Starting a new sport or martial art can be nerve wracking because you may have to turn up on your own to a class where everyone else is already familiar with each other.
Not only that, but being new to a sport could mean that you make simple, beginners mistakes that can be super embarrassing.
One mistake that a lot of people make when turning up to their first ever Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class is related to their clothes.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, students are expected to wear their Gi when training.
Gi is a type of martial arts uniform that allows for ease of movement, and thus why it’s always worn for martial arts training – but is Gi provided to you, or do you have to purchase your own (Find out how to make your own Gi here)?
Here we are going to answer all your questions regarding your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class and your Gi.
So, if you have any concerns or doubts, check out the information below!
Do You Have To Buy Your Own Gi?
Before your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, you should have been given all the relevant information like a starting time and place.
However, you should have also been told whether or not your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class provides you with your Gi.
Some classes and dojos provide their students with Gi although you are always welcome to purchase and wear your own.
This is the route a lot of dedicated students take because they may often train and practise beyond their classes but for beginners who are just starting out, most dojos will provide you with a Gi uniform so you don’t have to buy one only for it to go to waste.
So, most of the time, you don’t have to buy or rent your own Gi because your dojo will have some for you to wear.
However, it’s important to note that not all dojos do this.
Some classes may ask you to bring your own Gi – so if you have not heard anything regarding your Gi from your class, then it’s always a great idea to call them up and ask them straight up.
This will help avoid any confusion, mistakes, and wasted money.
Sometimes your class will ask you for a size in advance so they can make sure they have a Gi that fits your body, while others will already have a stock on site to dig one out for you before your first class begins.
So, if your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class has not requested your size so they can organize your Gi for you, you should contact them to ask in advance.
Do You Wear Your Gi To Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class?
Generally, most students for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will turn up to their class wearing normal everyday clothes and then change on site.
Most dojos and gyms (or wherever your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are taking place) will have changing rooms available at the very least, while some may even have lockers and shower amenities.
This allows students to turn up, shower before and after their classes, and change into their Gi before the lesson starts.
In these cases, it’s a good idea to turn up wearing everyday clothes (especially when introducing yourself to your instructor and fellow students) before changing into your Gi.
However, if there are no changing rooms available, then you may be required to turn up wearing your Gi or change elsewhere, such as a public restroom.
So, again, the answer to this question all comes down to the dojo itself.
If you are in doubt, then it’s best if you call them or contact them to try and find out if there are changing rooms available for your use (it’s always worth asking if there’s showers available too!).
This will help you avoid any confusion or issues.
It’s also worth mentioning that you should definitely consider purchasing and taking a new pair of flip flops with you to your class.
This is because you will be asked to remove your shoes and be expected to walk around the gym.
While you cannot wear any shoes on the mats, you can wear flip flops around the rest of the room to help avoid spreading or catching any kinds of infections or diseases that can affect your feet, like verrucas or fungal diseases.
So, while you may not be required to buy and wear your Gi to your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, you should definitely take a pair of clean flip flops with you!
What To Wear Underneath Your Gi
Gi itself is not the only thing you should be wearing when you step into your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.
This is because this uniform is super loose for comfort, so it’s quite easy for the jacket to come loose – so you will need to wear something underneath your Gi.
Athletic sports shorts or leggings are great clothes to wear because they are super stretchy and easy to move around in.
You should also wear an athletic top that is also just as flexible and not loose which makes it easy to snag and grab while sparring.
If you have breasts, then a sturdy sports bra is a great way to support yourself rather than other kinds of underwear.
It’s surprising how many people overlook this part of the dress code for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and end up wearing the wrong kind of underwear or t-shirts, which can limit your comfort and movement.
So, think ahead and try out some gym gear to wear to your first class!
Conclusion
So, whether or not you have to buy and bring your own Gi to your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class all depends on your dojo.
Some gyms or dojos will provide you with Gi for your class, while others will require you to bring your own Gi and wear it due to limited changing amenities or funds.
So, call up your instructor and ask them whether you need to bring your own Gi!
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