Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can be both exciting and intimidating. If you’ve never stepped onto the mats before, you might be wondering what to expect. Don’t worry—every black belt was once a beginner, and your first class is just the beginning of an incredible journey. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and how to prepare for your first Jiu Jitsu class.
1. Arriving at the Gym
When you arrive, you’ll likely be greeted by the instructor or a staff member. They’ll show you around the facility, introduce you to a few students, and help you get situated. If you don’t have a gi (the traditional uniform), the gym may have loaners available, or you may start in athletic wear for a no-gi class.
2. The Warm-Up
BJJ warm-ups often include movements that help build the fundamental skills used in training. Expect to see:
• Jogging and stretching to loosen up your body
• Shrimping (hip escapes) to develop movement for escaping bad positions
• Forward and backward rolls to get comfortable with mobility and break falls
• Bridging to practice explosive movements used in escapes and sweeps
Don’t worry if you struggle at first—everyone does! Just focus on learning and improving little by little.
3. Learning Techniques
After the warm-up, the instructor will demonstrate a technique or a sequence of movements. This could be:
• A submission (e.g., armbar, triangle choke)
• A sweep (a movement to reverse your opponent’s position)
• A guard pass (a way to get past your opponent’s legs and establish control)
You’ll then partner up and practice the technique under the instructor’s guidance. This is called drilling and is crucial for developing muscle memory.
4. Live Training (Rolling)
Many classes include sparring, known as “rolling.” This is where you try to apply techniques against a resisting opponent. As a beginner, you may not roll in your first class, or you might do positional sparring (starting from a set position and working to escape or attack).
If you do roll, remember:
• Tap early and often—there’s no shame in submitting!
• Focus on defense and survival rather than trying to win.
• Relax and breathe; don’t rely on strength alone.
5. Etiquette and Respect
Jiu Jitsu has a strong culture of respect. Some key points to remember:
• Bow or shake hands before and after rolling.
• Keep your nails trimmed and practice good hygiene.
• Listen to the instructor and higher belts—they’re there to help.
6. After Class
Once class is over, people often sit around and chat or review techniques. You may feel exhausted, sore, and even overwhelmed, but that’s normal. The key is consistency—keep showing up, and you’ll improve faster than you think.
Final Tips for Your First Class
✔ Wear comfortable athletic clothing if you don’t have a gi.
✔ Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.
✔ Don’t worry about being perfect—just focus on learning.
✔ Have fun! BJJ is a long journey, but every class is a step forward.
Jiu Jitsu is one of the most rewarding martial arts you can practice. Whether you’re training for self-defense, fitness, or competition, your first class is the beginning of something great. See you on the mats!
