Your First BJJ Class: What to Expect, Wear, and Bring?

 

If you have signed up for your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, it is natural to feel excited and have many questions. You might ask “what should I wear, what to bring to the class, what to expect from the first class?”, etc.

Whether you are here to learn self-defense, get more fit, or adopt martial arts as a way of life, knowing how to prepare and the basic guidelines of the gym will help you feel more confident and get you ready for training. 

Thus, in this blog, we will provide you answers to all these concerns, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the start of your BJJ journey. You’ll get an understanding of how a first class typically unfolds, from the moment you step in, meet your instructor, to learning your first warm-ups, techniques, and drills, with a few notes on how we do things here at Guto Campos BJJ.

Let’s get started!

What to Expect in Your First BJJ Class?

#1 A Warm Welcome and Introduction

When you arrive for your first BJJ class, it’s a good idea to get there about 10–15 minutes early. That way, you’ll have time to sign the waiver form, borrow a uniform if needed, and shake off any first-day nerves. One of the instructors or staff will welcome you, introduce you to a few teammates, and help you feel at home.

At Guto Campos BJJ, we make sure every new student feels like part of the team from day one. You will notice right away that respect is a big part of our culture; students bow when entering and exiting the mats and greet their coaches and teammates based on belt ranking. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the details; you will pick it up naturally. 

More than anything, you will feel the strong sense of camaraderie on the mats. Everyone remembers their first class, and your teammates will be happy to help you get started.

#2 Mat Etiquette and Gym Rules

Most BJJ academies follow a set of guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful training environment:

• Be on time for class.
• Wear a rash guard under the GI.
• No shoes on the mats—always wear shoes when off the mats.
• Keep your uniform clean.
• Nails must be short and neatly trimmed.
• Practice good hygiene, including clean hands and feet.
• No jewelry on the mats.
• Bow when entering and exiting the mats.
• Line up in order of belt ranking for class.
• Ask for permission from the instructor to leave the mats during instruction.
• Keep quiet and focused during class instruction.
• Respect your training partners and keep your ego under control.
• Avoid profanity.
• Do not eat or chew gum on the mats.
• Keep your phone off or on silent during class.

Some academies, including ours, emphasize these practices to maintain structure and discipline, which are two important pillars in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

#3 One-on-One Introduction to BJJ

Unlike some other academies where you might jump straight into a large class setting, at Guto Campos BJJ you will have your first couple of classes in a one-on-one (or small group) setting with an instructor. This ensures that you:

• Learn safety tips for training on the mats.
• Understand the fundamentals of warm-up drills.
• Get personal attention to build a strong foundation before joining group training.

#4 Warm-Up Exercises

Before diving into techniques, classes typically start with warm-ups to get your body moving and introduce fundamental movements used in BJJ. Expect a mix of light jogging, hip escapes, front and back rolls, grip breaks, and speed drills. These exercises may feel awkward at first, but don’t worry; everyone starts somewhere, and with consistent practice, they’ll become second nature.

#5 Learning Basic Techniques

During your introductory sessions, you’ll begin learning:

• Guard passes
• Guard retention 
• Sweeps
• Basic submissions

Patience is key in BJJ, so don’t worry about perfecting these moves on day one. Instructors typically guide you step by step, helping you pick up solid fundamentals at your own pace.

#6 Drilling with a Partner

After learning a technique, you’ll practice it with a partner. Since this is your first class, more experienced teammates or your instructor will guide you through each step. Drilling helps develop muscle memory and control, which are essential in BJJ.

Many academies, including Guto Campos BJJ, don’t rush beginners into sparring. You’ll focus on building your techniques before engaging in live rolling to ensure safety.

What to Wear to Your First BJJ Class?

For your first class, wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes that are easy to take on and off. At Guto Campos BJJ, we provide you with a uniform (Gi) to borrow for your first few sessions.

What to Bring to Your First BJJ Class?

Here are some essentials to bring to class:

• A water bottle to stay hydrated.
• A towel, since you’ll be sweating during training.
• A gym bag to keep your gear organized.
• Sandals or flip-flops (never go barefoot outside the mats).
• Athletic tape and a mouthguard (optional but recommended for safety).

Key Takeaway

Stepping onto the mats for the first time is a big moment, and BJJ is a journey that rewards patience, consistency, and an open mind. Whether you’re here for self-defense, fitness, or the love of the sport, your first class is just the beginning. Embrace the process, enjoy the learning experience, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—everyone starts somewhere.

If you’re ready to give it a try, we’d love to welcome you to your first BJJ class. Join us for a FREE Trial and see firsthand what makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu such a transformative experience. We look forward to training with you!