Most people who think about trying Brazilian jiu-jitsu put it off for months. Usually it's not the cost or the time. It's not knowing what happens when you walk through the door. So here's exactly what happens at SCJJA.

Before you come

Book your free trial week online. You'll get an email straight away with everything on this page, and we'll be in touch to sort out a time.

If you can, start on a Monday, at the midday or 7pm class. We teach on a weekly curriculum, so starting on a Monday means you'll see the same core positions a few times across your trial week. It clicks a lot faster that way. Can't make a Monday? Come down whenever suits you.

What to bring

Not much. We'll lend you a clean uniform for your first class, so you don't need to buy anything.

• A water bottle and a towel
• A pair of thongs for walking around off the mats
• Trimmed fingernails and toenails
• No jewellery (take it off before class)

The last two keep you and your training partners safe.

Getting here

We're at 1A, 2 Resolution Drive, Caringbah. There's generally plenty of parking on Resolution Drive. After 3pm you can also use the spots out the front of Tasty Bite café, but please leave those for their customers while they're open (6am to 3pm).

When you arrive

Aim to get here about 15 minutes before class. There's nothing to pay. You'll sign a waiver, get changed into the uniform, and meet the coach.

The first part of class

You join in with the group like everyone else. Nobody expects you to know anything.

The one-on-one

Partway through class, one of our coaches takes you aside for a real one-on-one: how jiu-jitsu actually works, the main positions, and what everyone around you is doing. Then you ease back in with the group.

No sales pitch. No pressure. Just enough that you know what's going on.

Rolling (sparring)

Rolling is jiu-jitsu's version of sparring. In your first class you can join in if you want to, but we encourage you to watch. You'll learn a lot just seeing how it works, and there's plenty of time to roll once you know the basics.

After class

You'll probably be tired, and a bit sore the next day. That's normal. Then come back. Your trial week is free, so try a few different classes and see how it feels.