Idk....Grappling Industries and Fuji have regular tournaments and the costs are right around 85-100 bucks. In some cases, tournament directors will put messages out looking fir people help set up and in return they may get a reduced fee.
I am well aware of the expense of running tourneys and they ca be considerable. I am also well aware that tournament fees are well beyond the financial capabilities of many. There is a way to make it good for all. Discounting the rate for low income (with proper proof of course) would harm no one and help many. Giving a break to a few is rarely going to require any additional staffing or real expenses. In face by allowing more interest among low income they may enter more tourneys if their financial situation changes. In the USA 60% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck. Since many dojos use the criteria of success as competition as one of the factors of promotion it would seem that some adjustments are needed. There are workarounds that may help, special rates in return for helping out, lower rates if you come by transit and do not take up a parking space (why should those who come by transit be forced to indirectly subsidize those who come by car?), helping with the tourney paperwork and setup/close down etc. But economics should never decide if one should compete. Many will say you ca save up which for some may be true. Giving up streaming services is one thing, having to cut back on groceries is another. Many are already operating with a deficit every month. BJJ is not cheap. You have the dojo dues, the bus pass to get there, the laundry expense (to me using a gi more than in one class day requires it to be laundered, the is, rashguards shorts, etc and for some is is a lot of dough. A good analogy is a restaurant that serves all customers with grace. The poor customer today who just orders soup and sandwich may come in to money tomorrow and start buying steaks. Also,there is the entourage effect. If one person decides to compete those who train with him may decide to do so as well meaning more revenue for the tournament.It is not the competitors fault that the USA minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009. Yes tournament costs must be covered to make them successful but they should be available to all not just those with discretionary income.
Halfcain46 (24)
4/03/2026 3:58 PMIdk....Grappling Industries and Fuji have regular tournaments and the costs are right around 85-100 bucks. In some cases, tournament directors will put messages out looking fir people help set up and in return they may get a reduced fee.
BJJWrestlerLasVegas (20 )
5/06/2025 9:03 AMI am well aware of the expense of running tourneys and they ca be considerable. I am also well aware that tournament fees are well beyond the financial capabilities of many. There is a way to make it good for all. Discounting the rate for low income (with proper proof of course) would harm no one and help many. Giving a break to a few is rarely going to require any additional staffing or real expenses. In face by allowing more interest among low income they may enter more tourneys if their financial situation changes. In the USA 60% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck. Since many dojos use the criteria of success as competition as one of the factors of promotion it would seem that some adjustments are needed. There are workarounds that may help, special rates in return for helping out, lower rates if you come by transit and do not take up a parking space (why should those who come by transit be forced to indirectly subsidize those who come by car?), helping with the tourney paperwork and setup/close down etc. But economics should never decide if one should compete. Many will say you ca save up which for some may be true. Giving up streaming services is one thing, having to cut back on groceries is another. Many are already operating with a deficit every month. BJJ is not cheap. You have the dojo dues, the bus pass to get there, the laundry expense (to me using a gi more than in one class day requires it to be laundered, the is, rashguards shorts, etc and for some is is a lot of dough. A good analogy is a restaurant that serves all customers with grace. The poor customer today who just orders soup and sandwich may come in to money tomorrow and start buying steaks. Also,there is the entourage effect. If one person decides to compete those who train with him may decide to do so as well meaning more revenue for the tournament.It is not the competitors fault that the USA minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009. Yes tournament costs must be covered to make them successful but they should be available to all not just those with discretionary income.
BJJWrestlerLasVegas (20 )
3/14/2026 11:51 AM(In reply to this)
Does any one know of tourneys in the USA that use a sliding scale so that money does not determine whether or not that you can compete?