis in bags). Wall-mounted coat hooks or clothing racks work well. Industrial coat hooks cost £50-150 for sufficient capacity (one hook per 3-4 students). Freestanding clothing rails (like retail stores use) cost £80-200 and are more flexible if you relocate.

First Aid Kit (ESSENTIAL & LEGAL REQUIREMENT)

UK law (Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981) requires employers to provide 'adequate and appropriate' first aid equipment. Your specific contents depend on your risk assessment, but gyms should exceed minimum standards due to injury risk.

HSE-compliant kit contents: Plasters (assorted sizes), sterile wound dressings, bandages (multiple sizes), adhesive tape, disposable gloves, scissors, safety pins, eye wash, burn gel, CPR face shield, emergency blanket

Cost: Basic HSE-compliant kit costs £20-50. Premium comprehensive kits for high-risk environments cost £50-100.

Standards: Look for BS 8599-1 compliant kits (British Standard for workplace first aid). These meet UK regulatory requirements.

Placement: Must be easily accessible and clearly marked. Wall-mounted in changing area or near reception is ideal. Every instructor must know its location.

Maintenance: Monthly checks to ensure contents haven't expired. Replace used items immediately. Most items have 3-5 year expiry dates.

AEDs strongly recommended: HSE guidance specifically recommends defibrillators (AEDs) for gyms and leisure facilities due to cardiac arrest risk during intense physical activity. See safety section below for details.

Hand Sanitiser Stations

Post-COVID expectation from members. Multiple stations around gym: entrance, changing rooms, near mats. Wall-mounted dispensers cost £15-30 each. Factor ongoing supply costs (£10-20/month for average gym). Touchless automatic dispensers cost £40-80 but reduce cross-contamination.

If your premises don't include changing facilities, you'll need to install or provide them. Many students arrive in street clothes and need to change.

Changing Room Basics

Benches: Cost £50-200 each depending on size and quality. Allow one bench per 10-15 students for adequate capacity. Plastic or wood benches work well (easy to clean).

Lockers or bag storage: Secure storage prevents theft. Day-use lockers (students bring their own padlock) cost £500-2,000 for 20-30 units. Open cubby storage is cheaper (£200-500) but less secure. Wall-mounted bag hooks (£30-80) work for budget setups.

Mirrors: Cost £100-300 for changing area mirrors. Safety-backed glass essential to prevent shattering.

Clothing hooks: For hanging clothes whilst changing. Industrial hooks cost £20-50 for adequate quantity.

Shower Facilities

Installation costs vary enormously based on existing plumbing. If your premises have plumbing in place, installing shower cubicles costs £500-2,000 per cubicle. If you need to run new plumbing, costs escalate to £3,000-£8,000+ for complete installation.

Requirements: Shower heads and cubicles, shower curtains or doors (£30-150 per cubicle), non-slip flooring (critical for safety), adequate drainage, hot water system with sufficient capacity

UK building regulations: Commercial shower installation must meet Building Regulations Part G (sanitation) and Part L (water efficiency). Hire qualified plumbers familiar with commercial requirements.

Toilets (LEGAL REQUIREMENT)

UK workplace regulations require minimum toilet provision based on employee count. For gyms, you should also account for members/public using facilities.

HSE minimum requirements:

• 1-5 employees: 1 toilet and washbasin
• 6-25 employees: 2 toilets and 2 washbasins
• 26-50 employees: 3 toilets and 3 washbasins

Most small gyms (1-2 employees initially) need minimum 1 toilet, though 2 is recommended (one male, one female, or two unisex). If your premises don't have toilets, installation costs £2,000-£5,000+ per toilet including plumbing and waste connections.

Signage

Clear signage for toilets, changing rooms, and fire exits is legally required. Basic signage costs £20-100 for essential signs. Fire exit signs must be illuminated (see safety section).

Not essential for day one, but important within first 1-3 months for well-rounded training programmes.

