What Is a Fundamentals BJJ Class? 

A fundamentals class focuses on the core techniques that every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner should know. Every school varies, but a fundamentals class will typically be shorter than a mixed-level class. Generally, it is recommended that absolute beginners start in a fundamentals class before going to more advanced classes.

A fundamentals class may cover topics including:

• Proper breathing. Correct breathing techniques will help you stay calm and prevent you from getting tired. 

• Bridging and shrimping. This is one of the most, if not the most, critical defensive techniques. Shrimping and bridging teach you to use the strongest muscles in your body as leverage to get out of bad situations.

• Passing the guard. Passing the guard means getting past your opponent's legs. This is a crucial first step to get to a position where you can pin your opponent and threaten them with submissions.