What to Expect at Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class

Thinking about trying Jiu-Jitsu, but not sure what to expect? We’ve got you. At Manistee Combat Academy, we make sure everyone — from total beginners to experienced grapplers — feels welcome and ready from day one.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what your first class will look like:

👕 What to Wear

If you don’t have a gi (yet), no problem. Just wear athletic clothes — shorts and a fitted shirt (no zippers or pockets). If you're trying no-gi, rash guards and board shorts are perfect. Bring flip-flops for walking on and off the mats.

🧼 How Class Starts

We start every session with a quick warm-up: think light stretching, basic movements, and some technique drills. After that, you’ll be shown the technique of the day — demonstrated by the instructor and broken down step by step.

🧠 Learning, Not Sparring

You won’t be thrown into live sparring (a.k.a. “rolling”) on day one unless you’re ready. Most new students spend time drilling with a partner and getting comfortable with the basics.

🤝 Respect is Everything

On the mat, we bow in and show respect to each other and the art. It’s a supportive, ego-free environment — perfect for learning at your own pace.

💬 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Got questions? Ask. Struggling with a move? We’ll help. Every black belt started where you are now.

🔥 Ready to give it a shot?
You’re invited to try a class for free. Just show up, bring a good attitude, and we’ll handle the rest. Check out the schedule →