Heavy Bags

Muay Thai bags suitable for BJJ conditioning and MMA gyms. Quantity: 2-4 bags for average gym provides adequate capacity without overcrowding.

Cost: £100-300 per bag depending on size and quality. Ceiling hangers cost £50-100 each (professional installation recommended for safety — ceiling mounts must support 100kg+ dynamic loads).

Alternatives: Freestanding bags (£200-400) don't require ceiling mounting but take floor space and tip over if not properly weighted.

Grappling Dummies

For drilling techniques when partners unavailable. Particularly useful for beginners practising positions without tiring out training partners. Quantity: 2-3 dummies for average gym.

Cost: £80-200 per dummy depending on weight and quality. Heavier dummies (70kg+) feel more realistic but cost more. Cheaper canvas dummies (£80-120) work adequately; premium leather/vinyl dummies (£150-200) last longer.

Resistance Bands

For warm-ups, conditioning, and mobility work. Complete sets with multiple resistance levels cost £30-100. Purchase 2-3 sets so multiple students can use simultaneously during warm-ups.

Kettlebells or Dumbbells

Basic strength work. Optional for BJJ-only gyms but useful for conditioning. Range of weights (8kg-32kg typical) costs £100-500 depending on how comprehensive your selection. Competition-style kettlebells cost more (£40-80 each) but provide consistent dimensions across weight ranges.

Foam Rollers

Recovery and warm-up tool. Students use these pre- and post-training for myofascial release. Cost: £50-150 for 6-10 rollers (one per 8-10 students adequate as not everyone uses them). High-density foam rollers (£15-25 each) last longer than cheap versions (£8-12) that flatten quickly.

Medicine Balls

Conditioning and core work. Range of weights (3kg-10kg) costs £50-200 depending on quantity. Rubber medicine balls (£15-35 each) withstand being dropped better than leather versions.

Professional admin setup is essential for smooth operations and member experience.

Reception Desk / Area

Desk or counter: £100-500 depending on size and quality. Simple standing desk or counter works well. Position near entrance so staff can greet arrivals.

Chair: £50-200. Ergonomic chair essential if reception staff sit for extended periods.

Computer/laptop: £300-800. Needs to run gym management software reliably. Mid-range business laptop (£500-700) handles all gym admin tasks. Don't cheap out with £300 budget laptop that struggles with software.

Card reader: Often provided free by payment processor when you set up merchant account. Standalone card readers cost £30-150. Modern readers accept contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).

Gym Management Software

See our software comparison guide for comprehensive details. Essential features: billing and automated Direct Debit collection, class scheduling, member check-in, attendance tracking, and communication tools.

Cost: £50-200/month depending on features and member count. Budget for this as ongoing monthly expense, not one-time purchase.

Popular UK options: Glofox (£150-250/month), Gymcatch (£50-100/month), ClubRight (£100-180/month), TeamUp (£80-150/month). Most offer free trials — test before committing.

Signage

Outdoor sign: Gym name, contact details, opening hours. Critical for visibility and walk-in enquiries. Cost varies enormously: vinyl window graphics (£100-300), illuminated fascia signs (£500-1,500), projecting signs (£800-2,000+). Check local planning regulations before installing — some areas require planning permission for commercial signage.

Indoor branding: Gym logo on wall (vinyl graphics £80-200), pricing boards (£30-80), class schedule boards (£50-150).

Phone System

Mobile phone sufficient for most small gyms. Dedicated business mobile (£10-30/month contract) separates personal and business calls. VoIP landline systems (£10-30/month) provide professional appearance and better call quality but aren't essential initially.

Printer

For printing waivers, grading certificates, admin documents. Laser printer (£100-200) cheaper per page than inkjet (£60-150 but expensive ink cartridges). Multifunction printer with scanner (£150-300) adds flexibility for scanning documents and photocopying.

Filing System

Legal requirement to keep member waivers and liability forms. Simple filing cabinet (£50-150) or lockable storage boxes (£20-50) adequate. Must be secure (locked) for GDPR compliance as contains personal data. Digital storage (scanned waivers) acceptable if properly backed up and encrypted.

