How Much Money Does the Best Jiu-Jitsu Guys Make?
Jiu-jitsu is more than just a martial art; it’s a way of life for many athletes around the globe. Over the years, the sport has gained massive popularity, particularly through events like the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) and IBJJF World Championships. With the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a professional sport, the financial rewards for top athletes have also grown. But how much money do the best jiu-jitsu guys actually make? Let’s dive into the earnings of the top competitors and explore how they make their income.
1. What Determines Jiu-Jitsu Athlete Earnings?
There are various factors that influence how much a jiu-jitsu athlete can earn. These include:
• Competition winnings: Prize money varies across events like the ADCC, IBJJF World Championships, and Eddie Bravo Invitational.
• Sponsorships: Many top athletes have lucrative sponsorship deals with apparel, supplement, and equipment brands.
• Seminars and Instructionals: Hosting seminars and selling instructional videos are major revenue streams.
• Academies: Owning and running a jiu-jitsu academy can provide a stable source of income.
• Social media influence: Athletes with strong followings on platforms like Instagram or YouTube can monetize their content through sponsorships and promotions.
2. Earnings Breakdown: The Best Jiu-Jitsu Athletes
Let’s take a closer look at the top jiu-jitsu athletes and how much they earn annually from different sources.
Gordon Ryan: The King of Cash
Gordon Ryan is widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler of all time, and his dominance in the sport has earned him the title of “King.” Known for his technical proficiency and relentless competitive drive, Ryan has claimed numerous ADCC championships, multiple titles at Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), and victories in Who’s Number One events. His no-gi expertise and submission-heavy style have made him a fan favorite, which significantly increases his marketability.
Ryan’s earnings come from a combination of competition winnings, seminars, sponsorships, and instructional videos. His aggressive social media presence also helps him command attention in the BJJ community. His instructionals through BJJ Fanatics are among the top-selling in the industry, and he has been transparent about earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from them.
• Estimated Annual Earnings: Over $200,000 from competition alone, with additional income from seminars, sponsorships, and instructional videos.
• Why He Earns So Much: Ryan is not only a dominant competitor but also a savvy marketer. His high-profile matches, aggressive social media presence, and partnership with BJJ Fanatics for instructional videos allow him to generate significant revenue outside of competition.
• Key Achievements: 3x ADCC Champion, 4x EBI Champion, 2x IBJJF No-Gi World Champion.
Roger Gracie: The Legendary Champion
Roger Gracie is often referred to as the greatest jiu-jitsu competitor of all time, and his accomplishments back up that claim. Gracie holds the record for the most IBJJF World Championships at the black belt level, with 10 titles, and is famous for submitting opponents using the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu. His ability to consistently dominate his weight division and the open class has made him a household name in the BJJ world. He later transitioned to MMA, further boosting his visibility and earning potential.
Gracie’s legacy allows him to command high fees for seminars and instructional videos. His career in MMA, coupled with his academy success, keeps him financially well-off. The Roger Gracie Academy is one of the most prestigious jiu-jitsu schools globally, attracting students from all over the world.
• Estimated Annual Earnings: Around $400,000.
• Why He Earns So Much: Roger’s legendary status in the jiu-jitsu community allows him to command high fees for seminars and instructional videos. Additionally, his MMA career and numerous BJJ titles solidify his reputation, leading to sponsorship deals and academy revenue.
Andre Galvao: The ADCC King
Andre Galvao is a multiple-time ADCC Superfight Champion and one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. His incredible grappling ability, coupled with his longevity in the sport, has cemented his status as a top earner in BJJ. Galvao is also the founder of Atos Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most successful BJJ teams, which has produced champions like Keenan Cornelius and JT Torres.
Galvao earns a substantial income from his academy, seminars, and sponsorships. His presence in the competition scene, particularly in ADCC, where he has dominated the Superfight division, continues to add to his earnings.
• Estimated Annual Earnings: Around $500,000.
