What Do You Actually Want from BJJ?

Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can feel intimidating. You don’t know the rules, the people, or why everyone’s barefoot and tying strange knots in their belt.

And while starting is a huge first step, where you choose to train makes all the difference.

Getting started in a new sport can, and will always be a challenge, especially a combat sport, so knowing where to start is half the battle. A good gym with the right coaches and peers serves as the foundation for beginning your bjj journey. We will aim to highlight what it is you should be looking for, and importantly, staying away from.

A great place to start is to see what gyms you have in local area to start working out where to look. UK BJJ Gym Directory

Before diving into the world of comparing combat gyms, first you need to work out which side of bjj you want to pursue. Not all gyms are the same, some will have a huge focus on competitive training with the major goal of taking students to competitive levels and entering competitions. The opposite side to this is more community focused gyms offering a more casual side of the sport, better fostering enjoyment and a relaxed style. Only you will know which you want, but that should guide your tick list for your dream gym.

There is no right or wrong answer from what you might want to get out of learning bjj. Competitions, working on fitness, stress relief or finding a great hobby for the kids to start. You don’t need to have all of this figured out, but a general idea of the style of training you want to engage in will help you ask the right questions when you do start the search. The better you understand what you want from bjj, the better you can find a gym that aligns with your desires.

What Makes a Great bjj Gym?

Now you have had a chance to think about what it is you want from a gym, now we can take a look at some of the factors that contribute to making a great gym.

• Qualified instructors
  Ideally the head coach for the gym will be a black belt with a legitimate linage, and even better if there are plenty of other higher belts to help support teaching and practicing techniques.

• Beginner-friendly classes
  This is a great factor to look out for when getting started and finding a gym, many places offer fundamental / beginner classes. Simple bjj at a pace that suits all from day one.

• Clean facilities
  Though this sounds like it should be a given, always ensure a gym takes hygiene and cleanliness seriously as there are health implications to unsanitary training conditions. No shoes on mats, regularly cleaned mats and clean changing environments.

• A good vibe
  Again this sounds super obvious, but you will just know if this factor is met from being in or around the gym. Are people friendly? Are people trying to help each other learn or just fighting full tilt with no aim. Remember, its a sport to be enjoyed as well as being competitive.

• Consistent schedule
  A consistent schedule is another important factor to look for, with minimal changes. This means you can rely on classes that suit your schedule and don’t lose out to ever changing timetables. Bonus for specific Gi and No Gi classes, though this is not essential.

Every gym has its own personality but here we have covered a few of the fundamentals to making up a great gym. This is by no means and exhaustive list.

Just as there are signs of a great gym, there are warning flags to look out for also, pay some attention to this, as a beginner its hard to know what is normal, and what is not.

• No trial class or drop-in option
  Most gyms offer a drop in or free day / trial period. A good gym will welcome the opportunity to get you into the sport and show you what they have to offer. You shouldn't feel forced up front to commit to contracts without ever having stepped foot on a mat.

• Vague or unverified coaching credentials
  If you can’t figure out who the coach is, what belt they hold, or who they trained under, that’s a bad sign. Lineage matters in BJJ, and reputable gyms are usually transparent about it.

• Sparring on day one with no instruction
  Though it can be very normal to spar on your first visit, it is usually after some instructional guidance from the class and a coach can often ensure you partner up with good people help you navigate your first roll. It shouldn’t feel like being thrown to the sharks.

• Dirty mats or unclean facilities
  Cleanliness isn’t just about comfort and looking good, it’s about health. Skin infections spread fast in grappling gyms that don’t keep things clean. This should be non-negotiable.

• An aggressive or cliquey atmosphere
  If the energy feels off, overly intense, unwelcoming, or like you’re not really supposed to be there. Trust your gut.

You don’t have to be overly critical, but don’t be afraid to walk away either. A good gym won’t pressure you, they will enjoy the opportunity to bring you in and show you the game.

Here are some potential questions to help you set off in the right direction.

• Do you offer a free trial or first class?
• Is there a beginner or fundamentals class?
• What is the coach’s background and experience?
• What is the atmosphere like during class?
• Are there both Gi and No-Gi classes?
• What is the mix of students like in terms of age, gender, and skill levels?

Starting bjj is the first big step and finding the right gym is the key for the beginning of your journey. If you can, take the time to visit a few places, ask lots of questions. You do not need to know everything about the gym, just enough to feel confident you will thrive there and it aligns with what you want from the sport.

The right gym for you is the one where you feel welcome, supported, and excited to come back.

Ready to start looking? Check out our UK BJJ Gym Directory