It's time for your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class.

You have found the gym, filled out the forms, and picked a date. Your first class is approaching, but what should you expect? At this point, it is completely normal to feel excitement and nerves. We will review what your first class might look like and how you can prepare for it. Everyone remembers their first class, and most BJJ gyms are welcoming and encouraging. This will be a day you can look back on fondly. Nothing to worry about, simple right?

Let's start before we even get to the gym. There are some preparations to be made, with the most basic being hygiene. BJJ naturally brings you into close contact while learning techniques and sparring, and your hygiene should reflect this. This is as simple as showering beforehand, using some deodorant, and general cleanliness.

After the basics are covered, the next step is to keep your fingernails and toenails well-maintained. With fast movements and grip fighting, there is a risk of your nails scratching the skin, so the aim is to keep them short, blunt, and clean. To summarise this most simply, be clean and ensure that your nails cannot be mistaken for weapons. This will be appreciated by your gym peers.

What do you need to bring with you?

When we look at the equipment needed, it really can be minimal. We cannot speak for every gym, but many will want to make it easier for you to engage in a class before investing in specific gear. Many gyms let you start in T-shirts and shorts. The only consideration is that the shorts should not have zips or pockets. This is because zips can scratch and pockets can swallow fingers, which hurts and potentially breaks bones. Nobody wants that.

After that, it is time to bust out your flip-flops, as the rules always stipulate no shoes on the training mat. This often leads to people walking from the changing room to the mat in flip-flops. This means no outdoor shoes hanging around and an effective way to avoid getting unclean feet on the way to the mat. It doesn't have to be flip-flops, but make sure to consider something easy and quick to get on and off. This will ensure your shoes don't touch the mat and your feet don't touch the floor. Be sure to enjoy the display of flip-flops and crocks lined up.

For day one, the kit bag will include a bottle of water, a towel, a change of clothes, and a gum shield. Water speaks for itself. It is always imperative to stay hydrated while training. Instead of stewing in sweaty clothes after class, you can shower and change with your towel and clothes. Finally, a gum shield. This is not absolutely necessary for your first class but it is highly recommended to help with accidental knocks and caring for your teeth and gums. Some people wear them, some do not. We recommend wearing them.

How does the class run?

A lot of gyms often follow a similar structure so we will look at that. It can be broken down into three parts.

Getting warmed up -

This section will often entail some form of light cardio to get the heart rate moving, transitioning into sport-specific movements.

Technique -

Here is often where the main teaching of the class will happen, whether this be a specific sweep, submission or escape. Time is then used to practice the movement with low resistance to understand and test the application.

Sparring -

Time at the end of the class is often left for sparring. This is an opportunity to practice what has been learned on the day or practice whatever you like in a more fast-paced role. As it is your first class, many people will go out of their way to spar in way which accommodates your skill level. This means that experienced practitioners will often go easy on beginners, allowing you to learn and adapt to the techniques without feeling overwhelmed. Sparring is a crucial part of the learning process, as it helps you apply the techniques in a more realistic setting.

Your Journey Starts Now

Now is a good time to remember you have already done more than most will ever do, and that's finding the gym and signing up for the class. You're most of the way there to ticking off that first class. If the nerves are still there, that's fine. A significant constant in BJJ is that everyone starts in the same position, being the new person in their first class. Even the most experienced person in the room had gone through their first class.

You may feel sore, tired or uncertain in class. This is all part of it. Grapping is new to your body, so you won't be used to the movements and your body may take some time to adjust. Another beautiful aspect of the sport is that it can be taken at exactly the pace you want. If you need rest, rest. If you need water, take a drink. Once you listen to your body and are patient, your body will handle classes like a pro.

Over time, BJJ becomes more than just a workout. It becomes a way to challenge yourself, learn patience, and grow in confidence. Day one might feel like a small step, but it’s the first step on a path that could change how you see yourself.

The hardest part is already behind you. Now it’s just one class at a time.