What to Expect on Your First Day of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Poughkeepsie
- leonardo smerdel de sousa
- Oct 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is an exciting step toward building confidence, fitness, and self-defense skills. If you’re looking for martial arts classes in Poughkeepsie, your first day on the mats at Mercury Jiu Jitsu will be welcoming, fun, and memorable. Here’s what to expect:
1. A Friendly Welcome
At our Poughkeepsie academy, beginners are always greeted with respect and encouragement. You’ll meet your instructor, get introduced to your teammates, and learn simple etiquette like bowing onto the mats.
2. What to Wear
If you don’t yet own a gi (the traditional BJJ uniform), don’t worry. Just wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a T-shirt and shorts or leggings. Many schools, including ours, can provide a loaner gi or rash guard for your trial class.
3. Learning the Basics
Your first class focuses on fundamental movements—shrimping, bridging, rolling, and safe falling. These skills are the foundation of Jiu Jitsu and will prepare you for future techniques.
4. Technique Over Strength
BJJ is known as the “gentle art” because it’s about leverage, balance, and problem-solving—not brute strength. On day one, you’ll see how smaller students can control larger ones through technique.
5. A Supportive Community
The Mercury Jiu Jitsu team in Poughkeepsie is made up of students of all ages and levels. Everyone remembers their first day, so you’ll find plenty of encouragement and guidance along the way.
Why Start Today?
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, or stress relief, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the best martial arts you can learn. The hardest part is simply showing up—but once you do, you’ll discover a supportive environment and a life-changing practice.
👉 Ready to begin your journey? Contact Mercury Jiu Jitsu in Poughkeepsie, NY today to schedule your first class! Here’s the link to book a free trial class:
Still thinking it over? Your Free Trial Class is still available!
Go ahead and book your child’s first class here: https://mercuryjiujitsu.martialartsschooloffers.com/book
Leo, Mercury Jiu Jitsu

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