
What should I expect from my first BJJ class?
Your first basics class at BJJ Lab Zürich will be a welcoming introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), tailored for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Arrival and Check-in: Arrive about 15 minutes early. Your instructor will greet you and provide a loaner uniform (gi or nogi) for the session. You’ll register for our free trial week on a tablet, which puts you in our system. Once registered, you can check in anytime by entering your name on the tablet near the big TV.
- Getting Ready: Change into your uniform, and remember to wear flip-flops or shoes when off the mat to keep your feet and the mats clean.
- Warm-up: The class begins with a brief warm-up to help you get comfortable with basic BJJ movements, including breakfalls. This teaches you how to fall safely—a key skill for staying safe in the sport and also useful for daily life.
- Learning Takedowns: You’ll then practice a way to move from standing into a grounded position—the “position of the day” using a simple and safe takedown.
- Technique Practice: The instructor will introduce a few techniques from the day’s position, covering either offense or defense (depends on the day).
- Positional Sparring: You and a partner will work within the position of the day, with specific goals in mind. This gives you a feel for realistic, controlled grappling.
Once you complete the five-week basics course, you’ll be familiar with the major positions and ready to try free sparring in our fundamentals program. This structured start will give you a strong foundation in BJJ, helping you feel more confident in the fundamentals and enjoy the journey ahead.
If you’re excited and want to jump into the fundamentals classes before completing the five-week basics course, you’re welcome to do so! Many students appreciate the added challenge. The fundamentals classes build on what’s covered in basics, but the pace is faster, and you’ll have the chance to spar more freely. While we recommend completing the basics course first to ensure a solid foundation, joining fundamentals early can give you a head start on understanding the flow of a full BJJ class. You’ll see how techniques connect and deepen your familiarity with positions, making it easier to absorb new concepts and progress smoothly.
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