FIRST JIU JITSU CLASS TIPS | What Your First BJJ Class Will Be Like

Starting jiu jitsu soon? You've come to the right place :D
Your first jiu jitsu class will be confusing, challenging, and FUN!
Let's be friends!
Instagram - @kimberlyannkinch

[@ashleyacker9430]

"I've been training for 4.5 years, I'm still exhausted after the warm up and lost and confused during class" SPEAKING TO MY SOUL. I'm not sure if I'm encouraged or disappointed to hear that the confusion continues lol

[@seamac7564]

lol, I'm 5 years in, good to see we are in the same boat. The more I go to class, the less I know.

[@SmileLauren]

Think I'm one of the people you mentioned at the beginning :) My first class is June 7th, so excited 🥳Thank you for the advice and encouragement 💕

[@kimberlykinch]

You are :D So excited for you!!

[@biancaflorian3182]

I just finished my 3rd class, and i feel amazing. Your videos gave me the confidence to try and not be scared. And to remember that it takes time to learn.

[@kimberlykinch]

That's amazing!!! It most definitely takes time and always remind yourself that every one else in the room once started where you are. :)

[@marinbu]

still training? :D

[@biancaflorian3182]

@marinbu yup. Already been 2 years. Loving it. Got my blue belt, and have been competing. Hopefully black one day

[@michelezimmerman6430]

I started BJJ 2 weeks ago and your anticipatory guidance was most helpful. As a woman in my 50s who had never even played a contact sport before, that first class was so intimidating but your video helped prepare me. And the bit about finding a training partner and then the first 5 seconds of partner training were hella awkward....then I was just so focused on my effort that it didn't matter any more. Thank you!

[@kimberlykinch]

I'm SO happy it was helpful!! I hope your training has been going well :)

[@nexusjuniors4959]

Great video as always!! Keep up the great work.

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you so much!

[@libbycampbell2487]

This could not have been better timing!! You rock :)

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad it helped :)

[@allisonwakham6876]

I love your videos. They are so helpful. I went to class tonight and had a blast. I always feel like a rock star when I’m done!! 💪💪

[@kimberlykinch]

That makes me so happy! Thank you for watching them :) Haha yes jiu jitsu definitely gives those super power feelings

[@chebyhocutt9055]

What a beautiful room, your voice is so calming

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you! Derek (Dax) redesigned it a couple years ago!

[@karinabetonini8502]

I'm so comfortable with this video! Thank you so much!! I'm feeling much better about going to my trial class. ❤ You rock, girl. 👊

[@kimberlykinch]

Oh that makes me so happy!! Good luck girl, you got this!

[@MayaNazareth]

Wish I had a video like this before I started jiu jitsu! Awesome video Kim!

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you Maya!! :)

[@RealizeBJJLife]

Great video!! Keep it up!! xoxoxo

[@kimberlykinch]

Ah thank you so much !! :)

[@hzyk2j]

Thanks can't wait for my first class

[@kimberlykinch]

Good luck !!

[@ItzzEnder]

Really give people motivation to keep going or to try bjj (including me), I am confident you will reach 1000 subscribers and your channel just really helps with a lot of situations so thanks again for being an awesome inspiration!

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you so much for the encouraging words!!

[@libbycampbell2487]

Hey Kim!! I just did my first class and had the best time! Thank you for all of the tips and advice, it has been so helpful. I would love to get your recommendations on finding a gi. 😊

[@kimberlykinch]

Yay that makes me so happy!! :) Just dm'd you!

[@jeanettemoffett8156]

My kiddos started first so I was able to prepare myself before I started months later.

[@porschewilliams7642]

This video came right on time for me. When it comes to full body physicality, I learn best by watching others...a lot. I mean, sometimes it takes a while for things to “click” and then I’m like, “Oh, I can do THAAAAT!” I know I’m not the only one 😅

[@kimberlykinch]

Yes! Especially with jiu jitsu, for me, some things seem to take forever to click hahah

[@DK-lt2fv]

At my kids a school all of the adults shake each others hands upon entering the mat. The kids don’t do it when they enter the mat - but they all stand in the line (they do belt order) and shake each others hands at the end. They also shake hands or fist bump before and after they roll with each other. I see the adults who I know do jiu jitsu also shake each others hands when they’re not on the mat, too. Like if they’re watching their kids in a class or something they will go out of their way to shake each others hands.

