Walking into a martial arts academy for the first time is intimidating for almost everyone — and that’s exactly why we built our beginner program the way we did. If you’ve been putting off starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Warwick because you don’t know what to expect, this guide walks you through your very first class, step by step.
You don’t need any experience
Our adult beginner program, Gracie Combatives®, is designed for people who have never trained a day in their life. Most students who walk through our doors have zero martial arts background. The curriculum starts at the absolute beginning and builds one simple step at a time, so there’s no prior knowledge to catch up on.
What to wear
For your free trial, comfortable athletic clothing is perfect — a t-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings. You don’t need to buy a gi (the traditional uniform) to get started; we’ll talk about that once you’ve decided to enroll. Bring a water bottle, and plan to train barefoot on the mats (flip-flops or sandals are handy for walking off the mat).
How a class actually runs
A typical beginner class is about an hour. After a light warm-up, the instructor demonstrates one or two techniques — usually one standing self-defense move and one ground technique. Then you pair up and drill, taking turns practicing slowly with a partner who works with you, not against you.
- No live sparring on day one — beginner training is fully cooperative
- Techniques are broken into small, repeatable steps anyone can follow
- Instructors circulate and adjust your technique one-on-one
- You go at your own pace — there’s no pressure to keep up with anyone
Why you can’t fall behind
Every class is tracked with an attendance card, and the curriculum is sequenced so you always know what you’re learning next. Miss a week? No problem — the structured format means you simply pick up where you left off. This is the difference of training at a Certified Training Center: the path is clear and the same proven curriculum is taught the world over.
Ready to try it?
The best way to know if Jiu-Jitsu is for you is to step on the mats. Our 10-day free trial gives you full access to beginner classes with no card required and no commitment. Coach Jamie and the Warwick community will take care of the rest.
