What to Expect in Your First Class

Our classes are structured to provide a safe, welcoming, and effective learning environment for students of all levels, especially beginners. Here is a breakdown of what a typical fundamentals class looks like:

1. Arrive a Little Early: Give yourself about 15 minutes before class starts. This gives you time to check in, get changed, and meet the instructor and some of your future teammates.

2. What to Wear: For your trial class, comfortable athletic clothing like a t-shirt and shorts or leggings is perfectly fine. If you decide to join, you will need a traditional Jiu-Jitsu uniform, called a Gi. We can help you get the right one.

3. The Warm-Up: Every class begins with a warm-up designed to get your body ready for Jiu-Jitsu. This usually includes jogging, callisthenics, and solo movements specific to BJJ, like shrimping and forward rolls. Don’t worry if you can’t do them perfectly—just follow along and do your best.

4. Learning the Technique: After the warm-up, the instructor will demonstrate a technique. They will break it down into simple, easy-to-understand steps. You will then partner up with another student to practice the move, taking turns performing it while the instructor walks around to offer help and corrections.

5. Positional Drilling: In beginner classes, we often end with positional or “specific” training. This involves starting in a particular position and trying to apply the technique you just learned against a resisting partner. It is a safe and controlled way to start applying your new skills.

Essential Tatame (Mat) Etiquette

The tatame is our training ground, and we treat it with respect. Following these simple rules of etiquette shows respect for the art, your instructors, and your training partners.

• Bow to the Mat: Always bow when you step on and off the mats. It is a sign of respect for the training space.

• Keep Your Gear Clean: A clean Gi is mandatory. It is a matter of hygiene and respect for your partners. Make sure your Gi is washed and dried before every class.

• Trim Your Nails: Keep your fingernails and toenails short and filed. This is crucial for preventing accidental scratches and cuts.

• No Shoes on the Mat: Street shoes are never allowed on the mat. Please place them in the designated areas. If you need to step off the mat, slip on some sandals.

• Pay Attention: When the instructor is teaching, stop what you are doing, sit or kneel quietly, and listen. It is disrespectful to talk or practice moves while the lesson is being taught.

• Tap and Respect the Tap: Tapping (physically on your partner or the mat, or verbally) is how you signal that a submission is working and you concede. If you get caught, tap early to stay safe. If your partner taps, release the submission immediately. There is no shame in tapping; it is a vital part of learning.

• Be a Good Partner: Your primary job is to help your partner learn and to train safely. Don’t try to “win” every exchange in drilling. Focus on smooth, technical execution.

Tips for Success on Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey

Your progress in Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep these principles in mind as you begin.

• Be Consistent: The single most important factor for improvement is consistent training. Aim for 2-3 classes per week.

• Leave Your Ego at the Door: You will be tapped out by people who are smaller or less athletic than you. Everyone does. This is a learning environment. Embrace the humility of being a beginner.

• Focus on Defense: In your first few months, your main goal is to learn how to survive and defend yourself. Good defense is the foundation upon which all good offense is built.

• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, ask! Our world-class instructors and senior students are always happy to help.