[@442daniela]

Hey, Kim, I've been watching your videos for months and today I had my first class. TO WHOMEVER IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL (ESPECIALLY THE NON HUGGERS OUT THERE): THIS IS THE PERFECT ACTIVITY FOR YOU IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED ANYTHING SIMILAR AND YOU WANNA GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! no matter how prepared you think you are ro feel awkward, IT'S GONNA BE SO MUCH MORE AWKWARD, I promise... half an hour after I left the building i was still feeling awkward 😆 everything this gorgeous girl says is ABSOLUTELY acurate 😅 book a personal class first, you'll thank yourself later!! I couldn't do it cuz there weren't available hours that would fit my schedule, but I'm gonna try to book one for next week, cuz I had no idea what I was doing at any time today and as it seems in the school I picked you can't just sit and watch - the instructor made me participate in every part of the class 😳 good that there was at least one other girl 👌 no one new though 😢 My regret from today is that the people I got paired to roll with couldn't get the most out of the class cuz of me... And I'm so scared not to injure some of them accidentally 😬😅 Kim, when do you start to feel useful to your parners? Can you somehow make yourself useful to them when you know nothing yet?

[@kimberlykinch]

Hahah this comment made my day. I'm SO happy you tried your first class and that it seemed like it was a positive experience?! I think I started to feel slightly more useful when I was able to start defending myself - so a couple months in maybe? My thought process on that would be "ok, at least if I can maybe get out of his/her mount then I'm forcing them to have to figure out where to go next." Just remember, even if you feel like you're not contributing to the roll because you're not attacking or the person is a higher belt than you, you're at least a good roll for them be technical and practice their techniques. So you are helping!

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

Wonderful wonderful video! Great info, and advice. Where were you when I started?! :/

[@Zevrosc2]

Hip escape is a really importante life skill, you can get out of bed without disturbing your pet

[@joseichoshow9846]

My first class I was 16. My dad had a friend. Lou he did Jiu-Jitsu. And I like wrestling. I would wrestler alot of my dad's friends. So I went for like 6 to 8months. I quit because my dad couldn't afford it. 12 years later I went back. I started at 16 and now . I am 28. I think I was more nervous about coming back the second time because it been 12 years.

[@measant]

Thanks :) now I feel even more motivated to start bjj

[@kimberlykinch]

Amazing!! :)

[@td9146]

Watching this before my first class... i'm scurrrred 😂

[@kimberlykinch]

ahhh!! Good luck! :)

[@td9146]

@@kimberlykinch It went great! Watching this beforehand helped so much :) Thanks!

[@shamelesslyvero3738]

I need to learn this. I’m working through the anxiety. Any tips with how to get into shape outside of BJJ? How to help condition? I’m trying my best & I feel in love with BJJ. I was encouraged to do my first open mat & I’m freaking out lol thank you for your videos.

[@kimberlykinch]

Aw! Open mats are the best, but I definitely understand how in the beginning they can be intimidating. But you'll have so much fun, promise! I always say, the best way to get conditioned for jiu jitsu is to do jiu jitsu hehe. But strength training can absolutely help as far as injury prevention, muscle endurance, speed, agility, etc. When I lift weights, a big part of my focus is on unilateral movements, since we're constantly using one leg or side at a time in jiu jitsu. And with every exercise that I do, I'm always making the mind/muscle connection to my core because it needs to be stable and strong for everything in jiu jitsu (and life lol)! I'd love to help you further if needed! Feel free to email me with any specific questions :) - [e-mail]

[@shamelesslyvero3738]

@@kimberlykinch thank youuuu. I’ll be showing up Sunday. I’m a little freaked out but will try it out.

