How to choose a BJJ gym in Helsinki

The short answer

The best gym is the one you actually keep going to. In practice that comes down to seven things: class times, location, how beginners start, Gi and No-Gi, what the price includes, whether you can try first, and what members say. Ask every gym the same questions and compare the answers.

1. Are there classes at times that suit you?

Check the weekly schedule before anything else. A gym with few classes at your times will not work, however good it is.

At AOGG: over 60 classes a week. See the schedule.

2. Is the gym on your route?

A gym near your home, work or commute is one you will visit more often.

At AOGG: three academies, Erottaja and Sörnäinen in Helsinki and Kivenlahti in Espoo. One membership covers all three.

3. How do beginners start?

Ask whether there is a separate beginner course or whether new people join regular classes from day one.

At AOGG: a beginner course of 6 weeks and 12 sessions for 95 €. More in your first class at AOGG.

4. Gi, No-Gi or both?

Some gyms focus on one, some teach both. If you do not know yet which you prefer, both under one roof keeps the choice open.

At AOGG: both. The beginner course is No-Gi, and you can start in the Gi in All Levels classes. Read Gi or No-Gi for beginners.

5. What does the price include, and how long do you commit?

Compare the monthly fee, the notice period, any joining fees and what is included. A lower monthly fee with a long contract is a different deal from a higher fee you can end with a month's notice.

At AOGG: training fees from 49.45 € to 98.90 € a month, with either one month's notice or a 12-month contract. See pricing, the first-year cost and the membership terms.

6. Can you try before you commit?

Ask what the first step costs and what it commits you to.

At AOGG: if you already train BJJ, your first class is free. If you are new, you start with the beginner course, 95 €. A single class is 15 €.

7. What do members say?

Read the Google reviews of each gym yourself, and look at how recent they are.

At AOGG: 5.0 stars and over 300 Google reviews across the three academies.

One more thing: language

If Finnish is not your first language, ask what language classes are taught in.

At AOGG: classes are taught mainly in English, and most instructors also speak Finnish.