What to expect in your first bjj class?
We get this question a lot from everyone who stepped into the gym for the first time. We thought putting a list for you may be helpful in starting your journey.
Every school is different. At Clube de Lutas, we prioritise your experience and your safety in our classes, making it a fruitful start for you in understanding the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
If you’ve never done BJJ before, and this is your first time – we have specially designed a class to jumpstart your journey. Jiu Jitsu can be overwhelming when you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. It’s pretty much like when you’re swimming in the middle of the ocean without directions. Everywhere seem too far away and diving down is just not an option.
Clube de Lutas INTRO TO BJJ class is perfect for you if this is your first time! It’s a one-on-one or one-on-two private training session with one of our coaches where they’ll get to share their best tips to learn BJJ. This way we can prioritise your learning and safety. Feel free to bring a friend with you to try out this martial art together too. Good things are better when it’s shared!
What should I wear to my first class?
Dress normally as how you would normally dress to a fitness gym such as T-shirt, gym shorts and yoga pants. Avoid wearing anything baggy and/or with pockets. We don’t encourage wearing these because your fingers or toes can get caught in them. If you already have one, bring your mouthguard with you.
We do kindly ask you to please make sure that you remove your shoes before stepping on the mats. The mat area is a sacred place for any dojo. It is the place where you’ll learn something new about yourself whenever you step onto it. A place of learning and growth. A common practice in our gym is that – we take a bow before stepping on the mats to respect the mats for what it’s providing to our well-being, personal growth and its purpose.
Finger and toenails must be trimmed and well-groomed. Anyone with long hair, please tie your hair up in a ponytail, bun or braid them during class. All piercings and jewellery must be removed to prevent injuries. If you would like to take a shower before or after the class, there are showers in the lobby of Playpoint.
Arriving at the gym
We recommend coming to the gym 5 to 10 minutes early so you have enough time to introduce yourself to the coaches and also get a feel of the gym. Usually, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver if you haven’t done it already.
You’ll get to get dressed and stretch out on the mats before the class starts. There is also a water dispenser that you can use to refill your water bottle or if you like, we have some beverages and açai available for purchase at the reception.
Class Structure
With over 40 years of experience under our coaches’ belts collectively, we have found a formula to help you understand the essential movements and concepts of BJJ. This formula was used to design our Intro to BJJ class specifically to suit anyone who is looking to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time regardless of their background – athletes, stay-at-home mum, boxer, powerlifter, office worker, tradies etc.
In this class, you’ll get to learn:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focused Warm Ups
Type of Grips
Core Concept of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
– Types of Control
– Understanding the Guard
– Establishing Control
– Transitioning Between Positions
Self Defense
– Breaking the grips
– Escaping from 3 self-defense positions
Stretches to Warm Down
After Class
Congratulations, you have just finished your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class! We know, it’s a lot to take in. The first class is always the most memorable class of your Jiu Jitsu journey. One day you’ll get to look back and see how far you’ve come since you first started doing this gentle art.
If you have any questions in mind, don’t hesitate to ask the coaches. They’re the best person to talk to if you wish to understand BJJ in more detail.
If you enjoyed the class and would like to keep training, we have a variety of membership prices, a 24/7 fitness corner, and over 20 classes available for you. Aside from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we also have Combat Fit, Muay Thai and Wrestling classes.
This all sounds great, how much is this private Intro to BJJ class?
The class is complimentary for anyone who wants to try out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time. We have a flexible timetable for this introduction class throughout the day.
We hope you find this article a helpful guide for you and see you on the mats soon!