[@kimberlykinch]

@@shamelesslyvero3738 Good luck!! :)

[@nancychen5992]

I've been thinking of attending my first BJJ class and I came across your videos! I just emailed the place near my house and I'm excited to start. I am super nervous though, partially because of the contact (and like, covid lol even tho I'm vaxxed), and looking like a fool.

[@kimberlykinch]

Yaaayy that’s a big first step! Yeah i think every one probably has felt like that, but like I mentioned in the video - no one really cares and people will just want to help you :)

[@oldtimeoutlaw]

I have vertigo so I can’t do break falls. Could this be a problem for me?

[@kimberlykinch]

I'm sure you can work around it, but it is really important in jiu jitsu to learn how to fall properly so you don't get hurt.

[@oldtimeoutlaw]

@@kimberlykinch Kim I do know how to fall and do break falls, but now I can’t do those any more because of my vertigo, and I’m 65 lol

[@kimberlykinch]

@@oldtimeoutlaw ah gotcha. I guess starting rolls from standing probably isn’t a great idea?

[@Studlybob23]

Is it a little sad that my biggest fear in starting BJJ isn't about not being good at it, or getting hurt, or getting tired...it's the instructor saying "everyone find a partner". The experience that follows that statement is pure anxiety. When people look over and lock eyes with you for a minute, see you don't have a partner, and then they keep looking around for someone else anyway. Then eventually someone realizes you and they are the only one left and they awkwardly/reluctantly join up with you. Or you're the only one left without a partner and the teacher/instructor has to add you to an existing pair of people who already passed on you. In my head I know others might feel the same and I should be more outgoing, but knowing that doesn't change much. Anyone else dread that experience?

[@bionichelper]

hey! So I train and I definitely understand where your coming from, and I often felt that way being a female thinking that "oh what if no one wants to partner with me because I am a girl." But actually, that's not the case and Ive had people approach me to partner up now. I think it is about just getting to know your training partner and making friends :) It may happen but it'll get better the more frequent you go and the more your training partners get to know you. Also being more confident in your BJJ skills and just more confident and comfortable on the BJJ mats as well. Good luck!

[@coloradoclif]

That... can definitely be a thing, though the reasons for it can be many. Assuming you're at a good gym though... the first class (or more sometimes) the instructor will typically pick your partner for a number of reasons.

[@kimberlykinch]

I hear you! Like I mentioned in the video, I can be pretty introverted, especially in big social situations where I don't know anyone (that's like my worst nightmare hahah), so stepping into a place where every one already knew each other was nerve wracking for me. But, truly, people will want to work with you! I've also found that jiu jitsu people are pretty relaxed and inclusive and will really partner with anyone and every one. And of course the more you go, you'll start getting to know every one :)

[@martialartsvocationalschoo3319]

I usually don't pick a partner if new students are in class, as almost always my trainer will pair me (and a bunch of other bluebelts) with the new folks. Only tournament prep is different. So, I wouldn't worry, it might be awkward, but not more awkward then tieing your belt wrong, failing at hip escapes, etc.

[@kimberlykinch]

@@martialartsvocationalschoo3319 hahaha agreed ^

[@samysamandu9465]

I'm sitting in the car on my way to my first 1st class.....nervous ASF!!!!

[@kimberlykinch]

How'd it go?!?

[@martialartsvocationalschoo3319]

The real question is: gauntlet or no gauntlet? I come from a gauntlet school.

[@kimberlykinch]

Lol nope no gauntlet in this school

[@martialartsvocationalschoo3319]

@@kimberlykinch I get the decision and understand why many schools do it like that today. But I really "enjoyed" my first one. Can't wait to get whipped for that purpel belt. :)

[@maryvaughan410]

Just took my first class.. Me and another brand new student were taking aside and trained in another room. We were taught the 4 basic moves of Jiu Jitsu. I am in general in good shape but I found this exhausting My performance was not so great.. Also both of us newbies had our gi pants on backwards. I am 74 years old and way out of my element. That’s why, when the free week is up, I will sign up for a year. I will keep you updated. Wish me luck.