Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can be intimidating. You do not want to be the person who shows up unprepared or brings the wrong gear. This complete checklist covers exactly what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to make a great first impression.
The Essential First Day Checklist
✅ MUST Bring
- Clean t-shirt – Regular athletic shirt, no buttons or zippers
- Athletic shorts – Board shorts or gym shorts, no pockets or metal
- Flip-flops or sandals – For walking off the mats (never walk on mats with shoes)
- Water bottle – You will sweat a lot. Stay hydrated.
- Small towel – For wiping sweat between rounds
- ID and payment method – Most gyms require first-day paperwork
- Positive attitude – Seriously, this matters most
❌ Do NOT Bring
- Jewelry – Rings, necklaces, earrings can hurt you and training partners
- Shoes on the mats – Major etiquette violation
- Baggy clothes – Fingers and toes can get caught
- Strong cologne/perfume – Overwhelming in close quarters
- A big ego – You will get tapped. Accept it and learn.
Do You Need a Gi for Your First Class?
Usually no. Most gyms have loaner gis for beginners to try before buying. Call ahead and ask. If they do not have loaners, wear the t-shirt and shorts combo mentioned above for no-gi class.
Pro tip: Do not buy a gi before your first class. Try a few sessions first to make sure you enjoy BJJ, then invest in gear.
What to Expect Your First Day
The Typical Class Structure
- Warm-up (15 minutes): Basic movements, shrimping, rolling, breakfalls
- Technique demonstration (20 minutes): Instructor shows 1-2 techniques
- Drilling (20 minutes): Practice techniques with partner, no resistance
- Sparring/Rolling (20-30 minutes): Live training (might be optional first day)
First Day Etiquette
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early – Time to sign waivers and meet the instructor
- Listen more than you talk – Absorb information
- Tap early, tap often – Do not try to be tough, just tap and reset
- Shower before class – Basic hygiene, especially for close-contact training
- Trim your nails – Long nails scratch training partners
- Be respectful – Bow when entering/leaving mat, address higher belts politely
What to Wear: Specific Recommendations
For Gi Class
If you are borrowing a gi or have your own:
- Rash guard or t-shirt under the gi (optional but recommended)
- Underwear/briefs under gi pants
- No socks – Train barefoot
For No-Gi Class
No-gi is more casual:
- Rash guard – Long sleeve preferred for mat burn protection
- Spats or athletic shorts – Board shorts work fine
- No zippers, pockets, or buttons – Safety hazard
Your First Week Gear Shopping List
If you decide to continue after your first class, here is what to buy in order of priority:
Week 1: The Basics ($50-80)
- Mouthguard ($10-20) – Protect your teeth
- Rash guard ($25-40) – Protects skin, required for no-gi
- Water bottle ($10-20) – If you do not have one
Week 2-4: First Gi ($70-120)
- Starter gi – Sanabul or Fuji are great for beginners
- White belt – Usually included with gi
- Gi bag – Keep your gear organized
Month 2+: Upgrades ($50-100)
- Second rash guard – Rotate while washing
- Knee pads – If your knees hurt from mat work
- Finger tape – Protects from grip fighting strain
Questions to Ask Your Gym
Before or on your first day, get these answered:
- Do you provide loaner gis for beginners?
- What is the class schedule for beginners?
- Are there any gym-specific rules I should know?
- Do I need to sign up for a membership or can I drop in first?
- What is the gym culture like? (Competition focused? Casual?)
Mental Preparation
Your first class will be overwhelming. You will:
- Forget techniques immediately
- Get confused by instructions
- Get tired faster than expected
- Probably get submitted if you spar
This is completely normal. Everyone starts here. Black belts were white belts once. Focus on showing up, listening, and being a good training partner. The skills come with time.
After Class: Recovery Tips
- Shower immediately – Clean off sweat and bacteria
- Wash your gear – Do not let sweaty clothes sit
- Hydrate and eat – You burned serious calories
- Stretch – You will be sore tomorrow
- Rest – Your body needs recovery time
Final Checklist: Print This
Before you leave for class, check:
- □ Clean t-shirt and shorts
- □ Flip-flops for off-mat walking
- □ Water bottle filled
- □ Small towel
- □ ID and payment
- □ Jewelry removed
- □ Nails trimmed
- □ Positive attitude ready
You are ready. Show up, be respectful, and have fun. Welcome to BJJ.