Mat hygiene is critical for preventing infections (ringworm, MRSA, staph). Cleaning equipment is essential from day one.

Mat Cleaning Equipment

Mop and bucket: Commercial-grade mop system (£30-80) lasts longer than domestic versions. Microfibre mops (£40-60) clean better and require less water than traditional string mops.

Spray bottles: For applying disinfectant between classes. Cost £10-20 for professional-grade bottles. Buy 3-5 bottles so instructors can quickly spray high-contact areas after each class.

Disinfectant cleaner: Monthly cost £10-30 depending on gym size and usage. Use specialist gym disinfectants that kill bacteria/viruses without damaging mats.

UK-approved disinfectants for gym use:

• Zoflora — Concentrated disinfectant killing 99.9% bacteria/viruses including MRSA, salmonella, tested to European Standards. Available at B&M, major supermarkets. Dilute 1:40 with water (economical). Pleasant fragrance.
• Byotrol — QAC-free, alcohol-free antimicrobial surface sanitiser tested to EN 1276 & EN 13697. Professional-grade, sold in 20-litre containers for commercial use (£100-200).
• Jeyes Fluid — Traditional UK disinfectant, effective but strong smell
• Dettol Commercial — Hospital-grade disinfectant, more expensive but excellent for high-hygiene environments

Cleaning schedule:

• Daily: Mat wipe-down with disinfectant spray after each session. Quick mop of high-traffic areas. Empty bins.
• Weekly: Deep clean mats with mop and disinfectant solution. Clean changing rooms, toilets thoroughly. Vacuum edges and corners.
• Monthly: Full deep clean including walls, equipment, storage areas.

Vacuum Cleaner

For changing rooms, edges of mat area, and general cleaning. Domestic vacuum (£80-150) adequate for small gyms. Commercial vacuum (£200-400) handles heavy use better and lasts longer for larger facilities.

Bins and Bin Bags

Multiple bins around gym (changing rooms, reception, near mats). Cost: £50-100 for adequate bins plus ongoing £10-20/month for bin bags. Pedal bins (£20-40 each) are more hygienic (no hand contact with lid).

UK law mandates specific safety equipment for commercial premises. Non-compliance risks prosecution and invalidates insurance.

Fire Extinguishers (LEGAL REQUIREMENT)

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires appropriate fire extinguishing equipment in commercial premises.

Minimum requirements: Two Class-A fire extinguishers per storey. Sizes: 3-litre, 6-litre, or 9-litre depending on building size. Any premises with electrical equipment must have minimum 2kg CO2 extinguisher.

Placement: No occupant should be more than 30 metres from nearest extinguisher (BS5306 British Standard).

Cost: £30-60 per extinguisher. Typical small gym needs 2-4 extinguishers (£120-240). Annual servicing mandatory (£50-150 for professional inspection of multiple extinguishers).

Service requirements: Monthly basic inspection by responsible person (gym owner/manager), annual extended inspection by competent person, replacement or extended service every 5 years, CO2 extinguishers replaced every 10 years.

Types needed for gyms: Water or foam extinguishers (Class A) for general fires, CO2 extinguishers for electrical equipment fires. Don't install powder extinguishers indoors (visibility issues during discharge).

Fire Alarm / Smoke Detectors

Often already installed (landlord responsibility in many commercial leases). If not present, installation costs £200-1,000+ depending on building size and complexity. Mains-powered interlinked smoke alarms (£30-60 each) adequate for small single-storey gyms. Larger facilities may require addressable fire alarm systems (£1,000-5,000+ professional installation).

Emergency Lighting

Legal requirement for commercial premises. Ensures safe evacuation during power failures. Cost: £100-500+ depending on building size and layout. Battery-backup emergency lights (£30-80 each) adequate for small gyms. Larger facilities may require maintained emergency lighting systems (professional installation £500-2,000).

