Your First BJJ Class at Pacheco Jiu-Jitsu Warriewood: What To Expect

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a big step. Most people feel a mix of excitement and nerves before their first class. That is completely normal.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens in your first class at Pacheco Jiu-Jitsu in Warriewood so you know what to wear, what to bring and what the session will feel like from the moment you walk through the door.

Whether you are an adult starting Jiu-Jitsu for yourself or a parent bringing your child for their first class, you are in the right place.

Before You Arrive: What To Wear And Bring

You do not need special gear to start. Keep it simple and comfortable.

What to wear

For your first class, you can train in:

• A fitted t-shirt or rashie
• Shorts or leggings without zips or hard buttons

Avoid loose clothing that can get caught and anything with sharp zips or jewellery.

If you already own a gi, you are welcome to bring it. If not, do not stress. You can start in no gi and talk to the coaches later about the best time to buy a uniform.

What to bring

Bring:

• A full drink bottle
• Thongs or slides to wear when you are off the mats
• A small towel if you like

If you are bringing a child, you may also want:

• A light jumper for before and after class
• Any asthma puffers or medical items they might need

Arriving At Pacheco Jiu-Jitsu in Warriewood

We are located at 5/1 Vuko Place, Warriewood, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Plan to arrive about ten minutes before class so you do not feel rushed.

Checking in

When you arrive:

1. Say hello at the front desk and let us know it is your first class or trial week.
2. You will be shown where to leave your shoes and bag.
3. A coach or team member will point out the bathrooms, change area and water station.

If you are early, you can watch the end of the previous class to get a feel for the energy on the mats.

Meeting the team and Professor Diogenes Pacheco

You will meet one of our coaches and, when possible, Professor Diogenes (Dio) Pacheco, the head of the academy. Our team is used to working with complete beginners. You do not need to be fit, flexible or experienced.

Let the coach know:

• It is your first time training Jiu-Jitsu
• If you have any injuries or concerns
• If you feel nervous so they can keep an extra eye on you

For kids, parents are welcome to introduce their child to the coach and mention if they are shy or full of energy so we can support them in the right way.

The Class Structure: A Breakdown

Classes at Pacheco Jiu-Jitsu follow a clear structure so you always know what is happening next. A typical class has four stages.

1. Warm up: Getting your body ready

The warm up prepares your body for training.

You can expect:

• Light movement and mobility
• Basic Jiu-Jitsu movements like hip escapes and bridges
• Simple drills to get your heart rate up

You do not need to know any of these movements in advance. The coach will demonstrate and you can move at your own pace.

2. Technique demonstration: Learning the fundamentals

Next, the coach will show one or two techniques that fit the focus of the class. This might be:

• How to escape from a common position
• How to control an opponent safely
• A simple submission or guard concept

The coach breaks the movement into clear steps and usually demonstrates it several times, sometimes with different angles so you can see what is happening.

3. Drilling with a partner: Practice makes progress

After the demonstration you will pair up with another student to practise the technique.

You will:

• Take turns in each role
• Start from the correct position
• Move slowly and with control

If you are new, you will be matched with someone who can help you. You can always ask your partner or the coach to repeat a step. Drilling is where the details start to feel more natural.

4. Positional sparring and rolling: Putting it together safely

Depending on the class and your experience, the last part of the session may include:

• Positional sparring, where you start from a set position and try to escape or hold for a short round
• Rolling, which is live sparring at a level that suits your experience

New students are usually introduced to positional training first, with clear rules and lots of supervision. You are never forced to roll if you are not ready. You can sit out a round or watch if you need a break.

BJJ Etiquette: Key Rules For Respect And Safety

Jiu-Jitsu is built on respect. Following simple etiquette keeps everyone safe and makes training more enjoyable.

On the mats

• Train barefoot on the mats
• Wear thongs or shoes off the mats
• Bow or nod when you step on and off the mat as a sign of respect

With your training partners

• Be clean, with short fingernails and toenails
• Remove jewellery, watches and piercings that can catch
• Use controlled strength and look after your partner’s joints and neck

If you catch a submission, apply it slowly so your partner has time to tap.

Tapping early and often

Tapping is how you stay safe in Jiu-Jitsu.

• Tap with your hand or foot or say “tap” clearly
• Tapping is not losing, it is communicating
• When your partner taps, you must let go immediately

This habit lets you train for many years without serious injury.

Listening to the coach

Always follow the coach’s instructions.

• Stop when they call time
• Do not continue rolling after the round ends
• Ask questions if you are unsure about a movement

If something does not feel right in your body, speak up. The coach can show you an alternative.

Your Journey Starts Now

Your first Jiu-Jitsu class at Pacheco is not about being perfect. It is about showing up, trying something new and feeling the support of the community around you.

If you:

• Arrive a little early
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Bring a drink bottle
• Let the coach know it is your first time

you will be ready.

From there, the rest is simple. Listen, ask questions and enjoy the process. Every black belt on the Northern Beaches started with a first class just like this.

We look forward to seeing you on the mats at Pacheco Jiu-Jitsu.

Quick FAQ About Your First Class