Your First Jiu Jitsu Class: What to Wear and Bring

For your first Jiu Jitsu class, wear comfortable athletic shorts and a t shirt you don't mind sweating in. That's it. You don't need a gi, a belt or any special gear to try it.

If you've been wondering what to wear to your first BJJ class, what to bring, and what happens once you step on the mat, this guide walks through all of it.

What to Wear to Your First BJJ Class

Pick clothes that let you move and won't catch on anything. Jiu Jitsu means kneeling, rolling and grabbing, so small details matter.

• Shorts with no zippers, buttons or deep pockets. Fingers and toes get caught in those.
• A t shirt that fits close to your body. A baggy shirt ends up over your head.
• Leggings or compression shorts under your shorts are fine if you want more coverage.
• No shoes on the mat. You'll train barefoot.

Take off all your jewelry before class. Rings, earrings, watches and necklaces can scratch a partner or get pulled. It's easiest to leave them at home.

Can I Wear Regular Gym Clothes

Yes. Regular gym clothes work well for a first class. Running shorts or workout shorts are fine, as long as they don't have zippers or pockets.

The one thing to skip is anything loose. A tank top or an oversized shirt slides around when you're on the ground, and you'll spend half the class fixing it.

Cotton is fine for your first class. If you keep training, you might switch to a quick drying workout shirt, because cotton gets heavy once it's soaked with sweat.

Do I Need to Buy a Gi or a Belt

Not for your first class. A gi is the heavy cotton jacket and pants worn in traditional Jiu Jitsu, and you don't need one to try it.

You don't buy a belt to start, either. Every new student in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu begins as a white belt, and the colored belts are earned over time on the mat.

If you keep training and want to join the gi classes, ask your coach what to get. Don't spend money on gear before you know you like it.

What to Wear to a No Gi Class

No Gi Jiu Jitsu is trained in athletic clothes instead of a gi. Shorts and a close fitting shirt are the usual outfit. A lot of people wear a rash guard, which is a stretchy shirt made for grappling.

For your first No Gi class, the same outfit works: comfortable shorts and a t shirt. The same rules apply too. No zippers, no pockets, no jewelry.

What to Bring to Your First BJJ Class

Keep it simple. Here's what to pack:

• A water bottle
• Flip flops or sandals to wear off the mat, so you don't track dirt onto it
• A hair tie if you have long hair
• A small towel
• A change of clothes for the drive home

And a few things to do before you leave the house:

• Trim your fingernails and toenails short. Long nails scratch your partners.
• Eat light. A big meal right before class sits heavy when you're rolling around.
• Plan to show up a few minutes early, so you're not rushing.

First BJJ Class: What to Expect

Most Jiu Jitsu classes follow a similar shape. There's a warm up to get your body moving. Then the coach shows a technique, and you practice it with a partner, slowly, over and over.

Some classes end with rolling. That's live practice where you and a partner try your moves against real resistance. At AK-49 Martial Arts, sparring is completely optional, so if you'd rather sit that part out on day one, that's fine.

When you walk in, tell the coach it's your first class. That way they can pair you with someone patient and keep an eye on how you're doing.

The most important thing to learn on day one is how to tap. If a hold starts to hurt or you feel stuck, tap your partner with your hand, or just say "tap." Your partner lets go right away. Tap early. Nobody will think less of you for it.

You'll probably forget some of what you learned by the time you get home. That's normal. Nobody picks it all up in one day.

What If I'm Nervous

That's normal. Most people are nervous before their first class, and a lot of them turn out to love it.

Classes for beginners are meant to start slow. You're not expected to know anything yet. You'll be learning next to people who started exactly where you are.

If you have an old injury or something that bothers you, tell the coach before class starts. That way they know, and you can go at a pace that feels right.

It's also okay if you're not in shape. You don't have to be fit to start. A few weeks of training gets you in better shape, and it gets a little easier every time you show up.

If you want to know what the first few weeks look like, read our guide to beginner Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

How It Works at AK-49 Martial Arts

At AK-49 Martial Arts in Soldotna, here's what to wear on your first day:

• For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or No Gi Jiu Jitsu, comfortable shorts and any t shirt.
• For striking classes, like Kickboxing and Muay Thai, comfortable shorts and a white shirt.

Any equipment you need for class is provided free of charge. You don't have to buy anything before you walk in.

There's a beginner's program for Jiu Jitsu that's separate from the advanced group. New students are paired with patient training partners, and coaches teach position before submission. Nobody is asked to do more than they're ready for.

There are no long term contracts, and you can cancel with a 30 day notice. Discounts are available for active military, veterans and public service.

People train with us from Soldotna, Kenai, Sterling, Nikiski and across the Kenai Peninsula, and classes are open to anyone seven and up. Check the schedule to find a class that fits your week.

Grab a pair of shorts and a t shirt, and claim your free class pass. Tell the coach it's your first time, and we'll take it from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for my first BJJ class?+

Trim your nails, take off your jewelry, eat light, and show up a few minutes early. Tell the coach it's your first class so they can pair you with a patient partner.

What if I'm plus sized?+

You're welcome exactly as you are. Wear comfortable shorts and a t shirt you can move in, and know that you don't have to be in shape to start. Nobody is asked to do more than they're ready for.

What should women wear to a Jiu Jitsu class?+

The same thing as anyone else: comfortable shorts and a t shirt with no zippers or pockets. Plenty of women like leggings under their shorts and a sports bra under a close fitting shirt.

Is expensive gear better for beginners?+

No. For your first Jiu Jitsu class at AK-49 Martial Arts, comfortable shorts and any t shirt are all you need, and any equipment needed for class is provided free of charge.