Opening a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy is an exciting dream but the journey is far from what most people expect. Whether you’re in East London or elsewhere, running a successful academy requires more than just teaching techniques.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of EKBJJ and Eddie Kone at at his successful BJJ academy in East London, here are 5 things you were never told before opening a BJJ academy.
1. Teaching BJJ is Only Part of the Job
Many new academy owners think their primary role will be teaching and rolling with students.
The reality? Running a BJJ academy is 70% business, 30% martial arts.
You’ll need to manage:
Marketing and building your online presence, Financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow Staff, schedules, and class management.
Eddie Kone, founder of EKBJJ, often stresses that mastering business operations was crucial for his East London’s success.
2. Your Location Will Make or Break Your Academy
Even if you have world-class instructors, a poor location can slow growth.
When scouting your location, consider:
Accessibility and visibility from main streets and public transport Parking for students and families Competition from nearby BJJ schools
EKBJJ in East London, led by Eddie Kone, thrives partly because of its central, easy-to-find location in the city.
3. Retaining Students is Harder Than You Think
New academy owners often focus on signing up students but neglect student retention, which is the real key to growth.
Ways to keep students engaged:
Personalize training and track progress Host open mats, competitions, and social events Foster a strong sense of community
EKBJJ has built a loyal student base by creating a culture where members feel valued, something every academy should prioritize.
4. Cash Flow Problems Can Sink Your Academy
Rent, salaries, insurance, utilities, and equipment can add up fast. Many first-time owners underestimate this.
Tips to manage cash flow:
Offer tiered memberships and private lessons Upsell seminars and workshops Track income and expenses monthly Maintain a financial buffer for unexpected costs
Proper cash flow management ensures your academy grows sustainably.
5. Your Reputation Spreads Faster Than Your Techniques
In the BJJ world, reputation matters more than marketing. Students talk, and online reviews travel fast.
To protect and grow your reputation:
Maintain professionalism in every interaction Create an inclusive and friendly environment Handle disputes quickly and fairly
The reputation of EKBJJ inEast London shows that trust, respect, and community-first values keep students coming back.
Final Thoughts: Building a Successful BJJ Academy.
Opening a BJJ academy is incredibly rewarding, but it’s not just about teaching submissions and sweeps. Success comes from:
Running the business like a CEO Retaining students and building community Maintaining financial health Building a strong, positive reputation
Take inspiration from Eddie Kone and EKBJJ to guide your journey. Focus on both the mats and the business, and your academy can thrive for years to come.
Thinking of starting BJJ in east London ?
Contact us to take a free class , we look forward to meeting you .