• Why He Earns So Much: His consistent performance in high-profile events like ADCC, coupled with his business success running Atos Jiu-Jitsu, helps him generate substantial revenue. His long career and ability to remain relevant in both competition and coaching have made him one of the sport’s top earners.
Mackenzie Dern: MMA Crossover Success
Mackenzie Dern is one of the most recognizable female athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After conquering the BJJ scene with multiple World Championships and ADCC titles, Dern transitioned into MMA, signing with the UFC, where she has become a top contender in the strawweight division.
Her transition to MMA has boosted her earnings significantly, as UFC fighters typically earn more than BJJ competitors through fight purses, sponsorships, and bonuses. Dern’s continued success in both MMA and jiu-jitsu has made her one of the wealthiest female athletes in the sport.
• Estimated Annual Earnings: Around $1 million.
• Why She Earns So Much: The combination of her MMA career and BJJ accomplishments allows her to earn from multiple sources, including fight purses, sponsorships, and performance bonuses in the UFC.
Erberth Santos: Rising Star in BJJ
Erberth Santos is a black belt known for his aggressive and dynamic style, which has made him one of the most exciting competitors to watch. He has earned titles in some of the biggest BJJ competitions, including the IBJJF World Championships and Brasileiros.
Santos has used his success in competition to build a strong personal brand, which in turn has brought in sponsorships and seminar opportunities. His fighting style and success in high-stakes matches have made him a rising star in the sport, allowing him to command higher fees for his appearances and seminars.
• Estimated Annual Earnings: $380,000.
• Why He Earns So Much: Santos is an elite competitor with multiple titles under his belt. His ability to win high-profile matches and his appeal as a seminar host have contributed significantly to his income.
3. The Biggest Prize Money Grappling Tournaments
For professional jiu-jitsu athletes, the top tournaments offer substantial prize pools. Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying events:
• ADCC World Championships: Winners of the prestigious ADCC Superfight can earn up to $100,000, with bonuses for submissions and performance.
• IBJJF World Championships: Although not as lucrative as ADCC, top athletes still take home significant earnings from sponsorships and recognition.
• Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI): Prize pools can go up to $50,000 if an athlete submits all opponents.
• Craig Jones Invitational (CJI):
The Craig Jones Invitational, hosted by the Fair Fight Foundation, is a non-profit grappling event featuring super fights and a two-division tournament (men’s −80 kg and 80+ kg). All invited athletes will receive at least $10,001, with tournament winners earning $1 million. The event takes place on August 16-17, 2024, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Additional Revenue Streams for Jiu-Jitsu Athletes
While competition prize money is a major source of income, most athletes rely on additional revenue streams to make a living:
• Seminars: Top athletes like Gordon Ryan and Marcelo Garcia charge anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per seminar.
• Instructional Videos: Platforms like BJJ Fanatics allow athletes to create and sell instructional content. This can generate $50,000+ annually for popular instructors.
• Academy Ownership: Athletes who open and run successful jiu-jitsu academies can earn a steady income. For example, Renzo Gracie Academy in New York is known to be one of the most profitable jiu-jitsu schools globally.
• Private Lessons: Some athletes charge up to $200 per hour for private instruction, creating another lucrative income stream.
Can You Make a Living as a Jiu-Jitsu Competitor?
Yes, but only a select few athletes earn enough from competition alone to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. For most, a diversified income strategy that includes sponsorships, seminars, and academies is essential.
Median Earnings for Jiu-Jitsu Professionals
• Lower-tier competitors: $1,500 – $10,000 annually.
• Mid-tier competitors: $40,000 – $70,000 annually (through a combination of competitions and seminars).
• Top-tier competitors: $100,000 – $500,000 annually or more through a mix of competitions, sponsorships, seminars, and academy ownership.
Conclusion: How Much Do the Best Jiu-Jitsu Guys Really Make?
While the sport of jiu-jitsu doesn’t offer the massive paydays that other sports do, the top-tier athletes can still make significant money. Whether through competition, sponsorships, seminars, or other avenues, the best jiu-jitsu athletes are pulling in six-figure incomes, with Gordon Ryan leading the pack at around
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