What To Expect On Your First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Or Muay Thai Class
We understand that participating in a new class or sport for the very first time can be intimidating for some. Some people may feel nervousness but at the same time excited to learn something new, make new friends and most of all have a lot of fun!
To make your first day as enjoyable as possible, we have decided to write the following guide to help prepare you on what to bring, what to wear and what to expect on your first day.
Where is the gym?
If this is your first time visiting Pacific Top Team Vancity’s Gym, our front doors are located at 3470 E. Hastings in Vancouver. Our building is located adjacent the McDonald’s on Hastings Street. You will immediately be able to spot our black and white Pacific Top Team logo and street sign.
Is there parking available?
There is an abundance of street parking by our gym. There are 3 main places where you can park your car. You can park right outside our gym on Hastings Street, Skeena Street or adjacent to the building marked “Jasmine Building Customers”.
If you decide to park directly on Hastings Street please be mindful that there are parking restrictions between 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday - Friday but no restrictions on weekends.
Skeena Street has a lot of free street parking spots which are also shared by residential homes. We believe this is the best place to park.
The parking adjacent to the building is sparse but if you are having trouble finding parking this is also an option.
Please avoid parking at the McDonald’s lot because there is a possibility that you may be towed.
Checking In
Once you arrive at the gym please sanitize your hands with our complimentary hand sanitizer. You can let the person at the front desk know that it is your first time here and request a tour of the gym and its facilities.
Please make sure you have signed the waiver before participating in your class if you haven't already done so online.
How early should I arrive before class?
Most people arrive 10-20 minutes before class starts to get changed, wrap their hands and do some light warm-up and stretching. However, you are more than welcome to enter the gym when it is opened to use the weights for a workout, mats and punching bags for some training.
How are the classes structured?
Most classes begin the same way where the instructor guides you through a warm up followed by technique demonstrations, drills and combos. Finally class usually ends with some light sparring (usually in the more advanced classes).
Warmups often contain movement exercises on the mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and cardio and body weight exercises for Muay Thai.
Don't worry if you've never done any of these before as our instructors will teach you how to do them safe and correctly.
How many people are in each class?
Class size varies depending on the type of class that you are participating and the time of day. However, you can expect a class of approximately 10 or so people
What should I bring and wear to my first class?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
If you are participating in the Fundamentals Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class you will be wearing a Gi - a martial arts uniform. Don’t worry if you do not have one because our gym can provide you with clean sanitized Gi for you to borrow during your Trial period. Underneath the Gi, we recommend that you wear an athletic T-Shirt and compression shorts. You also have the option to purchase a brand new Gi and become a member of the PTT Vancity Family. If you already own a Gi, feel free to wear it as well.
Muay Thai
Generally, people wear Muay Thai shorts and an athletic shirt to class. However, if you do not have Muay Thai shorts, you can simply wear athletic shorts that allow you to move and kick freely.
You will also be wearing boxing gloves or wrist wraps to protect your wrists when you practice punches on our striking pads. Once again, if you do not have your own boxing gloves we have some for you to borrow. You are also welcome to bring your own wrist wraps and striking pads.
Last but not least, we also recommend you bring a small towel to wipe your sweat and a water bottle as the classes can give you a good workout. Our gym also has a water dispenser so that you can top up your water.
Does the gym have shower facilities?
Yes, we have showers available for you to use after class. Please bring your own towel and toiletries.
Where can I store my belongings?
We have little white cubicles for you to put your belongings. However, we do not recommend leaving any valuables unattended as we do not have lockers available.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes! Spectators are more than welcome to sit on our bleachers to watch the classes. If you are a parent we are more than happy for you to sit and admire your children’s classes.
Anything else?
Footwear
Please remember to wear footwear as you are walking around the gym and to the bathrooms for sanitary reasons.
No Footwear on Mats
Please do not wear any footwear when you are on the mats as we would like to keep the mats as sanitary as possible in between our disinfecting schedules.
Make Friends
One thing we pride ourselves on at PTT Vancity is our community. Don’t be shy and say hi to the instructors and other students. Feel free to ask questions and really enjoy yourself and have a good time.
Bring a Friend
You are also very welcome to bring friends to try out classes together. The more the merrier right?
Share your experience
If you are big on social you should follow us on Instragram and Facebook and share your experience with your friends and family!
Check out our Merch
Finally, welcome to the PTT Vancity family and proudly rep us! We carry a variety of swag like caps, hoodies, rash guards, Gis, face masks and more! We are exclusively the only gym with a black and white PTT logo in the Pacific Top Team family.
If you have additional questions or require assistance feel free to call us at (604) 291-9877 or email us at info@pttvancity.com