Gracie Humaita Brownsville Jiu-Jitsu
Español(956) 254-3988

New to jiu-jitsu? Start here

What your first class is like, what to wear, how belts work, and the academy rules — everything a new student or parent asks before day one.

Start your 30 days free

Or call (956) 254-3988

A black belt instructor speaks to a large class of students seated around the edge of the mat at Gracie Humaita Brownsville

Frequently asked questions

Can I try a class before I join?

Yes. Every new student gets 30 days free, including beginners classes, a private lesson and a uniform. Beginners BJJ is Tuesday and Thursday at 8 pm, and kids classes start at 5 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome.

What do I wear to my first class?

Comfortable workout clothing is fine for your first class. A uniform is part of your 30 days free.

What should I expect in my first class?

A beginners class is very different from an advanced class. Students come in with widely varying degrees of physical fitness, so our instructors gauge the class and change its structure on the fly. Most beginner classes start with a warm up, followed by our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals Curriculum: self defense, standing throws and ground techniques. We teach one lesson per week, and each lesson has 3 to 4 techniques.

Do I need to be in shape to start?

No, you do not need to be in peak physical condition to begin training. We specialize in helping people who do not work out on a regular basis. Even avid exercisers get winded in our classes, because pushing and pulling another person is a different kind of workout from running or lifting weights.

What are the belts of jiu-jitsu, and how long does a black belt take?

For kids, the belts are white, grey, yellow, orange and green. After age 16, students can earn the adult belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black. In jiu-jitsu it can take up to 10 years of solid training to earn a black belt. Stripes and belts are earned through hard work, understanding of technique, and attitude.

Is it safe?

Yes. All of our instructors have mandatory safety meetings and training. Classes are taught by certified black belts, our culture is students helping students, and our curriculum comes straight from the Gracie Humaita headquarters. Beginners are taught drills and techniques, offensive and defensive, before they are asked to spar.

Learn these before your first class

Jiujitsu's most important lesson — how to tap
Fundamental jiu-jitsu — how to tie your gi pants
Fundamental jiu-jitsu — how to tie your belt

There are three things we look for when promoting a student:

  1. Attendance — not how many classes, but how consistently you train.
  2. Technical ability — how well you perform a technique, and how well you understand it.
  3. Attitude — a learning and helping attitude.

Free downloads

A black belt ties a new blue belt on a student while another black belt looks on, in front of the Gracie Humaita Brownsville Honor Family Legacy wall

Academy rules and regulations

  • Arrive 10–15 minutes before any scheduled class.
  • Pull your attendance card before each class.
  • When entering the mat area, always wear a clean white or blue kimono with no rips, tears, holes or stains.
  • Personal cleanliness is essential. Long hair must be tied back. Nails must be clipped, hands and feet clean.
  • Refrain from walking outside barefoot. If you do, clean your feet before entering the mat.
  • Don’t attend class if you are ill.
  • Always greet the instructor and hand over your attendance card before joining a class.
  • Don’t leave the mat without permission from the instructor.
  • During a lesson, only talk about the subject of the class. No bad language.
  • Techniques should only be taught by the instructor.
  • No training without instructor supervision.
  • Wear a shirt under the kimono during training.
  • A black school shirt or rash guard and school shorts must be worn during no-gi classes.
  • No shoes on the training floor.
  • No jewelry of any kind in class.
  • Always maintain appropriate posture on the mat.
  • Keep your mouth guard in during class.
  • No eating, drinking or chewing gum on the mat.
  • No outside food in the school.
  • Show respect for belt hierarchy.
  • Be respectful and courteous to everyone. No loud talking while class is in session.
  • Children not taking part in class must be under parental supervision at all times.
  • Silence all electronic devices.
  • Never walk around bare-chested outside the locker room.
  • Take your kimono and all your belongings with you when you leave.

Start your 30 days free

Every new student, kids and adults, starts with 30 days free:

  • 30 days of free beginners classes
  • A tour and consultation
  • A private lesson
  • Online access to classes through GMA Coach
  • A uniform

Rather talk first? Call (956) 254-3988.

Start your 30 days free

Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll be in touch today.