Whether you’ve heard about it through a friend or watched it in action during a UFC fight, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an incredibly alluring martial art that can pique one’s interest.
With iconic moves such as the armbar, triangle choke, kimura, americana, and rubber guard, BJJ has proven time and time again that it is the discipline any budding martial artist should learn. Now that the martial art has been proven to work on and off the mats, you’re probably itching to learn it yourself and get started on your path to becoming a practitioner.
By the time you’ve set your sights on finally learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the need to sign up for your first session is going to come right around the corner. And like any inquisitive martial arts fan, you’re probably wondering about what you can expect from your first class.
There’s no need to worry about coming prepared with the right expectations and items because we’ve got you covered with this in-depth guide on all you need to know.
Getting Ready for Your First Day
To make the most out of the first day of what can become your routine, there are things you need to know beforehand. To help you mentally and physically prepare yourself for your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, it helps to understand these key details:
1. Dressing For The Occasion
First-timers to BJJ classes aren’t required to wear gis as soon as they set foot in the dojo or gym because they won’t be doing much aside from learning and basic drills. It’s best to come dressed in a pair of board shorts or athletic shirts and a tighter-fitting t-shirt or rash guard.
However, if you see yourself doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the long term, we recommend purchasing a proper-sized gi, pair of no-gi or fight shorts, and no-gi tops or rashguards!
2. Hygiene
If there’s anything that you don’t want to be known for, it’s being the nasty person that training partners avoid like the plague. On-mat hygiene is similar to what you’re expected to follow in everyday life in terms of staying clean from head to toe.
For instance, it’s recommended to clip your finger and toenails to avoid cutting a training partner in random places during a roll and cause infections. Wearing deodorant before a roll (and some foot powder, if your feet sweat a lot) will have your training partners thanking you for doing your part in keeping the dojo nice-smelling!
What Happens in Your First Session
On your first day of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class, it’s recommended that you show up ten minutes early to your local gym. This way, you can properly introduce yourself to the instructors (black belts are also called professors) and coaches or seniors (higher-ranking purple and brown belts).
At the start of your session, you’ll be taught warm-up exercises that you will need each time you go in for a class. Make sure to learn the warm-up drills by heart because they’re essential for your ability to do techniques and your longevity in BJJ!
The next stage of your first BJJ class is to learn techniques and simple moves. Your instructor will teach a pass, submission, or skill of the day, which you will then drill with a more experienced practitioner or jiujiteiro who will guide you through the movements.
When it comes to rolling (the BJJ term for sparring), you will not start until you learn your breakfalls and other drills. However, if you have experience in other grappling-heavy martial arts—such as wrestling, judo, or sambo—then a responsible instructor will let you get started (provided you have a gi on!).
Conclusion
Immersing yourself in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can undoubtedly make for an exciting journey because of how much you’ll be able to learn while transforming yourself. By keeping this guide in mind, you can come prepared for your first day in the dojo or gym, so you hit the ground running and enjoy everything from the get-go!
If you’re looking for advice on the best BJJ gi brands, best BJJ brands, or what to wear to your first BJJ class, Fight Gear Market has got you covered. Stay tuned for more in-depth guides!
