As a Martial Artist, one of the questions I get asked all the time, is how much do I pay for my Martial Arts lessons. Over the past 20 years I’ve paid different amounts depending on the location and type of training I’ve done.
As you’ll see, there are multiple answers to this question.
So, How much do martial arts classes cost? The average cost is roughly between $20-$50 per one hour lesson. Most Martial Arts studios offer Monthly classes that will range from $75-$200 per Month and will include anywhere from 3 to Unlimited one hour classes per week. You should also expect to pay for a uniform and equipment which can range from $50-$200.
If you go beyond the cost, a Martial Arts program can be a great way to gain essential skills such as self-confidence, strength, and awareness.
Today the practice of martial arts has become common for a variety of reasons. In fact it’s pretty likely you have a Martial Arts studio in your town.
There’s a lot more to Martial Arts than just the cost. Below we’ll take a deep dive into different costs and more.
What are the Costs of Martial Arts Classes?
From my real world experience the average cost of training in Martial Arts at a good quality school is going to be around $150 per month. Keep in mind that the price is based on my area. It might be a little different for you.
I wanted to do a little more research to get an average from multiple sources. According to the website CostHelper.com martial arts classes cost an average of $103 per month. Private studios charge in the range of $75-$149 per month, while classes at gyms and community centers generally cost between $45 and $99 a month.
Some studios may offer their members unlimited classes. For instance, in Lombard, IL, the DG Boxing & Martial Arts studio offers unlimited group lessons for a membership fee of $70 a month.
More common, the membership fee covers 12 classes or more per month. Some studios require their members to join a federation of martial arts for an annual average fee of $60. Other studios offer bundles of three months unlimited classes for a fee in the range of $200 to $250.
If you’re looking for Kids Martial Arts then membership fees are usually set based on the child’s age. In general, sessions for children cost 20 to 50% less than classes for adults.
Family rates are available at some studios for around 10 to 20% less for two or more students. For instance, the studio “Japanese Weapon” of Billerica, MA, charges a monthly fee of $185 per month for families and $145 for individuals for unlimited group classes per week.
They also offer a free uniform with a new student special of unlimited group classes for six weeks for $69. Introductory offers like this are common.
Here are a few Introductory Offer types you might come across:
- Free Introductory Class
- Free Private Lesson
- Free Uniform and Intro Class
- Free First Month and Uniform
- 6 Weeks of Classes at a Discount plus a Free Uniform
Prices and Introductory offers from school to school.
Martial Arts Group Lessons vs. Private Lessons?
There are pros and cons of choosing either group lessons or private lessons. Before deciding which is right for you, it is important to know the costs of each.
- Group lessons. The cost of martial arts group lessons is based on the location of the class and the experience and knowledge of the trainer.
For instance, in Burbank, CA, the Hwa Rang Sul Martial Arts studio trains in Hwa Rang Do and Tae Kwon Do and charges $10 for a group class. In Madison, MI, the Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts studio charges a fee of $50 that can be split between up to five people. In Brooklyn, NY, Andy’s Self-Defense group classes cost $50/hour.
At most most Martial Arts schools you’ll save a significant amount of money by going with a Monthly fee. It will include a certain amount of group lessons per week. 3 on average.
For example, you could pay $20 per group lesson. If you took 12 group classes in a month, you would pay $240 for the month. However, the average you might pay for something like as part of a monthly program would be around $150.
- Private lessons. Some martial arts trainers give beginner students private lessons before moving them into a group class. After the fundamentals are learned, students can develop their skills to a higher level in intermediate, advanced, and black belt group classes.
For instance, the Kempo Karate/Jiu-Jitsu studio in Las Vegas, NV, gives a free introductory private lesson and charges $40/hour. The price is negotiable in case two students want to share this introductory private class. In New York, NY, the Silverback Martial Arts & Fitness studio offers boxing, kickboxing, and jujitsu private sessions at $85/hour.
What Additional Costs can you Expect Outside of Martial Arts Instruction Fees?
Sometimes the Martial Arts uniforms are included in the membership fees. If not, the school may require you to purchase a uniform directly through them. Uniforms can range anywhere from $20 for a T-Shirt to $180 for a Jiu Jitsu Gi.
Tae Kwon Do uniforms usually cost from $17 to $50, Judo uniforms have a price tag from $30 to $50, and Kung Fu uniforms are priced $27 to $43.
During class, some schools may provide equipment like focus mitts and pads for kicking and punching. After you’ve been training for a while you may decide to pick these up for yourself. These can range anywhere from $25 on the low end to $150 on the high end.
I generally recommend going with leather when looking at focus mitts, boxing gloves, or thai pads. They’ll average around $80 on the low end, but it’s worth the investment. I have a pair of Fairtex Thai Pads that I paid $130 for and have had them for 20 years. They still work fine.
You’ll also want to invest in some general safety equipment. Things like a mouthpiece, a cup/groin protector for men, and shin pads.
A mouthpiece will run about $15 for a basic one. If you want a custom fitted one it will run about $75.
A basic cup with a jock can run around $20 and for a high end one like the Diamond MMA Groin Protector expect to pay around $90.
Shin Pads are similar to boxing gloves and focus mits. It’s helpful to go with a better quality product. In general they can run around $50-$100.
In the beginning, when you’re first starting out, I recommend going with whatever you think you can afford at the time. After you’ve been training for a while, you will begin to know what you like. Then you can invest in better equipment that will last longer.
What are the Different Styles of Martial Arts You Can Train?
Now that you have a good understanding of how much Martial Arts Classes cost, let’s take a look at some of the different styles.
Martial Arts include various combat practices and systems that are mostly used to either defend oneself or attack others. Martial arts can be classified as either unarmed combat such as Karate, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Muay Thai, or armed combat such as Archery and Fencing.
When choosing the form of martial arts to learn, you have to decide between an unarmed or an armed discipline.
Children and adults can train in various styles of martial arts. The most popular disciplines are:
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ) This popular Martial Art is a full self defense and competition Martial Art based on grappling, joint locks, and chokes when your opponent is on the ground.
- Muay Thai. A popular Martial Arts that is know for devastating knee and elbow attacks. Known as the science of 8 limbs.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). MMA is based on a mix of Martial Arts styles such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and BJJ
- Boxing. Popular Western Martial Art. Know as the sweet science and for deadly punch and combination attacks.
- Judo. This is a Japanese form of Martial Arts where opponents aim to off-balance your opponent throw them to the ground.
- Karate. This is a Japanese martial arts technique based on the use of the Forms, and Sparring using kicks, punches and blocks.
- Kung Fu. Kung Fu is a Chinese martial arts discipline based on the concept of harnessing a form of energy called qi.
- Tae Kwon Do. This form of self-defense developed in Korea is one of the most popular martial arts practiced today.
When choosing a style that is right for you, it is important to know the uses, benefits, and challenges to the style. Your local instructor should be able to assist with any questions you might have, as he or she will have years of experience in his or her particular style.