Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling art. Instead of striking, you learn to control a training partner — holding good positions, escaping bad ones, and finishing with a choke or joint lock once you have control. Here are ten reasons beginners take it up, and what to expect when you start.
1. Full-body fitness that doesn’t feel like a gym routine
BJJ works your grip, legs, hips, core and lungs, and no two rounds are the same. Many people find it easier to stick with than a standard gym program because every session has a problem to solve.
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Functional strength
- Flexibility and mobility
- Coordination and balance
2. Practical self-defence skills
BJJ relies on leverage and position more than size or strength, which is why it works for people of every build. You learn how to stay calm underneath someone heavier, how to escape, and how to get back to your feet.
3. Problem-solving under pressure
BJJ is often compared to chess. Every position has options and counters, and progress comes from recognising patterns and making decisions while someone is resisting.
4. A mental break
It is hard to think about work while someone is trying to pass your guard. Many people find training a reliable way to switch off and reset.
5. Confidence built on real ability
Confidence in BJJ comes from doing — escaping a position that used to trap you, or finally landing a sweep you’ve drilled for weeks. It is earned slowly, which is why it tends to last.
6. Training partners and community
You can’t train BJJ alone. Drilling with the same people week after week builds trust, and partners help each other improve.
7. Long-term goals
BJJ rewards patience. Skills build over months and years, which makes it a good way to practise setting goals and sticking with something.
8. Better body awareness
Grappling teaches you where your body is in space, how to move your hips efficiently, and how to fall and roll safely.
9. Character
- Humility — you’ll tap a lot as a beginner, and that’s normal
- Persistence — progress takes consistent effort
- Respect — for coaches, training partners and the art
- Discipline — showing up even when you don’t feel like it
10. It’s fun
Above all, BJJ is engaging. The mix of physical challenge, problem-solving and good company is why so many people keep coming back.
Starting BJJ at Marrickville Martial Arts Club
Adult BJJ at MMAC is no-gi — you train in shorts and a rashguard rather than a traditional uniform. The adult class, listed as “BJJ No Gi All Levels”, is built to run with complete beginners in it. Classes are led by BJJ Head Coach Josh Allsop and BJJ Instructor Jun Kim, and there is also a kids class for ages 5–12, listed as “BJJ KIDS”.
What to expect in your first class
- A warm-up built on grappling movement — bridging, hip escapes, rolling
- The technique of the day, demonstrated and broken into steps
- Drilling it with a partner at your own pace
- Positional rounds to finish — sitting these out on day one is fine
Tips for getting started
- Leave your ego at the door
- Focus on learning, not winning
- Ask questions
- Be consistent — two or three sessions a week is a good starting point
- Trust the process — progress comes with time
What to bring
- Shorts without zips or pockets, and a rashguard or fitted t-shirt
- A water bottle
- Short nails and no jewellery, for your partner’s safety
Your first class is free: one trial class, booked through GymMaster. See the BJJ program for more detail and the live timetable for class times.
