Starting something new can be exciting, but it can also bring a few nerves along for the ride. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of those activities that will test your body, your mind, and even your patience, especially during those first few weeks. If you’ve been curious about trying it out, you’re not alone. Gyms across the world are filling up with people looking to learn this martial art that mixes technique, strategy, and a surprising amount of fun.

If you’re about to step onto the mats for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions: What do I wear? What should I expect? Am I going to survive this? (Yes, you will.) The good news is that every single black belt once stood in your shoes—wide-eyed and unsure, but excited to learn.

To help make that first class as smooth and enjoyable as possible, I’ve put together ten essential tips. Whether you’re signing up for your first trial week or finally making good on that promise to give BJJ a shot, these tips will help you walk in with confidence, leave with a smile, and maybe even fall in love with the sport.

1. Wear the Right Gear

If you’ve already purchased a gi (the traditional training uniform), great. Bring it along. If you haven’t, don’t worry. Most gyms will loan or rent one to beginners for their first few classes. A gi is basically a thick jacket and pants made from durable cotton. You’ll use it to grip, pull, and control your training partner.

Some gyms also offer “no-gi” classes, which are practiced in athletic shorts and a rash guard (basically a tight-fitting athletic shirt). Ask ahead of time what type of class you’ll be joining so you can dress accordingly.

One golden rule: avoid clothing with zippers, pockets, or anything that can snag. Stick to clean, comfortable, athletic gear that won’t scratch you or your training partners. And always, always wash your training clothes right after class. Hygiene is a big deal in BJJ.

2. Show Up a Little Early

Walking into a gym for the first time can be intimidating. Give yourself an extra 10–15 minutes to check in, meet the coach, and get comfortable. This will also give you time to stretch, tie your belt properly (your coach or a teammate will help if you’re not sure), and shake off any jitters before class begins.

Arriving early also shows respect for the instructors and your teammates. It sets the tone that you’re serious about being there and ready to learn. Plus, you won’t feel rushed or stressed before you even step onto the mats.

3. Pay Attention During Warm-Ups

Every BJJ class starts with a warm-up, and it’s not just about breaking a sweat. The drills you’ll do—shrimping, bridging, rolls—are movements that mimic the techniques you’ll use during actual training. Shrimping, for example, teaches you how to create space and escape when someone is on top of you.

At first, these movements might feel awkward. That’s completely normal. Nobody looks graceful the first time they try to shrimp across the mat. The key is to focus on learning the movements, not on doing them perfectly right away. Over time, these drills will feel natural, and they’ll help you move more efficiently during sparring.

4. Don’t Stress About Remembering Everything

Here’s the truth: you won’t remember everything from your first class. In fact, you might walk out feeling like you forgot most of it. That’s okay. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is complex, and it’s designed to be learned over months and years, not in one night.

Instead of trying to memorize every detail, focus on understanding the general idea of each technique. For example, if your coach is teaching a guard pass, you don’t need to nail every little step right away. Just grasp the big picture: posture, base, and movement. With repetition, the details will start to stick.

Think of it like learning a new language. You don’t start by memorizing a dictionary. You pick up words, phrases, and meanings over time. BJJ works the same way.

5. Tap Early, Tap Often

This is one of the most important rules in Jiu Jitsu. When your training partner applies a submission hold and you feel caught, tap—either by gently tapping your partner with your hand, tapping the mat, or even saying “tap.”

Tapping doesn’t mean you lost. It means you’re learning. The faster you tap, the more you’ll stay safe and injury-free, which means you’ll be back on the mats tomorrow ready to keep training.

Everyone taps. Black belts tap. World champions tap. It’s part of the process. Don’t let ego get in the way. The goal isn’t to win in training—it’s to improve.

6. Respect the Mats and Your Training Partners

BJJ is built on respect, and it starts with the mats. Always wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re off the mat so you’re not tracking dirt onto the training area. Keep your nails trimmed, your gi or rash guard clean, and yourself showered. Nobody wants to train with someone who looks—or smells—like they just rolled out of bed.

Respect also extends to your training partners. You’ll quickly find that BJJ is a community, and the people you train with will become a huge part of your journey. Treat them with kindness, avoid going too hard, and remember that everyone is there to learn and have fun.

7. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

In your first class, you’ll probably train with people who seem like they’ve been doing this forever. They’ll move smoothly, hit techniques you don’t understand, and maybe even submit you a few times. That’s normal.

What you’re not seeing is the months or years of hard work those teammates put in before you ever stepped on the mat. They once felt just as lost as you do now.

The only person you should compare yourself to is the version of you that walked into class last week. Did you learn one new thing? Did you survive five minutes of sparring instead of three? Those are wins worth celebrating.

8. Focus on Defense First

When you start training, it’s tempting to chase submissions right away. After all, who doesn’t want to land their first armbar or choke? But the truth is, your first priority should be survival.

Learning how to defend yourself—how to escape bad positions, keep your arms safe, and protect your neck—will make training a lot more enjoyable. Once you can stay calm and survive in tough spots, the offensive side of Jiu Jitsu will come much easier.

Defense is the foundation. Build it strong, and the rest will follow.

9. Ask Questions, but Don’t Overthink

Your instructors and teammates want to help you. If you’re confused about a move, ask. A quick question can save you a lot of frustration. Most people in BJJ are more than happy to share tips with beginners, because they remember what it was like to be new.

At the same time, don’t get caught up in overanalyzing everything. Sometimes the best way to learn is by just doing. Try the move, fail a little, and then adjust the next time. Progress in Jiu Jitsu comes from a mix of instruction and experience.

10. Have Fun and Stick With It

Your first class is just the beginning of an incredible journey. You’ll get in shape, build confidence, and meet some of the best people you’ll ever know. Some days will be tough. You might leave class feeling tired, sore, or even frustrated. But those moments are all part of the process.

The key is to stick with it. Jiu Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. The longer you train, the more it will make sense, and the more fun it becomes. Celebrate small victories, enjoy the process, and remember why you started.

Why Train at Pirate BJJ?

If you’re in Madison and ready to take your first class, there’s no better place to start than Pirate BJJ. Pirate BJJ is Madison’s premier BJJ gym, offering classes for both kids and adults in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or just pick up a new hobby, the instructors here are ready to help you every step of the way.

The best part? Your first week is free. That means you can try out a variety of classes, meet the coaches, and see if Jiu Jitsu is right for you—without any pressure. All you have to do is schedule your visit and show up.

And if you’re wondering, yes, Pirate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has everything you need to kick off your training the right way. From high-quality instruction to a supportive community, it’s the perfect spot to start your journey.

Final Thoughts

Walking into your first Jiu Jitsu class might feel intimidating, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’ll be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever had. Remember:

• Wear the right gear.

• Show up early.

• Pay attention to warm-ups.

• Don’t stress about remembering everything.

• Tap early and often.

• Respect the mats and your partners.

• Focus on your own progress, not others.

• Build your defense.

• Ask questions.

• And most importantly, have fun.

Take that first step onto the mats, and who knows—you might just find yourself hooked.

So if you’re ready to give it a shot, head over to Pirate BJJ in Madison, grab that free trial week, and start your journey today. Your future self will thank you.