Before your first jiu-jitsu class

Confirm with the academy before you go

• The first-visit terms as its own page prints them: a free introductory offer, free with a condition, a printed price, a trial you book, or enrol first. A page that prints nothing has promised nothing.
• Which class to attend, whether to book, and whether beginners will spar.
• What to wear. If the class is in the gi, whether the academy lends one for a trial; if it is no-gi, a rash guard or t-shirt and shorts.
• Whether there is a waiver to sign on arrival, and when to arrive so it does not eat the warm-up.

What to bring

• A fitted t-shirt or rash guard, and shorts or leggings with no pockets, zips, belt loops or metal. Fingers and toes catch in pockets; zips scratch people.
• A water bottle.
• Flip-flops or sandals for walking off the mat. Bare feet on the mat, never on the floor beyond it.
• A hair tie if your hair is long. Rings, watches, earrings and anything that can catch or cut come off.
• Nails cut short on hands and feet, and a clean body; a clean gi if you already own one.

Check the academy's clothing requirements before buying a gi. If the class needs one, ask whether a loaner is available.

At the door and on the mat

• Shoes off at the mat's edge. Nothing that has touched the street touches the mat.
• You will probably sign a waiver. Say it is your first class; nobody expects you to know anything.
• A class may include a warm-up, technique practice with a partner, and sparring. Some academies have beginners watch their first sessions. Sitting out is allowed, and so is saying no to a round.
• A tap, the word stop, or the round ending stops everything. Release instantly and completely.
• If something on your skin might be ringworm, stay home.