Creating Women-Only BJJ Classes: The Complete Guide for UK Gym Owners

Research shows women often leave BJJ because they feel isolated, uncomfortable, or unsupported in mixed classes. Women-only classes create an inclusive environment where women are more likely to stay engaged and committed.

Industry data shows BJJ gyms average 60% retention over 12 months. Anecdotal evidence from UK gyms running women-only programmes suggests women in women-only classes show 15-20% better retention than women in mixed-only environments, particularly in the critical first 6 months.

Why retention is better:

• Reduced intimidation: Training with similar-sized partners
• Stronger community bonds: Sisterhood and shared experience
• Comfortable environment: No self-consciousness about body image or skill level
• Gateway function: Builds confidence before joining mixed classes
• Supportive atmosphere: Less competitive, more collaborative culture

Better retention = higher lifetime value = more profitable programme.

A women-only programme with 20-30 members generates significant additional revenue:

This assumes women-only programme pricing. If bundled with full gym access (women-only + all classes), monthly rates increase to £100-£150, generating even higher revenue.

Additional revenue opportunities:

• Workshops and events (£600-£1,500 per workshop)
• Private lessons for women (£40-£60 per hour)
• Corporate wellness contracts (£800-£1,500 per session)
• Women-specific merchandise and gear

Women represent 50% of the population but only 20-30% of BJJ participants globally, with a 70% surge in female BJJ practitioners in recent years indicating growing demand.

In the UK, it has been reported that 54% of gym members are female, showing women are active in fitness—just underrepresented in BJJ specifically.

The barrier isn't interest—it's intimidation and lack of women-specific options. Women-only classes remove that barrier.

Competitive advantage:

• Many UK gyms don't offer women-only classes (you stand out)
• Women actively search for "women-only BJJ [city]" online
• Underserved market with high growth potential
• First-mover advantage in your area

Sport England's research found that 75% of women want to be more active but hold back due to fear of judgement. Women-only classes address this directly.

Psychological safety benefits:

• Training with women of similar size and strength
• Reduced risk of injury from size mismatches
• No self-consciousness about body contact with men
• Supportive rather than competitive atmosphere
• Safe space to ask "basic" questions without embarrassment

Community bonds:

Women-only classes foster stronger friendships and support networks. Members become friends, train together, socialise outside the gym, and support each other through challenges. This community is the primary retention driver—women stay because of the people, not just the training.

Before launching women-only classes, ensure you have:

• 8-10 female members interested: Survey your existing female members to gauge interest
• Instructor available: Male or female, trained and committed to the programme
• Space in schedule: Dedicated time slot (prime time preferred)
• Changing room facilities: Essential—don't launch without proper facilities
• 6-12 month commitment: Management buy-in for time needed to build momentum
• Marketing budget: £200-£500/month minimum for first 3-6 months

If you have fewer than 8 interested members, run a workshop first to test demand and build your initial cohort.

Launch with confidence when you have:

• 15+ female members already training (strong base to start from)
• Female instructor available: Purple belt minimum (role model effect)
• Prime time slot available: Weekday evening 6:30-8pm or weekend morning 10-11am
• Marketing budget allocated: £300-£500/month for 6 months
• Facilities ready: Private female changing room, clean bathrooms, adequate space
• Management enthusiasm: Leadership actively promoting and supporting the programme

If you're uncertain about demand, validate before committing to ongoing classes:

Option 1: Survey existing members

• Email female members asking about women-only class interest
• Include preferred days/times
• Ask what would make them attend consistently
• If 10+ express strong interest, you have viable demand

Option 2: Run trial 4-week course

• "Introduction to BJJ for Women" 4-week programme
• Once per week for 4 weeks (test commitment)
• £60-£80 for full course
• If 12+ sign up and 70%+ complete all 4 weeks, launch ongoing classes

Option 3: Partner with nearby gym

• If both gyms have 5-7 female members each, share a women-only class
• Alternate hosting or pick one location
• Creates critical mass (10-14 members combined)
• Split costs or revenue 50/50

Start small, scale based on demand: Begin with 1× per week. If attendance is consistently 12+, add second weekly class. Scale to 3× per week once you have 20+ regular attendees.

