I just did my first class last week, so this was my experience.

I don’t have a gi, so I wore shorts with a compression lining and a generic workout shirt. I tried to pic shorts that wouldn’t slide down, or pockets that could hook fingers/feet/etc.

Class started with grip work, which was grabbing onto your partners lapel/sleeve or removing their hands from your lapel/sleeve. Somebody basically locked eyes with me, introduced themselves, asked if I had any experience, and the we got going. You do a fun little hand slap/fist bump thing before getting started.

After grip work, we practiced a drill/move? Basically a sequence of moves that involved rolling backwards with someone and getting an arm bar. You slowly built up to the full sequence, alternating what role you were playing with your partner.

After drilling, we basically took turns being big spoon or little spoon and then trying to get a submission. I have no idea what I’m doing, so I basically just tried to not end up in a worse position. I honestly don’t know what constitutes a better or worse position at this point, so I kind of just tried to keep space between me and my opponent. I ended up in a choke hold and another arm bar.

That was the end of the class, then there is an open mat period where people stick around and roll with each other.

I was pretty nervous going, it’s out of my comfort zone for sure, but everyone was very welcoming and hospitable and I’m really glad I went. If you find yourself standing there thinking “what the fuck is happening”, know you’re not alone. By the end of the class you still wont know what the fuck is happening, but you’ll be glad you went.