Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Joao Miyao recently shared a glimpse into his coaching income in a recent video.
The decorated athlete documented a single working day in Lisbon, Portugal, revealing he brought in 1,950 euros, which converts to approximately $2,050 USD.
Miyao’s schedule that day included four separate coaching sessions, beginning at 3:00 pm with a private lesson. He followed with another private session at 4:02 pm, then taught a group class starting at 5:01 pm.
After taking an Uber to his fourth appointment, he wrapped up the day with another group class at 7:05 pm. The athlete asked his followers whether they thought the work was worthwhile, presenting the earnings as a point of discussion within the community.
His transparency arrives amid growing debate about compensation for jiu-jitsu instructors. The conversation intensified recently when a Florida academy posted a job listing seeking coaches with minimum purple belt rank from a Gracie lineage, offering $22 per hour for up to 15 hours weekly.
The position at Martial Arts Academy in Lake Mary drew significant criticism online, with practitioners arguing the rate undervalues specialized expertise.
Most responses to the listing expressed concern that such compensation fails to reflect the years of training required to reach even purple belt level. Commenters noted that the pay barely exceeds entry-level positions in other industries, despite jiu-jitsu instructors bringing years or even decades of technical knowledge.
Several pointed out that limited weekly hours, absence of benefits, and the physical demands of teaching make the position unattractive for experienced practitioners trying to earn a sustainable living.
The disparity becomes clearer when comparing different coaching models. Alexandre Altenburg Odebrecht, a black belt who has led Tao Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dubai since 2014, earns approximately $4,000 monthly despite more than 21 years practicing the martial art.
When asked if this reflected fair compensation for his expertise, he responded frankly: “No, no.”
Odebrecht emphasized the lengthy path to professional competency. “If you really like what you do, that’s worth a lot. But if you start from zero, it takes a long time. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, so it’s not something you can just start for a few years and expect to get there.”
The Dubai-based instructor maintains his commitment to teaching despite financial concerns. “When I wake up in the morning, I feel good. I don’t feel like I’m doing something I don’t like. I just feel like I’m doing something for myself,” he said.
He continues welcoming new students to his academy, noting that jiu-jitsu’s grappling-focused approach makes it accessible compared to striking arts.
Miyao’s earning model appears substantially different, with private sessions commanding premium rates.