Fire Exit Signs

Must be clearly marked and illuminated. Cost: £10-30 per sign. Typical gym needs 3-6 signs (£60-180). LED signs with battery backup (£25-40 each) remain lit during power failures.

Defibrillator (AED) - RECOMMENDED

Not legally required but HSE guidance specifically recommends AEDs for gyms and leisure facilities due to cardiac arrest risk during intense physical activity.

Cost: £800-1,500 for AED unit. Replacement pads every 2 years (£50-80). Adult-only facilities can use adult-only AEDs (£800-1,000). Facilities teaching children need paediatric pads (additional £40-60).

UK defibrillator grants available:

• British Heart Foundation: Free defibrillators for community spaces. Applications reviewed monthly. Apply at bhf.org.uk. Closing February 2026 — apply soon if eligible.
• DHSC Community AED Fund: £1 million match-funded scheme supporting 2,000 AEDs across England. Contribution from DHSC + your match funding. Prioritises areas with fewer registered defibrillators and higher cardiac arrest risk.
• Local councillors: Can grant up to £6,000 for community life-saving equipment. Contact your local councillor to enquire.

Requirements for grant funding: Clear need (busy location or no public AED within 200 metres), register on The Circuit (national defibrillator network) within 4 weeks of installation, accessible to public (not locked away).

Training: Staff should receive AED familiarisation (most units provide voice prompts making them very easy to use). Basic first aid courses (£50-150 per person) include AED training.

Insurance Certificates

Must display public liability insurance certificate prominently. Legal requirement. Laminated A4 display frame costs £5-10. Position near reception where visible to members and inspectors.

Health & Safety Policy

Required if you have employees. Free templates available from HSE website. Document your health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and emergency protocols. Display where employees can access it.

Music during warm-ups and conditioning enhances atmosphere and student enjoyment. Essential within first month of operation.

Speakers

Must be loud enough to fill space without distortion. Ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted speakers work best (keeps floor clear). Cost: £100-500 depending on gym size and quality.

Budget option (£100-200): Bluetooth portable speaker (JBL Charge, UE Boom). Works for small gyms but lacks power for large spaces.

Mid-range (£200-400): Ceiling-mounted active speakers (Bose, QSC). Professional appearance, good sound quality, adequate for most gyms up to 2,000 sq ft.

Premium (£400-1,000): Multi-zone PA system with multiple speakers and mixer. Excellent for large gyms or those running multiple classes simultaneously in different areas.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Essential for easy connection from phone/laptop. All modern systems include this. Avoid systems requiring wired connections — instructors need to quickly connect and play music.

Music Streaming Subscription

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc. Consumer subscriptions (£10/month) technically for personal use only. Commercial music licensing may be required (see below).

Music Licensing (PRS/PPL)

Commercial use of music in gyms requires licensing from PPL PRS Ltd (combined licensing for public performance and recorded music).

Cost: Fitness businesses up to 249 sqm using background music solely for gymnasium workouts pay £720.64 per annum plus VAT. Larger venues cost £1,000+ depending on size and usage. Fitness classes incur additional costs: £2.04 plus VAT per class for both PPL and PRS (£4.87 total inc VAT per class).

Quote requirement: Contact PPL PRS for exact quote based on your gym's specific characteristics (size, how music is used, number of classes).

Enforcement: Playing music commercially without licensing risks prosecution and fines. Governing bodies and insurance providers expect compliance.

Wall mirrors useful for drilling technique checks but not essential for BJJ (unlike striking arts where form observation is critical).

Installation

Cost: £200-1,000+ depending on size and quality. Large wall mirrors for training areas cost £500-1,000. Smaller changing room mirrors cost £100-300.

Safety mounting crucial: Mirrors must be securely fixed to prevent falling (major safety hazard). Professional installation recommended (£100-300 depending on size). Safety film backing (£50-150) prevents glass shattering if mirror breaks.

Positioning: Mount on wall opposite mats so students drilling techniques can see themselves. Don't mount floor-to-ceiling (risk of students rolling into mirrors). 1-2 metres above mat level safer.

