Never trained before? That is exactly where every black belt started. At Current Jiu Jitsu in Mississauga, our beginner program is built for people with zero experience. Step onto the mat, learn at your own pace, and discover what your body is capable of.
You do not need to be athletic, flexible, or tough. You just need to show up.
Walking into a martial arts academy for the first time can feel intimidating. We hear it from nearly every new student: "I want to get in shape first" or "I'm not sure I'll be any good." The truth is, BJJ was designed for people who are smaller, weaker, or less athletic than their opponents. The entire art is built around the idea that technique and leverage overcome brute strength. That makes it the perfect starting point for anyone, regardless of fitness level or athletic background.
At Current Jiu Jitsu, our beginner Gi program is taught by John Ventresca, an IBJJF-certified 1st Degree Black Belt with over 16 years of experience. His classes focus on building a strong foundation of fundamental techniques. You will learn how to move safely on the mat, control positions, and apply basic submissions. Every class follows a structured curriculum so you always know what to expect, and progress is clear and measurable.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that it requires aggression or a competitive nature. In reality, most of our adult beginners describe it as a physical puzzle. You are learning to solve problems with your body, and every training session gives you new tools to work with. It is mentally stimulating, physically demanding, and deeply rewarding from day one.
Our academy atmosphere is built on mutual respect. Every training partner you work with was a beginner once, and our upper belts take pride in helping new students develop. You will never be thrown into a situation you are not ready for. Our coaches monitor every round, pair you with appropriate training partners, and scale the intensity to your comfort level.
Our beginner classes assume zero prior knowledge. You will be guided through every movement, every position, and every technique from the very first class. No athletic background needed.
Classes follow a progressive curriculum that builds skills in a logical order. You will never feel lost or overwhelmed because each lesson connects to the last and prepares you for the next.
Learn from IBJJF-certified black belts who have been teaching beginners for over a decade. Our instructors have the experience to break down complex movements into simple, digestible steps.
Our academy culture is built on mutual respect. Upper belts help newer students, training partners encourage each other, and every person who walks through the door is treated like family.
You do not need to buy a Gi (the traditional uniform) before your first class. Wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts or joggers. Avoid clothing with zippers, pockets, or hard buttons that could catch on your training partner. Bring a water bottle and a small towel. Make sure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed short.
Every class begins with a structured warm-up designed to prepare your body for Jiu-Jitsu-specific movements. You will learn shrimping, bridging, and other fundamental movements that form the foundation of every technique. These warm-ups double as skill-building drills, so even the warm-up is making you better.
The instructor will demonstrate 2 to 3 techniques in detail, then you will partner up and practice them with a training partner. The coach walks the mat throughout this portion, providing individual corrections and encouragement. There is no pressure to perform perfectly. The goal is to develop understanding through repetition.
Beginners are introduced to live sparring gradually. In your first few weeks, you will start with positional drills that focus on specific scenarios rather than full rounds. This approach lets you apply what you have learned in a safe, controlled environment. As you develop confidence and skill, full sparring rounds become part of your training.
Our beginner Gi program runs multiple times per week and is open to adults aged 16 and older. No previous martial arts experience is necessary. The class uses a structured curriculum that covers essential positions, escapes, sweeps, and submissions. You will progress through a belt system that starts at white belt, giving you clear milestones to work toward.
For those interested in No Gi training (grappling without the traditional uniform), we also offer No Gi classes that are beginner-accessible. The techniques are similar but adapted for a different style of gripping and movement. Many students train both Gi and No Gi to develop a well-rounded game.
View our full class schedule to find beginner-friendly sessions that fit your routine, or check our pricing page for membership options.
Your beginner Jiu-Jitsu journey is led by John Ventresca, an IBJJF-certified 1st Degree Black Belt with over 16 years of experience and a NAGA World Championship title. John specializes in developing strong fundamentals and has a gift for making complex techniques accessible to brand-new students.
Behind every instructor at Current Jiu Jitsu stands a direct lineage to Robson Moura, an 8x World Champion and IBJJF Hall of Famer. Head Professor Toma Dragicevic, a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Robson Moura, founded Current Jiu Jitsu and oversees the entire curriculum. This means every technique you learn has been refined through decades of competition at the highest level of the sport.
Meet all of our instructors and learn about the coaching team that will guide your development.
Common questions from people starting their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Absolutely not. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best ways to build fitness because it engages your entire body while you learn practical skills. Most of our students started with no athletic background at all. You will build strength, flexibility, and endurance naturally as you train. Do not wait until you are "ready" because that day never comes. Start now and let the training get you in shape.
Safety is our top priority. Beginners are paired with experienced training partners who know how to train safely. You will not be thrown into full sparring on day one. We introduce live training gradually through positional drills, and our instructors monitor every session closely. You can tap out at any time during practice, and your partner will immediately stop.
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing like a t-shirt and shorts or joggers. Avoid clothing with pockets, zippers, or buttons. You do not need to purchase a Gi (the traditional BJJ uniform) until you decide to continue training. Bring a water bottle and a small towel. Make sure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed.
Most students earn their blue belt after 1 to 2 years of consistent training, though the timeline varies based on how often you train and your personal development. At Current Jiu Jitsu, we do not rush belt promotions. Each belt represents genuine skill and understanding. Focus on showing up consistently and the progress will follow naturally.
Gi training uses the traditional Jiu-Jitsu uniform (a heavy cotton jacket and pants), which allows for grip-based techniques like collar chokes and sleeve controls. No Gi training uses a rash guard and shorts, which creates a faster-paced style focused on body locks and underhooks. Both styles teach effective grappling and are excellent for beginners. Many students at Current BJJ train both.
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