Your First Class in Joliet, IL
Walking into a martial arts academy for the first time is the hardest part, so here is exactly what happens when you do. Your first class at Gladiador BJJ Joliet is free, no experience is needed, and nothing about day one assumes you have trained before.
How your first class goes
Book your spot
Call (630) 258-8423 or send a message through the contact form. Tell us who is training — you, your child, or both — and we will point you at the right class.
Give yourself a few extra minutes
Arriving before the start of class leaves time to meet the coach, ask questions, and get settled. New students usually have a short form to fill in first.
Warm up and learn
Class opens with a warm-up, then the coach teaches a small number of techniques broken into clear steps. You drill them slowly with a partner. Nobody expects you to know anything yet.
Train at your own pace
Most classes finish with live training. On day one you are welcome to sit that part out and watch instead — plenty of people do, and no one will think anything of it.
What to wear & bring
What to wear
- A t-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings. You do not need a gi for your first class.
- Nothing with zippers, buttons, or pockets — they catch fingers and toes on the mat.
- No jewelry, and fingernails and toenails trimmed short. It is a contact sport.
What to bring
- A water bottle.
- Sandals or flip-flops. Training is barefoot, and footwear stays off the mat.
- A towel and a change of clothes if you want one for afterwards.
Which class is your first one?
Kids BJJ
Kids building confidence, coordination, and discipline.
View program →Adult BJJ
Adults of any fitness level or experience.
View program →Muay Thai Kickboxing
Anyone wanting fitness, self-defense, and stress relief.
View program →Not sure which one fits? Check the class schedule or call (630) 258-8423 and we will find you the right starting point.
First-class questions
Is my first class at Gladiador BJJ Joliet really free?
Yes. Your first class is free, with no obligation to sign up afterwards. Call (630) 258-8423 or use the contact form to book it.
What should I wear to my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class?
A t-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings. Avoid anything with zippers, buttons, or pockets, leave jewelry at home, and trim your fingernails and toenails before you come in.
Do I need a gi or any equipment to start?
Not for your first class — regular workout clothes are fine. If you decide to keep training, the coaches will walk you through the uniform and gear the classes you are joining actually need.
Do I need to be in shape before I start?
No. You set your own pace from the first day and can stop to rest whenever you need to. Conditioning is something class builds, not something you need before you walk in.
Can I watch a class instead of training on my first visit?
Yes. You are welcome to come in, watch a full class, and talk to the coach afterwards. Call (630) 258-8423 first so we know to expect you.
We will see you on the mat
221 Springfield Ave Unit 5, Joliet, IL 60435. Book your free class and come find out what all of this feels like.
Book Your Free Class