Starting BJJ No Background in Martial Arts

[bellaRN]

Thank you for your service. Two questions: (1) What is your advice in choosing a BJJ studio, and (2) any recommendation for a female with no background in martial arts starting out in BJJ? 

[mynewunit]

There are lots of good posts on this subject.

Post with most references
Starting with no experience

Choosing right school 1
Looking for BJJ Gym

Simple answer. Check a few of them out. Other women in classes is a good sign. Schools have various levels of formality. Find one that matches your personality. Find one with plenty of class offerings, in a location you will go, and a price you will pay. A lot of your experience is more based upon the quality of the instructors and training partners. Also, good gyms do the little stuff. Check the mats and the bathrooms. A good gym will have these things in fairly good order.

Take a few classes. See if they have a drop in rate. Jocko specifically says to lie and say you are from out of town and see if they have a single class rate. Try a few gyms. Then go back to the one you like best and ask about trying for 1 month. Try a few instructors, few class styles, gi, nogi, beginner, all levels, even just watching these classes will probably give you an idea of how much they meet your needs.

Feel free to ask specifics. There or Here. Don't let anyone pressure you into joining. If you see anything weird, let us know.