Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very popular and this is why a lot of gyms across the United States offer it. Mixed martial arts competitions had something to do with it but people have realized that this is also a very effective self-defense technique. To learn all about it, you have to find a gym.
You should know that one Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym is different from the other. In Brazil for instance, there are 4 fighting schools of this martial art and this could be traced either from Carlos Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.
So visit a club and dont be afraid to ask questions. They should be able to answer everything like tell you how long they have been in operation and what organizations are they affiliated with. You should also ask who the instructor is and what the student to teacher ratio is.
If you want to give it a try, go ahead since your first session is usually free. Come on time and wear a T-shirt and pants first. If you want to continue training with them, you will have to buy the official uniform worn by the students known as the Gi.
The Gi usually costs less than $100. Make sure it is clean at all times and if there is a tear, you have to go out and buy a...