The idea of this article is to answer some questions you might have about starting to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, especially your first class. Every Jiu Jitsu school is different, but the idea of this article is to guide and help you understand how the majority of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu schools work.
First Time?
At most schools you will be able to watch a class, meet the instructor and ask some questions before you start training. Perhaps even do a trial class which most of the schools will allow you to do.
What to Wear
Before you come to your first class, you’ll need to figure out what to wear. You usually won’t need to have a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi for your trial class. Board shorts and a t-shirt or a surf rash guard will usually be ok. However, if you decide that BJJ is something you want to do and you decide to keep training then you will need to buy a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi .
It’s important not to try and avoid wearing anything with pockets, belt loops or baggy fabrics. These are dangerous since fingers and toes can get caught in them. Try to find the most fitting clothes possible for your trial class.
Hygiene
Make sure your finger and toe nails are well-groomed. If you have long hair, you’ll want to put it up in a ponytail or bun during class. You should also remove any jewelry or piercings to prevent injuries.
Your First Class
It’s a good idea to show up five to ten minutes early to introduce yourself to the instructor and maybe check out the school if you haven’t visited it already. Also some schools will require that you sign an indemnity form before doing your trial class. Before class starts, you’ll have a chance to get dressed and stretch out on the mats. Be sure to get everything ready before class starts so you don’t have to miss anything.
Warm-ups
Some instructors use a very light warm-up, whereas others start the class with a very hard warm up session. Most classes start with a group warm-up, such as running, jumps, push-ups and sit ups. Followed by solo drills and partner drills (if you’re not sure what to do then copy what everybody else is doing). Some of these moves will be very beneficial for you as they are designed to help create movement foundations and also will teach you how to move safely when applying the techniques that you learn in class.
Some of the moves and techniques may be quite hard, so don’t worry if don’t get them first time. With practice you will be able to perform the techniques intuitively. So relax and give yourself time.
Techniques
After the warm-up, you’ll be partnered with someone and those doing there first lesson may go to the side of the mats to practice basic techniques. Often though you may find yourself mixed in with the class. At some schools you will practice a beginner curriculum, and at others you will do whatever techniques are being taught that day. Here are some examples of foundation techniques that you might be learning and drilling at your first class.
- Scissor sweep.
- Guard pass.
- Side control and escape
- Mount escape.
If you are in with the main class then tell your partner that it is your first class and you will usually find that your partner will be more than willing to take it slow and show you what you need to know.
After Class
Congratulations you have just trained your first BJJ Class! if have any other questions you should ask the instructor after the class. If you enjoyed the class and want to continue training, you can also discuss membership prices, class availability and organize a uniform for yourself.
Remember that you will need to get it a BJJ Uniform for continued training. Most instructor’s sell BJJ uniforms, but you can also buy them at most martial arts stores or online stores (Please check with the instructor if is ok to buy other uniforms).
I hope this article will be a helpful guide for you and that you enjoy your first class at a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school. Good luck with your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey!
Daniel Lima