Weekday evenings (highest attendance):

• 6:30-7:30pm or 7:30-8:30pm: After work, before dinner
• Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (avoid Monday—people tired; avoid Friday—social plans)
• Target demographic: Working professionals, parents after childcare pickup

Weekend mornings (second best):

• 10-11am Saturday or Sunday: Popular with parents (kids' activities later)
• Advantage: No work conflicts, relaxed pace, post-class socialising
• Target demographic: Parents, shift workers, students

Weekend afternoons:

• 12-1pm Saturday: Pre-lunch crowd
• Less popular but viable: Good for testing before committing prime evening slot

Avoid these times:

• Weekday mornings (working women unavailable)
• Late nights after 8:30pm (safety concerns, fatigue)
• Friday/Saturday evenings (social plans)
• School holidays (parents busy with children)

1× per week (minimum viable):

• Good for testing demand
• Tuesday or Thursday evening (6:30-7:30pm)
• Easier to maintain consistency
• Lower barrier for participants
• Limitation: Slower skill development, less community bonding

2× per week (sweet spot—RECOMMENDED):

• Optimal for community building
• Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday
• Faster skill progression
• Stronger retention (more touchpoints per week)
• Required minimum: 10-15 interested members

3× per week (strong programme):

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday
• Competition-level training available
• Required minimum: 20-25 active members
• Multiple skill levels can coexist (beginner/intermediate/advanced)

Recommendation: Start with 2× per week if you have 10-15 interested members. If you only have 8-10, start with 1× per week and add second class once attendance is consistently 12+.

60 minutes (recommended for beginners):

• Good for newcomers and busy schedules
• High attendance due to accessibility
• Fits before or after work easily
• Less fatigue, higher consistency

75 minutes (ideal for intermediate):

• More drilling time and live training
• Better skill development
• Still accessible for most schedules

90 minutes (advanced/competition):

• Competition-focused training
• Extensive live rolling time
• May limit attendance for beginners

Recommendation: Start with 60-minute classes. Once your programme is established (6+ months) and members are requesting more, consider offering one 75-90 minute session per week whilst keeping other sessions at 60 minutes.

Minimum viable: 6-8 students (sufficient for partner work and good energy)

Ideal range: 12-18 students (great energy, manageable individual attention)

Maximum capacity: 20-25 students (instructor ratio limit)

Instructor ratio: 1 instructor per 15 students maximum for quality instruction

What to do at different attendance levels:

Most women-only classes attract beginners. Structure accordingly:

• Fundamentals-only curriculum: No advanced techniques in first year
• Self-defence applications emphasised: Connect techniques to practical scenarios
• High repetition: Repeat techniques over multiple weeks for confidence
• Slower pace: More explanation time than typical mixed classes
• Detailed "why" explanations: Many women prefer understanding principles, not just mechanics
• Technique over intensity: Build confidence first, increase intensity gradually

This isn't "dumbing down" BJJ—it's smart pedagogy for adult beginners, regardless of gender.

Key teaching adaptations:

• Demonstrate each technique 3-4 times (more than typical class)
• Explain common mistakes before students make them
• Circulate during drilling to provide individual corrections
• Encourage questions (create psychologically safe environment)
• Celebrate small wins ("That was perfect!" feedback)
• Rotate partners regularly (experience different body types and styles)

Months 1-3: Survival and escapes (defensive mindset)

• Mount escapes (bridge and roll, elbow escape)
• Side control escapes (frame and shrimp)
• Headlock escapes
• Back escape fundamentals
• Standing defence (wrist grabs, bear hugs)

Months 4-6: Guard work and basic sweeps

• Closed guard maintenance
• Basic sweeps from closed guard
• Open guard introduction
• Guard passing basics
• Takedown fundamentals

Months 7-9: Submissions from dominant positions

• Submissions from mount
• Submissions from side control
• Submissions from back control
• Submission defence basics

Months 10-12: Competition techniques and advanced concepts

• Competition-specific positions
• Advanced guard work
• Combination attacks
• Strategy and game planning

This progression builds confidence through early defensive skills before introducing offensive techniques.

Belt promotion criteria: Same as men (no easier standards or "pink belt" nonsense)

Techniques taught: Same curriculum (no "ladies' BJJ" or simplified versions)

Intensity: Builds over time (start supportive, increase gradually as students develop)

Emphasis: Self-defence and empowerment (not just sport competition)

Women-only classes should be a gateway to full BJJ participation, not a permanent separate track. Many women start in women-only classes and eventually integrate into mixed classes once comfortable. Others prefer to stay women-only long-term. Both paths are valid.

Advantages:

• Comfort and relatability: Students see themselves in instructor
• Role model effect: Representation matters—shows what's possible
• Better understanding: Female-specific concerns (body image, past trauma, safety)
• Marketing benefit: Prominently feature in promotional materials

Where to find female instructors:

• Promote from within: Develop purple/brown belt female members into instructors
• Guest instructors: Bring in female black belts for workshops (£200-£500 per session)
• Partnerships: Share instructor with nearby gym (split costs)
• Recruit externally: Advertise for female BJJ instructors (relocating or career change)

Developing female instructors:

• Support blue/purple belts through instructor training courses
• Give teaching opportunities in women-only classes (supervised initially)
• Provide mentorship and feedback
• Compensate fairly (hourly rate or percentage of class revenue)

Male instructors can successfully run women-only classes with the right approach:

Essential qualities:

