E138 | Jiu-Jitsu and the Economic Squeeze: Finding Ways to Stay on the Mat

In this episode, I dive into the current economic challenges affecting the Jiu-Jitsu community; from gym owners and gear manufacturers to the students themselves. I share my personal frustrations with the rising costs of gear, academy fees, and even the gas needed to get to training. We discuss the "economic squeeze" that is forcing many to make difficult decisions about their memberships and the importance of our community banding together to support one another during these times. Whether it’s through bartering services, carpooling, or simply having open conversations with gym owners, I explore how we can ensure that financial constraints don't force us to give up the sport we love.Key TakeawaysCommunicate Before You Quit: If you’re struggling financially, reach out to your instructor or gym owner to discuss alternatives like bartering services or reduced rates before giving up training entirely.Get Creative with Costs: Consider carpooling to training or looking for used gear and community donations to help manage the rising expenses associated with the sport.Community Strength is Key: Just as the community supported academies during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now time for gyms and students to work together and find ways to keep everyone on the mats through this economic squeeze.Chapters00:00 – The Political and Social Climate of the Year01:10 – Early Warnings: Preparing for Financial Hardship01:58 – The Impact of Tariffs on Gi and Gear Manufacturers03:41 – The Struggle for Gym Owners: Rising Overhead and Adjusting Fees05:07 – The High Cost of Training: Gear, Gas, and Academy Memberships08:15 – Difficult Decisions: When Families Have to Tighten the Belt09:47 – The Importance of Community Support and Creative Solutions11:21 – Bartering and Communication: Alternatives to Quitting13:28 – Reflecting on the COVID Support: Banding Together Again15:00 – Final Thoughts and Reaching OutAre You You New To The Podcast? Start Here!Stay ConnectedDFM CoachingFor remote coaching, seminars, mindset tools, and more:Join the FREE Skool DFM Coaching Community.🌐 www.DFMCoachingBjj.com📸 Instagram @DFMCoaching.Bjj▶️ YouTube @DFM2099DFM Coaching | Bjj BlogLong-form storytelling, deep strategy, and the philosophy behind the fight:🌐 DFM Coaching Substack BlogBJJ Mental Models SupportI'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning.Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show:👉 Join BJJ Mental Models+(Code: FIGUEROAMARTINEZ)Support the MissionIf you found this episode valuable, please share it with a teammate, repost it to your story, or leave a quick review where ever you listen.That’s how we grow and keep the signal strong.Stay tapped in.Thank you,David Figueroa-MartinezFounder, DFM Coaching BjjCoach | Writer | GrapplerDFM Coaching Bjj is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!Mentioned in this episode:Patreon Blueprint Ad