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What to Expect at Your First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class
Nervous about your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class? Don't be. Every coach has seen a thousand first-timers. Here's exactly what to wear, what happens during class, and what to do.
What to wear
A rash guard and athletic shorts (no zippers, pockets, or metal) is fine for your first class — most academies will lend you a gi or run beginner sessions in no-gi until you buy one. Wear nothing under the rash guard for women except a sports bra, and bring a clean t-shirt to change into afterward. Leave jewelry at home, clip your fingernails and toenails short, and tie back long hair. If you wear contacts, expect to lose one at some point.
What happens during a typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class
Most schools start with 10–15 minutes of mobility and warm-up drills — shrimping, technical stand-ups, breakfalls, and forward/backward rolls. These movements feel awkward at first, and that's normal. The coach is watching how you move so they can pair you with the right training partner.
From there, the instructor demonstrates one or two techniques — usually a position-based concept, a sweep, or a submission. You'll drill the technique with a partner, alternating reps, for 15–25 minutes. Ask your partner to slow down or explain a step again if you're lost; nobody expects you to get it on the first try.
Most classes end with live rolling — five-minute rounds of sparring on the mat. As a brand-new student, you'll either sit out and watch, do positional sparring, or get matched with an upper belt who'll roll at your pace. You will get smashed. That is the entire point — rolling is how you learn what doesn't work, safely, against a fully resisting partner.
Class usually closes with a line-up, a quick acknowledgment of the instructor and training partners, and a fist bump or handshake. The whole session is 60–90 minutes. Expect to be sore in muscles you didn't know you had — neck, forearms, hip flexors — for the first two weeks.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym etiquette
- Tap early and tap often. Tapping is not losing — it's how you communicate that a submission is locked in. Tap with your hand on your partner, on the mat, or verbally.
- Shake hands or fist-bump before and after every roll. It's the universal start/stop signal and a sign of respect.
- Wash your gi and rash guard after every single session. Hygiene is non-negotiable in a contact sport — skin infections spread fast.
- Step off the mat to adjust your gi, fix your hair, or have a conversation. Don't stand around chatting while others are training.
- Respect the belt order. Higher belts walk onto the mat first; don't correct an upper belt's technique unless you're asked.
Common beginner mistakes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Holding your breath. You'll gas out in 60 seconds. Breathe through every position, including bad ones.
- Going 100% to 'win' against more experienced partners. You'll get caught anyway, and you'll injure yourself or them.
- Skipping the fundamentals class because it feels basic. Every black belt drills shrimping until they retire.
- Buying competition gear before you've trained for three months. A $90 gi is fine — you'll outgrow your understanding of what 'good' gear is.
- Quitting after one bad week. Almost everyone wants to quit between weeks 3 and 8. Push through it.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
A rash guard and athletic shorts (no zippers, pockets, or metal) is fine for your first class — most academies will lend you a gi or run beginner sessions in no-gi until you buy one. Wear nothing under the rash guard for women except a sports bra, and bring a clean t-shirt to change into afterward. Leave jewelry at home, clip your fingernails and toenails short, and tie back long hair. If you wear contacts, expect to lose one at some point.
Will I have to spar on my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
No. Almost no reputable gym will throw a brand-new student into hard sparring on day one. You'll drill techniques and may do controlled positional work or light partner drills — that's it.
How long is a typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
Most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are 60–90 minutes, including warm-up, technique, drilling, and a cool-down or live work.
Do I need any gear for the first class?
Most gyms loan gear (gloves, gi, pads) to trial students. Bring water, a small towel, and a mouthguard if you have one.
Ready to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Find a gym near you on the home page, or browse Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms by city. Most listings offer a free trial class.