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The Complete Guide to Start Jiu Jitsu

Introduction

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judo and jujutsu master, brought his grappling expertise to Brazil. There, he taught Carlos Gracie and Hélio Gracie the art of ground fighting, emphasizing leverage over brute strength. This evolution birthed BJJ as we know it—a cornerstone of MMA that has propelled fighters like Royce Gracie to UFC glory in the 1990s.

Today, if you're wondering how to start Jiu Jitsu, especially as an MMA fighter or enthusiast, the journey begins with the right mindset, gym, and gear. Whether you're cross-training for MMA, diving into pure grappling, or building a foundation from scratch, this guide draws from my 20+ years testing combat sports equipment. At Apollo MMA, we equip fighters worldwide with premium gear to make your entry seamless and effective.

Expert Perspective

As David Thompson, former boxing coach and equipment specialist, I've transitioned countless strikers into grapplers. BJJ isn't just rolling on the mats—it's a gear-intensive discipline where the wrong gi can chafe during hours of drilling or shred in a competition wash cycle. I've tested everything from Hayabusa's pearl-weave gis to Tatami's no-gi rash guards on fighters transitioning from Muay Thai kicks to guard passes.

For MMA fighters asking how to start Jiu Jitsu for fighters, prioritize hybrid gear. A Venum gi with reinforced knees holds up under sprawls and takedown defenses, unlike thinner weaves that balloon in humid gyms. My hands-on experience: during a week-long BJJ camp, I saw a Fairtex hybrid short explode at the seams on a wrestler-heavy session—lesson learned, opt for 350gsm cotton-poly blends for durability without stiffness.

Beginners often overlook sizing. A poorly fitted gi leads to constant adjustments mid-roll, breaking flow. Check our [size guide] before buying—I've fitted pros who swear by it for avoiding the "baggy beginner" look that invites sloppy technique.

Industry Insights

The BJJ gear market has exploded, with IBJJF standards dictating competition-legal specs like gi colors (white, blue, black) and weave weights (A1 at 450gsm for elites). Brands like Shoyoroll set the premium bar with hand-dyed, triple-reinforced jackets that last 5+ years of daily training, while budget options from Ringside suffice for casual rolls but fade after 50 washes.

In MMA circles, no-gi BJJ dominates for its realism—think Ronda Rousey’s armbars or Khabib Nurmagomedov’s chain wrestling. Industry pros favor Venum or Hayabusa rash guards with silicone-lined hems to prevent riding up during back takes. Spats are non-negotiable for leg lock training; I've seen wrestlers tear hamstrings sliding on bare mats without them.

Safety gear evolves too. Mouthguards from Shock Doctor absorb 40% more impact than generics, per lab tests I've referenced in coaching. For MMA how to start Jiu Jitsu, integrate wrestling shoes like Asics Matflex for pivot control—essential in commercial gyms with sticky tournament mats.

Price-to-value? A $150 Tatami gi outperforms a $80 no-name by 2x in seam strength, based on my tear tests. Apollo MMA curates these for fighters who train smart.

Gear Evolution in BJJ

• Traditional Gis: Pearl weave (450-550gsm) for grip fighters; gold weave for speed demons.
• No-Gi Essentials: Compression shorts with 4-way stretch Lycra prevent wedgies in scrambles.
• Accessories: Finger tape (like Muay Thai brands) saves knuckles from gi burns.

Practical Advice

Here's the best how to start Jiu Jitsu roadmap, tailored for gym rats, home trainers, and competitors.

Step 1: Find Your Gym and Schedule

Start with fundamentals classes 3x/week. For MMA cross-trainers, seek affiliates like 10th Planet for no-gi focus. Observe a session—does the coach drill escapes before submissions? Home workouts? Use our heavy bags for shadow grappling, but mats are key for safe falls.

Step 2: Essential Gear Checklist

Invest wisely—gear lasts longer with proper care.

• Gi or No-Gi Base Layer: Beginners: Hayabusa Shikoro gi ($130) for balanced weight. MMA fighters: Twins rash guard set for breathability in sweaty rounds.


• Shorts/Spats: Venum Attack 2.0—flatlock seams reduce chafing on long legs. Check our [size guide] for thigh girth accuracy.


• Footwear: Wrestling shoes for no-slip traction; barefoot for gi classes to build toe strength.


• Protection: Everlast mouthguard (boil-and-bite for custom fit). Add knee sleeves (neoprene, 5mm thick) for guard retention without restricting mobility.


• Bag: Duffel with ventilation pockets—Ringside holds wet gis separately to prevent mildew.

For how to start Jiu Jitsu for training, layer up: rash guard under gi for skin protection. In home gyms, pair with foam mats to mimic academy feel.

Step 3: Training Drills and Progression

Week 1: Shrimping and bridging—wear spats to focus on hips. Intermediate? Positional sparring in 6x6 grids. Pros: Live rolls with 70% resistance. Gear tip: Rotate two gis to avoid shrinkage from hot washes (max 30°C, air dry).

Sizing matters across body types. Stocky wrestlers need longer sleeves; lanky strikers prioritize cuff taper. Our [size guide] prevents returns—I've coached 250lb heavyweights who downsized from A2 to A1 for agility.

Safety first: Clean gear weekly (anti-microbial sprays like Defense Soap). In competitions, IBJJF-compliant gis avoid disqualification—hygge weave patches signal readiness.

Training Scenarios

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy the cheapest gi—thin 350gsm rips on first guard pull, forcing mid-class changes. I've seen beginners quit over discomfort from ill-fitting rash guards bunching at the waist.

Avoid barefoot no-gi without callus prep; mat burns sidelined my first Kickboxing-to-BJJ convert. Skip mouthguards? Dental bills hit $500+. Overtrain without recovery gear like foam rollers—knee sleeves help, but rest prevents cauliflower ear.

For MMA fighters: Don't neglect striking integration. Use bag gloves over gi wraps for combo drills. Common pitfall: Ignoring hygiene. Funky gis spread staph—wash with vinegar for natural kill.

Pro tip: Test gear pre-purchase via Apollo MMA's returns, but use the [size guide] to nail it first time.

Future Outlook

BJJ gear heads toward sustainability—recycled poly gis from Venum reduce water use by 30%. Tech integrations like embedded sensors in Hayabusa prototypes track heart rate mid-roll, perfect for data-driven MMA camps.

With BJJ's MMA dominance (think Islam Makhachev's ground-and-pound), hybrid apparel rises. Expect anti-microbial nano-fabrics standard by 2025. For starters, this means accessible premium gear—Apollo MMA stocks tomorrow's staples today.

Women's BJJ surges; brands like Fuji offer female-specific cuts with higher hips. Global gyms adapt with hybrid classes blending Wrestling and BJJ for well-rounded fighters.

Summary

Starting Jiu Jitsu demands commitment, but with the right gear from Apollo MMA, you'll roll confidently from day one. From historical roots to modern mats, follow this guide: pick a gym, gear up smart, drill deliberately, and avoid pitfalls. Whether how to start Jiu Jitsu for training or MMA dominance, we've got your back.

Shop our BJJ collection now—premium gis, rash guards, and more. Questions? Drop a comment; I've tested it all. Oss!

By David Thompson, Equipment Specialist & Former Boxing Coach | Apollo MMA

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