Beginner BJJ class at Method Jiu-Jitsu in Tulsa, Oklahoma

BJJ FOR BEGINNERS

You don't need to be in shape to start. You don't need experience. You just need to show up.

No experience required

Dedicated Fundamentals classes

First class is free

The thoughts holding you back

Fear 01

"I'm not fit enough to start BJJ."

Fear 02

"I'll look stupid — everyone will be so much better than me."

Fear 03

"It seems too intense and I might get hurt."

Fear 04

"I don't know anyone there — it's going to be awkward."

Fear 05

"I'm too old / out of shape / not athletic enough."

We've heard all of this before

Every Black Belt Was Once Exactly Where You Are

We're going to be honest with you: every single fear on that list is completely normal. We've heard all of them — from doctors, teachers, ex-athletes, people who haven't exercised in years, and people who think they're "too old" at 28. None of those fears disqualify you from training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, showing up anyway is the exact attitude that makes someone great on the mat.

The "not fit enough" fear is the biggest one. Here's the truth: you will get in shape by training. BJJ is the workout. The mat doesn't care what you look like walking in the door — it only cares that you keep showing up. Most of our members say that within two months, they're in better shape than they've been in years, and they didn't even feel like they were "working out."

The "everyone will be better than me" fear makes total sense — because right now, they will be. And that's a feature, not a bug. Learning from people who are more advanced than you is the fastest path to improvement. Our experienced members remember their first day. They go out of their way to make beginners feel at home. That's the culture we've built at Method, and it's something we protect fiercely.

As for getting hurt — controlled training is safe training. Beginners are always paired with partners who know how to apply techniques with care, respect taps immediately, and keep the energy constructive. You will never be thrown to the wolves on your first day. You'll be guided step by step, and you control the pace.

We've designed every part of the beginner experience at Method to remove those barriers. Dedicated classes just for new students. Patient instructors who love teaching. A community that actively cheers you on. And a first class that costs you nothing but an hour of your time.

How Method Makes It Easy

Built for People Who Have Never Done This Before

DEDICATED FUNDAMENTALS CLASSES

Our Fundamentals classes are specifically designed for brand new students. You won't be thrown into an advanced class and expected to keep up. You'll learn basic positions, core movements, and essential techniques at a comfortable pace alongside other newcomers — so nobody is miles ahead of you from day one. Fundamentals meet Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 PM.

PATIENT, WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTORS

Coach Dallas and our team have spent years developing the ability to teach BJJ in a way that actually makes sense to beginners. They break complex techniques down into simple, step-by-step progressions. They answer questions without making you feel dumb for asking. They've helped hundreds of people go from "I don't know what a guard is" to earning their blue belt — and they're proud of every one of them.

A GENUINELY WELCOMING COMMUNITY

Every person on our mats remembers what their first day felt like. That shared experience creates a culture of empathy. At Method, experienced members look out for beginners — not because they're told to, but because someone did it for them. You won't be ignored. You won't feel like an outsider. You'll be welcomed, introduced, and included from the moment you walk in the door.

The First Month

Here Is Exactly What to Expect

One of the most disorienting things about starting BJJ is not knowing what you're walking into. So we're going to tell you exactly what your first month looks like — week by week. No surprises. No mystery. Just a clear picture of the journey that's waiting for you.

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Week One

POSITIONS, MOVEMENT & ETIQUETTE

Your first week is about orientation. You'll learn how to fall safely, how to move on the ground, and the basic positions: guard, mount, side control, and back. You'll learn mat etiquette — how to bow, when to train hard vs. go easy, and how to tap out. By the end of week one you'll feel like you belong on the mat.

Week Two

YOUR FIRST SUBMISSIONS & ESCAPES

Week two is where things start to click. You'll learn your first submissions — the armbar, triangle, and basic chokes — and more importantly, how to escape from bad positions when someone applies them to you. Escapes are often more valuable than attacks for beginners. Knowing how to survive builds confidence fast.

Week Three

LIGHT SPARRING WITH EXPERIENCED PARTNERS

By week three, most students are ready to try their first live rounds. This isn't a fight — it's a controlled, cooperative exercise where you get to apply what you've learned against a resisting (but patient) partner. Your partner will guide you, let you work, and make sure you're safe the whole time. This is where BJJ goes from "interesting" to genuinely addictive.

Week Four

YOU'RE PART OF THE FAMILY

By the end of month one, something has shifted. You know the rhythm of class. You have training partners you recognize. The techniques are starting to feel less like foreign movements and more like muscle memory. You're already stronger, more flexible, and more confident than when you walked in. And you've earned it — one class at a time.

