Your First Day at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu: What to Bring

 

Gracie Barra Northridge (GB Northridge) is one of the most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu academies in the world, led by the legendary multi-time World Champion Romulo Barral. While the standard is world-class, the environment is known for being family-oriented and welcoming to beginners.

 

Here is everything you need to know to be prepared, respectful, and comfortable.

 

1. The Essentials: What to Bring

 

You do not need to buy a full set of gear before your first class, but you do need to come prepared.

 

 A Water Bottle: Jiu-Jitsu is high-intensity. You will sweat—a lot. Bring a large, reusable water bottle. There is a filling station/fountain at the gym, but having your own bottle on the edge of the mats is essential for quick water breaks.

 Flip-Flops or Slides: This is mandatory for hygiene. You will be barefoot on the mats, but you must wear shoes when walking from the locker room to the mat, and especially if you need to use the restroom. You never walk barefoot off the mats, and you never wear street shoes on the mats. Slides are the easiest option.

 Valid ID and Credit Card: Even if you are doing a free trial class, you will need a photo ID to check in and sign a liability waiver.

 A Towel: You will likely want a small towel to wipe sweat off your face during breaks, and a larger towel if you plan to shower at the facility immediately after class.

 

2. What to Wear

 

Gracie Barra has a strict uniform policy, but they accommodate first-timers.

 

 If you have a Free Trial/Intro Class: The academy usually provides a “loaner Gi” (the kimono/uniform) for your first class.

 Underneath the Gi:

     Men: Wear compression shorts or tight-fitting boxer briefs. Do not wear loose boxers, as they can bunch up or rip during movement. A rash guard (tight athletic shirt) is recommended for your upper body to prevent gi-burn, though a fitted t-shirt works for day one.

     Women: Wear a sports bra and compression shorts, leggings, or spats. High-neck sports bras are recommended as loose tops can shift during grappling.

 If you are taking a No-Gi Class: Wear a rash guard and board shorts (with no pockets or zippers) or spats.

 

3. Grooming & Hygiene (Crucial)

 

Jiu-Jitsu is a contact sport. For the safety and comfort of your training partners, please ensure the following:

 

 Trim Your Nails: Cut your fingernails and toenails short. Long nails can slice open a training partner’s skin or get bent back and ripped off in the Gi.

 Remove All Jewelry: Take off all rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches (even smartwatches like Apple Watches are generally not allowed during sparring for safety). These can cut partners or break fingers.

 Cleanliness: Ensure you have showered recently and used deodorant.

 Tie Long Hair Back: If you have long hair, tie it back tightly with a soft hair tie (no metal clips or plastic barrettes).

 

4. What NOT to Bring

 

 Ego: You will likely feel uncoordinated. You might get tapped out. This is normal. GB Northridge is a place of learning; come with an open mind.

 Shoes with Zippers or Metal: If you bring street clothes into the locker room, that is fine, but ensure nothing you wear onto the mats has zippers, buttons, or metal that could tear the mats or a partner’s skin.

 Gum: Do not chew gum during class. It is a choking hazard.

 

5. The Arrival Protocol

 

Here is a timeline of how your first visit will likely flow:

 

15–20 Minutes Early:

 Check-In: Walk to the front desk. Introduce yourself and mention it is your first day. The staff at GB Northridge are very professional. They will have you sign a waiver and get you set up.

 The Tour: They will show you the changing rooms, restrooms, and where to put your shoes.

 The Loaner Gi: If you don’t have a uniform, they will size you and hand you a clean loaner Gi. They will show you how to tie the pants and the belt (don’t worry, tying the belt is confusing for everyone at first).

 

Entering the Mats:

 Bow In: Before stepping onto the mats, it is tradition to bow toward the center of the mat (or the picture of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie). This is a sign of respect for the dojo.

 Line Up: When the instructor calls for class to start, students line up by belt rank. As a beginner, you will stand at the end of the white belt line.

 

6. The Class Structure

 

Gracie Barra classes are highly structured (GB1 is the beginner curriculum).

 

1. Warm-Up: Expect 10–15 minutes of calisthenics (jumping jacks, pushups) and BJJ-specific movements (shrimping, break-falls). Just follow the person in front of you.
2. Technique: The Professor (instructor) will demonstrate a move. You will then pair up with a partner to practice it. As a new person, you will usually be paired with a higher belt or an instructor who can guide you.
3. Specific Training / Sparring: In a GB1 (Beginner) class, you usually do “positional sparring” (starting from a specific position with a limited goal) rather than full fighting. This is safer for beginners.
4. Cool Down & Bow Out: The class ends with a cool down, a formal bow to the picture of the Grandmaster, a bow to the instructor, and then shaking hands with your training partners.

 

7. Post-Class

 

 Return the Loaner: If you borrowed a Gi, return it to the front desk or the designated laundry bin.

 Hygiene: Wash your hands and face immediately. Shower as soon as you get home (or at the gym).

 Membership: The staff will likely ask how you enjoyed the class and discuss membership options. GB Northridge requires you to buy their specific uniform (The Red Shield) if you sign up, so be prepared for that conversation.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Your First Day at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu: What to Bring