How to Learn Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu: 16 Tips for Beginners (2024)

  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Individual Sports
  • Combat Sports
  • Martial Arts

Download Article

Practice, train, and begin your jiu-jitsu journey

Co-authored byJoseph Bautistaand Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: June 22, 2023References

Download Article

  • Getting Started
  • |
  • Taking Classes
  • |
  • Practicing Basic Techniques
  • |
  • Video

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a challenging but rewarding martial art. While jiu-jitsu is an offshoot of Judo, it focuses more on ground techniques. To learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you should take classes with a trained instructor. During classes, you’ll learn techniques and spar with a variety of partners. With dedication and commitment, you can advance all the way to a black belt!

Things You Should Know

  • Find a jiu-jitsu school near you and sign up for classes, or prime yourself with jiu-jitsu books or online classes, such as YouTube videos.
  • Purchase the necessary equipment, like a gi, a white belt, and protective wear like helmets and knee pads.
  • Find a partner to spar with, and practice basic techniques like forward rolling and parries. To practice alone, train your moves with a punching bag or pads.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting Your Training Center and Materials

Download Article

  1. 1

    Determine whether you will take classes or learn on your own. The best way to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu is to take classes at a reputable training school so that an experienced instructor can show you proper form and technique. If you aren’t able to take classes, you could learn the basic movements from handbooks or video tutorials. If you’re going to practice at home, you should work with an experienced partner and use soft mats to prevent injury.[1]

    • There are many jiu-jitsu training handbooks available in stores and online. There are also tons of videos online, like on YouTube, that will teach you how to do Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
    • Select handbooks and videos created by experienced jiu-jitsu instructors that list their credentials and the name of their school, which you can research further online.
  2. 2

    Choose a jiu-jitsu training school near you. Do an Internet search to find training schools in your area. Many will allow you to watch a class and ask questions before signing up for classes. Visit several, if possible, to get a feel for the instructors, students, and school.[2] Choose a school whose students and instructors seem friendly and welcoming. The school should also be clean and well cared for.[3]

    • A good instructor will have plenty of experience and training in jiu-jitsu as well as a passion for the sport. While neither a black belt nor a competition record are absolute necessities, they do show that the instructor knows what it takes to succeed in jiu-jitsu.[4]
    • You could ask the students, “What do you like most about taking classes here?” or “What style of teaching does the instructor use?” to find out if you think your own learning style and reasons for learning jiu-jitsu are in line with those of the classes.[5]

    Advertisement

  3. 3

    Sign up for classes. Once you’ve chosen an instructor, you can sign up for classes. Consider the time slot, frequency, and cost of classes before making your decision. You need to be committed to these classes, so ensure you choose some that work with your schedule, lifestyle, and preferences.[6]

    • For example, don’t choose the 5 a.m. session if you hate getting up early. Alternatively, don’t sign up for Friday night classes if you like to go out with your friends after work on Fridays.
  4. 4

    Purchase a jiu-jitsu gi. If you’re dedicated to learning jiu-jitsu, you’ll need a gi, which is the outfit worn during classes and competitions. You can get fitted for a gi at some training schools as well as martial arts shops. It should fit well and be comfortable—the sleeves and pants shouldn’t be too long and the gi should be loose enough that it doesn’t restrict your range of motion.[7]

  5. 5

    Begin with a white belt. You’ll start with a white belt and be able to progress through different colored belts until reaching the highest level, the black belt. There are many ways to tie the belt, but the easiest is to loop the belt twice around your waist, then take the left side and slip it underneath the layers and out through the top. Ensure both ends of the belt are about the same length, then tie the ends in a simple shoelace knot and pull tight.[8]

  6. 6

    Get protective gear, if desired. Ask your instructor if you’ll need protective gear, and if so, what kind. Some beginners choose to use knee braces, ear guards, a mouth guard, and a groin protector (for males) to minimize the risk of injury. You can also protect your fingers and toes with athletic tape, as many schools don’t allow shoes on the mats.[9]

