When you first enter a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, you can’t help but feel you’ve stepped into an entirely unique space. It’s not surprising that the majority of newcomers would be excited yet nervous.
A good training school knows this and helps its students settle in as fast as possible so they feel safe, comfortable, and eager to begin.
This article shares the different things to expect in your first BJJ class for beginners.
Before You Even Step on the Mat
There is no need to spend a lot on an expensive uniform just yet. Different training centers will have distinct rules. At Gracie Barra Tacoma, a plain t-shirt and athletic shorts with no pockets or zippers are sufficient for the first class.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training For Beginners
When you come, you will be warmly welcomed by our reception staff and your teacher. You will observe that the training room is flanked by gigantic soft mats. That is our canvas, our classroom, and our refuge space.
You will also observe that people bow when they get on or off the mats. That is a small courtesy to the space wherein we learn and to one another. It’s a tradition that allows us to shut the door upon the outside world.
The Format of Your First Class
The Warm-Up
The class starts with a warm-up, which is conducted by an instructor. This is not just about getting the circulation going, but also your first experience of the BJJ movement. You’ll be drilled in a hip escape movement, forward rolls and backward rolls, and crawling basics. These movements are the basics of jiu-jitsu that train your body how to move on the mat.
Technique of the Day
Once we are warmed up, the instructor will then instruct the class to stand up. This is where we learn. Your instructor will be illustrating one or two easy techniques. For a beginner’s class, it may be how to properly tie your belt, a basic stance like the ‘guard,’ or a simple release.
The teacher will demonstrate the move step by step. Not only will they show you the “how,” but the “why” of each step too. Then, in turn, you will practice in pairs. Your practicing partner will most of the time always be another beginner student who also knows what it is like to be new. They are there to assist, not compete with, you. This is a time for slow and controlled repetition. However, you should ask questions if you are unsure.
Controlled Sparring
The final segment of the class is usually reserved for live practice. This sounds threatening, but for beginners, it is highly controlled. Your instructor will have you begin in a starting position, such as on your knees. The idea is not to win but to attempt to use what you just learned.
You may be teamed up with a more advanced student. Don’t be anxious because they are there to instruct and protect you. They can handle your level of intensity and speed. The feel of rolling for the first time is special. It is like a bodily game of chess. You will learn more from five minutes of rolling than from a week of watching and not rolling. It’s alright to get lost because this is where you learn.
The Emotions You Experience
Some of the emotions you will experience include mental overload, physical wear, and a sense of belonging. Your mind will be processing new movements and information heavily. Of course, you will think that you are going to forget it all as soon as you learn, which is natural.
BJJ engages muscles that you had no idea you had. You will probably feel exhausted, but in a happy, satisfied way. Furthermore, you will be surrounded by individuals who all have one thing on their minds, which is to improve themselves. You will see students assisting others, tapping palms in respect after a sparring exercise, and laughing.
Following the Final Bow
We thank the training partner after class is concluded and assist in cleaning the mats, as it builds a good rapport. Your first class isn’t about being great. It’s about attempting something new in a safe space. You don’t necessarily have to be at the top of your physical game or anything. You just have to be brave enough to begin.
Your first BJJ class may feel challenging. However, it’s also the start of an exciting journey. Our mats at Gracie Barra Tacoma are waiting for you. We think that Jiu-jitsu is for every person, and we will do our best to assist you every step of the way. Your adventure starts by taking one step onto the mat. We hope to have the opportunity to train with you.
