Whether you’re reading this before stepping on the mats for your very first class—or after your first roll left you curious for more—the fundamentals stay the same. At Gracie Barra Chandler, we believe in the idea of Jiu Jitsu for Everyone. Walk into one of our evening classes and you’ll see students of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and belt ranks sharing the mats together. It’s a community built on respect, discipline, and fun, and you’re about to become part of it.
Let’s break down exactly what you can expect at your first Jiu Jitsu class in Chandler—from what to bring, to the drills you’ll learn, and the mindset that will help you get the most out of training.
Arriving for Your First Class
Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early. This gives you time to:
- Check in at the front desk and meet our team.
- Complete a short waiver form.
- Pick up your trial gi, rash guard, and belt.
- Change into your uniform and settle in.
When it comes to undergarments, stick to tight-fitting athletic wear—compression shorts or leggings under the gi are ideal. If you have long hair, bring a tie. Please remove all jewelry before class; grappling can easily catch rings, earrings, or necklaces and cause injury.
Pro tip: Wearing sandals or flip flops for your jiu jitsu class in Chandler is a must. To keep our mats clean and safe, we ask that you wear footwear anytime you’re off the mats and leave them at the edge before stepping back on. Kids, this rule is especially important when heading to the restroom—no one wants those germs tracked back onto the training surface.
Why Jiu Jitsu Hooks People
Stepping into a martial arts school for the first time can feel intimidating, but Jiu Jitsu is surprisingly welcoming. Your first class will show you two big things:
- It’s fun. You’ll learn something brand new, work your body, and unlock the “puzzle” of how leverage and technique overcome size and strength. For many students, this challenge becomes the hook that keeps them coming back.
- It’s a workout. Even if you’re in shape, you’ll discover how tiring (and rewarding) it can be to wrestle with a resisting partner. That’s why hydration is key. Drink water before, during, and after class. At GB Chandler we offer a filtered water station for refills, and on select days, a coffee barista is on hand for a post-class treat while you or your kids train.
Mindset for Kids and Parents
If you’re bringing your child for their first Jiu Jitsu class in Chandler, help them remember: this isn’t about winning.
Jiu Jitsu is built on the philosophy that you either win, or you learn. Tapping out isn’t losing—it’s a signal to stop and reset. Kids (and adults) are reminded to tap early and often to avoid injury.
Our kids’ program starts as young as ages 3–4, and we have students training into their 70s. Whether your child is 7 or 17, they’ll learn alongside peers their age, guided by experienced coaches and professors.
For adults, we also offer women’s-only classes, providing a supportive space to learn self-defense and grow in confidence.
Warm-Ups: Your First Steps
Every class begins with a structured warm-up. This serves a few purposes:
Preventing injury by loosening joints and muscles.
Building conditioning and flexibility.
Teaching fundamental Jiu Jitsu movements you’ll use every time you train.
A few drills you’ll likely see on day one:
1. The Hip Escape (Shrimping)
We have a saying, “Shrimping Ain’t Easy”, and it’s true. It is one of the most essential movements in Jiu Jitsu. It’s how you create space and escape bad positions.
Lie flat on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor
Choose a side, we’ll use right for this.
Roll slightly to the right as you lift your hips in the air.
Frame with your arms to protect yourself as you move.
Slide your hips back to the left
For the drill: Roll back flat and reset, repeat on the opposite side
2. The Break fall
Learning how to fall safely is crucial—in class and in real life. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we use the breakfall to do just as it sounds, break our fall. Avoiding hitting our head either on the mat, or on the ground in the unfortunate event of an altercation or self-defense scenario, is crucial to staying safe. We practice this to make it second nature in the event of a fall or takedown.
Tuck your chin to protect your head.
As you roll backward, slap the mats with your palms to absorb impact.
Keep your knees up to guard against an “opponent.”
Rock forward and repeat.
This drill helps you build muscle memory, whether you’re being swept in class or slipping on ice in the parking lot.
3. The Technical Stand-Up
Getting up safely matters just as much as knowing how to fall.
In a seated position, roll to one side, planting both hands on the mat next to you.
- Putting your weight on your hands, use your opposite leg to begin raising your hips off the mat.
- On the same side of your hands, begin pulling this leg in and behind you, creating your standing base
- In a self-defense scenario, use your near side hand to deflect attacks and protect your face, while your hand furthest from the attacker is on the ground/mat to help you stand. k
These three movements—hip escape, breakfall, technical stand-up—are the building blocks of Jiu Jitsu. You’ll use them for years to come.
Techniques You’ll See in Your First Class
After warm-ups, your coach will usually introduce:
- One self-defense or takedown technique to help you start a roll on top or stay safe.
- The position of the week—this could be learning the basics of guard, half guard, side mount, or mount, along with how to escape or advance from that position.
Don’t worry if the terms sound foreign—everyone starts here. With time, these positions become second nature.
Training in a Safe, Structured Environment
At Gracie Barra Chandler, safety is our highest priority. Professors and coaches ensure new students are paired with the right training partners. You won’t be thrown into intense sparring on day one. Instead, you’ll practice movements, partner drills, and learn at your own pace.
And remember: Jiu Jitsu is for Everyone. Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, competition, or just a new hobby, there’s a place for you on the mats.
Next Steps After Class
After your first session:
- Ask questions: We love to tell you more about the sport, tips or suggestions, or explain the technique. Never hesitate to ask your training partner, professor, or program director questions, the more, the better.
- If you loved it (and most people do), you can sign up at the front desk and receive our current offer, going home with your new training gear and a part of the GB Chandler Family.
We believe that sharing Jiu Jitsu changes lives. Beyond the physical workout, you’ll develop problem-solving skills, endurance, mental toughness, and friendships that last a lifetime. For many, it becomes the best part of their week—a place where the rest of the world fades away for a while.
Final Thoughts
Your first jiu jitsu class in Chandler, Arizona will be exciting, challenging, and memorable. You’ll learn how to move in new ways, push yourself physically, and experience a welcoming community of people all working toward the same goal—getting just a little better every day.
We can’t wait to meet you on the mats.
Ready to try it? Book your free trial class here →
