So, how do I actually start BJJ?
Well, the short answer is easy. Just show up and start wrestling!
Honestly, the easiest way to get going is just to show up at a gym and give it a go. The hardest thing is showing up for the very first time.
You're probably also wondering what gear you need to do Jiu Jitsu. Most gyms will lend you a gi for your first few classes. Just make sure your nails are trimmed, you're wearing some workout gear and maybe a rashguard.
So how do you pick a BJJ gym to join? Just shop around. Visit a lot of gyms and see who you vibe with. Ultimately, when you start seriously training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you'll spend a lot of time at your academy. So it's best to find a place where you fit in with the people. Grappling is physically and mentally difficult, you need a good team of people around you.
Once you've decided you're going to join a BJJ academy, you'll need to get some gear. You're going to need to buy a gi and some nogi gear. If you train 3 days a week you probably need:
- 2 Jiu Jitsu Gi's.
- 3 rashguards.
- 2 pairs of grappling shorts.
Depending on where you train, your club might not want you to wear shorts with any pockets. It's risk to fingers when you're rolling!
I personally always wear a rashguard under my gi because I don't have abs and it's kind of gross to rub your sweaty chest all over some poor training partner.
Always remember, your training partner's safety is more important than you getting some cool submission. If you hurt you pals they won't want to train with you! I know BJJ is exciting, but you're probably not competing at the IBJJF worlds every week. So relax, have fun and leave you ego at home!
