Brazilian jiu-jitsu for beginners: your first BJJ class, gi vs no-gi and what to bring

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu, usually shortened to BJJ, is a grappling martial art. There are no punches or kicks in normal training. Instead you learn to control a partner on the ground and finish with a submission, a joint lock or a choke, at which point they tap and you both reset. It suits people of almost any size, age and fitness level, but the first class can be bewildering. Here is what to expect.

Gi or no-gi?

BJJ is trained in two main styles, and many gyms teach both.

Gi: you wear a heavy cotton jacket, trousers and a belt. Gripping the cloth is allowed, which opens up a huge range of techniques and tends to slow the pace down.
No-gi: you wear shorts and a fitted top, often a rash guard. With no cloth to grip, the game is faster and relies more on grips on the body, arms and head.

Neither is better. Many people start with whatever classes fit their timetable. If you think you might try other grappling or MMA later, no-gi transfers directly; if you like a slower, more technical game, gi suits you. Trying both is worthwhile.

What happens in a first class

Formats vary, but a typical beginner class looks like this.

Warm-up: running, movement drills such as shrimping (an escape movement on your side), forward and backward rolls, and break-falls.
Technique: the coach shows one or two moves, and you practise them with a partner. Your partner offers little resistance while you learn.
Positional drilling: you start in a set position and one person tries to achieve a goal, such as escaping or passing, while the other resists.
Sparring (rolling): some gyms let beginners roll from the first day, others wait a few weeks. You can always sit a round out.

You will feel lost, out of breath and squashed. Everyone does. It passes.

What to bring

For gi classes: many gyms lend a gi for a trial class. Ask before you go. If not, a T-shirt and joggers without zips or pockets will usually do.
For no-gi: shorts without zips or pockets, and a fitted T-shirt or rash guard.
Flip-flops or sliders for walking off the mat, so you do not carry dirt onto it.
Water and a towel.
A gumshield is optional but many people use one when sparring.
Ear guards are optional, used by people worried about cauliflower ear.

Remove jewellery, including rings and earrings, before training. Tie back long hair.

Etiquette

Clean feet, short nails. Trim fingernails and toenails; they scratch partners.
Shower before class and wash your kit after every session, without exception. Mats spread skin infections.
Never walk on the mat in outdoor shoes, and never walk off it barefoot into the toilets.
Stay home if you have a skin condition you are unsure about, a cold sore or a cold.
Tap early and respect the tap. Tapping is how you say "stop". When your partner taps, let go immediately.
Do not go flat out. A beginner who sprays strength everywhere tires fast and is more likely to hurt someone.
Bow or greet as your gym does when stepping on or off the mat; customs vary.
Arrive early the first time to sign the waiver and meet the coach.

Before you go

Tell the coach about any injuries, especially neck, back or knee problems, and any health conditions. If you are unsure whether grappling is safe for you, check with your doctor first. And tell your partner if something hurts.

How long until it clicks?

For most people, the first few months are about survival: learning to breathe under pressure and recognise positions. Then things start to connect. Showing up regularly matters much more than talent. Have a question before your first class, or a story from it? Share it in the comments below.