What I Wish I Knew Before My First Jiu-Jitsu Class
Aktie
I sat in my car for a full five minutes before walking in. Not because I was late—but because I was doubting everything.
Was I fit enough?
Would I be the only beginner?
What if I got paired with someone who could toss me across the mat like a frisbee?
Turns out, some of that happened. But not in the way I feared.
I’ll walk you through what I wish I knew before that first Jiu-Jitsu class—and what made me come back the next day, sore but weirdly excited to roll again.
1. You Will Feel Out of Place at First—That’s Normal
I walked into a room full of people already stretching, drilling, and chatting like they’d known each other forever. Some looked like athletes who had been training for years—and I later found out many of them had.
I, on the other hand, had just bought my first rash guard and was still googling what “shrimping” meant.
But here’s the thing: almost everyone has felt this. It’s like walking into a new school, gym, or job. You don’t have to feel like a badass on day one. You just have to be willing to show up.
If you're new and unsure what to wear, start with a good rash guard. I grabbed mine from BJJSESH, where they have clean, durable options for women, men, and even kids. It made me feel less like an outsider and more like I belonged on the mat.
2. Yes, You Will Roll With People More Experienced Than You
And yes—it’ll be humbling.
One of my first rolls was with someone who had been training for five years. I got swept, mounted, and tapped more than I can remember. But afterward, that same person showed me why it happened and how to avoid it next time.
What surprised me most was how welcoming and encouraging higher belts were. They weren’t trying to “win”—they were helping me learn. Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about proving you’re tough. It’s about learning how to stay calm, adapt, and grow.
3. Awkward Moments Will Happen—But They’re Just Moments
At one point, I tried to post on my hand and ended up poking myself in the eye. Another time, I went the wrong way during a drill and collided with someone. Embarrassing? Sure. But everyone laughed with me, not at me.
There’s a weird beauty in BJJ: we’re all rolling around on sweaty mats, trying to choke each other in a controlled way. Awkwardness is part of the deal. And it passes. Fast.
4. You Might Be Nervous for Class #2—That’s a Good Sign
The day after my first class, my body felt like it had been folded and unfolded like laundry. I was sore in muscles I didn’t even know existed. But I was also hooked.
I couldn’t stop thinking about what I learned. I replayed small moments in my head: a grip that worked, a pass I almost finished, how I escaped (accidentally) from someone’s mount. I wasn’t just sore—I was curious.
And more than that, I wanted to connect with the people again. BJJ isn’t just solo growth—it’s community, partnership, and trust. You roll with someone, and even without speaking much, you build something real.
5. Gear Won’t Make You Good—But It Helps You Show Up
On my second class, I showed up in my own rash guard, not the borrowed one. Something shifted. I felt more prepared, more comfortable, and more like myself.
Whether you prefer a clean, simple style or bold designs, having your own gear can seriously boost your confidence. I still wear mine from BJJSESH, and it holds up through hard rolls and sweaty open mats. You can check out their full lineup for women, men, and kids if you're building your gear closet.
Final Thoughts: Just Show Up
I didn’t walk in with confidence. I didn’t leave with flawless technique. But I did leave knowing this was something worth coming back for.
If you're reading this because you’re considering trying your first class—do it. Expect to feel awkward. Expect to get humbled. And expect to walk away with something that sticks.
See you on the mat.