New to BJJ
Beginner BJJ in Orangeville: Your First 8 Weeks
Almost everyone who walks through our door for the first time is a little nervous. Many of our members started in their 30s, 40s and beyond, with zero martial arts experience. This page walks you through what to expect, so your first class feels like the start of something, not a test.
Your first class
It’s free. Book a time on our Book a Free Class page and sign the waiver online before you come.
Use the front entrance at 75 First Street and head downstairs; parking is free. Get here 15 minutes early so we can show you around. Wear jogging pants with no zippers and a t-shirt, and we’ll lend you a gi top.
What happens in your first class
You’ll warm up with the group, learn a couple of basic positions with a coach close by, and work with a partner at a slow, controlled pace. Nobody expects you to know anything.
Week by week
Your first 8 weeks
Learning to move
Most beginners spend their first couple of weeks getting comfortable on the mats: how to fall safely, how to move on the ground, and how to “tap” so training stays safe. You’ll start to recognise the main positions, like guard, mount and side control.
The basics connect
Techniques you’ve repeated start to feel familiar. You’ll learn simple escapes and your first submissions, and you’ll start to see how one position leads to the next.
Comfortable rolling
Sparring is called “rolling”. You can try light rolling sooner, whenever you feel ready, with an experienced partner who keeps it easy going and looks after you. By weeks 5 to 8 most people roll regularly. You’ll still get caught a lot, and that’s normal. Most members notice they’re fitter, calmer and more confident.
Which classes should beginners start with?
Our teen and adult BJJ classes welcome all levels:
- Monday & Wednesday, 7–8:30 pm
- Tuesday & Thursday, 10–11:30 am
- Friday, 6–7 am
- Saturday, 12–1:30 pm
- Women only: Sunday, 9–10 am
- No-gi: Tuesday & Thursday, 7–8:30 pm, once you’re comfortable
Why beginners feel at home here
Our coaches and members are known for being welcoming and ego-free, and we’re rated 5.0 from 199 Google reviews. Head instructor Jake Smith is a 2nd degree black belt in BJJ and Judo and a 2018 IBJJF World Masters champion.
Read the reviews →Common worries
“I’m too old, too out of shape, too nervous”
Am I too old to start Jiu Jitsu?
No. We have members training into their 70s. Jiu Jitsu relies on leverage and technique, not size or strength.
Do I need to be fit before I start?
No. You don’t get fit to start BJJ. You start BJJ to get fit. Go at your own pace.
I’m nervous. Is that normal?
Completely. Almost everyone is nervous at their first class. Our coaches and members are known for being welcoming and ego-free. Read what beginners say on our Reviews page.
Is it safe?
Yes. Every coach has a police vulnerable sector check and trains in the NCCP coaching framework. Partners focus on technique, not hurting each other, and you can tap to stop at any time.
Can’t find your answer? Email orangevillebjj@gmail.com or call 416-830-6503.
Ready? Your first class is free.
No experience needed. Wear jogging pants with no zippers and a t-shirt. We’ll lend you a gi top, and a coach will take you through the basics.