Deciding to start martial arts is easy. Choosing where to train is the hard part. In Lisbon, you have dozens of options — chain gyms, independent clubs, specialised academies — and not all are equal. The difference between choosing well and choosing poorly can be the difference between building a lifelong habit and quitting after two months.
In this article, I share the 7 criteria I consider essential for choosing a martial arts gym. This isn’t a list made to sell you anything — it’s what I, as the founder of a training space and a practitioner for over 15 years, genuinely think you should evaluate.
1. Coach qualifications
This is criterion number one. No discussion. In martial arts, coaching quality is everything. A bad coach isn’t just less effective — they can be dangerous. Poorly taught technique results in injuries, hard-to-fix bad habits, and frustration.
What to check:
- What’s the instructor’s rank in the modality? (In Jiu-Jitsu, for example, there’s an enormous difference between a purple belt and a 6th degree black belt)
- Do they have competitive experience? Not mandatory, but demonstrates depth of knowledge
- How long have they been teaching? Experience counts
- Do they have complementary qualifications? (Physiology, biomechanics, first aid)
Red flag: If the gym doesn’t highlight who the coaches are or avoids giving information about their qualifications, that says a lot.
2. Try before you pay
Any serious gym offers at least one free trial class. This isn’t just to see if you enjoy it — it’s to observe:
- How the coach manages the class (do they adapt to each person’s level? Correct technique?)
- How students interact with each other (is there respect? Do advanced members help newcomers?)
- What’s the pace and intensity (is it appropriate for what you’re looking for?)
- What’s the state of the equipment and space
If they pressure you to sign up on your first visit without trying, leave.
3. Modality diversity
This depends on what you’re looking for, but the trend in modern training is clear: the most complete martial arts practitioners combine modalities. A Jiu-Jitsu fighter who trains functional strength is more resilient. A Muay Thai practitioner who does conditioning recovers better between rounds.
Ask yourself:
- Does the gym offer the modalities you’re interested in?
- Can you combine modalities without paying more?
- Is there complementary training (strength, conditioning, mobility)?
A space that offers everything — martial arts and physical preparation — is more efficient than having to go to two different places.
4. Class size and individual attention
This is a factor many people overlook and it makes a massive difference. In a class with 30 people and one coach, the probability of receiving individualised technique correction is close to zero. In martial arts, that’s a real problem — because repeating a wrong movement 50 times isn’t practice, it’s consolidating a mistake.
What to look for:
- Maximum 10–15 people per class for martial arts
- Coach-to-student ratio that allows individual correction
- Does the coach circulate and correct during class, or just demonstrate and leave it?
5. Community and atmosphere
This is impossible to evaluate online. You only feel it when you walk in. But it’s probably the factor that most determines whether you’ll continue or quit.
Signs of a good community:
- Members greet each other and chat naturally
- There’s no rigid division between “new” and “old” — everyone trains together
- The atmosphere is demanding but not toxic (challenge yes, humiliation no)
- There’s social life beyond training (lounge, events, socialising)
Red flag: If during your trial class nobody speaks to you, nobody introduces themselves, and you leave without knowing a single person’s name — the environment probably isn’t welcoming.
6. Location and schedule
Seems basic, but it’s decisive. The best gym in the world is useless if it’s 45 minutes from your home and only has classes when you’re working.
Practical rule: Choose a space within 15 minutes of your workplace or home. The easier it is to go, the more you’ll go. If you need to make a logistical effort, the probability of maintaining consistency drops dramatically.
About schedules: Check if classes fit your actual routine, not the ideal routine you imagine. If you wake up at 6am but the gym only opens at 10am, it won’t work. If you work until 7pm and Muay Thai classes are at 6pm, you’re kidding yourself.
7. Price transparency and conditions
If you need to send an email, schedule a visit and sit through a 30-minute presentation to find out how much it costs, be suspicious. Good gyms have clear, accessible prices.
Check:
- Are prices on the website? (Transparency signals trust)
- Is there a lock-in contract? (Avoid long contracts if you’re starting out)
- What’s included in the membership? (One vs all modalities, facility access, insurance)
- Are there hidden costs? (Registration, mandatory equipment, paid grading exams)
Quick checklist
Before deciding, go through this checklist:
- I did a trial class and liked the dynamic
- I know the coaches and their qualifications
- The schedule fits my routine
- Prices are transparent and fair
- I can cancel without penalties
- The space is clean and equipment is in good condition
- I felt welcome and included
If you ticked all of them, you’ve probably found your place. If more than two are missing, keep looking.
A personal note
When I founded Be Water, I wanted to create the space where I myself would want to train. With coaches I admire, modalities I practise, a community that cares about people — and without the usual fitness industry nonsense: forced lock-ins, aggressive sales, unrealistic promises.
I won’t tell you Be Water is the best option for everyone. I’ll tell you this: come try it. The first class is free. Meet the coaches, feel the atmosphere, and decide for yourself.
Be Water Lisboa — Av. do Brasil 7, Campo Grande. WhatsApp: 933 869 791. Monday to Friday 7am–9pm, Saturday 10am–1pm.
— Be Water Team
