What to Expect at Your First BJJ Class

Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can be intimidating, especially if you have never done a martial art before. The good news is that most beginners are nervous, and nobody expects you to know what you are doing.

Most classes start with a warm-up, followed by the instructor teaching a technique. You will usually practice that technique with a partner before moving into live training, often called “rolling.” Depending on the gym, beginners may watch during live rounds or participate with another beginner or an experienced partner.

For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothes if you are doing no-gi. For a gi class, the gym may have a loaner uniform available. Remove jewelry, keep your nails trimmed, and bring water.

The biggest thing to remember is that you are there to learn, not prove anything. You will probably feel confused, get put into positions you do not understand, and forget most of what you learned. That is completely normal.

Your first goal should simply be to show up, stay safe, and enjoy the experience!

Beginner tip: If you are unsure about something, ask your coach. Good instructors would rather answer a basic question than have you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.