  7. Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking Your First Class

Download Article

  1. 1

    Practice good personal hygiene. Wear clean clothes, like athletic shorts or pants and a T-shirt, if you don’t yet have a jiu-jitsu gi. Be sure to freshen your breath, put on deodorant, and avoid any perfumes or strong lotions. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. Remove any piercings, don’t wear other jewelry, and if you have long hair, keep it tied back in a bun or braid.[10]

    • Avoid wearing items that are baggy or have loose pockets or straps, as fingers and toes could get caught in them.[11]
  2. 2

    Show respect to everyone. Be on time for class and greet everyone politely. You should leave your ego at the door and be prepared to try something new. It will take some trial and error before you get things down, so try not to get frustrated. Acknowledge that your classmates know more about jiu-jitsu than you do, and try to learn from them.

  3. 3

    Stretch and warm up. Your class will likely begin with stretches and warm ups to prepare everyone to practice techniques and spar. Follow the instructions carefully and take this part seriously. If you don’t stretch and warm up properly, you have a higher chance of getting hurt.[12]

    • A common stretch is the butterfly stretch. Sit on the floor and bring the heels of your feet together so that your knees are pointing out to the sides. Straighten your back and bring your heels as close to your body as you can.[13]
    • Another good stretch is the cobra pose. Lay on the floor on your stomach with your palms placed on the ground just below your shoulders on either side of your body. Extend your arms so that your torso raises off the floor, but keep your hips pressed to the ground. Engage your abs to protect your lower back and bend backwards.[14]
  4. 4

    Try new techniques. You’ll be shown new techniques, like forward roll. To do a forward roll, start with a neutral stance—stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your shoulders back, and your spine straight. Take a full step forward with your dominant foot then reach for your opposite leg with your dominant hand. Roll from your dominant shoulder to the opposite hip. Then, return to a neutral stance.[15]

    • To do a low parry, block a kick with the same arm your opponent is kicking with (i.e. block a right-footed kick with your right arm). Extend your arm at a 45-degree angle in front of you with your elbow locked to prevent the kick from making contact with your body.[16]
    • To do a high parry, twist clockwise on the ball of your left foot to block a left punch with your left arm. Twist counterclockwise on the ball of your right foot to block a right punch with your right arm. Bend your arm at the elbow and hold it out in front of you so that your bicep is parallel to the floor.[17]
  5. 5

    Spar with a partner. After learning some new techniques, you’ll probably get to try them out with a sparring partner. Start each round down on your knees, facing your partner. Once you’re both ready, shake hands and begin. Usually, you’ll change partners after each round.[18]

  6. 6

    Signal submission by tapping. When you’re sparring with your partner and get into a position you can’t maneuver your way out of, you can signal your submission. To surrender, tap your opponent three times. You’ll both return to the starting position on your knees, then try again.[19]

  7. Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Practicing Basic Techniques

Download Article

  1. 1

    Try a side breakfall. A side breakfall allows you land comfortably when thrown by an opponent. Stand up and place your right foot in front of your left, resting the outside of your right foot on the floor. Allow yourself to fall to the right and throw your right arm straight out on the floor to break your fall. Bring your left knee up to protect your body from possible kicks and bring your hands up to guard your face.[20]

  2. 2

    Do a front snap punch. Another basic technique is the front snap punch. Put your left foot forward and keep your guard up, meaning your fists should be protecting your face. Do a small jab with your left fist, followed immediately by a strong strike with your right fist. Twist on the ball of your back foot with your hips to gain extra speed and power.[21]

  3. 3

    Practice a front snap kick. Begin by standing with your left foot forward and your arms up to guard your face. Bend your right knee and bring it up to hip level. Snap your foot out forward to strike your opponent, then return to the starting position.[22]

