We get a lot of beginners through the door at Wave and are happy to answer any questions we get but the time has come for a comprehensive guide to help you on your first class and beyond so you can enjoy your time at Wave.
Your First Class
You have now registered for a free class at Wave… no? Ok click on the button above and do it now. :)
What do you need to bring?
For you first class you need to bring:
• T-shirt or rash guard and you need to wear one of these even if you have a gi
• Tracksuit bottoms/leggings/shorts
• Flip flops. If you don’t have flip flops please wear some footwear when not on the mats and take off any footwear when you get to the side of the mats.
Which class should you book?
Intro classes are good if you can make these are at 6:30pm Monday to Thursday and get you ready for the beginning of the class. If you can’t make these then not to worry just book in for a normal class and the instructor and students will help you get started.
Beginner, fundamentals and mixed level classes are perfect to start with, they are an hour long and will give you the fundamental techniques you need to get you going.
Everyone is there to help you, the instructors will guide you through the techniques and our students are friendly and will help answer any questions you have. They have all been where you are now.
What to expect from your first class?
Warm Ups
We will help you through all the warm up movements which are challenging at the start and it always feels like a race (it isn’t).
Techniques
The warm up will be followed by teaching 2-3 techniques, you will be paired with someone and we will keep a close eye on you. The techniques seem complicated at the beginning as BJJ can be counter intuitive but everyone in that class has been through this and will be patient and helpful with you. We don’t expect you to get it in your first class.
Situational sparring
This is where you try and use what you have learned. This can be daunting, just remember this is your journey and you can do as much or as little as you want. The teacher will be watching and all the other students will help you through how it works and let you go over the techniques as well as offering advice from their own experiences.
Stretching
Well done you have survived your first class. Now we stretch, everyone sits in grade order and Lorenzo or the other instructors make bad jokes and the class is almost over.
Shaking hands
Everyone now lines up and we shake hands. This is the official end of the class :)
What else should I know?
Don’t be a hero!
Remember you can always tap out. Different ways of tapping in order of most effective:
Double hand tap on the person hard enough for them to feel it
Shouting “TAP” NOT stop or anything else
Tapping on the floor loudly if you can’t tap on your partner
Tapping with your feet if your hands are tied
Remember, trust your submission, don’t force it out of doubt and you and your partner will both stay friends :)
Running late?
No need to worry, this is London and s**t happens :) the instructor will get you up to speed.
Registering for classes
Before every class, you should register on GoTeamUp. Once you sign up for a class you now have an account. You can do this via the GoTeamUp app use the links below to download this.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1449504627
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goteamup.app.customer
Or on a browser: https://goteamup.com/p/1047377-wave-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-/
Class sizes are limited so it is always a good idea to register in advance. If you have forgotten and there is space then the instructor will be able to register you when you arrive.
Gis and rash guards
Members can buy gis at the club, send us an email or speak to your instructor. We do not have gi restrictions so you can wear any colour or club gi.
We also have club rash guards that you can buy CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
Memberships
You can see the memberships by clicking the button below. If you have a membership with a longer term commitment you can’t cancel before this is done. Once your initial commitment is done you can pause or cancel your membership with 7 days notice.
Anything else?
Social
We run a lot of social events and other events that we will post to various places. You can follow us at the below links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChiswickBJJ/
Facebook members only group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/235303179989407/ we will only add you if you are an existing or past member of Wave
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wavebjjuk
WhatsApp members group: Ask us to send you the link
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wavebjj
Enjoy :)
BJJ is your hobby, you are in control of your classes. We are a very friendly club and you will be pushed but never forced. We do this for fun, most of us have day jobs and families. Come to Wave and leave your problems at the door.
Reference Material
If you buy one book you can’t go wrong with “Jiu Jitsu University” Buy It Here
The 16 Most Important Techniques for the BJJ Beginner
This blog post will evolve over time as we get more questions to answer and rethink anything that we have above.
All of this too much information? Here are the key points in diagram form, WaveBJJ guide for dummies you could say :) Thanks to our Kriszanne for designing this!
WaveBJJ beginners guide for dummies :)