What to Wear to Your First BJJ Class (Gi and No-Gi)
For your first BJJ class, wear a fitted athletic shirt or rashguard and shorts with no zippers, pockets or metal. If the class is gi, many academies include a gi when you sign up, and most will lend you one or let you train in athletic clothes for a trial class. Take off all jewelry, trim your nails, and bring water and sandals. Before you go, ask the gym whether your first class is gi or no-gi, because that one answer decides most of what you wear.
Is your first class gi or no-gi?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is trained two ways. In gi classes, everyone wears a heavy cotton jacket, pants and a belt, and you grip the fabric to control your partner. In no-gi classes, everyone wears a rashguard and shorts, and you grip arms, legs and the body instead.
Many gyms run both, so check the schedule or send the gym a message before you show up. Most gyms also offer a free trial class, and the person who books it can tell you exactly what to bring.
Do you need your own gi for your first class?
Usually not. Many academies include a gi with a new membership, often as part of a starter package, so you get one the day you sign up. If you're coming in for a free trial class first, most gyms keep loaner gis, so ask when you book. If they don't have one, they will usually let you train that class in a rashguard or fitted t-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings.
Wear a fitted shirt or rashguard under the gi jacket either way. The jacket opens during rolling, and the layer underneath keeps you covered. Women usually wear a rashguard or sports bra under the jacket, and many men wear a rashguard too.
If your academy doesn't include one, hold off on buying a gi until you know you'll keep training. Gis are sized differently from regular clothes, and your coach can help you pick a size that fits. Some academies also ask students to wear the gym's own gi or a specific color, so check before you buy.
What should you wear to a no-gi class?
Wear a fitted rashguard or a close-fitting synthetic gym shirt. A loose cotton t-shirt gets grabbed and pulled over your head the first time someone takes your back, so leave it in your bag for after class.
For a full no-gi checklist, read What to Wear to Your First No-Gi BJJ Class.
What kind of shorts do you wear to BJJ?
Wear fight shorts or board-style shorts with a secure waistband and no zippers, pockets or exposed metal. Zippers and snaps can cut a training partner, and fingers and toes catch in pockets. Running shorts and gym shorts with a liner work for a first class if that's what you have.
Compression shorts or spats underneath give you extra coverage and are worth adding once you train regularly.
What should you leave at home?
- Jewelry. Rings, earrings, watches and necklaces can tear skin or catch on a partner. Take everything off, including small studs.
- Shoes on the mat. Wear sandals to the edge of the mat and step out of them there. Street shoes never go on the mat.
- Long nails. Trim your fingernails and toenails short before class.
- Strong scents. You'll be close to people for an hour, so skip the heavy cologne or perfume.
What should you bring to your first BJJ class?
Pack a water bottle, a towel, sandals, a hair tie if you have long hair, and a change of clothes for the drive home. A plastic bag keeps your sweaty gear away from everything else in your bag. Arrive ten minutes early so you have time to sign the waiver and meet the coach.
Do you need to buy gear before your first class?
You don't need to. Wear the closest thing you own to the list above and ask the coach what the gym prefers. Most gyms have a few house rules, such as a required rashguard color or a no-cotton rule, and you'll learn them faster by asking.
Once you know you'll keep coming back, start with one good rashguard and one pair of fight shorts. Our guide on how to choose a rashguard walks through fit, sleeve length and fabric.
Gear for your first year on the mats
The Kuzushi Kit ($80) pairs the Kuzushi Pulse Rashguard with the matching Kuzushi Fight Shorts, so you have a full no-gi set in one order. The rashguard also works under a gi jacket. The Pressure Fight Shorts ($45) stretch through takedowns and scrambles, and the waistband stays locked in whether you're drilling or going live.
Pressure is a privilege, so put it on.
