What to Expect in Your First Class

Before class: what to wear

Your hour in class

1. About 10 minutes

   Warm-up

   Class begins with a warm-up focused on basic Jiu-Jitsu movements. These movements help prepare your body for training while also introducing you to skills you will use throughout your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

   You may learn movements such as bridging, shrimping, technical stand-ups, and other fundamental movements used in Jiu-Jitsu.

2. Watch first

   Technical instruction

   After warming up, your coach will demonstrate the technical skills that will be the focus of the class.

   Your coach will explain and demonstrate each technique step-by-step, giving you an opportunity to see how the movement works before you practice it yourself.

3. About three techniques per class

   Partner practice & repetition

   After each technique is demonstrated, you will partner with another student and practice several repetitions.

   This is where you begin developing the movement and learning how the technique feels when you actually perform it. Your coach will move around the room, answer questions, make corrections, and provide individual support.

   A typical class will cover about three technical skills, with time between each skill for demonstration, repetition, questions, and coaching.

4. Always optional

   Sparring — putting your skills to work

   At the end of class, there is usually time for sparring, also known in Jiu-Jitsu as “rolling.”

   Sparring is an opportunity to practice your Jiu-Jitsu with another student in a controlled environment. Rather than simply repeating a technique, you get the chance to see how your skills work when your partner is actively responding and trying to apply their own techniques.

   Sparring is optional. You are never required to spar, especially during your first class. You can choose to observe, continue practicing techniques, or participate when you feel ready.

   When you do choose to spar, your coach and training partners help create a safe and respectful environment where you can learn, make mistakes, problem-solve, and gradually build confidence.

   The goal isn’t to “win” your sparring round. It is an opportunity to grow your Jiu-Jitsu, test what you’ve learned, and learn how to apply your skills in a safe training environment.