What to Expect in Your First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class inLewisville, TX
Walking into your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can feel like a big step. You may wonder if you’re fit enough,what to wear, or whether you’ll get hurt. Those are normal questions, and almost everyone on the mat onceasked them. This guide explains how a class works at Silva Academy in Lewisville, Texas, so you know what’s coming before you walk through the door.
Before your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class
You don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to get in shape first. Everyone starts as a white belt.
What to bring:
- A water bottle
- Sandals for walking off the mat
- Trimmed fingernails and toenails
What you don’t need to buy: a uniform. Your free trial class includes a free uniform to train in, for kids and adults. There’s no contract.
Mat etiquette: Shoes stay off the mat, jewelry comes off before you train, and street clothes stay off the mat.These simple habits keep the mats clean and keep your training partners safe.
How a class works at our dojo
Every class at Silva Academy follows the same three-part structure.
1. The Silva Warm-Ups
Class starts with the Silva Warm-Ups, created by Master Aloisio Silva. You begin with calisthenics and stretching, then progress to plyometrics (jumping exercises) and animal movements. It’s hard work, but you start at your own pace. Nobody expects you to keep up with a black belt on day one.
2. Technique drilling
Next, you learn a technique and practice it with a partner, step by step. Repetition builds muscle memory, so your body starts to remember what to do. You’ll hear words like guard (controlling a partner from your back using your legs) and mount (sitting on top of a partner’s torso controlling them). You don’t need to know them yet. You’ll learn it as you go.
3. Rolling
Class then moves to rolling, which is Jiu-Jitsu’s word for live sparring. Partner use what they learned while both resist. This is where technique over strength starts to make sense.
You will not be rolling in the beginning and only doing resistance work. You don't have to be nervous about rolling, our instructor's approach is controlled drilling, instructor supervision and beginners paired thoughtfully so no one gets hurt.
What tapping means, and why it keeps you safe
Tapping is how you say “stop.” When a hold becomes uncomfortable or you’re caught in a submission (a technique that hurts and makes a person give up), you tap your partner or the mat, or say “tap.” Your partner lets go,and you start again.
There’s no shame in it. Tapping is part of learning, and it happens to white belts and black belts alike. It’s also the main reason people can train hard and keep coming back.
Your first class if you’re older or out of shape
Our students start as young as age 4 and train until they can't no more we have people starting on their 70th and beyond. Many students find that technique,leverage and timing matter more than size or speed, and you can always work at your own level.
If you have a health concern or a past injury, check with your doctor before you start, and let your instructor know before class. If you’d feel better starting one-on-one, private classes are available on request.
Bringing your child to a first class
Kids Jiu-Jitsu at Silva Academy is for ages 4 to 12, in Gi (the traditional uniform) and No-Gi (shorts and a rashguard). Kids build confidence, strength and coordination through positive reinforcement. They also learn how to handle bullying, with conflict resolution first. Professor Joao Silva and Coach Summer Silva, a 2nd-degree black belt and licensed school teacher, leads our kids program.
The free trial works the same way for kids and adults: one free class and a free uniform to train in.
Class times in Lewisville
| Class | Days | Start time |
|---|---|---|
| Adults/Teens | Monday to Thursday | 5 PM |
| Kids (ages 4 to 12) | Monday to Friday | 6 PM |
| Adults | Monday to Friday | 7 PM |
We’re at 2488 Meadowglen Dr #201, Lewisville, Texas 75067, a short drive from Flower Mound, Coppell, Hebron, Grapevine and Highland Village. See all our programs at silvaacademy.com.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in shape for my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class? No. You start at your own pace, and fitness comes with training.
What should I wear? Your free trial includes a free uniform to train in if doing No Gi come with board shorts and a t-shirt. Bring a water bottle and sandals, and trim your nails before class.
Will I have to spar on my first day? No Rolling is part of every class but for those with experience you will be doing some resistance drills.
How old do you have to be? Kids can start at age 4. Teens train in our Adults/Teens classes, and adults of all ages are welcome.
How much does the first class cost? Your first class is free, no contract and no commitment. For membership options, call us at (469) 771-0522.
Is Silva Academy a gym or a dojo? A dojo: a place where martial arts is taught. For three generations, the Silva family has passed on more than 60 years of martial arts knowledge, from the Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro to Lewisville.
Ready for your first class?
Everyone on our mat started exactly where you are now. On the mat, we’re family, and there’s room for you.