Your First BJJ Class: What to Expect

By Ryan Norton

Owner & Black Belt Instructor, Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu, Hoover, AL

Never tried Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before? That's okay.

Walking into a new academy can feel a little intimidating. You might be wondering what to wear, whether you'll be the only beginner, or if you're going to get thrown into a fight.

Relax. Everyone starts somewhere.

When You Arrive

We'll get you checked in, show you around, and introduce you to your instructor and some of the other students. You don't need to know any Jiu Jitsu. You don't need to know the terminology.

You just need to show up ready to learn.

You'll Learn the Basics

We'll start with a warm-up to get you moving and ready for class.

Then your instructor will demonstrate a few techniques and movements before you practice them with a partner. Don't worry if you don't get it right away. Jiu Jitsu takes time to learn, and making mistakes is part of the process. You'll also have plenty of upper belts around to help guide you, answer questions, and make sure you have someone you can learn from.

You May Get to Roll

Depending on the class, you may do some live training, or "rolling."

If you're brand new, we'll help you get started and pair you with someone appropriate. You aren't expected to know what you're doing, and you don't need to "win."

Your first few rounds might be a little chaotic.

That's normal.

You'll Get a Workout

Jiu Jitsu is a great workout, but you don't need to be in shape before you start.

You'll probably get tired. You may use muscles you didn't know you had. That's part of it.

Take breaks when you need them and keep showing up. Your conditioning will improve quickly.

What Should I Wear?

You don't need to buy a bunch of Jiu Jitsu gear before your first class. We'll let you know what to wear and what you'll need.

Once you decide you want to keep training, we'll help you get everything you need.

What If I'm Nervous?

That's completely normal. We've had plenty of people walk through our doors who were nervous, out of shape, or worried they wouldn't fit in. Then they started training.

You don't have to be good at Jiu Jitsu to start Jiu Jitsu.

You just have to start.

Come Try It

At Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu, we want you to feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.

We're a family-oriented Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Hoover, Alabama, built around community, discipline, growth, resilience, and excellence.

Your first class is free.

No experience needed. No pressure.

Just come give it a shot. Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu — Hoover, Alabama