Alexandre Altenburg Odebrecht, black belt and head coach of the Tao Jiu-Jitsu Academy, spoke candidly about the financial realities of coaching martial arts in Dubai despite over a decade of experience. He has been teaching and developing Team Tao in the UAE since 2014, watching the sport grow from a niche discipline into a widely practiced movement.
Odebrecht, who has practiced jiu-jitsu for more than 21 years, earns roughly $4,000 per month. When asked whether this pay reflects fair compensation for his work he replied simply:
“No, no.”
He explained the challenge of reaching professional expertise.
“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 years of dedication required to become a professional coach are central to his concern about compensation. Mastery in such a complex martial art takes decades of practice yet financial rewards often fail to match that investment.
Despite his concerns about salary he expressed genuine passion for teaching.
“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 also encouraged newcomers to the sport.
“Among all the martial arts, jiu-jitsu is a little different. You don’t have punches or kicks, it’s more grappling. All beginners and new players are welcome, so if you want to come and try, it’s going to be a pleasure to have you there.”
Odebrecht’s experience highlights broader discussions in the jiu-jitsu community about the value of coaching expertise. While instructors bring years of knowledge and dedication to their students, compensation often does not reflect the level of mastery required.
He continues teaching in Dubai, balancing his love for the art with the practical realities of earning a living in the profession.
