Adults beginner BJJ classes can be intimidating to some. Below is a complete BJJ For Beginners Class guide to understand what to expect and how Apex teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for beginners at an astonishing progression rate. Apex has developed a Beginner Performance & Safety Pathway not just an intro class
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You will only be a beginner once. Train at a BJJ gym that provides correct Jiu Jitsu and Grappling foundations. Nothing is worse than creating bad habits right from the beginning of your training journey
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At Apex BJJ our beginner classes focus on building a complete foundation, not just the basics. From early on we introduce takedowns and leg lock awareness, areas that many gyms leave out. This gives students a well rounded understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Coaches will jump on the mats with you to help guide you on what to focus on every week. At other academies coaches simply do not engage with beginner students as this is seen as "wasted time". We provide live, regular feedback especially to beginner students
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We have developed a Beginner Pathway Program specifically for the beginner in BJJ in mind. That is why our beginners progress so fast and our retention rate is nearly at 100% for first timers. While other gyms will have a 40-50% student retention rate. The data shows
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At Apex BJJ our beginner classes are designed specifically for people who are new to Jiu Jitsu. We focus on fundamentals & safety. Students learn at a comfortable pace. This structure helps beginners develop strong foundations before moving into more advanced training
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An Apex white belt is no ordinary white belt. By the time they've earned their second stripe they are at a skill level that most other gyms would award a blue belt. This is due to how fast our white belts seem to pick up the techniques. We look at data and teach what works
Just like everything if you do not build the correct habits early you will naturally have to unteach them. And most times try to teach things that have been abandoned for too long. I.e Takedowns, leg locks, intensity, correct techniques. don't throw yourself into a gym that can't give you these and much more. Apex is the clear choice for BJJ beginners because we have a system that out performs others using statistics, data and performance markers
Our goal at Apex BJJ is to help beginners avoid mistakes that slow real progress. Many gyms avoid teaching leg locks to protect retention, skip stand-up because wrestling isn’t their background, or focus on low-percentage techniques that rarely work in competition or real situations. Others remove intensity by labelling beginners as “spazzy” instead of teaching proper movement. We take a different approach, focusing on practical techniques, controlled pressure, and clear systems that build confident, capable grapplers.
Many gyms skip stand-up training altogether, which often creates fear, hesitation, and bad habits like pulling guard by default. Without confidence on the feet, students miss a huge part of real grappling. Wrestling changes that. By training takedowns, balance, and pressure, students develop better overall control, and become far more effective grapplers instead of avoiding key positions.
Leg locks are an essential part of modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but avoided like the plague. At Apex BJJ, we teach leg locks in a controlled, technical way that prioritises safety, positioning, and awareness. We have our beginner students performing leg entries, defence, and proper mechanics in as little as two classes. We developed a pathway to break down all the noise and learn the names, how to get there and how to finish. Its beginner leg lock poetry
At Apex BJJ, our coaches regularly roll with beginners to guide learning in real time. This helps new BJJ students understand timing, pressure, and positioning while staying safe and supported. Rather than leaving beginners to figure things out on their own, coaches use live rounds to correct habits, answer questions, and build confidence. Creating a faster and more positive learning experience from day one.
Every beginner at Apex BJJ is guided through a personal game plan based on their size, fitness level, and goals. Instead of teaching everyone the same approach, our coaches help new students focus on positions and techniques that suit them best. This gives beginners clear direction, reduces confusion, and helps them progress faster with confidence and purpose on the mats.
At Apex BJJ, beginners start by building strong defensive skills. We believe a good blue belt must first know how to survive and escape bad positions before chasing submissions. New students learn how to stay calm under pressure and work out of difficult spots like bottom mount and bottom side control. By prioritising defence and escapes early, beginners gain confidence, reduce frustration, and develop a solid foundation that supports everything else in their Jiu Jitsu journey.
Apex BJJ is for anyone who wants to better themselves, stay humble, and take real steps toward improving their mental and physical well being. We welcome people who want more from themselves and are willing to learn, work hard, and support those around them. What doesn’t belong at Apex are egos, fake toughness, or cockiness. Our culture is built on respect, effort, and growth, creating an environment where everyone can get better
Now. Every day you wait is a day lost, and days quickly turn into weeks and months. That time adds up and delays progress toward milestones like blue, purple, brown, and black belt. Starting now means investing in yourself sooner, building skills earlier, and giving yourself the best chance to grow on and off the mats.
Stop reading and start learning. Apex is a factory for creating monsters. Become the problem

All beginners ae welcomed by our coaches and staff at Apex BJJ gym. We help create a comfortable setting for any new starters. Coaches will explain the rules of BJJ and how it works. This takes away any guess. We also help you create some initial goals as part of your first class or classes. We also introduce you to the team and pair you up with a great training partner who will help you

Our second goal is usually to develop a routine with the student. Routines garner results. When we are able to lock in your session times we can clearly set achievable goals to work with every week, month and quarter. Long term goals are now also more visible and attainable. i.e. Blue belt grading goal and competition participation (if the student is interested)

The third step is just to show up. Once the first class is complete, the routine is set showing up becomes second nature. Time passes by rapidly and before the student knows it, they have truly transformed their physical and mental state. The mind and body builds calluses. Remember a one stripe white belt is stronger and more equipped to deal with the average untrained human being


When you first start its hard not to rely on strength to muscle or fight your way out of tricky positions. Knowing this beforehand though gives you a huge advantage of being mindful of this. If you feel pressure or are being submitted just tap and start again. Try to think about why you keep getting caught. Ask your training partner how they did it after the round or class. Training partners at Apex are awesome they are so happy when asked for advise and are always willing to help you


