What to Expect in Your First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Class
Starting something new can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s as unique and challenging as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). However, stepping onto the mats for the first time is an exciting opportunity to push your limits, learn valuable skills, and immerse yourself in a welcoming community.
If you’re curious about what your first BJJ class entails, this guide will walk you through the experience, from the structure of a typical class to tips for feeling comfortable.
Don’t be shy about mentioning it’s your first class. Most gyms are accustomed to beginners and will make accommodations to help you get started off.
Just remember, no one expects anything from you on day one—you’re there to learn. So don’t put pressure on yourself. It just wastes energy and will diminish your experience.
A Warm Welcome to a Supportive Environment
One of the most striking things about BJJ is its community.
Gyms (often called academies) are usually warm and inclusive places that value mutual respect.
When you first come in you’ll likely be greeted by the instructor or someone watching the front desk.
PRO TIP – Instructors are referred to as the “coach” or “professor” in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Just in case you were wondering what to call the teacher. No matter where you go, coach or professor will be accepted pretty much anywhere.
Most of us remember how intimidating our first class felt, so we go out of our way to make new people feel welcome.
What to Wear and Bring
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what happens in class, let’s talk about gear.
If it’s a gi class, you’ll wear a Gi and a Belt.
Some gyms have loaner gis for first-timers, or you can wear athletic, form-fitting clothing until you get your own.
For no-gi classes, simpler clothing like compression tops or rash guards and athletic shorts (with no zippers or pockets) will work.
Other essentials include a water bottle, flip-flops for walking off the mat, and a good attitude.
Hygiene in BJJ
Nobody wants to train with someone who is smelly. So make sure your nails are trimmed, you’ve showered before class, your clothes are clean (washed), and you’ve brushed your teeth (or chew some breath mints or gum).
You don’t want to get a reputation at your gym for being a smelly person – you’ll be rolling alone faster than you can imagine.
PRO – TIP: Remove any jewelry before class – getting your ear rings ripped out won’t be fun, and is almost certain to happen in BJJ.
The Structure of a Typical BJJ Class
While each gym may have its own unique style, most BJJ classes follow a similar structure.
Knowing what to expect can ease any first-day jitters.
1. Warm-Up
Every class begins with a warm-up, which is designed to loosen your muscles, increase your heart rate, and improve flexibility.
These exercises might include:
- Jogging or Shrimping on the mat (a movement designed to help you escape from tough positions).
- Rolls and Breakfalls to practice safe ways to fall and recover.
- Mobility Drills, such as hip escapes or duck walks, which mimic movements you’ll use later.
- Bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks to build strength.
Don’t worry if you struggle with some of the moves—coordination and strength improve over time.
For now, just focus on doing your best and following along. Again, nobody expects anything from new people, so enjoy this time.
2. Technique Instruction
After the warm-up, the coach will usually demonstrate a specific technique, such as a sweep, pass, or submission. BJJ classes are highly technical, and much of your time involves learning how to apply leverage, timing, and positioning.
Your instructor may break the move into steps, walking the class through it slowly.
For beginners, the techniques chosen are often foundational, like maintaining a stable guard position or performing a basic escape from the mount. Regardless of the technique, stay focused, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you’re confused.
3. Drilling
Once the technique is taught, it’s time to drill.
Drilling involves repeating the move several times with a partner to reinforce muscle memory.
Your partner will give you minimal resistance, allowing you to practice in a controlled environment.
Drilling is crucial for progress, as BJJ relies on executing techniques under pressure.
Even as a beginner, keep drilling relaxed and consistent, focusing on the finer details your instructor pointed out.
4. Rolling (Sparring)
Rolling, or sparring, is the part of the class dedicated to open grappling.
Rolling is always optional for beginners, so don’t be pressured to join until you’re ready. In fact, at our gym we do not allow new people to roll until they get a list of 44 techniques signed off. This usually takes about a month and a half to accomplish. It gives new people an opportunity to practice the basic positions and to let their body adapt to a new sport.
