What to Expect at Your First BJJ Class

What to Wear

What you wear depends on whether you are attending a gi class or a no-gi class:

• Gi class - You will need a BJJ gi (the traditional uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt). Most academies will lend you a gi for your first class or trial period, so you do not need to buy one right away. If you do not have a gi, contact the academy before your first visit.
• No-gi class - Wear a rashguard (tight-fitting athletic shirt) and board shorts or grappling shorts without pockets, zippers, or buttons. If you do not have a rashguard, a regular fitted t-shirt works for your first class.

Regardless of the class type, do not wear anything with hard edges, zippers, or pockets that could scratch your training partner. Remove all jewelry, watches, and piercings before stepping on the mat.

Hygiene Expectations

Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, so hygiene is taken seriously in every academy. Before your first class:

• Shower before class - Come to the academy clean. This is non-negotiable in BJJ culture.
• Trim your nails - Both fingernails and toenails should be cut short. Long nails cause scratches and are one of the fastest ways to make a bad first impression.
• Bring a clean uniform - Never re-wear a gi or rashguard without washing it. Bacteria thrive in sweaty training gear.
• Bring a towel and water - You will sweat more than you expect. Have water readily available and a towel to wipe down during breaks.
• Wear sandals or slides - Wear footwear to the edge of the mat, then remove them. Never walk barefoot in areas outside the mat (bathrooms, hallways, parking lots), and never walk on the mat with shoes. This prevents spreading bacteria.

What a Typical Class Looks Like

Most BJJ classes follow a consistent structure that lasts 60 to 90 minutes:

1. Warm-up (10 to 15 minutes) - The class starts with a group warm-up led by the instructor. This includes general movements like jogging, jumping jacks, and stretching, followed by BJJ-specific movements like hip escapes (shrimping), forward and backward rolls, and bridging. Do not worry if these movements feel awkward at first. Everyone struggles with them initially.
2. Technique instruction (20 to 30 minutes) - The instructor demonstrates 2 to 3 techniques, usually related to a specific position or concept. You will then pair up with a training partner and practice the technique cooperatively. The instructor walks around helping pairs and correcting details.
3. Positional drilling (10 to 15 minutes) - Some classes include specific sparring where you start in a set position and work toward a specific goal. For example, one partner tries to escape side control while the other tries to maintain it.
4. Live rolling (15 to 20 minutes) - The class ends with live sparring rounds, usually 5 to 6 minutes each. As a first-timer, you may sit out and watch, or the instructor may pair you with an experienced student who will guide you through a controlled roll. There is no pressure to roll on your first day if you are not comfortable.

Common Concerns (And Why They Should Not Stop You)

Nearly everyone has the same worries before their first class. Here is the truth about each one:

• "I'm not fit enough" - Nobody is fit enough for BJJ before they start doing BJJ. The sport uses muscles and energy systems in ways that no other workout prepares you for. You will gas out quickly in your first few classes, and that is completely normal. Your fitness will improve rapidly as you keep training.
• "I'll get hurt" - BJJ academies prioritize safety. The tap-out system exists specifically to prevent injuries. When something hurts or feels uncomfortable, you tap, and your partner releases immediately. Beginners are typically paired with experienced students who know how to control intensity.
• "Everyone will be better than me" - Of course they will. They have been training longer than you. But nobody cares about your skill level on day one. Every black belt was once a clueless white belt. The BJJ community universally respects people who show up and try.
• "I'm too old/big/small" - BJJ is for every body type and age. The art was literally designed so that smaller, weaker people could defend against larger opponents through leverage and technique. People start Jiu-Jitsu in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, and practitioners of all sizes find success.
• "I don't know anything" - That is exactly why you are taking a class. No one expects you to know anything. The instructor and your training partners will guide you through everything.

Tips for a Great First Day

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early - This gives you time to sign a waiver, meet the instructor, tour the facility, and get changed without feeling rushed.
• Tell the instructor you are new - They will partner you with someone appropriate and keep an eye on you during class. Do not be shy about this.
• Ask questions - If you do not understand a technique, ask. Instructors and training partners would rather you ask than practice incorrectly.
• Focus on learning, not winning - Your only goal on day one is to absorb the experience and survive. You are not expected to execute techniques perfectly or submit anyone.
• Breathe - Beginners tend to hold their breath without realizing it, which leads to gassing out quickly. Consciously focus on steady breathing, especially during drills and any live training.
• Commit to at least 3 classes - One class is not enough to judge whether BJJ is right for you. The first class is overwhelming with new information. By the third class, you will start to feel more comfortable and begin to understand why people become hooked on Jiu-Jitsu.

What Happens After Your First Class

After class, you will likely feel exhausted, sore in muscles you did not know you had, and buzzing with adrenaline. Most people also feel a surprising sense of accomplishment. You just survived something that genuinely challenges your body and mind.

At Current Jiu Jitsu, new students are offered a free 1-week trial so you can experience multiple classes before making any commitment. Check the schedule for beginner-friendly class times, and do not hesitate to reach out with questions before your visit. Our instructors, led by Professor Toma Dragicevic (3rd Degree Black Belt under 8x World Champion Robson Moura), create a welcoming environment where beginners feel comfortable from the moment they step on the mat.

Whether you are interested in self-defense, fitness, competition, or just trying something new, your first class is the hardest step. Everything after that gets easier.