A simple BJJ class structure
Most classes follow the same arc: warm up the movements you'll use, teach and drill a couple of connected techniques, test them in positional sparring, then roll. Here's how a 60-minute class with two techniques breaks down.
| Block | Time | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Movement drills that match the position |
| Techniques 1 and 2 | 10 min each | Show it, then drill both sides |
| Positional sparring | 9 min | 3 rounds from the class position |
| Live rolling | 18 min | 3 rounds of 5 minutes with 1 minute rest |
| Wrap-up | 3 min | Questions, one detail to remember, and a stretch |
Teaching tips
- Teach one position per week and come back to it. Repetition across classes beats a new move every night.
- Pick two techniques that connect, like an attack and the follow-up when they defend it.
- Drill both sides. Add resistance only once the movement is clean.
- Make positional sparring start from the class position, so students test what they just drilled.
- Keep live rolling for the end of class, when everyone is warm and has something specific to try.
Class themes
Every theme below has techniques with key details and common mistakes, pulled from the Grapple Flows technique library.
- Closed Guard
- Half Guard
- De La Riva Guard
- Butterfly Guard
- X-Guard
- Back Control
- Side Control
- Mount
- Leg Locks
- Triangle Choke
- Open Guard
- Reverse De La Riva
- Single-Leg X Guard
- Collar Sleeve Guard
- 50/50 Guard
- Guard Retention
- Guard Passing
- Pressure Passing
- Leg Drag
- Stack Pass
- Knee on Belly
- Taking the Back
- Turtle Position
- BJJ Takedowns
- Wrestling for BJJ
- Judo for BJJ
- Front Headlock
- Berimbolo
Frequently asked questions
How long is a typical BJJ class?
Most adult classes run 60 to 90 minutes. Kids classes and early-morning classes are often 45 minutes. The planner fits the same structure to any of those lengths.
How do you structure a BJJ class?
Warm-up, technique, drilling, positional sparring, then live rolling, with a short wrap-up. Warm-ups should use the movements from that day's position, and the sparring should start from it.
How many techniques should I teach in one class?
Two or three that connect. More than that and students forget the first one before they drill it. The planner fits up to four into longer classes.
What should a BJJ warm-up include?
Movement drills that match the class: hip escapes and technical stand-ups for guard, sprawls and hip switches for passing, penetration steps and breakfalls for takedowns.