Jiu-Jitsu is growing at a RAPID rate.

But it will be a COMPLETE waste of money if you approach it for the following reasons.

“I want them to stay active”

🦊: Get them a soccer ball. Save the $200+ month.

“I want them to enjoy it.”

🦊: “If you want your child to ALWAYS have fun, get them a Nintendo Switch.

But if you want them to develop a fundamental life skill, Jiu-Jitsu will get you there but it will take YEARS and in turn

“They’re not interested in being man handled.”

🦊: “I wasn’t particularly interested in learning how to cook food, earn money, problem solve, or perform manual labor for hours with out rest.

Doesn’t change the fact that those are all necessary life skills every human should know.”

Convos like this screenshot below don’t bother me. ⬇️

In fact am getting more and more restrictive of who I allow on the team anyway.

I’ve learned recently that a little vinegar ruins the entire batch of lemonade. 😓

If you let softies, under-performers, (meaning they don’t contribute effort) or a**holes on the team…..that will ABSOLUTELY impact the rest of the room.

Now……

This is where I piss some people off. 😡

I’ve noticed a pretty huge difference in market between Downriver & Canton/Westland

The average household income for downriver around Metro Jiu-Jitsu HQ is just under $100k. 💵

Southgate - 84k

Wyandotte - 86.9k

Allen Park - 99k

The average household income for the Canton/Westland area about 50% higher. 📈

Canton - 146k

Canton Twp - 146k

Plymouth - 147k

Livonia - 123k

But the MINDSET and what they VALUE are WORLDS apart.

I’m only going to share my experience of 1.5 years worth of conversations in the Canton/Westland market.

(I’m not to dive into the fact that despite the Canton market making 50% more…..downriver seems to have more expendable income.

It would appear the higher earners just have more expensive shit.

Downriver is content with a 10-125k car.

High earners have an $800 car payment

Downriver’s mortgage is $1400+.

Canton’s mortgage is $2800+.

As such both both households “feel” equally as poor. The term is “lifestyle creep”. Where your expenses rise to match your income.)

Before exploring these, I’m not condemning one over the other.

(Though I may identify with one over the other 🤣)

I’m simply reporting on my general experience

👔 Canton/Westland: Values Breadth over Depth

“I want my child to try dozens of experiences and see which one they like best.”

🥾 Downriver: Values Grit & Deep Skill Acquisition

“Whether it’s wrestling, hockey, gymnastics, or football. We’re committed to putting the work in for as long as it takes.”

👔 Canton/Westland: Values Comfort Above All

“If my baby experiences ANY comfort or signs of unhappiness, I will cause them childhood trauma that may be triggering down the road which they’ll have to workout in therapy.”

🥾 Downriver: Pain Is A Valuable Teacher

“You learn the most through discomfort and pain. It taught me lessons and I want my child to learn the same. The way out is through.”

👔 Canton/Westland: Instant/Fast Gratification

“It’s been 6 months, and I don’t feel like my child is getting any better.”

🥾 Downriver: Understands That Anything Worthwhile Takes Time

“6 Months Is An Eye Blink In Childhood, I’m will to commit to the process.”

👔 Canton/Westland: We live in a nice area, we don’t NEED Jiu-Jitsu

🥾 Downriver: My child will absolutely need to defend themself.

👔 Canton/Westland: Maxed Out Schedule

“My life is far too hectic for Jiu-Jitsu, do you just have like drop in options?”

🥾 Downriver: Schedule is full but consistent.

“We work hard but make time for family, camping, and important events.”

We’ve been making adjustments to our offers and marketing out in Canton to better speak to these families, but I must say it was a surprising culture shock.

As always!

See you on the mats,

Written by Coach David🦊