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

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts, with more women 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.

If you’re looking to cultivate a thriving women’s BJJ program, here are 10 key strategies. These will make your academy a welcoming and supportive place for women, encouraging them to grow in their practice.

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. Here are some steps to achieve this:

• 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 that allows women to 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 creates an environment where female students feel understood and empowered. Here’s how to enhance representation:

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

• Encourage women to pursue teaching roles or assistant coaching positions.

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

  
  

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

3. Encourage Women to Mentor Newcomers

The early days in BJJ can be intimidating. Boosting retention can be achieved by fostering a mentorship culture. Here are a few initiatives to consider:

• Assign new students a "training buddy" for guidance.

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

• Create a women’s group chat or social meet-up to help 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 avenue for training. Encourage women to step into coed classes when they feel ready.

• Offer women-only sessions for beginners to build confidence.

• Encourage progression into coed training for further growth.

• Ensure your coed classes are welcoming and free from intimidation.

  
  

A balanced approach ensures women have a safe starting point while not being confined to separate training.

5. Keep Facilities Clean & Comfortable

A clean, well-maintained gym shows respect for all members. This is essential for female students. Consider the following:

• Ensure clean bathrooms, showers, and changing areas.

• Provide separate changing rooms if possible.

• Maintain high hygiene standards for mats and training gear.

  
  

An investment in comfortable facilities can lead to higher retention rates.

6. Promote Strong Female Leadership

Women need role models in BJJ. It’s important to highlight and celebrate the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and leaders in your academy. Here’s what you can do:

• Recognize female students’ achievements—promotions, competition wins, etc.

• Feature women’s success stories in gym marketing and on 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 is a priority for everyone. Women often face unique challenges when training, so addressing these topics openly builds trust and confidence. Here’s how:

• 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 is about creating a sense of belonging. Building a strong community helps women feel connected to BJJ. Consider these options:

• Organize social events, group outings, or training camps.

• Encourage a women’s group chat for motivation and inquiries.

• Offer workshops or seminars on women’s health and 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. Here are ways to enhance visibility:

• 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. Here are some effective strategies:

• Use real images of women training in your social media and website.

• Avoid language that makes BJJ seem too intimidating.

• Share women’s testimonials about their gym experiences.

  
  

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.

By nurturing an inclusive environment and focusing on community, the growth of women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will naturally follow.