Stepping onto the mats for your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can be intimidating, but at Total BJJ, we remember our first day too. The most important thing to know is that everyone in the gym, from the white to black belt, has been a beginner.
Here’s a quick guide to help you feel prepared and confident for your first session with us.
First and foremost, you will not be thrown into the deep end. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and friendly environment. Our classes are structured to ensure every student feels safe and valued, with a dedicated course for complete beginners. Your instructor and fellow students are there to help you learn and grow, not to intimidate you.
What to wear
If you don’t have a GI, that’s completely fine. For your first class, we can lend you a Gi free of charge, and for a No-Gi class just bring athletic clothing without any zips or pockets.
The warm-up
Classes will start with a warm-up, which will involve dynamic stretches and bodyweight exercises, including some basic BJJ-specific movements like shrimping or breakfalls. These are all fundamental to BJJ and you’ll get the hang of them in no time. It’s a great way to get your body ready and start learning the core movements.
Learning the fundamentals
The bulk of the class will be spent on technique. Your instructor will demonstrate a handful of movements and then have you practice them with a partner. This is a time for focus and for asking questions. It’s not a race, the goal is to understand the technique, not just perform it perfectly. Don’t worry about remembering everything… taking notes post-class can help, but a good portion of your learning will be through repetition over time.
The rolling – don’t panic!
Towards the end of class, you may have the opportunity to “roll,” which is BJJ’s version of live sparring. For a beginner, this is where you get to test what you’ve learned in a safe, controlled way through specific sparring. You won’t be expected to be a world champion on day one. This is where you learn to apply techniques under pressure, and where you’ll see firsthand how effective and challenging BJJ can be.
After the session!
You’ll finish by shaking the hand of everyone in the class as a sign of respect for your training partners and instructors. This is a core part of BJJ etiquette and it’s a great way to close out a session. Many students stick around to chat, ask questions, and socialise.
At Total BJJ, our unique teaching approach is designed to maximise personal growth and development, from day one. We promise that by taking that first step, you’ll be starting a journey that’s not only great for your physical health but also fantastic for your mental health too.