What to Bring and What to Expect at Your First Jiu Jitsu Class

Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially when you’re walking into your very first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. One of the most common questions we get at Berserkir Jiu Jitsu is:

“What do I need to bring?”

The good news is that getting started is much easier than most people think. Here’s everything you need to know before your first class.

Gi vs. No Gi Classes

At Berserkir Jiu Jitsu, we offer both gi and no gi classes.

Gi Classes

Gi classes use the traditional jiu jitsu uniform called a gi. If you’re brand new and don’t own one yet, don’t worry — no gi athletic clothing is perfectly fine until your gi comes in.

No Gi Classes

No gi classes are typically done in athletic compression-style clothing such as:

• rash guards

• compression shirts

• dry-fit athletic wear

• leggings

• athletic shorts

What Clothing Should You Wear?

For your first few classes, simple athletic clothing is completely acceptable.

Good options include:

• t-shirts

• basketball shorts

• leggings

• dry-fit shirts

• compression gear

Compression or fitted athletic wear is preferred because loose clothing can:

• get tangled during training

• rip more easily

• become uncomfortable while grappling

Please avoid:

• clothing with zippers

• spaghetti straps

• crop tops

• excessively loose joggers or hoodies

Zippers can damage the mats and accidentally scratch or injure training partners during class.

Remove Jewelry and Piercings

Before class, make sure to remove:

• rings

• necklaces

• watches

• dangling earrings

• piercings when possible

This helps prevent accidental snags, tears, and injuries for both you and your teammates.

Bring Flip Flops or Slides

This is one thing many beginners don’t expect.

Please bring flip flops, slides, or easy slip-on shoes to wear around the gym.

When training jiu jitsu:

• shoes stay off the mats

• shoes go back on whenever you step off the mats

This helps keep the mats clean and prevents dirt and bacteria from bathrooms or outside areas from being tracked onto the training surface.

Good mat hygiene is extremely important in martial arts gyms.

Hydration Matters

Training can be intense, especially in South Mississippi heat and humidity.

We provide bottled water at the gym, but you’re always welcome to bring your own water bottle as well. Staying hydrated is important for both performance and recovery.

What Your First Class Will Feel Like

It is completely normal to feel:

• nervous

• awkward

• tired

• out of your comfort zone

Grappling involves movements most people have never done before, so don’t worry if everything feels unfamiliar at first.

Your coaches and teammates will help guide you through class and make you feel welcome. Nobody expects beginners to know what they’re doing on day one.

Most people leave their first class realizing:

• they got a great workout

• the environment was more welcoming than expected

• jiu jitsu is challenging but fun

And yes — you will probably discover muscles you didn’t know you had.

The More You Train, the More Comfortable You’ll Become

As you continue training, you’ll notice improvements in:

• cardio

• athletic ability

• flexibility

• confidence

• mental toughness

Many students also find comfort in knowing they are learning practical self-defense skills and becoming less afraid of physical confrontation or worst-case situations.

Jiu jitsu has a way of positively impacting every area of life if you give it time and stay consistent.

See You on the Mats

At Berserkir Jiu Jitsu in Gulfport, Mississippi, we welcome beginners of all fitness and experience levels.

Your first class is free, and our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and challenged from day one.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, now is the perfect time to start.

See you on the mats.