What to Expect at Your First Jiu Jitsu Class in Philadelphia

Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class can feel like a lot. Most people show up with the same thoughts: Am I too out of shape for this? What if I have no idea what I’m doing? Is everyone going to be way better than me? The honest answer is yes, most people in the room will have more experience than you. But that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. At The Jiu Jitsu Company, every single person on the mat started in that same position, unsure of what to expect but willing to give it a shot.

The good news is you don’t need any experience to begin. You don’t need to be flexible, strong, or even particularly coordinated. Jiu jitsu is something you learn by doing, not something you need to be “ready” for ahead of time. Your first class isn’t about performing well, it’s about getting exposed to the movement, the structure, and the environment.

Most classes are organized in a way that makes it easy to follow along, usually starting with some light movement, followed by technique instruction, then drilling, and eventually some form of controlled training. It’s not chaotic, and you’re not being thrown into a fight.

You also won’t be thrown to the wolves. You’ll typically be paired with someone who understands that you’re new, either another beginner or a more experienced student who knows how to guide you through things at a reasonable pace. Good training environments are built around helping people improve, not testing them on day one. The goal is to learn, not survive.

As for what to wear, you don’t need to overthink it. A t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts (preferably without pockets) is perfectly fine for your first class. If you decide to keep going, you’ll eventually train in a gi or nogi attire which is the traditional uniform, but that’s something you can figure out later. For now, just show up comfortable and ready to move.

It’s also worth knowing that everyone feels awkward at first. You’re going to forget steps, move the wrong way, and probably feel a little uncoordinated. That’s not a sign that jiu jitsu “isn’t for you”, it’s just part of the process. Progress comes from showing up consistently, not from getting everything right immediately. The goal early on isn’t to win or submit anyone. It’s simply to start understanding what’s happening and get more comfortable each time you step on the mat.

The hardest part, by far, is walking through the door that first time. Once you’re in the room and moving, things tend to click faster than you expect. Most people leave their first class realizing it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as they imagined, and a lot more fun than they thought it would be.

If you’ve been thinking about trying it, this is a good place to start. You can begin with a free week at The Jiu Jitsu Company and get a feel for the training, the structure, and the community. No experience needed, just show up and see how it goes.

You can book your free week trial with us online here.