What to Expect at Your First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class in New Bedford

One of the most common things I hear from people who are interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that they are nervous about walking into a gym for the first time. They worry that they are not in good enough shape, that everyone else will be more experienced, or that they will not know what to do. If you’re reading this right now and feeling that way, you are not alone. Almost everyone feels a little uncomfortable when they try something new.

As the owner and head instructor at Curtis Mateus BJJ, I built my academy to give people in New Bedford a clean, structured, and welcoming place to learn. You do not need any martial arts experience, and you do not need to prove anything when you walk through the door. My job is to meet you where you are, teach you the fundamentals, and help you make steady progress. Your first class is simply your first step…

What should you wear?

I want your first visit to the academy to be as simple and stress free as possible. Regardless of whether you are attending a Gi or No-Gi class with no prior experience, wear comfortable athletic clothing that stays close to your body. A T-shirt with athletic shorts works well. Avoid clothing with zippers, metal pieces, or large pockets because they can catch on you or your training partner. Remove all jewelry before training. You should also bring water and a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear whenever you step off the mats. If you have prior training experience, please wear the appropriate attire for the class. For No-Gi, wear a rash guard and shorts. For Gi, wear your gi and belt. If your uniform has another academy logo, that’s completely fine you’re welcome to wear it to class.

Arrive a little early

Try to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes before class. This gives you time to find the academy, get changed, and complete any necessary paperwork without feeling rushed. More importantly, it gives me a chance to meet you before training begins. I can show you around, explain how the class works, and answer any questions you may have. Let me know about any injuries, physical limitations, or concerns. I also like to know what brought you to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Some people are interested in self-defense, while others want to improve their fitness, build confidence, relieve stress, or find a new challenge. Your reason for starting helps me understand how I can best guide you.

What can you expect to happen during class?

A typical class begins with a warm-up to prepare your body for training and to teach you some fundamental movement patterns that are going to be applicable to the techniques you learn during each class. After that, I will demonstrate a technique and break it down step by step. You will then practice that technique with a partner. This is called drilling. You and your partner will take turns performing the movement and helping each other learn. I do not expect a new student to remember every detail. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes time, repetition, and consistency. Even experienced students continue working on the fundamentals because there is always something that can be improved. Depending on the class, we may finish with positional training or live sparring. This allows students to practice against controlled resistance. As a beginner, you are not going to be just live spar with no guidance or supervision (this is how injuries happen). You are not expected to go out there and “win”. Your goal is to stay calm, move safely, and begin learning how the positions work. If you are not comfortable with something or need a break, tell me. Questions are encouraged, and there is nothing wrong with slowing down while you learn. My job as a coach is to meet you where you are today and help you get to where you want to be.

Do you need to get in shape first?

No. This is probably the most common question I hear from new students. Many people tell me they want to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but they plan to get in shape first. The truth is that you build BJJ conditioning by training BJJ. You do not need to prepare for your first class by already being good at something you have never done. Your first few classes may feel physically challenging because your body is learning unfamiliar movements. That is completely normal. Take breaks when you need them, drink water, and focus on learning instead of trying to keep up with someone who has been training for a while.  Your strength, coordination, conditioning, and confidence will improve over time. All I ask is that you show up, listen, and give yourself the opportunity to learn.

How do we train safely?

Safety begins with communication, trust and respect for your training partners. One of the first things you will learn is how to tap. You tap when you are caught in a submission, your body is caught in an awkward position or begin to feel uncomfortable.  You can tap your partner, tap the mat, or clearly say “tap.” Your partner will stop immediately. I always advise you to verbally tap. Tapping is not failing. It is how we learn, protect ourselves, and come back ready to train again. There is no place for ego when it comes to safety. You will see me tap in training. My goal as a coach is to make you become better than me. Tapping does not mean that you lost, it means that you’ve acknowledged the technique your partner applied has given you a problem you weren’t ready for, didn’t have a solution for, or the solution was to late and couldn’t properly be applied.  Each time you tap there is a lesson to be learned and experienced to be gained which helps you get better over time. Good hygiene is also part of being a responsible training partner. Wear clean training clothes, keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed, cover any cuts, and do not train if you are sick or have a contagious skin condition.

The environment I wanted to create

When I opened Curtis Mateus BJJ, I wanted to create the type of academy where people could learn real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a clean, disciplined, and supportive environment. Most of the people who walk through the door are regular adults balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. I understand that because I balance those same responsibilities. Training should challenge you, but it should also be a positive part of your life. My goal is to provide direct coaching, purposeful training, and a room where people help each other improve. Students may have different backgrounds, experience levels, and reasons for training, but everyone contributes to the same environment. You do not have to be athletic, confident, or experienced before you begin. Those are qualities you develop through training.

What should you expect after your first class?

You will probably leave with a better understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a lot of questions about what you just learned. You may be tired, and you may not remember every step of the technique. That is normal. I am not judging a beginner by how quickly they learn or how well they perform during their first class. I am looking for a willingness to listen, train safely, and keep trying. Do not decide what your potential is based on one class. Progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes from showing up, working on the fundamentals, and giving yourself time to improve.

Come try your first class

If you have been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, do not wait until you feel completely ready. Most people never feel fully ready before their first class. They simply decide to walk through the door and begin. Curtis Mateus BJJ offers beginner-friendly Gi and No-Gi training for adults in New Bedford, Massachusetts. No previous experience is required, and your first class is free.Reach out with any questions, schedule your introductory class, and I will help you through the rest.

Come train with intention

-Curtis Mateus