NEW TO BJJ IN MADISON
Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Madison, WI
If you have never trained before, you are in the right place. You do not need to be in shape, know the rules, or be ready to spar. Show up, meet the coach, and we will walk you through the first class at a manageable pace.
FIRST STEP
You do not need to be ready before you start
A lot of people wait until they feel fitter, more flexible, or more confident. BJJ works better the other way around. Start with the basics, ask questions, and let the routine build from there. You will not be the first person to feel nervous walking in.
You do not need previous experience.
You do not need to be in great shape.
You do not need to know the rules.
You do not need to be flexible.
You will not be expected to know what to do.
You will not be forced to spar hard on day one.
FIRST CLASS
What your first class is like
The goal is not to prove anything. The goal is to understand the room, learn a few basics, and get a realistic feel for training.
- 1
Arrive a few minutes early.
- 2
Meet the coach.
- 3
Get shown around.
- 4
Learn basic positions and movements.
- 5
Drill at a controlled pace.
- 6
Ask questions.
- 7
Decide whether it feels like a fit.
Before you arrive
Keep the first visit simple. You do not need special equipment to find out whether the class feels like a fit.
Choose a T-shirt and gym shorts without pockets, zippers, or metal parts.
You can take breaks and ask questions whenever you need to.
Trim your nails and wear clean training clothes. If you train in a gi, wash it after class.
If you attend a gi class, Forward BJJ can provide a loaner gi at no cost.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Who this is for
Most people do not arrive with the same background, goals, or comfort level. A good first class should make the next step clearer.
Adults completely new to martial arts
Start with basic positions, movement, and clear instruction. You do not need to know the culture or terminology before you come in.
Former athletes looking for a new challenge
BJJ gives you a skill to work on over time, with enough detail to stay interesting after the first few classes.
People who want skill-based fitness
Training is physical, but the focus is learning. Conditioning improves as a byproduct of consistent practice.
People interested in practical self-defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches control, escapes, and leverage-based problem solving in close-contact situations.
UW Madison students and West Side professionals
Forward BJJ is on University Avenue, convenient for many people coming from Madison's West Side, Shorewood Hills, and the UW Madison area.
Parents curious about BJJ
This page is focused on adult beginners. If you are looking for youth options, review our kids programs on the classes page.
View classesWHY FORWARD BJJ
A good place to begin without guessing what to do
Forward BJJ is structured enough for people who want to improve and calm enough for people who are nervous to try their first class.
Fundamentals-first instruction
Beginner training starts with positions, movement, control, and the habits that make later training easier to understand.
Controlled training culture
Good training requires trust. The goal is to learn at a pace where partners can communicate and stay safe.
Clear coaching
You will be shown what to do, what the goal of the drill is, and when to ask for help.
Gi and no-gi options
You can train in the traditional gi or no-gi classes. If you are not sure where to start, ask when you book your free class.
Transparent pricing
Membership options are published upfront, so you can review the cost before you decide what comes next.
Easy free-class booking
Use the booking page to reserve a first visit. The first class is a chance to try the room, the pace, and the coaching.
CLASSES
Beginner-friendly classes
Start with fundamentals and ask the coach whether a gi or no-gi class makes the most sense for your first visit. The schedule changes are maintained on the schedule page, so use that page for the current class calendar.
Fundamentals classes
A practical starting point for adults who are brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Gi training
Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training using the uniform for grips, control, and positional work.
No-gi training
Training without the gi, with a focus on body positioning, control, and movement.
Kids programs
Youth classes are available for families researching BJJ for children.
PRICING
We publish our pricing upfront
You can review membership options before booking your free class. That makes the first visit simpler: try the class, ask questions, and decide whether the training and membership options fit.
BEGINNER FAQ
Quick answers before your first class
These are the practical questions most new students ask before they try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time.
Do I need experience to start?
Will I be embarrassed if I do not know what to do?
Do I need to be in shape first?
What should I wear?
Do I need a gi?
Will I be forced to spar on my first day?
Is BJJ safe for beginners?
Can I try both gi and no-gi?
How do I book a free class?
Where is Forward BJJ located?
LOCATION
Train on Madison's West Side
Forward BJJ is located at 3224 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. The gym is in Shorewood Hills Shopping Center on Madison's West Side, near UW Madison.
Load the interactive map, or open directions in Google Maps.
You do not need to know anything before your first class
We will walk you through it. Book a free class, show up a few minutes early, and decide whether Forward BJJ feels like a fit.