10 Ways to Grow Your Women’s Program in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

10 Ways to Grow Your Women’s Program in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts, and more women are stepping onto the mats than ever before. However, retention and long-term growth of a women’s program depend on more than just offering a separate class—it requires a culture of respect, representation, and inclusion.I

f you’re looking to build a thriving women’s BJJ program, here are 10 key strategies to make your academy a place where women feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow.

1. Create a Culture of Respect

A strong women’s program starts with a respectful training environment. Women should feel safe, valued, and treated as equals on the mats.

Set clear expectations that inappropriate behavior won’t be tolerated

Educate students on training etiquette and boundaries

Ensure all instructors promote inclusivity and respect in every class

A culture where women feel comfortable training at any level—from beginner to advanced—is what keeps them coming back.

2. Include Women in the Teaching Staff

Representation matters. Having women in leadership and coaching positions helps create an environment where female students feel understood and empowered.

Hire or train female instructors for both coed and women’s classes

Encourage women to pursue teaching roles or assistant coaching

Feature female instructors in your gym’s marketing and social media

Seeing women in coaching positions sends a strong message: this gym is for everyone.

3. Encourage Women to Mentor Newcomers

The early days in BJJ can be intimidating. A simple way to boost retention is by fostering a mentorship culture where experienced women support newer students.

Assign new students a "training buddy" to help them navigate class

Encourage upper belts to lead warm-ups or drills in women’s classes

Create a women’s group chat or social meet-up to build friendships

When women feel welcomed and supported, they’re more likely to stick with training.

4. Offer Women-Only Classes—But Don’t Limit Growth

Women’s classes provide a comfortable entry point, but they shouldn’t be the only space for training. Encourage women to step into coed classes once they feel ready.

Offer women-only sessions for beginners to build confidence

Encourage progression into coed training for further growth

Make sure your coed classes are welcoming and free from intimidation

A balanced approach ensures women have a safe starting point but aren’t confined to separate training.

5. Keep Facilities Clean & Comfortable

A clean, well-maintained gym shows respect for all members, and it makes a big difference for female students.

Ensure clean bathrooms, showers, and changing areas

Provide separate changing rooms if possible

Maintain good hygiene standards for mats and training gear

A small investment in comfortable facilities can lead to higher retention.

6. Promote Strong Female Leadership

Women need role models in BJJ. Highlight and celebrate the female athletes, coaches, and leaders in your academy.

Recognize female students’ achievements (promotions, competition wins, etc.)

Feature women’s success stories in gym marketing and social media

Host seminars led by female black belts to inspire growth

Strong female leadership fosters a cycle of inspiration, bringing more women into the sport.

7. Address Safety & Boundaries Openly

Safety should be a priority for everyone, but women often face unique challenges when training. Addressing these topics openly builds trust and confidence.

Educate all students on appropriate training behavior

Encourage open communication about comfort levels and partner selection

Ensure instructors are attentive to dynamics during rolls

A gym that prioritizes safety and boundaries attracts and retains more female students.

8. Build a Supportive Community Beyond the Mats

A great women’s program isn’t just about training—it’s about belonging. Creating a strong community helps women feel more connected to BJJ.

Organize social events, group outings, or training camps

Encourage a women’s group chat for motivation and questions

Offer workshops or seminars on women’s health & BJJ performance

When women feel like they belong to something bigger than just a class, they’re more likely to stay long-term.

9. Highlight & Celebrate Female Athletes

Women often don’t get the same visibility as men in BJJ—change that within your academy.

Feature female students and instructors in photos, videos, and testimonials

Celebrate promotions, competition wins, and personal progress

Invite female guest instructors to host special training sessions

Representation fuels growth. When women see others thriving in the sport, they believe they can too.

10. Market Your Program With Purpose

If you want more women in your academy, your marketing needs to reflect that.

Use real images of women training in your social media & website

Avoid language that makes BJJ seem too intimidating

Share women’s testimonials about their experiences in your gym

If your academy looks and feels welcoming to women, more will walk through the door.

Final Thoughts:

Growing a Women’s Program is About More Than Just Classes

Building a successful women’s BJJ program isn’t just about adding more classes—it’s about shaping a culture that values, respects, and supports women at every level.

By implementing these 10 strategies, your academy can attract, retain, and empower more women in jiu-jitsu.