HOW TO START BJJ
You do not need to be in perfect shape or know any techniques before your first class. Here is what the first few weeks actually need to accomplish.

Before your first class
Choose a reputable academy, ask about beginner classes, bring water and arrive early enough to learn the gym’s rules. A clean gi is required at many gi schools; no-gi classes usually have a rash guard and grappling shorts requirement.
What you will learn first
Expect fundamentals: movement, posture, frames, escapes, guard, passing, a few submissions and how to tap. You are not supposed to remember everything after one lesson.
What rolling feels like
Live grappling is confusing at first. Focus on breathing, protecting your neck and limbs, listening to your partner and trying to recognize the position you are in.
Your first-month goal
Build familiarity, not a highlight reel. Learn the major positions, one or two escapes, one sweep and a small number of attacks. Consistent training matters more than collecting techniques.
Talk combat sports with people who actually train and watch.
Join Combat MP4 for BJJ, MMA, fight talk, technique discussion, clips and virtual fight predictions.
JOIN BJJ & MMA DISCORDBrowse the Combat MP4 Guides or jump into the BJJ and MMA sections.