What Happens In Your First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class?

What Happens In Your First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class?

Your first class is usually structured to help you feel comfortable on the mats.

While every academy runs sessions slightly differently, a typical beginner class might look something like this:

1. Warm Up

Classes often start with light movements designed to prepare the body for grappling. This may include drills such as shrimping, bridging and technical stand-ups.

These movements are unique to Jiu Jitsu and quickly become second nature.

2. Technique

The instructor will demonstrate a technique or sequence. Beginners learn positions such as guard, side control and mount, along with escapes and simple submissions.

Students then practise the technique with a partner under guidance from the coach.

3. Positional Drills

Instead of jumping straight into full sparring, beginners often start with positional drills. These controlled situations allow you to practise a specific technique while your partner provides light resistance.

4. Optional Sparring

Some classes include live rolling (sparring), though beginners may ease into this gradually. Sparring in your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class is cooperative and controlled, with partners working together to learn.

The atmosphere tends to be supportive rather than competitive.

Common Fears Beginners Have About BJJ

Almost everyone experiences some nerves before their first class. Here are a few of the most common concerns.

“What if I have no idea what I’m doing?”

That’s expected. Everyone on the mats was once a beginner. Instructors and training partners understand this and help guide new students through the basics.

“What if I’m not strong enough?”

Strength helps, but technique matters far more. Jiu Jitsu was designed around leverage and positioning, which allows smaller practitioners to succeed against larger opponents.

“Will it be too intense?”

Classes can be physically demanding, but beginners control the pace of their training. Good academies encourage students to progress gradually and train safely.

How Long Does It Take To Improve?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rewards consistency.

In the beginning it can feel like there is a lot to learn. Positions, grips, escapes and submissions all take time to understand.

However progress often happens faster than people expect. Within a few months most beginners begin recognising positions and applying basic techniques instinctively.

The key is regular training and patience.

The Benefits Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

People start BJJ for many different reasons, but a few benefits stand out.

Confidence

Learning how to control physical situations builds confidence both on and off the mats.

Fitness

Training improves cardiovascular fitness, strength and mobility in a functional way.

Problem Solving

BJJ is often described as physical chess. Every position presents a puzzle to solve.

Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of training is the friendships that develop through shared challenges on the mats.

What Should You Bring To Your First Class?

If you’re attending your first session, keep things simple.

Bring:

• Comfortable training clothes

• A water bottle

• An open mindset

• 
  

Most academies will help you with everything else.

The Most Important Advice For Beginners

The biggest mistake new students make is worrying too much about how they perform.

Everyone starts at the same place.

Focus on learning, ask questions, and enjoy the process. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a long journey, and the early stages are some of the most exciting.

Every class adds another piece to the puzzle.

Thinking About Trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

If you’re curious about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the best way to understand it is to experience it for yourself.

Stepping onto the mats for the first time might feel like a big step, but most people quickly realise that the hardest part was simply walking through the door.

From there, the journey begins.

Ascend Jiu Jitsu is running a 12-week beginner course starting on 13th April 2026.

To register, please follow this link and enter your details in the form at the bottom of the page