When you're beginning to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the more you tap the more you learn. Everyone gets submitted in BJJ. It's normal. Leave the ego at the door because BJJ is humbling and really gives you a new perspective on martial arts and your own vulnerabilities. Get used to accepting the lessons as you continue to get caught by more experienced BJJ students. Belts matter in BJJ and you will see the difference in ability between each belt level. Remember you will also be able to do to someone tomorrow what is being done to you today


Concepts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu answer deeper questions whereas moves provide a quick fix to a small part of the problem. Learn concepts as they provide more depth to the problems you may be experiencing. Apex has built whole systems around concepts that if followed correctly give you a unbelievable blue print to faster progression and cuts your learning curve down dramatically. Fill your glass with knowledge rather than simple tricks. Concepts play in your favour much better than "moves". Above all pay attention to the little details in BJJ as they matter quite a lot
Our team has put well over 200 hours into our beginner program framework. Constantly tweaking and testing techniques and concepts to give our new students a curriculum that truly is a cut above the rest. Apex BJJ are at the forefront of Jiu Jitsu techniques and concepts consistently developing better strategies through competition and live sparring. Our goal is to bring the best out of our BJJ beginners
While the beginners BJJ classes run permanently, it is recommended to attend them for anyone starting BJJ for at least 1-3 months. This is enough time to become comfortable with the basics and fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The sport of BJJ is very complex with thousands of techniques which you will eventually come to understand and learn. The journey of the white belt in BJJ is to survive. Survival builds resilience and through resilience you while become calmer. Calm under pressure allows the white belt to see opportunities and patterns. Patterns for escaping and patterns for sweeping your opponent. Eventually this system provides an adequate base for countering their your opponents attacks with your own attacks. This is where you will see yourself becoming closer to the blue belt

A good idea would be to bring a water bottle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an intense workout especially when beginning. Other key things which can be of benefit would be a towel, some sandals to help get on and off the mats easier. And also a bag to carry your belongings an store your valuables. Most gym’s will have trial Gi’s which can be worn if needed for a Gi class. No Gi classes simply require a rash guard and shorts. It might be a good idea to discuss with the gym prior as requirements may vary from gym to gym
Short answer no. Age is not a limiting factor in Jiu Jitsu. Relio Gracie known as the god father of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was practising BJJ well into his 90’s. Jiu Jitsu is for everyone and at all ages. Training methods will change with age and experience but the fundamentals will be the same
Typically to receive a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a student must train consistently for a period of 2 years. Students can receive their blue belts sooner if they are training more often. Or if they are have prior experience in martial arts such as Wrestling or Judo.
No. Most beginners are generally not acclimated to BJJ conditioning. Thus finding it difficult as their muscles and lungs get fatigued quickly. However this is temporary, as within a few weeks of training your body becomes more conditioned. BJJ cardiovascular fitness is then built. Most beginners in most sports experience this. It is very normal
There is no set number of classes that will make you “good” at Jiu Jitsu. Everyone develops differently and progresses in their own way. A great head start however would be to attend as many beginner classes as possible in order to decrease your learning curve. Beginner classes develop fundamental skills which help you core Jiu Jitsu game
Yes absolutely. In fact BJJ is one of the best if not the best martial art for women. BJJ teaches the ability of technique over strength which ties in perfectly in defeating males through the use of technique rather than our muscling them. Where this really helps is for self defense and can be a life saving skill to have. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu encourages women to participate for this and many other reasons
In your very first BJJ class you will commonly learn the basic rules of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The objectives to defeat your opponent and various positions which score greatly due to their effectiveness. Particularly learning about the guard, more commonly the closed guard. A good beginner class will also teach students various methods of tapping to the opponent and dangerous positions to avoid
Commonly beginners may experience slight bumps, bruises or cuts but major injuries are far less common. It is important to remember that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport and injuries may occur. There are many ways to prevent injuries and two common methods are as follows. 1: Tap out when caught in a submission or bad position. 2: Don’t “spazz out” as most people in BJJ refer to a spazzy white belt being the most dangerous opponent. Roll when you feel comfortable and choose your sparring partners carefully. Some gyms do not monitor new students and this is when injuries can also occur
Kids usually start BJJ from as young as 4 years old. Some have started earlier (3YO). But 4 is commonly a great age in terms of ability and maturity. Kids start to learn rapidly at the age of 4 and start to understand body positioning and technique implementation at 4 years of age.
Once you have a firm understanding of the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can attend general classes. For some this may take a week, others a month and some as long as 6 months. It is a great idea to ask your coach or instructor for advice. They will have a good idea of your skill level and can advise accordingly
How does Apex BJJ compare to other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in the area?
Apex BJJ stands out through its large 240sqm training space, full weights gym, registered wrestling program, structured curriculum, high-level black belt coaching, and proven competition results. While many local gyms offer quality training, Apex provides a more complete and modern grappling environment for beginners, kids, and competitors.
The Apex of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling in Parramatta & Merrylands. Our Parramatta Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling classes provide beginner and advanced BJJ classes for all ages. We have classes for adults, women's BJJ classes and kids BJJ classes all year round. Join the our Jiu Jitsu gym and become a part of the Apex training program. Book a free trial class here
Apex BJJ is a Parramatta BJJ academy offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for beginners, adults, women, and kids. Train with experienced coaches in a welcoming environment just minutes from Parramatta
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