• Professionalism and boundaries: Clear, appropriate behaviour at all times
• Sensitivity: Awareness of body image concerns, past trauma, discomfort with physical contact
• Communication style: Encouraging and respectful, never condescending or patronising
• Humility: Acknowledge you can't fully understand women's experiences—listen and learn

Best practices for male instructors:

• Use female students for demonstrations (not always instructor demonstrating on student)
• Explain technique without unnecessary physical contact
• Address the gender dynamic directly in first class (acknowledge it, set expectations)
• Create psychologically safe space for questions
• Avoid jokes or comments about women's bodies, strength, or stereotypes
• Listen to feedback from female members about teaching style

When male instruction works best:

• Instructor has good reputation and existing female students vouch for him
• Female assistant instructors help with demonstrations and individual attention
• Clear progression plan to female instructor as programme grows

Use experienced female members as assistants:

• Offer free training in exchange for helping (or £20-£40 per class)
• Help with demonstrations and individual attention
• Build future instructor pipeline
• Develop community leadership

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate techniques with instructor
• Circulate during drilling to help students
• Answer beginner questions
• Welcome new students and make introductions
• Support instructor with class management

Development pathway:

1. White/blue belt: Help with demonstrations occasionally
2. Blue/purple belt: Regular assistant instructor role
3. Purple/brown belt: Lead warm-ups and drill reviews
4. Brown/black belt: Lead full classes independently

This creates succession planning and ensures programme sustainability.

Non-negotiable requirements:

• Private female changing room: Dedicated space, not shared with men (deal-breaker if missing)
• Clean, well-lit changing area: Paint walls, good lighting, hooks for bags/clothes
• Secure lockers: Individual lockers with locks (or bring-your-own-lock system)
• Adequate bathroom facilities: Clean, stocked with toilet paper and soap, checked regularly
• Mirrors: Full-length mirror in changing room (check hair/gi before leaving)
• Sanitary bin: Essential in women's bathroom (empties regularly)

Investment required:

• Basic changing room setup: £500-£2,000 (partition walls, paint, lockers, mirror)
• Worth every penny—many women won't join without proper facilities

Maintenance:

• Daily cleaning of changing room and bathrooms
• Weekly deep clean
• Monthly equipment check (locks, lighting, ventilation)
• Immediate response to any reported issues

Representation in marketing and facilities:

• Female representation in gym photos and marketing materials (not just male members)
• Women's achievements celebrated equally (competition wins, belt promotions, milestones)
• Female role models visible (photos on walls, social media features)

Inclusive language:

• Use "everyone" instead of "guys" when addressing class
• "Team" or "crew" instead of "boys" or "lads"
• Gender-neutral default language

Zero-tolerance harassment policy:

• Visible policy posted in gym
• Enforced consistently (no exceptions for senior members or friends)
• Clear reporting mechanism
• Swift action on complaints

Safe space commitment:

• Psychological safety (no judgement, no body shaming, no gatekeeping)
• Physical safety (appropriate training intensity, size-matched partners when possible)
• Emotional safety (supportive culture, mental health awareness)

First impressions determine retention. Make every new member's first class exceptional:

Before class starts:

• Personal welcome: Greet by name, make eye contact, smile
• Facility tour: Show changing room, bathrooms, water fountain, mat space
• Buddy system: Pair with experienced female member who remembers being new
• Set expectations: Explain what to expect (drill format, partner rotation, voluntary rolling)
• Address concerns proactively: "Never trained before? Perfect—this class is designed for you"

During class:

• Check in regularly ("How are you doing? Any questions?")
• Positive reinforcement (celebrate effort, not perfection)
• Partner them with patient, encouraging members
• Don't put them "on the spot" (no forced demonstrations in first class)
• Adjust intensity to their comfort level

After class:

• Thank them for coming
• Ask how they felt
• Invite to next class specifically ("See you Thursday?")
• Introduce to other members (facilitate friendships)
• Follow up within 24 hours (text/email: "Great having you in class!")

• WhatsApp group for women-only class: Communication, social plans, inside jokes, bonding
• Monthly social events: Coffee after Saturday class, brunch, dinner, non-training activities
• Member spotlight features: Social media and newsletter (celebrate members' achievements)
• Training partner buddy system: Match beginners with experienced members
• Milestone celebrations: First stripe, first competition, first year anniversary, belt promotions
• Women-only open mats: Relaxed rolling sessions, optional attendance
• Competition team support: Cheer squad for competitors, celebration regardless of results

Regular check-ins (especially critical months 2-4):

• Month 1: Weekly check-in ("How are you enjoying classes?")
• Month 2: Bi-weekly check-in (highest dropout risk—novelty worn off, haven't bonded yet)
• Month 3: Monthly check-in (settling in or about to quit)
• Month 4+: Quarterly check-in unless issues arise

