The Complete Guide to Your First BJJ Class
Starting BJJ can feel overwhelming — there's a uniform, there's a language, and everyone seems to know what they're doing. Here's a clean, honest walkthrough of your first class at Winners.
What to wear
For your free trial, just show up in comfortable athletic clothes — shorts and a t-shirt work fine. We'll provide a gi (uniform) if you prefer to try the full experience. Bring flip-flops for walking off the mat (you train barefoot).
What to bring
- Water bottle
- A towel
- Short fingernails and toenails (important — long nails hurt training partners)
- Remove jewelry before the class starts
- No cologne or strong perfume (you'll be close to other people)
When to arrive
15 minutes early on your first day. The coach will walk you through the mat etiquette, introduce you to a senior student, and make sure you feel comfortable before class starts.
What happens during class
A typical 60-minute class looks like this:
- 10-minute warm up — basic movement, shrimp drills, and solo practice. You'll learn how to move on the mat.
- 20–25 minute technique — coach demonstrates two or three techniques. You'll drill them with a partner.
- 15–20 minutes of live rolling — optional for first-timers. Most new students watch for the first few classes.
- 5 minutes cool down and line up
Mat etiquette
- Bow or shake hands before and after every roll
- Tap early and tap often — there's no shame in tapping
- Don't try to win your first rolls — try to survive
- Ask questions; people love helping new students
How to leave feeling like you belong
Introduce yourself to two new people. Thank your drilling partner. Ask the coach what to review at home. Come back within 48 hours while the muscle memory is fresh. That's it — three visits and you'll already feel like part of the academy.
Ready to try? Claim your free trial here.