Alternatives

Many BJJ gyms operate successfully without mirrors. Video recording (phone on tripod) allows students to review technique without permanent mirror installation expense.

Selling gis, rashguards, and merchandise provides additional revenue stream but requires significant initial stock investment.

Display Area

Shelving or clothing rail for displaying products. Retail shelving units cost £100-300. Freestanding clothing rails cost £80-200. Position near reception for visibility and theft prevention.

Initial Stock

Gis in common sizes: Stock 3-5 gis in popular sizes (A2, A3, A4 most common). Wholesale gi costs £40-80 each, retail £80-150. Initial stock of 15-20 gis costs £600-1,600.

Rashguards and shorts: Stock range of sizes (S, M, L, XL). Wholesale rashguards £15-25, shorts £12-20. Initial stock of 20-30 items costs £400-800.

Gym merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies, patches): Branded gym merchandise builds community. Custom t-shirts £8-15 wholesale, hoodies £15-25 wholesale. Initial stock costs £300-600.

Accessories (belts, tape, mouthguards): Small accessories with good margins. Initial stock £200-400.

Total initial retail stock: £1,500-3,400 for well-stocked retail offering.

UK Wholesale Suppliers

• Progress Jiu Jitsu UK — Best value BJJ rashguards and gis for training and competition
• Kingz UK — Top-tier BJJ kimonos, rashguards, gear for men, women, children
• Made4Fighters — UK's best selection of BJJ apparel, gis, rashguards, shorts
• Valor Fightwear — Premium BJJ gis, no-gi gear, rashguards, UK stocked
• Subguards — Custom supplier to clubs and gyms, no minimums, 100% made-to-order
• Nation Athletics — Wholesale discounts up to 50%, minimum 30 units

Point of Sale System

Often included in gym management software. Standalone options: Square (card reader + app, no monthly fee, 1.75% per transaction), SumUp (similar model), or traditional till systems (£150-500).

Separate area for admin, private consultations, and coaching sessions improves professionalism but isn't day-one essential.

Private Office Furniture

Desk: £80-300 depending on size and quality

Ergonomic office chair: £100-400 (worth investing in quality if you'll spend hours doing admin)

Storage: Filing cabinet (£100-300) or shelving units (£50-200)

Total: Basic office setup £230-900

Secure Document Storage

GDPR requires secure storage of member data and financial records. Lockable filing cabinet (£100-300) or fireproof safe (£150-500) for most sensitive documents. Digital storage (encrypted cloud backup) acceptable if properly secured (password-protected, two-factor authentication, regular backups).

Three setup tiers based on budget and ambitions:

Minimum Viable Setup (£3,000-£5,000)

Bare essentials to legally and practically operate:

• Mats (used or budget): £2,000-£3,000
• First aid, cleaning, safety: £300-£500 (first aid kit, fire extinguishers, cleaning supplies, bins)
• Admin basics: £500-£1,000 (laptop, printer, basic reception desk)
• Training equipment: £200-£500 (timer, gi hooks, hand sanitiser)
• Total: £3,000-£5,000

This setup opens your doors legally and safely but feels bare-bones. Suitable for testing concept or very limited budget, with plans to upgrade as revenue allows.

Standard Setup (£5,700-£10,000) - RECOMMENDED

Professional setup covering all essentials and important items:

• Mats (new, mid-range): £3,000-£4,000
• Changing/shower basics: £500-£1,000 (benches, lockers/hooks, assuming toilets exist)
• Training equipment: £500-£1,500 (timer, gi hooks, 2-3 heavy bags, 2 grappling dummies, bands, foam rollers)
• Admin, software, reception: £1,000-£2,000 (laptop, printer, desk, software setup, card reader)
• Cleaning, safety, compliance: £500-£1,000 (comprehensive first aid, fire extinguishers + service, cleaning equipment, disinfectants)
• Sound system: £200-£500 (decent ceiling speakers and music licensing)
• Total: £5,700-£10,000

This represents a professional, well-equipped gym that competes effectively with established facilities. Recommended for serious gym owners planning long-term operation.

