5 Things EVERY Beginner Should Know About Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is the fastest-growing martial art in the world, captivating people everywhere with its unique blend of fitness, fun, and practical self-defence. 

It’s helping countless individuals get into the best shape of their lives, build confidence, make new friends, and discover a lifelong hobby. 

Yet, despite its rising popularity, many still don’t know exactly what BJJ is! 

This post is here to clear things up and provide you with everything you need to know before stepping onto the mat.

What is it? And What Do You Learn?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport with hundreds, if not thousands, of techniques, making it endlessly fascinating and ensuring there’s always something new to learn. 

You’ll learn how to use leverage, technique and timing instead of strength to escape various pins, defend against submissions, control someone trying to escape, and apply submissions like joint locks and chokes—while also learning to defend against them, even against larger, stronger people.

For those training with a focus on self-defence or mixed martial arts (often referred to as Gracie Jiu Jitsu), Jiu-Jitsu also covers vital skills like protecting yourself from strikes, using a wall or cage effectively, escaping headlocks and unusual grabs, escaping ground fights against multiple opponents, adapting techniques to different terrains, and defending against weapons.

This Isn’t Fluff or Theory 

Some self-defence and martial arts training has become a bit of a joke. 

But Jiu-Jitsu has gained its reputation for one simple reason: it works. 

Its effectiveness in real combat against other martial arts was first demonstrated in Brazil through challenge matches issued by the Gracie family. 

This legacy was taken to new heights when the Gracie's brought Jiu-Jitsu to America and created the UFC to showcase their revolutionary style. 

Beyond the octagon, there are countless real-life stories and footage of people successfully using Jiu-Jitsu in critical situations. 

As a result many organisations have adopted Jiu Jitsu! Within the Gracie Jiu Jitsu organisation alone, we teach law enforcement, military, security staff and even healthcare professionals.

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What to Expect in the Typical Class?

Not all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taught the same, we teach Jiu Jitsu to beginners very different from others, so what you experience can vary from gym to gym. 

Generally, you can expect a session to start with a warm-up, followed by learning one or two techniques, and then finishing with sparring or live training. 

A quality gym will prioritise safety by teaching beginners the fundamentals before introducing full sparring, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

What Do You Wear?

Jiu-Jitsu training involves different styles, and what you wear can significantly impact how you train. 

In traditional Gi training, practitioners wear a full uniform with a belt, similar to Judo or Karate, though with a distinct fit and feel. The Gi can be grabbed and used to aid in escapes, submissions, or throws, adding a unique strategic element. 

No-Gi training, on the other hand, involves a skin-tight rash guard and shorts. With nothing to grab, the pace tends to be faster, and techniques adapt accordingly. 

Fingerless gloves aren’t typically used in BJJ since there’s no striking in the sport, although they become essential for those training Jiu-Jitsu for MMA or self-defence to safely incorporate strikes into practice.

How Do You Progress?

Belt promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are a unique journey, often sparking the question, “It takes how long?!” 

The five primary belts—white, blue, purple, brown, and black—mark a student’s progression, though some gyms include additional markers. For example, we introduced white belt with a blue stripe to signify completing our fundamentals programme (some others have followed suit). 

Unlike many martial arts, earning a black belt in BJJ typically takes 10–15 years for the average practitioner, with some exceptions, and promotion criteria vary widely between gyms. Some base it on competition performance, others on time spent training, and some on passing formal belt tests. Each gym approaches it a little differently, reflecting the diversity of the art.

Interested in learning Jiu Jitsu in Tameside?

If the thought of learning this amazing martial art for fitness, self-defence, confidence or any other reason appeals to you.

But you're concerned about trying something new, getting injured or feeling embarrassed then our fundamentals classes for beginners will be perfect for you!

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