Show up prepared, feel comfortable fast, and spend your first class learning instead of worrying about your gear.
Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class can feel like a big step, but what you wear and bring is actually simple. We keep first-timers focused on movement, safety, and learning the basics, not on having the perfect setup on day one. If you can dress comfortably and follow a few mat-friendly rules, you are in a great spot.
In our adult program, beginners train alongside experienced students, but the class is structured so you are not thrown into the deep end. We coach fundamentals like controlling distance, managing pressure, escaping positions, and applying submissions safely. Good preparation helps you relax, and when you relax, you learn faster.
This guide is designed for anyone looking into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Cottonwood and wondering what to do before that first class. We will cover clothing, hygiene, what to pack, what to skip, and a few Cottonwood specific tips like hydration and arriving early so you can get oriented without rushing.
What a first class is really like (so you can pack with confidence)
Most first classes follow a predictable rhythm. We start with a warm-up to raise your heart rate and prep your joints, then we teach a technique or two in a step-by-step way. After that, you drill the move with a partner at a controlled pace. Depending on the day and your comfort level, you may do light positional training, where we give you a specific situation to solve instead of free sparring.
Because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is hands-on, the right clothing matters more than in many fitness classes. You will be on your knees, on your back, and moving through tight spaces with a partner. Clothes that shift, snag, or scratch become distracting quickly, and distractions slow down progress. The goal is to wear items that stay put, breathe well, and keep everyone safe.
The best thing to wear to your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class
For your first session, think clean athletic basics. You do not need a full uniform to start, and we would rather you arrive comfortable than spend time guessing what brand or style is correct.
No-gi starter outfit (recommended for first-timers)
A simple no-gi setup works well for adult beginners:
• Athletic t-shirt or fitted training top that is clean and not overly loose
• Shorts without pockets, zippers, or metal details, or athletic pants or leggings
• Sports bra and supportive underlayer if you prefer more coverage and stability
• Optional rash guard if you already own one, but it is not required
Why we avoid pockets and zippers is pretty practical: fingers and toes can catch during grappling. It is not dramatic, it is just a common sense way to reduce avoidable injuries.
What about a gi and belt?
Some new students assume they must buy a gi before class. You can, but you do not have to for your first session. Many beginners start training in regular athletic wear while learning the basics, and we introduce uniforms as you settle in. If you already have a clean white belt, you are welcome to bring it, and if you do not, we can help you with what you need to get started.
If your goal is adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Cottonwood for fitness, self-defense, or stress relief, the first priority is simply getting on the mat consistently. We can handle the uniform details with you once you know you enjoy training.
What not to wear (and why it matters)
There are a few clothing choices that cause problems quickly, mostly because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu involves close contact and constant gripping.
Avoid:
• Jewelry of any kind, including rings and necklaces, because it can scratch or snag
• Denim, heavy sweats with metal tips, or anything with hard seams that can rub
• Shirts with sharp graphics or thick decorations that can irritate skin
• Long nails, which can accidentally cut training partners and also break painfully
If you are unsure about something, bring it and ask us when you arrive. We would much rather help you adjust than have you feel awkward mid-class.
A simple checklist of what to bring to your first class
Packing is easy. If you can make it to class with clean clothes and water, you are already doing it right. Still, a quick checklist helps you feel organized.
This is also a good moment to mention footwear. On the mats, we train barefoot. Off the mats, wear sandals or easy slip-on shoes so you can step out quickly without tracking dirt onto the training area.
Hygiene and safety: the unglamorous part that matters most
Cleanliness is a real part of training culture, and it is one of the simplest ways to keep classes safe and enjoyable. We maintain clean mats and a welcoming space, and we also ask students to do their part.
Before class, we recommend:
• Showering if you can, or at least arriving in clean clothes
• Brushing teeth or using mouthwash if you are coming from work
• Washing hands and trimming nails short
• Removing makeup or heavy lotions that can smear onto mats and partners
This is not about being perfect. It is about basic respect and reducing skin irritation and germs in an environment where you are in close contact.
If you have a small cut, cover it securely. If you are sick, sit the day out and come back when you are better. Consistency matters in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but so does being smart.
Cottonwood and AZ specific prep: hydration, heat, and pacing yourself
Arizona heat changes how training feels, even indoors. Dehydration sneaks up on people, especially if you are not used to high-desert conditions or you are coming from a desk job and suddenly sweating a lot.
A few practical tips:
1. Drink water earlier in the day, not only right before class
2. Eat a light meal 2 to 3 hours before training, like rice, eggs, or a sandwich
3. Avoid heavy greasy food right before class, because grappling plus a full stomach is not a great combo
4. Bring electrolytes if you cramp easily, but keep it simple at first
5. Pace yourself during warm-ups and ask us for modifications if needed
Most beginners do not need to be pushed harder. You need steady training, safe coaching, and a pace you can repeat week after week. That is how fitness changes and skills stick.
What we mean by beginner-friendly training
Beginner-friendly does not mean watered down. It means structured, coached, and safe. In our all-levels environment, we guide you through fundamentals that give you real control and confidence. Early on, that usually looks like:
• Learning how to move on the ground without panicking or freezing
• Understanding base and balance so you do not get tipped over easily
• Practicing escapes from common positions like mount or side control
• Using leverage and timing instead of muscling through every moment
• Exploring safe submissions with clear rules about tapping and releasing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is famous for making smaller people effective against larger partners, but the secret is not magic. It is mechanics, pressure management, and repetition. When you dress correctly and bring the basics, you free up your attention to learn those mechanics.
What to expect when you arrive: check-in, etiquette, and nerves
Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early for your first class. That gives you time to find parking, meet our coaches, and get a quick orientation. It also gives you a calm minute to breathe, because first-day nerves are normal.
A few etiquette points that help you fit in immediately:
• Step off the mats if you need to adjust clothing or use your phone
• Tell us about any injuries or limitations before class starts
• Tap early when you feel pressure, and release immediately when your partner taps
• Ask questions, even if they feel basic, because basics are the point
If your goal is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Cottonwood for self-defense, you will also appreciate that our coaching emphasizes control first. We want you to understand positions and safety before intensity increases.
After class: what to do with your gear and your body
Your first session will probably leave you pleasantly tired, maybe a little sore in places you did not know could get sore. That is normal. The best post-class routine is simple:
• Change out of sweaty clothes quickly
• Wash your training clothes before the next session
• Shower as soon as you can
• Drink water and eat a solid meal with protein and carbs
• Get sleep, because learning happens during recovery too
If you keep a gym bag ready with the essentials, showing up becomes automatic. And once showing up is automatic, progress follows.
Ready to Begin
If you bring clean athletic clothes, a water bottle, and a willingness to learn, you are ready for your first day. We will guide you through the fundamentals, help you understand what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training actually feels like, and make sure you leave with a clearer sense of how to move safely and effectively.
When you are ready to train in a supportive, all-levels environment here in Cottonwood, we would love to welcome you at Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. We offer a free first class, and we keep the process straightforward so you can focus on learning, not overthinking.
Move from reading to training and join a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Verde Valley Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai today.
