If you’re thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but feel a little nervous, you’re in good company. Plenty of people walk into their first class wondering if they’re fit enough, what they should wear, or whether everyone else will already know what they’re doing.
The short answer: you don’t need to arrive with experience, special gear, or a certain level of fitness. You just need to be willing to try. At Moxie Jiu Jitsu in New Holland, we welcome beginners from across eastern Lancaster County, including Ephrata, Leola, Akron, Denver, East Earl, and nearby communities.
Here are 10 practical things to know before you step onto the mats.
1. Your first class follows a clear, beginner-friendly structure
Wondering what to expect at your first jiu jitsu class? A typical class starts with a warm-up, then the coach demonstrates a technique. You’ll practice it with a partner through a drill, with the coach there to help.
You don’t need to memorize everything on day one. It’s normal to watch, listen, try the movement, and ask for another explanation. And while some classes may include live practice, there’s no pressure for a beginner to spar. You can focus on learning the technique and getting comfortable at your own pace.
Moxie’s beginner-friendly adult and teen fundamentals classes meet Monday from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Gi and Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM in No-Gi. Check the schedule before you visit; every day except Thursday is a good day for beginners.
2. Comfortable workout clothes are all you need to start
You don’t need to buy a uniform, or gi, before your first class. Clean, comfortable athletic clothes are fine. Choose a T-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings that let you move easily. Avoid clothes with zippers, buttons, or anything hard that could catch or scratch a training partner.
Bring water, and arrive a few minutes early so we can show you where to go and help you feel settled. If you’re unsure about what to wear for a particular class, send us a quick question.
3. You don’t need to get fit before you begin
“I’m not fit enough” is a common worry. But you don’t have to reach a certain fitness level before you’re allowed to start. You can begin where you are and build stamina gradually through regular practice.
A beginner class gives you chances to move, learn, rest when needed, and get used to a new kind of exercise. Some days may feel tiring, and that’s okay. Take breaks, drink water, and let your coach know if you have an injury or concern. One of the benefits of jiu jitsu is that you can grow your fitness while you learn, rather than treating fitness like an entry requirement.
4. You’re not too old to be a beginner
You don’t need to have started as a child, and you don’t need an athletic background. People begin Brazilian jiu jitsu for beginners at different stages of life and for different reasons: learning a martial art, moving more, building confidence, or finding a new community.
Good training starts with listening to your body and choosing a pace you can manage. If you have a health condition or a question about how training may suit you, talk with your healthcare provider and let the coach know what you need. The goal is steady learning, not keeping up with someone else.
5. Everyone in the room was new once
It can feel intimidating to see students who already know the movements. But experienced students had a first class too. They learned one position, one drill, and one new detail at a time, just like you will.
At Moxie, the fundamentals curriculum gives beginners a clear starting point. Lesson plans designed by 12-time World Champion Caio Terra help organize the material into a progression, so you can build a solid foundation without needing to know everything in advance.
6. Feeling awkward at first is completely normal
Your first few movements may feel unfamiliar. You might forget which way to turn, pause to watch your partner, or need the coach to demonstrate again. That’s part of learning something new, not a sign you don’t belong.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner. Focus on following one instruction at a time. You don’t have to look graceful or get every detail right on the first try. Showing up and practicing is enough.
7. Basic hygiene helps keep training comfortable for everyone
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves close contact, so small habits make a difference. Come in wearing clean workout clothes, keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed, and remove jewelry before class. Tie back long hair if needed.
After training, wash your clothes before wearing them again. If you have a contagious illness, an unexplained rash, or an open wound, sit out and check with a healthcare professional or the academy before returning. These simple steps help make the mats a better place for everyone.
8. Jiu-Jitsu is cooperative practice, not a fight
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, but a beginner class is not about being aggressive or trying to overpower someone. You and your partner work together to practice a movement safely. The coach sets the pace and explains what to do.
You can always say you’re new, ask to slow down, or take a break. If live practice is offered, you can observe or sit it out as a beginner. The purpose is to learn control and technique in a supervised setting, not to prove anything.
9. Progress takes time, and questions are welcome
You may not remember every technique after one class. That’s normal. Progress often looks like recognizing a position sooner, understanding one step more clearly, or feeling a little less unsure the next time you practice. Small improvements add up.
Ask questions whenever something doesn’t make sense. It’s helpful for the coach to know what you’re finding difficult, and asking is part of learning. If you’d prefer more focused guidance, you can work one-on-one through private lessons. Whether you come once a week or more often, consistency and patience give you room to grow.
10. Two free introductory classes let you try without committing
You don’t have to decide whether Jiu-Jitsu is right for you before you’ve experienced a class. Moxie offers two free introductory classes so you can meet the team, try the training, and see how it feels.
Students come to our New Holland academy from Ephrata, Leola, Akron, Denver, East Earl, and other eastern Lancaster County communities. If you’ve been searching for “martial arts near me” and want a welcoming place to learn, you’re invited to visit.
Take a look at the class schedule, then contact us to arrange your two free classes. You can call (717) 934-1743 or email moxiebjj@gmail.com. We’re in New Holland, PA 17557.
Come as you are, ask what you need, and take the first class one step at a time. We’ll be glad to meet you on the mats.