Goal setting and tracking:

• Belt goals (next stripe, next belt)
• Competition goals (first competition, podium finish)
• Fitness goals (weight loss, strength gain, flexibility)
• Skill goals (master specific technique, improve position)
• Regular progress reviews (quarterly sit-down conversations)

Feedback mechanisms:

• Quarterly surveys (anonymous, asking for honest feedback)
• Informal chats after class ("How are classes going for you?")
• Open-door policy (members can approach instructor anytime)
• Act on feedback (show you're listening and improving)

Proactive intervention:

• Notice when regular attender misses classes (reach out: "Haven't seen you this week, everything OK?")
• Sense when someone is struggling (offer private conversation)
• Address concerns before they become reasons to quit
• Offer solutions (class schedule changes, training partner adjustments, break from rolling)

Encourage but never mandate:

• Competition should be 100% voluntary (never pressure)
• Present as growth opportunity, not requirement
• Support all skill levels competing (white belt to black belt)

Team support system:

• Experienced competitors mentor first-timers
• Team corner support (coach in competitor's corner)
• Cheerleading squad (teammates attend to support)
• Pre-competition training camps (optional intensive prep)

Celebrate participation, not just winning:

• Social media post for every competitor (win or lose)
• "Competed this weekend" announcements in class
• Lessons learned discussion (what they gained from experience)
• Team dinner after competitions

Competition creates goals, builds confidence, and strengthens community—but only when it's supportive, not pressured.

The key is catching these triggers early through regular check-ins and proactive outreach.

Women-only access only (limited to women-only classes):

• London: £80-£110/month
• Regional cities: £70-£90/month
• Smaller towns: £60-£70/month
• Advantage: Lower barrier to entry
• Limitation: Caps revenue per member

Full gym access (women-only + all mixed classes):

• London: £120-£150/month
• Regional cities: £90-£120/month
• Smaller towns: £70-£100/month
• Advantage: Higher revenue, encourages integration into mixed classes
• Limitation: Higher price may deter beginners

Recommendation: Offer both options. Many women start with women-only access and upgrade to full access after 3-6 months when comfortable.

Free first class (RECOMMENDED):

• Lowest barrier to entry
• Reduces intimidation
• Shows confidence in programme quality
• Converts 30-50% to membership

Free 1-week trial (all women-only classes):

• Try multiple classes before committing
• Higher conversion than single class (more touchpoints)
• Converts 40-60% to membership

£20 for 2-week trial:

• Filters out tire-kickers (only serious prospects pay)
• Psychological commitment (paid = more likely to attend)
• Converts 50-70% to membership (pre-qualified leads)

Recommendation: Free first class for women-only programmes. It reduces intimidation factor and generates more trials. You can afford to give away first class because lifetime value is £1,500-£2,500.

Mum + daughter packages:

• 20% discount on second membership
• Mum pays full price (£80), daughter pays £64 (total £144)
• Higher retention (family commitment)
• Great marketing angle ("Train with your daughter")

Mum + 2 kids bundle:

• Flat rate: £150-£200/month (all three training)
• Massive value vs individual memberships
• Locks in long-term retention

Partner/couples discount:

• Bring male partner for additional £40-£50/month (total £120-£140 for both)
• Encourages male support
• Increases overall gym membership

• Announce to existing female members: Email and in-person announcement
• Referral incentives: 1 month free for every friend who signs up (3+ month commitment)
• Display signage in gym: Women-only class schedule prominently displayed
• Social media features: Regular posts showcasing women-only classes
• Member testimonials: Video testimonials from women-only class members

• Facebook Groups: Local mums groups, women's fitness networks, professional women (value-first posts)
• Instagram content: Women training together, testimonials, technique tips, behind-the-scenes
• Google Business Profile: List women-only class times, upload photos of women training
• Facebook/Instagram ads: Target local women 25-50, interests in fitness/wellness (£200-£400/month budget)
• Partnership promotion: Yoga studios, women's coworking spaces, women's organisations
• Local press: Women's programmes make good human interest stories

See our complete marketing guide for women's BJJ programmes.

Emphasise community and support:

"Join 20+ women training together in a supportive, women-only environment. Build confidence, strength, and friendships. No experience needed—just bring yourself."

Show diversity:

• Feature women of different ages (20s-60s) in marketing
• Show different body types (not just athletic builds)
• Share diverse backgrounds (mums, professionals, students)

Address concerns proactively:

• "Never trained before? Perfect—this class is designed for complete beginners."
• "Worried about fitness level? Fitness comes with training."
• "All ages and abilities welcome—we have women from 20s to 60s training together."

Testimonials from real members (video preferred):

• Focus on confidence gained and friendships made
• Mention specific concerns overcome ("I was terrified my first class, now I can't imagine life without BJJ")
• Show normal people, not elite athletes