Premium Setup (£11,500-£23,500)

Fully equipped facility with all bells and whistles:

• Mats (premium, reversible): £4,000-£6,000
• Changing/shower facilities: £1,000-£3,000 (comprehensive lockers, shower installation if needed)
• Training equipment (comprehensive): £1,500-£3,000 (heavy bags, grappling dummies, kettlebells, medicine balls, bands, foam rollers)
• Admin, software, reception (professional): £2,000-£4,000 (high-quality furniture, professional signage, premium software)
• Cleaning, safety, compliance (AED included): £1,000-£2,000 (AED, premium first aid, comprehensive cleaning equipment)
• Sound system (multi-zone): £500-£1,000 (professional PA system)
• Mirrors: £500-£1,500 (large wall mirrors professionally installed)
• Retail display + initial stock: £1,000-£3,000 (display units, gis, rashguards, merchandise)
• Total: £11,500-£23,500

This creates an exceptional member experience competing with the best facilities in major cities. Suitable for high-budget launches in competitive markets (London, Manchester, Birmingham) where premium positioning justifies investment.

Multiple UK suppliers offer new and used equipment at varying price points.

BJJ-Specific Suppliers

• Jigsawmats4martialarts: Mats specialist, 20+ years experience, warehouses in Kent and Great Yarmouth
• MMA Matting: UK-manufactured BJJ and MMA mats
• Tatami Fightwear: Major UK-based supplier of gis, mats, merchandise
• Made4Fighters: Comprehensive BJJ gear including training equipment
• Scramble Brand: UK BJJ brand offering gis, rashguards, training gear

General Gym Equipment Suppliers

• Gymwarehouse / Gym-Flooring.com: Wide range of gym flooring, sold over 500,000 tiles
• Escape Fitness: Commercial gym equipment including mats and conditioning tools
• Newitts: General gym and sports equipment

Used Equipment Sources

• eBay: Regular listings for used mats, equipment from gym closures
• Facebook Marketplace: Local listings, easier collection than eBay shipping
• Gumtree: Classified ads for sports equipment
• Reddit r/bjj: UK Buy/Sell threads occasionally feature equipment
• Commercial gym liquidators: Companies specialising in gym closures often sell equipment in bulk

Trade Shows

UK fitness equipment trade shows (LIW London, FIBO UK when it runs, IHRSA Europe) offer bulk purchase deals and networking with suppliers. Attending lets you see equipment in person, negotiate better prices, and discover new products. Typical attendance costs £20-50 registration.

Spreading equipment purchases across phases reduces initial cash requirements and aligns spending with membership growth.

Phase 1: Day 1 - Opening (ESSENTIAL ONLY)

Purchase only items required to legally and practically open:

• Mats (full coverage needed immediately)
• First aid kit (legal requirement)
• Fire extinguishers and signage (legal requirement)
• Basic cleaning equipment (mop, disinfectant, bins)
• Timer for timing rounds
• Gi storage hooks
• Admin basics (laptop, printer, card reader, basic desk)
• Hand sanitiser stations

Cost: £3,000-£5,000

This gets you open legally and safely. Everything else can wait.

Phase 2: Month 1-3 (IMPORTANT ITEMS)

Add important items as initial membership revenue comes in:

• Conditioning equipment (2 heavy bags, 2 grappling dummies, bands, foam rollers)
• Improved sound system (upgrade from portable speaker to ceiling-mounted)
• Music licensing (once using music regularly)
• Additional cleaning equipment (vacuum, extra mops)
• Gym management software (essential by month 2-3 as member count grows)

Cost: £1,500-£3,500

These items significantly improve member experience without being day-one critical.

