So, I'm starting BJJ.

[jasonp]

Next week I'll be going to my first BJJ class. Is there anything I should be aware of beforehand? Is there an official attire, or should I check with the school and see about that?

Thanks in advance.

[jules]

be prepared to be in pain the next morning.. Bruises all over you arms,shoulders, neck. a Gi might be nice... a great workout... hope you have cool coaches and people to train with.

[jasonp]

Wow, a reply. :P

I've had some trouble coming up with the funds to join the gym where the classes are taught, so I haven't actually started yet. As soon as I can work up the money, I'm starting though.

Thanks for the warning!

[Benjamin Dover]

When you roll go hard and for the guys who are wearing brown and black belts....try and rip their heads off. They will try and hurt you so you might as well do it first.

[TylerDurden]

Check your ego at the door. The blue belts are going to make you tap like a Buddy Rich drum solo. Its all part of learning. Don't try to be the man starting out, take it slow and learn the technique. If the school is a good one the more experienced students will teach you alot, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

[wardancer]

When you roll go hard and for the guys who are wearing brown and black belts....try and rip their heads off. They will try and hurt you so you might as well do it first.

You got to be JOKING!!!!
The brown and BB will not try to hurt you. In fact in BJJ Club, beginners are paired with advanced students because the advanced students have the most control of theirs techniques and therefore it is safer to roll with senior students that to roll with beginners.
That concept of bullying novices/younger belts is so out-dated. e.g Karate Kid
If it ever happen and the instructor is not doing anything about it, then leave because after all you are paying top dollar for BJJ classes. Do not waste your time and money if you are not receiving good service.
And by the way, BJJ sparring is not as hurtfull as some people make it sounds like. Actually, I doubt the credibility of some of the comments I have read on this thread.
If your intructor is Brazilian, be ready to have a relaxed approach to Martial Arts as they are not 'wanna-be' Japanese tight lipped Sensei with a huge chip on their shoulder. However, behind all that cool relaxed attitude, you still need to show him/her respect.
In my BBJ Club, the club members are a team and the team is training by the coach to win as a team and as individual. You need training partners to train (team spririt), however you only have yourselves to blame when you lose (self-reliant)

[Penance]

The first day: pay attention!

Shake hands with everyone, introduce yourself, try to SMILE =) Make friends. If you get to do free-form sparring, do your best, try to resist their submissions a LITTLE, but realize that you're not going to escape. Don't fight it until they break your arm (!!), just until it feels a little uncomfortable so you can start learning what it's like to both give AND receive submissions.

Watch the other students. Ask people how long they've been training for, how long it took them to get their blue belt, etc. They'll open up and take an interest in you and your welfare in return.

It's all about showing initiative and a will to learn and a fellow fighter's spirit. Your fellow students will respect you if you go in and are NOT trying to be a tough guy and beat everyone but ARE trying your best and ARE trying to win or at least last as long as possible.

[shamster]

Also, don't feel discouraged. The instructor will go over moves with the class and that may seem strange and awkward to you at first. It'll take you a few classes to get used to the positions, as they are sometimes counter-intuitive for most people.

Like everyone else said, leave the ego at home and come with a willingness to learn. I'm still a relative newbie, so I give this advice to myself as well.

Also, when you start rolling with people (even slow and light), try to resist the urge to use brute strength and forceful speed against the guy. First, it is probably not going to work against a skilled opponent. Second, you want to avoid any bad habits of using poor techniques and start getting used to only using proper techniques which you have learned. In class, I would rather practice only a few techniques and end up tapping than to go for a win with stuff that I didn't learn properly.

Definitely get a gi. You can ask your instructor first. He could possibly get them cheaper and quicker if he buys in bulk.

Train hard and enjoy. I love going to class everytime! Even if it means getting my ass kicked over and over.