Your Complete Guide to Starting at Wave BJJ
We get a lot of beginners through the door at Wave and we love it. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what to bring to your first class, to what to expect when you walk through the door.
Not booked yet?
Your first class is half price. No experience or particular fitness level required.
Book Your First Class — Half PriceWhat Do You Need to Bring?
For your first class you need:
- —A t-shirt or rash guard (you need to wear one of these even under a gi)
- —Tracksuit bottoms, leggings or shorts
- —Flip flops or sandals — please wear footwear when off the mats and remove it when stepping on
No gi is required for your first class. If you decide to join, members can purchase gis at the club or speak to an instructor.
Which Class Should You Book?
Beginner, fundamentals and mixed-level classes are the best place to start. They run for one hour and cover the core techniques you need to get going. Everyone in these classes — coaches and students — is there to help you.
Don't worry about experience or fitness. Every single person in that class was once where you are now.
What to Expect From Your First Class
1. Warm Up
The class starts with a structured warm up — movement drills and solo techniques to get the body ready. It can feel like a lot at first. That's completely normal. The instructor will guide you through it.
2. Techniques
You'll be paired with a partner and the instructor will walk through 2–3 techniques. BJJ can feel counter-intuitive at the start — that's part of the process. We don't expect you to nail it in your first class. Your partner will help, and so will the coaches.
3. Situational Sparring
This is where you try out what you've learned with a training partner. It can feel daunting — but remember, this is your journey and you control how much you do. The instructor will be watching, and other students will help you through it.
4. Stretching & Handshake
The class closes with a group stretch. Everyone lines up in grade order, the instructor makes a few jokes, and the class ends with a handshake. That's it — you've survived your first BJJ class.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Tapping out
Tapping is how you signal to your partner that you want to stop — always respect a tap immediately. You can tap with your hand on your partner, on the floor, or by saying "tap" clearly. Never hesitate to tap. It keeps everyone safe and is a sign of good training, not weakness.
Running late?
This is London — it happens. Just show up. The instructor will get you started and catch you up. Don't let a delayed tube stop you from training.
Hygiene
Please train with clean kit and trimmed nails. This is a grappling art — hygiene matters for everyone on the mat.
Booking Your Classes
All classes are booked through Momence. Register before each class to secure your spot — class sizes are limited. If you forget and there's space, the instructor can add you when you arrive.
Download the Momence app to book and manage your classes on the go:
Memberships & Trial Options
Once you're ready to commit to training, we have a few options:
Half Price First Class
Single class at 50% off. Great if you just want to try it once first.
Two Week Trial — £78
Unlimited classes for 14 days. Includes BJJ, striking, functional fitness and mobility. No commitment.
Monthly Memberships — from £158/mo
Base (3x/week), Build (5x/week) or Total Access (unlimited). Cancel anytime.
The Community
BJJ is your hobby. You're in control of your training — how often you come, how hard you push, how far you want to go. We run a friendly, welcoming club where most of us have day jobs and families.
Come to Wave, leave your problems at the door, and enjoy the training. We look forward to seeing you on the mat.