Phase 3: Month 3-6 (NICE-TO-HAVE)

Add nice-to-have items as membership stabilises and cash flow improves:

• Mirrors (if budget allows and members request)
• Additional training equipment (more kettlebells, medicine balls)
• Retail stock (gis, rashguards for members to purchase)
• Facility upgrades (better lockers, shower improvements)

Cost: £1,000-£4,000

Phase 4: Month 6-12 (EXPANSION & REPLACEMENT)

Expand and replace as membership grows:

• Additional mats if expanding space
• Replace worn items (mats compress over time, replace high-traffic areas)
• Upgrade equipment (replace budget items with premium versions)
• Add defibrillator if not purchased initially

Cost: Variable based on growth

Benefits of Phased Approach

Reduces initial cash requirement from £11,500 to £3,000-£5,000. Allows membership revenue to fund equipment rather than loans or savings. Demonstrates proof of concept before major investments. Spreads financial risk over 6-12 months. Aligns equipment expansion with actual member needs (buy heavy bags once you know members want conditioning classes).

Regular maintenance extends equipment life and ensures safety compliance.

Daily Maintenance

• Mat cleaning with disinfectant spray after each session
• Bin emptying
• Visual check of training area for hazards
• Quick tidy of changing rooms

Weekly Maintenance

• Deep clean mats with mop and disinfectant
• Thorough cleaning of changing rooms and toilets
• Equipment check (heavy bags secure, training equipment intact)
• Restock consumables (hand sanitiser, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies)

Monthly Maintenance

• First aid kit check (expiry dates, used items replaced)
• Fire extinguisher basic inspection (pressure gauge check, visible damage check)
• Equipment audit (identify worn or damaged items needing replacement)
• Deep clean including walls, storage areas, less-accessed spaces

Quarterly Maintenance

• Deep maintenance of all equipment
• Mat rotation (move mats from high-traffic to low-traffic areas to even wear)
• Replace excessively worn items
• Professional cleaning of difficult areas

Annual Maintenance

• Fire extinguisher professional service (legal requirement, £50-150)
• PAT testing of all electrical equipment (legal requirement if you employ staff, £2-5 per item)
• Insurance policy review and renewal
• Music licensing renewal
• Governing body membership renewal
• Deep equipment audit and replacement planning

• Buying too few mats: Underestimating space needs leads to cramped training area. Measure carefully and add 10% for wastage. Running out of mat space when membership grows forces expensive expansion.
• Buying cheap mats that wear out fast: £25 budget mats wear out in 2-3 years. £45 mid-range mats last 5-7 years. Over 5 years, cheap mats cost more (£25 replaced twice = £50 vs £45 once). False economy.
• Forgetting safety equipment: Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency lighting are legal requirements. Operating without them risks prosecution and invalidates insurance. Budget for these day one.
• No budget for ongoing costs: Cleaning supplies (£10-30/month), software subscriptions (£50-200/month), music licensing (£60-100/month), fire extinguisher annual service (£50-150/year). These recurring costs surprise new gym owners who only budgeted one-time equipment purchases.
• Over-investing in nice-to-haves before essentials: Spending £1,500 on mirrors and retail stock whilst using budget mats creates poor experience. Prioritise essentials (quality mats, safety equipment, cleaning) over nice-to-haves (mirrors, retail).
• Not getting quotes from multiple suppliers: Prices vary 20-30% between suppliers for identical items. Contact 3-4 suppliers for quotes on major purchases (mats, large equipment orders). Negotiate bulk discounts.
• Forgetting installation/assembly costs: Heavy bags require professional ceiling mounting (£50-150 per bag). Shower installation costs thousands. Mirrors need professional mounting. Budget for installation, not just equipment purchase price.
• No contingency budget: Add 10-20% contingency to equipment budget for unexpected items, price increases, or mistakes. You'll discover needs during setup that weren't in initial planning.
• Buying retail instead of trade: Some equipment (gis, merchandise) available at 40-50% wholesale discount if bought in bulk. Contact suppliers about trade accounts before buying retail.
• Ignoring used equipment market: Quality used mats cost 20-40% less than new. Inspect carefully but don't automatically dismiss used options. Gym closures and upgrades create good used equipment supply.