Starting Your BJJ Journey: What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your First Day on the Mats at Jiu-Jitsu Columbus.
- nmtdesignstudios
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Walking into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school for the first time can feel a little intimidating. You might be wondering, Will I fit in? Am I in good enough shape? What if I don’t know what to do?
Here’s the truth:
Everyone starts somewhere, and every black belt was once a beginner just like you.
At Jiu-Jitsu Columbus, we love welcoming new students and guiding them to take their first steps with confidence. If you’re considering starting your BJJ journey, here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your first day on the mats.
What to Expect on Your First Day
1. A Warm Welcome
When you arrive, we’ll welcome you, introduce you to your instructor, and help you feel at ease. You’ll likely meet other students right away; our community is friendly, supportive, and truly understands what it’s like to be new.
2. A Safe and Structured Environment
Your first class will be guided from start to finish. We’ll show you where to put your belongings, explain the layout of the mats, and give you a quick overview of gym etiquette. Safety is our top priority, both for you and your training partners.
3. A Focus on Basics
Don’t worry about learning complicated moves on your first day. You’ll focus on the basics: warm-ups, simple movements, and introductory techniques that you can actually remember. We’ll match you with a partner to guide you through each step.
4. An Amazing Workout
BJJ is both physically and mentally engaging. You’ll engage muscles you didn’t even realize you had while solving problems and thinking strategically. It’s a great workout, but it’s also a skill-building session.
5. A Taste of the Community
Many people stick with BJJ not just for the art itself, but for the friendships they build. You’ll quickly notice the camaraderie, mutual respect, and encouragement that make our team feel like family.
How to Prepare for Your First Class
1. Wear the Right Clothing
If you don’t have a gi (BJJ uniform) yet, wear comfortable athletic clothing without zippers or buttons. A t-shirt or rash guard and athletic shorts or leggings work perfectly. We’ll provide a loaner gi if your class requires one.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Make sure your nails are trimmed, your clothes are clean, and you’ve removed any jewelry. Good hygiene is an important part of BJJ etiquette and helps keep everyone safe and comfortable.
3. Bring Water
You’ll sweat a lot, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during breaks.
4. Arrive Early
Allow yourself at least 10–15 minutes to check in, get changed, and meet your instructor. Arriving early helps you feel less rushed and more at ease.
5. Come With an Open Mind
BJJ is challenging, and it’s normal to feel a little lost at first. The important thing is to show up eager to learn and patient enough to see your skills grow over time.
Your First Step Starts Here
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be transformative. You’ll become stronger, boost your confidence, learn useful self-defense skills, and join a welcoming community. The toughest part is simply walking through the door; after that, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
At Jiu-Jitsu Columbus, your journey is our mission.
We’re here to help you start with confidence, train with purpose, and grow into the best version of yourself, both on and off the mats.
Comments