Starting something new can feel daunting, especially when it comes to martial arts. If you are looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Arnold and thinking about booking your first class, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident before you step onto the mats.
At Gracie Barra Arnold, we welcome beginners every day, so you will be supported from the moment you arrive.
Arrving for Your First Class At Gracie Barra Arnold
We recommend arriving around 15 minutes early to give you enough time to get ready before the class begins.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a member of the team and asked to complete a quick form. We will then provide you with a uniform and show you how everything works, including how to tie your belt if it is your first time.
Most people who walk through the door are complete beginners, so there is no expectation for you to know anything beforehand.
What to Bring To Your First BJJ Class
You do not need much for your first class. We will provide a full uniform for you to wear, so you just need to bring a bottle of water. It is also a good idea to bring something to change into afterwards as you will likely work up a sweat.
While we are barefoot on the mats, footwear is required everywhere else in the academy. You’ll see most of our students walking around in sliders or flip flops, they make leaving the mat for any reason quick and easy!
It’s also important to note what not to wear, don’t wear anything with extra pockets, belt loops, or baggy fabric. We don’t want our training partner’s fingers to get caught.
Hygiene and Safety
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close contact sport, so hygiene plays an important role in every class.
Before stepping onto the mats, you will be asked to remove any jewellery. If you need glasses then please feel free to wear them on to watch the technique, but you’ll have to take them off when practising! Make sure to cut your toenails and fingernails, and if you have long hair then you’ll want to tie it up out of the way.
What Happens During Your First Class
Your first class will follow a clear and structured format, which makes it easy to settle in and know what to expect.
When you step onto the mat, you will bow and join the line with the rest of the class. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to stand, our team will guide you. This structure is the same every session, so you will quickly become familiar with how everything runs.
Classes begin with a warm up to get you moving, followed by a self-defence technique and two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques on the ground. Everything is broken down step by step so you can understand it properly.
You will be paired with one of our more experienced students, who will help you throughout the class and make sure you feel comfortable. You are always encouraged to ask questions, and our instructors are there to support you at every stage.
Towards the end of the session, you will take part in some positional sparring. This is a controlled way to practise what you have learned with a bit more resistance, without any pressure to get the techniques perfect. It is not about going all out, it is about learning how the techniques work in a more realistic setting.
We finish every class the same way we started, with a bow to show respect to the team and the tradition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
It’s perfectly normal to feel exhausted after your first BJJ class, even for the most in shape people! Grappling is hard work and it will take a while for your body to get used to it. It’s a fantastic way to get fit and an amazing feeling when you start to get the techniques to work!
Feeling Nervous is Normal
One of the most common concerns people have before their first class is whether they will feel out of place.
The reality is that almost everyone you see on the mats once felt exactly the same. The environment at our academy in Arnold is designed to be welcoming and supportive, so you will quickly feel part of the group.
Over time, training becomes more than just exercise. It builds confidence, discipline, and mental resilience that carry over into everyday life.
Why Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Arnold?
Having a local academy makes a big difference when starting something new. If you are based in Arnold or nearby areas like Mapperley, Sherwood, or Gedling, being close to the gym makes it easier to stay consistent and build a routine.
That consistency is what leads to real progress over time.
Book Your Free Trial Class
If you have been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Arnold, this is your sign to get started. Our beginner-friendly classes are designed to help you feel comfortable from day one, with guidance every step of the way.
Book your free trial class today and take that first step onto the mats. Once you’ve taken that first big step into your Jiu-Jitsu journey, you’ll wish you had done it sooner!
