Bodega BJJ owner and black belt Kyvann Gonzalez has sparked conversation in the grappling community with his thoughts on entitlement and the expectation of free training in jiu-jitsu. During an appearance on the Jits and Giggles podcast, Gonzalez didn’t hold back his frustrations with what he sees as a problematic culture of expecting everything at no cost.
Gonzalez’s perspective stems from direct experience running his New Jersey academy. While he offers free pro sessions for advanced athletes in the mornings, he’s witnessed firsthand how this generosity can create issues.
“I don’t think anything should be free,” Gonzalez stated firmly. “As much as I offer free, I’ve never ever gone anywhere and been like, ‘This is going to be free.’”
The coach explained his personal approach when visiting other gyms: “I go train and I’m like, ‘Hey, how much is it?’ And they go, ‘It’s free.’ And I go, ‘Okay, I’m paying you anyway.’” He believes in supporting the people who provide training spaces, regardless of their pricing structure.
The issue came to a head when Gonzalez tested the community’s willingness to contribute. After offering regular free morning sessions, he decided to host a popup training for just fifteen dollars.
The response was eye-opening. “None of these fools came. None of them,” he revealed. “It was just this eye opening like, ‘Dude. Oh my god.’”
His partner and purple belt Vanessa Comeau echoed similar observations, noting that the jiu-jitsu community “just like is so entitled and wants everything free.”
Gonzalez has established clear standards at Bodega BJJ to address this mentality. For paying members, the rules are flexible.
“If you pay me to go to my gym, I work for you. You show up when you want,” he explained. However, for those taking advantage of free training opportunities, the expectations shift dramatically.
“If you’re one of these free members, I will lock you out,” Gonzalez said. “And if you come in and you’re late and you’re like, ‘No, please let me in,’ I will talk s**t the whole time and make you feel like you’re an idiot.”
The approach has proven effective. According to Gonzalez, the people who don’t pay at the gym are now consistently on time because they recognize the value of free training.
What particularly bothers Gonzalez is when people ask for discounts without justification. “I have a buddy who like we charge whatever our price is, right? And it is the audacity of people to be like, ‘Could I get a discount?’” He contrasted this with his own inability to even return food at a restaurant, highlighting what he sees as a disconnect in expectations.
The coach acknowledged his own past financial struggles, making clear his criticism isn’t coming from a place of privilege. “I’ve been poor. I’ve been broke. It’s not like I have money,” he said, emphasizing that his stance is about supporting the community and respecting the work that goes into running a training facility.
