Knowledge base
What Do I Need To Bring To My First Martial Arts Lesson?
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- First Lesson Preparation
Quick Answer
For your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lesson, bring comfortable athletic clothing, a water bottle, and a willingness to learn. Most schools, including ours, provide loaner gis for newcomers, so you don’t need to purchase any gear before your first class.
Written and reviewed by Rob Veltman
Teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Royal City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2023, with experience across a wide range of students and skill levels.
After years of working with first-time martial arts students, I’ve found that being prepared helps people feel more comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Bring the basics, come with an open mind, and focus on learning rather than trying to have everything figured out on day one.
What to Wear to Your First BJJ Class
A plain t-shirt, athletic shorts or leggings, and grip socks are a solid choice for your first session. If you already own a rash guard or spats, feel free to wear them under a loaner gi. Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or exposed jewelry, since these can catch on grips and get in the way during drilling.
Personal Items Worth Packing
A refillable water bottle keeps you hydrated between rounds, and a small towel is handy for wiping down after warm-ups. Flip-flops or sandals are useful for walking to and from the mat area, since bare feet are usually required once you step onto the mats. If you have long hair, bring a tie to keep it out of your face during grappling.
What You Don't Need to Buy Yet
There’s no need to buy your own gi, belt, or specialised Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear before your first class. New students are welcome to borrow equipment while they decide if the style suits them. Once you’re training regularly, your instructor can guide you toward gear that fits your goals and body type.
What to Expect Beyond the Gear
Understanding the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals for beginners can also make the techniques, positions, and movements introduced during early classes easier to follow. Coaches like Rob Veltman focus on building confidence and character alongside technique, so beginners are guided through the basics at a pace that respects where they’re starting from. Expect encouragement from training partners rather than pressure to perform.
Tips to Feel Confident Walking In
Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to meet your instructor and get a feel for the space. Let them know it’s your first class so they can pair you with a patient training partner. Ask questions whenever something is unclear, and remember that everyone on the mats once stood exactly where you are now.
Related questions
If I continue after my trial BJJ class, do I need to buy my own gi, and are there any requirements for its colour, fit, or style?
Once you decide to keep training, most schools expect students to eventually pick up their own gi, though there’s no rush to buy one right away. A properly fitted gi shouldn’t be so loose that opponents can easily grip excess fabric, nor so tight that it restricts movement, and white or blue are the most common beginner colours unless you’re preparing for competition. Since specific colour or brand requirements can vary by academy, it’s worth confirming any particular preferences with your instructor before you purchase.
What BJJ-specific hygiene rules should a beginner know about covering cuts, skin conditions, showering, and keeping training gear clean?
Good hygiene matters in a grappling sport where you’re in close contact with training partners. Cover any open cuts or scrapes with a bandage before stepping on the mats, and sit out if you have a contagious skin condition like ringworm or impetigo until it’s fully healed. Shower soon after training, wash your rash guard or gi after every session, and keep nails trimmed short to avoid accidental scratches.
Is it okay to wear glasses or contact lenses during BJJ training?
Contact lenses are generally the safer option for grappling, since glasses can slip, fog up, or get knocked off during close contact drilling. If you rely on glasses and don’t wear contacts, ask your instructor about wearing a secure sports strap, though even then there’s some risk of them being bumped during rolling. Bringing a backup pair or a case to store them safely on the sideline is a practical habit for beginners.
Are there any forms, medical details, emergency-contact information, or other information I should have ready before my first BJJ lesson?
Most martial arts schools ask new students to complete a basic waiver and provide an emergency contact before their first class, so it’s worth arriving a little early to handle any paperwork. If you have relevant medical conditions, allergies, or previous injuries, mention these to your instructor beforehand so they can adjust drills if needed. Since exact intake requirements can differ between academies, it’s reasonable to check ahead if you want to know precisely what to bring.
What should I pack differently once I move from a trial BJJ lesson into regular weekly training?
As you shift from a single trial class to training multiple times a week, it’s practical to pack a spare t-shirt or shorts since you’ll likely sweat through more sessions, along with a mouthguard once you start live sparring. You’ll also want to start thinking about picking up your own gi rather than relying on loaners, plus a gym bag to keep gear organized between classes. Continuing to bring a water bottle, towel, and sandals for walking to the mats remains just as useful as it was for your first lesson.
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- Last updated: 19 September 2026