  4. 4

    Learn the escape wrist grab. When your opponent grabs one of your wrists, bring the hand of the wrist they are holding up in front of your face so that you are looking at your palm. Rotate your wrist clockwise until your thumb is pointing at your face. Thrust your hand down quickly to the side of your body to break their grip.[23]

  5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Name

      Please provide your name and last initial

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How toDo a Jiu‐Jitsu Arm BarHow toKnock Someone Out with One Hit
      How toLearn Martial Arts "Pressure Points"How toLearn Kung Fu YourselfHow toFill a Punching BagHow to Teach Yourself Martial Arts at Home (for Beginners)How toDo a Kip Up (Kick Up)How to Get Started with Tai ChiHow toDefend Against a Knife AttackHow toLearn Ninja TechniquesHow toLearn Wing ChunHow toApply a Triangle Choke from Open Guard in Mixed Martial ArtsHow toLearn Basic TaekwondoHow toDo the Horse Stance in Kung Fu

      Advertisement

      More References (14)

      1. http://www.grapplearts.com/starting-bjj-what-to-expect-on-your-first-class/
      2. https://bjjtribes.com/why-arent-you-allowed-to-train-bjj-with-pockets-or-jewelry/
      3. http://www.grapplearts.com/starting-bjj-what-to-expect-on-your-first-class/
      4. http://www.bjjee.com/articles/8-best-bjj-flexibility-exercises/
      5. http://www.bjjee.com/articles/8-best-bjj-flexibility-exercises/
      6. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/forward-roll/
      7. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/low-parry/
      8. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/high-parry/
      9. http://www.grapplearts.com/starting-bjj-what-to-expect-on-your-first-class/
      10. http://www.grapplearts.com/starting-bjj-what-to-expect-on-your-first-class/
      11. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/side-breakfall/
      12. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/front-snap-punch/
      13. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/front-snap-kick/
      14. http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-jujitsu-techniques/traditional-jujitsu-techniques/white-belt/escape-wrist-grab/

      About This Article

      How to Learn Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu: 16 Tips for Beginners (34)

      Co-authored by:

      Joseph Bautista

      Self Defense Specialist, Martial Arts Instructor, & 1st Aid/CPR Instructor

      This article was co-authored by Joseph Bautista and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Joseph Bautista is a Self Defense Specialist and a Martial Arts Instructor specializing in Filipino martial arts. With over 18 years of instructing and martial arts training experience, Joseph runs Legacy Filipino Martial Arts, a Filipino martial arts school based in San Francisco, California. He also teaches self-defense with Self Defense For the People, a self-defense program with clients such as Salesforce, Airbnb, Gap, UPS, and UCSF. When not teaching self defense he is teaching CPR and 1st Aid Skills to 911 Dispatchers and Local Police Officers in the SF Bay Area with 1st Five Minutes. This article has been viewed 155,567 times.

      50 votes - 62%

      Co-authors: 25

      Updated: June 22, 2023

      Views:155,567

      Categories: Martial Arts

      In other languages

      Spanish

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 155,567 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement

      How to Learn Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu: 16 Tips for Beginners (2024)

      FAQs

      Can I learn jiu-jitsu at 16? ›

      A means to improve your entire life. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (sometimes called jiu jitsu, bjj, or Gracie Jiu Jitsu) program for teens is designed for all skill and fitness levels and ages 13-16 (17+ can attend our adult classes).

      What is the best way to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? ›

      The best way to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu is to take classes at a reputable training school so that an experienced instructor can show you proper form and technique. If you aren't able to take classes, you could learn the basic movements from handbooks or video tutorials.

      How can I learn jiu-jitsu by yourself? ›

      You can learn BJJ at your own pace by working on individual exercises that improve your Jiu-Jitsu skills, like hip escapes, bridging, and rolling over. A grappling dummy may be an excellent medium to master the moves due to its weight and the fake legs.

      What is the first thing to learn in jiu-jitsu? ›

      Side control is likely the first dominant position a beginner learns in BJJ. After passing the guard, the next goal is to pin the opponent. You can go to side control and maintain the pin to do this. From there, you can transition to other dominant positions or even apply submissions.

