Your First Class: What To Expect

Before The Class

To help your first session run smoothly, please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your class starts.

This gives us time to welcome you properly, show you around the academy, help you get changed, and size you up for your training uniform.

For your trial session, just bring:

  • Comfortable sports clothing

  • Sliders or flip-flops

  • A water bottle

We will provide:

  • A Gracie Barra Gi

  • A rash guard

If you have already received your waiver, please make sure it is completed before you arrive.

What Happens In A Trial Class

Your first class is designed to be welcoming, structured and suitable for complete beginners.

A typical session includes:

  • A guided warm-up

  • Fundamental movement drills

  • Technique instruction

  • Partner work with support from an experienced member

  • Light positional training, depending on the class

You will usually be paired with a more experienced student who will help guide you through the session and make sure you feel comfortable throughout.

There is no pressure to know anything before you start. Everything is explained clearly by the coach.

Watch our warm-up sequence before your first class so it feels familiar when you arrive.

The Gracie Barra Warm Up

Every class begins with our structured Gracie Barra warm up.

This helps prepare your body for training while also introducing movement patterns used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The warm up may feel unfamiliar at first, but very quickly becomes part of the routine.

Useful Videos To Watch Before Your Trial

If you want to feel even more prepared, these short videos are worth watching before your first session.

Basic BJJ Terms

A simple introduction to common words and positions you may hear in class.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvHhcvdXKN0XWm91RHVHdY_jX4e50_TqS

The Gracie Barra Journey

A short video explaining where Gracie Barra comes from and the values behind the academy.