You Don’t Have to Know Jiu Jitsu: What Happens at Your First Free Class
Walking into a jiu jitsu gym for the first time can feel like a big step. Maybe you’re a parent looking for something good for your kids. Maybe you’ve wanted to try it yourself for years and keep putting it off. Either way, here’s the honest truth: you don’t have to know jiu jitsu to start jiu jitsu. Everyone on our mats had a first class once.
At Annunziato Jiu Jitsu (AJJ) in Azle, your first class is free. Here’s exactly what to expect, so the only surprise is how much fun it is..
How do I book my free class?
Call or text us at 817-308-3830, or use the “Free Trial Class!” button on the Kids Jiu Jitsu, Little Heroes, or Adult Jiu Jitsu page. Pick any class on the schedule that fits your week. Before class, every student (or a parent, for kids) signs our waiver.
Which class should I try?
Who:
Ages 3–5
Ages 6–14 – new to jiu jitsu
Ages 6–14, daytime
Adults – new to jiu jitsu
Class:
Little Heroes
Beginner Kids
All Level Kids
Beginner Adults
When:
Tue & Thu 10:30–11:00 AM, Tue & Thu 4:30–5:00 PM, Sat 10:00–10:30 AM
Mon–Fri 5:00–5:45 PM
Tue & Thu 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, Sat 10:00–11:00 AM
Mon & Wed 6:30–7:30 PM, Tue & Thu 7:30–8:30 PM, Sat 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
On Saturday at 10:00 AM, Little Heroes and All Level Kids share the mat. The first 30 minutes focus mainly on the little ones and the last 30 minutes mainly on the older kids, which makes Saturday an easy morning for families with kids of different ages.
Our coaches place each student based on mental and physical readiness, not just age. Some kids stay in Little Heroes a little longer, and some older kids and teens move up to adult classes when they’re ready. If you’re not sure where you or your child fits, just ask. We’ll help you pick.
Women are welcome in every class. All of our classes are coed.
What should I wear and bring?
- Clothes: Comfortable workout clothes you can move in, like athletic shorts or leggings and a T-shirt. Skip anything with zippers, buttons, or pockets. Workout clothes are fine for your first class, even on Gi days.
- Water: Bring a water bottle.
- Feet: We train barefoot on the mat, so bring sandals or slip-on shoes for walking to and from the mat.
Monday and Wednesday classes are No-Gi, which means training in regular athletic clothes. A gi is the traditional jiu jitsu uniform: a heavy jacket and pants with a belt. You don’t need to buy one before your first class.
What happens when I get there?
Plan to arrive a few minutes early. You’ll check in at the front desk, meet the coach, and get settled before class starts. If it’s your child’s first class, this is a great time to tell the coach anything that helps, like if your child is shy or has never done a sport before. Parents are welcome to watch kids and Little Heroes classes.
If you’re coming to the Tuesday or Thursday noon adult class, your kids can hang out at the gym while you train.
What happens during class?
Most classes follow the same simple flow:
- Warm-up. Movements that get your body ready and teach you how to move on the mat.
- Technique. The coach shows a move step by step, then you practice it with a partner.
- Practice. You work the move with a partner at a controlled pace, and the coach helps as you go.
You’ll also learn one of the first rules of jiu jitsu: tapping. If a hold gets uncomfortable, you pat your partner or the mat, and your partner lets go right away. Tapping is how everyone trains safely together.
Little Heroes classes are 30 minutes and built for ages 3 to 5. Kids classes are coached with patience, structure, and lots of encouragement.
On your first day, the coach will introduce himself and pair you with an assistant coach or student helper who stays with you for the whole class. You’ll work with an experienced student and take part in class, always under the coaches’ watch and control. Two beginners never spar on their own here. From start to finish, you’ll be with a coach or an experienced student who knows how to keep things controlled while you learn.
Do I need to be in shape first?
No. You’ll build fitness by training, not before. Beginner classes start with the fundamentals, and you can go at your own pace and take a break when you need one. The same goes for kids. Nobody expects a first-timer to know anything.
What happens after my first class?
That’s up to you. Talk with the coach about how class felt, which days fit your schedule, and what the next step looks like for you or your child. There’s no pressure. We want you to leave knowing what jiu jitsu at AJJ feels like and whether it fits your family.
Who teaches at AJJ?
AJJ is a family-owned gym led by Coach Ben Annunziato, a black belt under Travis Lutter with more than 16 years of training. Our tagline says it best: Family Friendly. Championship Level.
Come try your first class free
The hardest part is walking in the door, and we’ll make that part easy. Call or text 817-308-3830, or book online with the “Free Trial Class!” button on our Kids, Little Heroes, or Adult program page. You’ll find us at 118 S Stewart St Bldg 1 in Azle, behind Main Street Tacos. See you on the mat.
