How to Pack Your BJJ Social Events (Even When Members Are Stuck in Their Routines)

Last week I was speaking with a BJJ gym owner who does an excellent job of hosting member events to build a stronger community and improve retention.

Running social events — like potlucks, UFC nights, and happy hours — is one of the best ways to achieve these two things.

The problem he had was that the same handful of people always showed up. Only a small percentage of the greater membership was attending.

He believes many students are stuck in their routines and are hesitant to give up their free time for more time with the BJJ school.

So, if you're having the same issue, here are a few ideas to start packing the house for your social events.

1. Personal Invites (Not Just Flyers or Announcements)

While announcements, emails, and posts will get the word out the quickest and easiest to the members, nothing will get commitment like personal invites.

Instructors or coaches should personally invite people after class or via text message, especially those who never make it to social events.

Generally, every school has one or two members who have a lot of "team spirit" and naturally take the role of organizer, but nothing will get members showing up with a personal invite from the owner or head black belt.

It feels like an honor — not just another thing on the calendar.

2. Give People Micro-Roles

Some members aren’t skipping because they’re uninterested — they just feel awkward showing up without a clear purpose or don't feel an obligation.

Fix that by assigning small “missions”:

• Ask someone run the grill at the potluck

• Let someone organize the desserts

• Ask someone to host the UFC picks contest

When people have a tiny bit of responsibility, they show up. Ownership = attendance. This works for on-the-mat attendance too.

3. Offer Micro-Rewards or Recognition

Humans are simple: we move for incentives.

Tell people you're giving away free swag at the event - t-shirts, hats, rashguards - or raffle them off.

You could take 5 items and raffle them off for free and only people who show up will have a chance to win.

Or, stripe promotions could be given at the event.

Anything that would motivate and reward people for showing up.

4. Normalize RSVPs

Start creating a light culture of commitment.

Use sign-up sheets, Facebook event RSVPs, or gym apps. Make it part of the culture to commit in advance, even casually:

• “Who’s in for Saturday?” (get people to raise hands at the end of class)

• “Drop a 👍 if you’re coming in the group chat.”

Visibility matters. When students see others committing, they’re way more likely to join.

5. Create FOMO - Capture and Share the Hype

   
   

   

   
   

After the event post group photos to social media, share funny moments, and highlight who won contests or raffles.

Create some positive Fear Of Missing Out so that when the next event rolls around, people remember the good vibes — and want to be part of it.

Final Thoughts

If your members aren't showing up to social events, it’s not because they don’t care — it’s because you haven’t made the event feel essential to their journey yet.

Try some of the tactics above to motivate people to show up so they can understand the value of the off-the-mat aspect of being part of a BJJ gym.

If your events are fun, build better bonds between members, and provide value, you'll keep them coming back, not only to future events, but to your gym.

Engaged members remain as members longer.

If you need help with community building and retention at your gym, contact me.