What to Expect on My First Day of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Before Getting Started

Your first time doing anything can be nerve wracking and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also known as BJJ or just "jiu jitsu") is no different. This martial art offers a unique and challenging experience for practitioners which can sometimes be daunting for new members. If you're gearing up for your first day of BJJ, here's a guide to help you navigate through the excitement and uncertainty that may come with stepping onto the mat.

Common Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions is that you need to be in good physical shape before starting. The actual act of training will get in better shape for jiu jitsu far better than other physical exercise. While it's true that running, bike riding, or any other cardio exercise will help to some extent, it really takes actually getting on the mats to get conditioned for this sport.

Another similar misconception is that it's only for the young and athletic. People of all ages are part of every gym you'll ever go to. Whether this be young teenagers or someone in the 50's or 60's, there is a huge variety in demographics. There isn't just one type of person who fits a stereotype and men, women, and kids of all ages take part in this wonderful martial art.

The last misconception we'll touch on is that the sport is violent and aggressive. BJJ is a controlled, respectful, martial art and sport. While it involves submissions and joint locks, practitioners are taught to apply techniques gradually and release them immediately when their training partner taps. Safety is paramount in BJJ, and injuries are typically the result of accidents rather than intentional aggression.

Things to Remember

This is a hobby for 99% of people who train. They have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside of the gym just like you. You'll find that the sport is filled with all types of people who all participate for their own reasons. Those reasons can range from fitness goals to learning self-defense, or even the desire to compete. All-in-all, there is a spot for everyone so long as they come ready to learn and are driven by something challenging.

Now let's learn about what to expect when you walk into a gym for the first time.

Experiencing Your First Day

A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere

The BJJ community is known for its camaraderie and a willingness to help newcomers. Every gym is a little different in it's approach, but you can expect to be greeted by an instructor and the other students attending practice that day. You'll find that newcomers are treated very well since everyone remembers what it's like to just be starting out. Often times you will be given a chance to go over the basic positions and terminology prior to class beginning.

Getting Ready Before Class

After being greeted, you will be shown around the facility so you can familiarize yourself with where things like the restrooms, changing areas, and showers (if your gym has them) are. Then, you will be given a chance to change and get yourself dressed for class. In general, most people bring their gear with them in a gym bag and change out of their street clothes at the gym itself. After getting changed, you can take some time to stretch or warm-up how you'd prefer before the group warm-up begins.

Warm-Ups

Before every training session, the class will warm-up as a group. This usually entails some combination of structured exercise such as lining up and performing basic movements along the length of the mat, positional movements such as going through different moves repeatedly, or some gyms even do calisthenics like light jogging around the mat, burpies, etc. In our experience, the structured line drills and positional movements are the most effective ways to warm-up as they incorporate a level of practicality into what you'll be doing.

Learning Technique

After warming-up, class generally moves onto learning a series of techniques for that day. This is where you will have a chance to learn your first few techniques and will take up a bulk of the class! The instructor will have planned out what they are going to teach that day and you will partner up with another student to go over them. Newcomers are paired with someone more experienced for their first day so that way they have a guiding hand in between the moments the instructor is able to make their way around to answer any questions. Techniques vary from class to class and can include anything from submissions, pins, takedowns, and more.

Sparring (or Better Known as, "Rolling")

Now that the learning portion of the class is over, things will transition to live sparring, or, more common referred to as "rolling". Rolling is something that most students really look forward to as it gives them a chance to try out their techniques in a safe environment. New students are not expected to spar on their first day but are encouraged to give it a try with a more experienced training partner. It can often be quite the physical exercise so don't worry if you aren't able to keep up initially as your body will adapt faster than you think and you'll be having fun in no time.

After Class

Sometimes class will come to a formal end where the class will line up in some fashion, listen to the instructor as he or she wraps things up, and will then shake hands or some other kind of formality. Other times, the sparring section of the class will go on for as long as people are willing to continue training. This entirely depends on your gym and your instructors way of doing things. Most gyms have a pretty casual atmosphere after class and people will often sit around stretching, talking, or going over techniques. Following class, you will be able to shower (if you desire and there is one available), change back into your clothes, and then head home.

What About at Tackle Jiu Jitsu?

At our gym, we maintain a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. You will always be happily greeted by our instruction staff and will be welcomed by the class as you step onto the mats for the first time.

We do not practice many traditional formalities at our gym as we prefer to take a more casual approach with the focus being around good technique, good training, and a good environment. We have found that as long as you have that, you will improve and have fun while you are doing it.

We hope that this article eases your concerns about starting out and we look forward to you joining our team!