      Is 16 too old to learn martial arts? ›

      Older people who learn martial arts reap significant benefits in terms of their physical health, mental health, and even emotional health. You can start martial arts training at any age, even if you've never taken a martial arts class before.

      How old is too late to start Jiu Jitsu? ›

      BJJ academies around the world have practitioners who began training in their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Famed chef Anthony Bourdain, for instance, started at the age of 58. So no, broadly speaking, you're not too old to start training.

      What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu weakness? ›

      As mentioned, BJJ does not teach striking. So, as a fighter, if you are trained only in BJJ and go up against a more proficient striker, you may face difficulty striking back as it lacks stand-up training for punches and kicks.

      Is 3 times a week jiu-jitsu enough? ›

      Three times per week is one of the 'sweet spots' for making good, consistent progress in BJJ without completely molding your schedule around BJJ. You still need to carve out the evenings, mornings, or weekend days to get to the gym, but you have plenty of days off from BJJ to take care of other things.

      Why is it so hard to learn jiu-jitsu? ›

      It demands a level of physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. The steep learning curve necessitates consistent practice and dedication. Moreover, the constant challenge of sparring with skilled opponents adds to the difficulty of mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

      Can jujutsu be self taught? ›

      As we'll discuss, it's certainly possible to augment training with learning at home. But it's not possible to teach yourself foundational BJJ skills in isolation. To learn legitimate techniques, you need a training partner. The importance of practical training is reflected in the way Jiu-Jitsu classes are setup.

      How long does it take to learn basic Jiu Jitsu? ›

      While you may be able to learn the basics of BJJ in under a year, it will probably take you ten or more years to become a black belt. The quick answer to the question of how long it takes to learn BJJ is that it depends on your motivation and how much time you are willing to put into it.

      What is the most important thing in jiu-jitsu? ›

      1. The Ability to Relax While Training. The acquisition of this ability is paramount to your progress in BJJ. If you train without the ability to relax, sooner or later you will become exhausted or overtrained, and more likely than not, injured.

      How to learn jiu-jitsu fast? ›

      In conclusion, if you want to get better at jiu jitsu faster, it's important to commit to a consistent training schedule, prioritize recovery, drill as much as possible (both in class and on your own), watch instructionals for new techniques and strategies, put yourself in bad positions during rolls to challenge ...

      What should I wear to jiu-jitsu for the first time? ›

      If you decide to continue training, you will need a jiu-jitsu gi. However, for your first few classes, you are welcome to attend in a t-shirt, properly fitting athletic shorts, board shorts, athletic pants or sweatpants. Any of these clothing items are welcome on the mat as you begin to train.

      At what age should a child start Jiu Jitsu? ›

      While there's no definitive age requirement for beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, most experts agree that children can start learning the basics as young as 4 years old. At this age, children have developed enough motor skills and coordination to participate in structured classes and understand basic techniques.

      What happens when you turn 16 in BJJ? ›

      Transitioning to Adult Belts

      At the age of 16, youth BJJ students will move into the adult belt system. If a student has shown the proper training, skills and experience, the coaches may decide to award them a blue belt. The blue belt is the second belt level in the adult belt system.

      Can you start Jiu Jitsu at 15? ›

      Every kid is different, and there's no hard rule about when all of them will be “ready” to start training. That said, we generally believe 5 is the right age to sign your child up to BJJ.

      What is the youngest age to get a black belt in BJJ? ›

      Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a unique approach to promoting students through the various belt ranks. Unlike other martial arts, such as karate or taekwondo, BJJ students do not typically earn a black belt until they reach 8-10+ years of experience and are a minimum age of 19.

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Recommended Articles
      Article information

      Author: Van Hayes

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5422

      Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

      Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Van Hayes

      Birthday: 1994-06-07

      Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

      Phone: +512425013758

      Job: National Farming Director

      Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

      Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.