Embarking on your Jiu Jitsu journey can be both exciting and a bit intimidating. To help ease your nerves and ensure you have a great experience, and be a good teammate, here's a comprehensive guide on how to get ready for your Jiu Jitsu class.

1. Appropriate gear for jiu jitsu

Before heading to a combat sports gym, it's important to know what apparel and equipment you'll need:

If you are attending a BJJ class that’s in the Gi you will need: 

A Gi: A gi is a traditional uniform consisting of a jacket, pants, and a belt. Many gyms provide rental gis for beginners. It’s important for you to feel comfortable and confident in your gi.  

A Rash Guard or Singlet: Many people choose to wear a rash guard underneath their gi because it can protect you from cuts, scrapes, and skin diseases. A rash guard comes in short and long sleeves and can be hot underneath the heavy gi material. While some women wear sports bras underneath the gi, our favorite solution is a grappling singlet because it stays down all training long and has a built in sports bra.

Belt: A belt indicates your rank, usually starting with a white belt for adults.  Your gym will give you your first belt. 

If you are attending a BJJ class that’s No-Gi you will need:

A Rash Guard:  A rash guard is a tight-fitting athletic shirt that protects your skin. It is essential that you have your shoulders and midriff covered in no-gi jiu jitsu.  Rash guards come in short and long sleeved options.  Long sleeved rash guards offer more protection but many people prefer short sleeve rash guards because they help keep you cooler. 

A pair of Grappling Shorts or Spats: Grappling shorts are worn for both no- gi. And some grapplers prefer to layer them over spats. Spats are worn to allow for a full range of motion. Spats can protect you from cuts, scrapes, and skin diseases. 

Additional Essentials for your first jiu jitsu class:

Mouthguard: Protects your teeth and gums. Keep it in a protective case
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during and after class. Fill it with water or an electrolyte drink.
Towel: For drying off after training. 
Flip-Flops: To wear around the gym and to the mat to keep your feet clean.
Wet bag: For wet dirty gear

Extra Clothes: Pack a change of clothes for after training.
Toiletries: To shower at the gym

2. Before you get to the gym:

3. Reflect and Plan for Next Time

Take a moment to reflect on what you learned and how you felt during your first class. Set some goals for your next class and remember that progress in Jiu Jitsu takes time and patience. A jiu jitsu journal can help structure your learning. 

Conclusion