When observing or participating, you’ll notice that rolling is less about brute force and more about strategy, control, and problem-solving.
If you do decide to roll, your training partner (especially upper belts) will likely guide you gently, allowing you to explore positions without overwhelming you.
Remember to tap out if you feel stuck in a submission—this signals you’re giving up the play without risking injury. Tapping is a sign of learning, not failure!
PRO – TIP: Tap early and tap often. There is nothing to be gained by “toughing out” a submission and ending up getting hurt. You are going to tap thousands of times throughout your journey, so tap before it hurts if longevity in our sport is part of your goal set.
Gym Etiquette and Culture
BJJ gyms are like people – they all have their own unique personality. But here are some things that are fairly universal across all gyms you will encounter:
- Bow – when stepping onto and off the mat. This is a way of showing respect for the training space.
- Don’t Be A “Spaz” – Go at a pace that matches your partners intensity level and avoid “going full throttle.”
- Listen – Talk if you have questions. Otherwise, keep quiet and listen. Don’t draw unnecessary attention.
- Hygiene – Nothing will earn you a negative reputation faster than being stinky
- Tap early and tap often – This keeps you safe during submissions and shows you’re not a knucklehead.
- Ask Questions – You will never ask too many people too many questions in BJJ and people like to help.
- Show Up On Time – People notice when you always come to class late. Show up on time ready to go.
Overcoming First-Class Jitters
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about your first class. Here are some tips to make your experience smoother:
- Go in with an open mind. Nobody expects anything from you. Enjoy the process of learning.
- Pace yourself. BJJ can be physically demanding, so don’t feel bad if you need to sit down and catch your breath.
- Ask questions. Whether you’re confused about a technique or etiquette, other students and instructors are there to help.
- Celebrate small wins. Even showing up to a class is an accomplishment! Take pride in every step.
PRO – TIP: You are going to lose in BJJ a lot. More than you’ve ever lost at anything in your entire life and probably even more than every loss you’ve ever had combined. That is why you have to celebrate your wins in increments. Maybe I delayed that guy by three moves before he tapped me. Maybe I lasted another sixty seconds than last time. Maybe this time they only tapped me five times instead of ten. Maybe I got that escape I had been working on. But know this – if your only guidepost is whether you won the match or not every time, you are going to be a very depressed person because you are going to lose dozens of times every single practice.
Enjoy Being New Again
Nothing truly worth doing or learning is easy. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is no different. It is hard. You will doubt yourself. You will feel frustration at your growth sometimes. You will feel at times like you are going backward. But all of us are on this path together – we have all felt those things and we remember those times clearly. We will support you.
At our gym we have written on the wall: A Black Belt is a White Belt Who Never Quit
That is the truth. Commit to showing up and enjoying learning. Only your ego can defeat you. And its favorite tactic? Get you to quit on yourself and stop coming.
Only Compare Yourself to You, Yesterday
One of our instructors has a saying: I only compare myself to me, yesterday. Am I better than I was yesterday. That is the ONLY thing that really matters. Your goals are yours in BJJ and not anyone else’s. But when you approach it from only comparing you today to you yesterday, you can always find little (and sometimes big) gains.
We have seen every type of body, fitness level, background, and age of person walk through our door over the many years of being in the Jiu Jitsu game. Some came to lose weight. Some for self defense. Some for self confidence. Some for self respect. All came to be better than they were the day before. Jiu Jitsu will give you that if you let it.
Final Thoughts On Attending Your First BJJ Class
Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class might feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but it’s also the beginning of something incredible. Expect to sweat, laugh, and learn—sometimes all at once. The beauty of BJJ lies in its ability to challenge you physically and mentally while fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
By the time you leave your first class, you might not have all the answers, but you’ll leave with something even better—a new passion and the exhilarating feeling of stepping out of your comfort zone. When you tie your belt and bow onto the mat next time, you’ll already be a little more confident, and that’s where the magic begins. Welcome to the world of BJJ!
