Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Parramatta: Your First Class Checklist (Apex BJJ Edition)

If you’re thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Parramatta, you’re in luck. Whether you’re near Apex BJJ in Holroyd Merrylands, or anywhere across Western Sydney, you’re in one of the fastest-growing BJJ communities in the country.

Your first BJJ class can feel a bit overwhelming — new gear, new movements, new lingo. But don’t stress. Everyone starts as a white belt. Here’s a complete beginner’s guide to your first Jiu-Jitsu class at Apex BJJ

✅ First Class Checklist – What to Bring to Apex BJJ Parramatta or Merrylands

1. BJJ Gi (for gi classes)
If you’re attending a Gi class at Apex BJJ Parramatta, bring a BJJ gi (also called a kimono). If you don’t have one yet, the team will usually lend you one for your trial. Make sure to wear a rash guard or a tight-fitted tee shirt underneath. And please make sure the Gi or rash guard is clean and does not smell

2. Rash Guard & Grappling Shorts (No Gi classes)
No-gi Jiu-Jitsu is common across Parramatta gyms. At Apex BJJ Merrylands, for example, you’ll wear a rash guard (compression tee shirt) and black grappling shorts with no zips, pockets or buttons.

3. Flip-Flops / Slides / Sandals
You’ll wear these off the mat. Never walk barefoot off the mats (especially into the bathroom), and never wear shoes on the mats. Clean mats = healthy training.

4. Water Bottle
Training at at a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Grappling gym such as Apex BJJ Parramatta can get intense, especially during the warmer months in Western Sydney. Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water or hydrolytes to replenish what your taking out of your body.

5. Towel (optional)
If you’re training before or after work, having a towel post-class is always handy. Especially if the gym is like Apex BJJ and has shower facilities as part of the membership

6. Nail Clippers &

Trim nails as long nails scratch your training partners and this can lead to bacteria infections if not treated correctly. Generally nobody wants to be hurt by a partner with long fingernails and have to step of the mats to treat a cut caused by your long nails.

7. Deodorant

Good mat hygiene is taken seriously. Don’t skip the use of deodorant — you’re training in close-contact with different partners. It is important to smell pleasant. Training partners naturally trust that you are hygienic and clean. The last thing anyone would want is a partner that smells due to not using deodorant

🧼 Mat Etiquette & Hygiene (Especially Important in Parramatta’s Close-Knit BJJ Community)

Places like Apex BJJ Parramatta and Merrylands are built around respect and community. Hygiene and etiquette go a long way:

• Always bow or nod when stepping on/off the mat
• Keep your gi and rash guards washed after every class
• Don’t train if you’re feeling sick
• Cover cuts or scrapes with tape or bandages
• Respect your training partners — no slamming, no ego

👊 What Happens in a Beginner Class at Apex BJJ?

Most beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Parramatta follow a similar structure. Whether you’re at Apex BJJ in Merrylands or another gym nearby, expect this basic format:

1. Warm-Up: Movement Before Muscle

The warm-up isn’t just cardio — it’s about building the foundation:

• Shrimping (hip escapes): Creates space when you’re pinned.
• Bridging: Used to explode your hips and reverse positions.
• Forward/backward rolls: Helps with falling safely and transitioning between positions.
• Technical stand-up: A BJJ essential for getting back to your feet safely.

If you’re not familiar with these, no worries — the Apex instructors in Parramatta are great at breaking it down step-by-step.

2. Technique: The Heart of the Class

You’ll usually drill 1–3 techniques during class. These could include:

• Guard passing – Getting around your opponent’s legs
• Mount escapes – Bridging and shrimping to recover guard
• Submissions – Like the rear naked choke, armbar, or Americana
• Sweeps and reversals – Reversing your position from bottom to top

The focus at Apex BJJ Parramatta is on fundamentals, not flashy moves. You’ll hear terms like:

• Guard
• Mount
• Side control
• Base
• Grips
• Frames
• Posture

Don’t worry if it feels like a new language — it’ll start to make sense quickly.

3. Positional Sparring & Rolling (Live Training)

Depending on the class and your comfort level, you might finish with light positional sparring — like starting in mount or guard and trying to escape or control. As you get more comfortable, you’ll move into full rolling (live grappling rounds).

💬 Beginner Tip:

• Tap early, tap often. Tapping is how you stay safe and learn.
• BJJ isn’t about strength — it’s about timing, leverage, and technique.

At Apex BJJ in Merrylands and Parramatta, coaches are hands-on and focused on keeping things safe and beginner-friendly.

🧠 Mindset for Beginners Training BJJ in Parramatta

Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, or just trying something new, here’s how to approach your first few weeks:

• Expect to feel lost. Everyone does. Focus on survival and learning the basics like frames, posture, and staying calm.
• Ego stays outside. You will be submitted. That’s how you improve.
• Consistency beats talent. Try to train 2–3 times a week, especially early on.
• Ask questions. Parramatta’s BJJ scene is full of experienced, helpful people who were in your shoes not long ago.

🌟 Why Train at Apex BJJ Parramatta or Apex BJJ Merrylands?

Apex BJJ has built a reputation across Parramatta and Western Sydney for being a friendly, high-level, and inclusive academy. Whether you’re just starting or you’re coming from another martial art, you’ll find:

• Beginner-friendly classes
• Experienced instructors
• A strong focus on fundamentals
• A respectful, welcoming community

Plus, being in Parramatta or Merrylands, Apex BJJ is close to home for anyone living in Granville, Guildford, Westmead, or surrounding suburbs.

🥋 Final Thoughts: Start Slow, Stay Consistent, Trust the Process

Your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class will probably leave you sweaty, a little confused, and totally hooked.

If you’re training at Apex BJJ Parramatta or Merrylands, you’re in great hands. Show up, respect your teammates, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The only “bad” class is the one you skip.

Welcome to the journey. See you on the mats. Oss.