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If you're searching for BJJ for beginners in Exeter or first BJJ class Exeter, you probably have questions. Maybe a few nerves. That's completely normal. Every single person who trains BJJ, from hobbyists to world champions, walked through the door for the first time not knowing what to expect.

This page answers every question you probably have (and a few you haven't thought of yet). By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect, what to bring, and why you have nothing to worry about.

"Do I need to be fit to start?"

No. You don't need to be fit to start. You get fit by training. That's the whole point.

BJJ is one of the best workouts you'll ever do, but it's not a bootcamp. You'll start with fundamental techniques, move at your own pace, and gradually build your fitness as you train. Within a few weeks, you'll notice improvements in your cardio, strength, and flexibility without ever stepping on a treadmill.

We have students of all fitness levels. Some are athletes. Some haven't exercised in years. Everyone trains together, learns together, and improves together. The only requirement is showing up.

"Will I get hurt?"

BJJ is one of the safest martial arts you can train. There's no striking, so no risk of head trauma. Techniques are taught progressively, and safety is the top priority.

You'll learn to "tap out" (submit) immediately when caught in a technique, which stops the action instantly. Your training partners will respect the tap every time. Sparring (called "rolling") is supervised, controlled, and done at a pace that's appropriate for your experience level.

Yes, BJJ is physical. You might get a bit sore after your first few classes (like any new exercise). But serious injuries are rare because the training environment is controlled, respectful, and designed to build skills, not cause damage.

"What do I wear?"

For your first class, just wear comfortable athletic clothing. A t-shirt and shorts or tracksuit bottoms are fine. No shoes on the mat (we train barefoot), and avoid clothing with zips or metal that could scratch training partners.

If you decide to continue training, you'll eventually need a gi (the traditional BJJ uniform, similar to a judo or karate gi). We can point you in the right direction when you're ready. No need to buy one before your first class.

"Will everyone be better than me?"

Yes, and that's a good thing. Training with people who are better than you is how you improve. It's not a competition on day one. It's a learning environment.

More experienced students remember what it's like to be new. They'll help you learn, go at your pace, and answer questions. The culture of BJJ is built on respect, humility, and helping each other improve. There are no egos, no showing off, just people working together to get better.

You'll also train with other beginners who are at the same stage as you. Within a few weeks, you'll be the one helping the next new person who walks through the door.

"I'm not young/athletic/flexible. Is BJJ for me?"

Absolutely. BJJ is built on the principle that a smaller, weaker, older person can defend against or submit a larger, stronger, younger opponent using proper technique and leverage. That's the whole point.

We have students in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some are flexible. Some aren't. Some are athletic. Some aren't. Everyone improves because BJJ rewards technique and problem-solving, not just strength or speed.

If you can move, you can do BJJ. The techniques are adaptable to your body, your fitness level, and your goals.

"What will happen in my first class?"

Here's exactly what to expect:

• Warm-up: Basic movement drills to get your body ready (shrimping, bridging, rolling). These are fundamental BJJ movements that you'll use in every technique.
• Technique instruction: The coach will demonstrate 2-3 techniques step by step. You'll pair up with a partner and practice them slowly, focusing on correct form.
• Drilling: Repetition of the techniques to build muscle memory. Your partner will help you, and the coach will walk around offering guidance.
• Live sparring (optional for beginners): Experienced students will "roll" (spar) at the end of class. As a beginner, you can watch, or you can try light positional sparring with an experienced partner who will guide you through it.
• Cool down: Light stretching and questions.

The whole class is about 90 minutes. You'll be tired, but in a good way. And you'll leave knowing more about BJJ than 99% of people on the planet.

"What if I don't like it?"

That's fine. Your first class is free. There's no obligation to sign up, no pressure, no sales pitch. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.

But here's what most people find: the first class is hard. You're learning something completely new. Your brain is working overtime. You might feel awkward or overwhelmed. That's normal.

By the third or fourth class, things start to click. Techniques you struggled with become easier. You start to understand what's happening during sparring. You realize you're learning something genuinely useful, and it's actually fun.

Give it a fair shot. Come to three classes before you decide if it's for you. Most people who make it to class three are hooked.

"Why Costello BJJ?"

You're learning from Luke Costello, an IBJJF World Champion, 4x European Champion, and ADCC World Championship competitor. Luke is a black belt under Hall of Famer Braulio Estima and also holds a judo black belt.

But more importantly for beginners, Luke is an excellent teacher. He breaks down techniques clearly, creates a welcoming environment, and genuinely cares about helping every student improve, whether you're aiming for the world championships or just want to get fit and learn self-defence.

The gym culture is supportive, ego-free, and focused on learning. You won't find meatheads or tough-guy posturing. Just people who love BJJ and want to help others learn it.

"I'm ready. What now?"

Book your free trial class. No experience required. No equipment needed. Just turn up in comfortable clothes, and we'll take care of the rest.

You can drop in to any class on the schedule, but if you're nervous, let us know when you book and we'll make sure someone's ready to show you the ropes.

Everyone who trains BJJ was a beginner once. Everyone remembers their first class. Everyone knows how nerve-wracking it can be. You'll be welcomed, supported, and taught by people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

The hardest part is walking through the door the first time. After that, it's just training.

Book your free trial class

Click here to book your first BJJ class at Costello BJJ Exeter in Marsh Barton, or call 07538 160189.

See you on the mat.