Classes to Start With

The Best Classes for Beginners

Start here. These classes are designed for new and developing students.

5:30

FUNDAMENTALS

Gi Beginner-Friendly Mon & Wed · Adults

6:00

ALL RANKS

Gi Mon, Wed & Sat · Adults

12:00

ALL RANKS

Gi Tue · Adults | All Welcome

6:00

ALL RANKS — NOGI

NoGi Tue, Thu & Fri · Adults

View Full Schedule

Real People, Real Journeys

They Were Exactly Where You Are

★★★★★

I was absolutely terrified walking through that door my first day. I almost turned around in the parking lot. Six months later, I can't imagine my life without BJJ. It has changed how I carry myself, how I handle stress, everything.

Michael K.

Member for 6 months · Started as a complete beginner

★★★★★

I'm 35, overweight, and genuinely thought BJJ wasn't for people like me. The Fundamentals class changed everything. Nobody made me feel out of place. I've lost 22 pounds and I'm in the best shape of my adult life. Best decision I've ever made.

Ryan T.

Member for 14 months · Lost 22 lbs since starting

★★★★★

Coach Dallas and the instructors made me feel welcome from minute one. I expected to be ignored or talked down to as a beginner. Instead I got real attention, real feedback, and real encouragement. These people genuinely care if you improve.

Sarah L.

Member for 9 months · Now training 4x per week

Common Questions

Everything Beginners Want to Know

Do I need to be in shape to start BJJ?

No — and this is the most common misconception that keeps people off the mat. You don't need to be fit before you start. You will get in shape by training. BJJ itself is the workout. Our beginners come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Some arrive having not exercised in years. Within a few months, they're moving better, sleeping better, and feeling stronger than they have in ages — and they did it all while learning a martial art. The mat is the gym. Just show up.

What should I wear to my first BJJ class?

Athletic shorts and a rash guard or plain t-shirt work perfectly for your first visit. If you don't own a gi (the traditional uniform), don't worry — we have loaner gis available at no charge so you can experience both styles before investing in your own gear. Once you've decided BJJ is for you, we can point you toward quality, affordable equipment. Don't let gear stop you from showing up.

Will I get hurt training BJJ?

Training at Method is controlled and safety-first. Beginners are always paired with experienced partners who know how to apply techniques carefully, use appropriate pressure, and respect taps immediately. You tap out when you feel uncomfortable — and everyone stops, every time, no exceptions. Soreness from using muscles you forgot you had is normal. Serious injuries from responsible training are rare. We have a culture of taking care of our training partners, and that starts on day one.

How often should a beginner train BJJ?

Two to three sessions per week is the ideal starting point. This gives your body enough time to recover, your mind enough time to process what you've learned, and maintains enough frequency for the techniques to start sticking. Consistency matters more than volume — showing up twice a week for a full year will transform you. Once you're hooked (and you will be), you can always add more sessions. Most of our members naturally increase their frequency once BJJ becomes part of their routine.

What is the difference between Gi and NoGi BJJ?

Gi BJJ is trained in the traditional uniform — a heavy cotton jacket and pants called the gi. The gi opens up a whole dimension of gripping options and a strategic, chess-like pace. NoGi is trained in shorts and a rash guard, with a faster, more wrestling-influenced style where friction replaces fabric grips. Both are taught at Method Jiu-Jitsu and both will make you a more complete grappler. As a beginner, starting with Gi is common because the slower pace makes fundamentals easier to absorb. Learn more: Gi vs NoGi — which is right for you?

How long until I get my first belt promotion?

BJJ belt promotions are based on demonstrated skill and consistent time on the mat — not a fixed number of classes or a belt test you can study for. Most students who train regularly earn their first stripe (a small tape mark on their white belt) within a few months. The journey from white to blue belt typically takes one to two years for someone training two to three times per week. Unlike many other martial arts, BJJ promotions are genuinely hard to earn, which makes them genuinely meaningful. Learn more about the BJJ ranking system: The BJJ Belt System Explained.

Zero Experience Required

Your First Class Is Free

One hour. No commitment. No gear required. Just show up and see what this is all about — we'll take care of the rest.

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Join 500+ members training at Tulsa's premier BJJ gym

BJJ FOR BEGINNERS

Every Black Belt Was Once Exactly Where You Are

Built for People Who Have Never Done This Before

Here Is Exactly What to Expect

The Best Classes for Beginners

They Were Exactly Where You Are

Everything Beginners Want to Know

More Resources for New Students

Your First Class Is Free

CLAIM YOUR FREE CLASS

YOU'RE ALL SET!