Imagine stepping onto the mats, ready to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu. You’ve got the spirit, but what about the gear? It’s not just about looking the part; your equipment plays a huge role in your safety and how well you can train.
Choosing the right Jiu Jitsu gear can feel like a puzzle. There are so many kinds of gis, belts, and protective equipment out there. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s good for beginners, what’s worth the money, and what will actually help you improve without getting in your way. You want gear that’s tough, comfortable, and lets you move freely, but figuring that out can be confusing.
In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of Jiu Jitsu gear. We’ll help you understand what you really need to start training and how to pick the best items for your journey. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choices, ready to focus on your Jiu Jitsu skills, not your equipment.
Top Jiu Jitsu Gear Recommendations
- Dream Athlete Partner: Tanks to high compression tech, our workout shirts perform great on stabilizing and protecting muscles, so you can push your limits to go harder and faster for longer while minimizing the risk of injury
- Accelerates Repair: Help Reduce the negative effects of lactic acid, improving the circulation cleaning process and deliver blood efficiently while traveling, recuperating, or sleeping, which minimize muscle pain and fasts recovery.
- Keep You Dry and Comfort : This workout compression shirts is made of ultra soft, breathable and sweat-wicking four-way stretch fabric, which dries really fast, keep you cool and delivers a smooth, soft feel for maximum comfort
- Flat-lock Seams & UV Protection: This athletic undershirts adopt Four needles ergonomic flat-lock seams that allows you to move better in every direction without fear of chafing. UPF protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
- When to Wear: Compression Sportswear is worn before, during, and after exercise. Perfect for Team Sports, Track and Field, Long and Short Runs, Strength Training, Gym, Traveling
- ⚠️ MUST FOLLOW OUR ADVANCED SIZING: Our sizing is superior to any other brand out there. We do not believe in 1 size fits all when it comes to Bjj gis. Do not size up for growth, as this will result in a loose fit with sleeves and pants too long. PLEASE SEE OUR SIZING CHART.
- ✅ SIZING REQUIRED – PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING Elite Sports uses advanced sizing and does not match other BJJ brands. Do not order based on your current gi size. Please measure yourself and choose your size only using our Elite Sports size chart.
- ✅ No shrinking: Elite sports jiu-jitsu Gi is made from preshrunk fabric; you don’t have to worry about your bjj Gis shrinking. Wash these lightweight kids brazilian jiu jitsu Gi in cold water. Our bjj kimono has strong and durable fabric. 🥋📏 Fit Tip: Each brand has its own sizing guide. Please check our Sizing Guide before ordering an Elite BJJ Gi.
- ✅ Ibjjf approved: This ibjjf Gi is approved by the International bjj federation, so our children’s jiu-jitsu bjj Gi can be worn in IBJJF tournaments. Traditional colors of various sizes are available for both boys and girls.
- ✅ Free white belt: this best bjj jiu jitsu Gi for kids is complemented with a stripe bar free white belt. Great for kids starting out, showing earned stripes with pride. Belt is made of lightweight and durable material as our kids' bjj kimono.
- PACKED WITH TEA TREE OIL 🌱 Just like our Jiu Jitsu soap, our BJJ wipes are full of therapeutic-grade tea tree oil to help wash away grime so you can focus on training.
- MADE IN THE USA 🇺🇸 We don't compromise on quality or ingredients. Our American made wipes come in a 45-count XL container to save you money, while ensuring you get the most out of your purchase.
- PERFECT FOR TAKING TO THE GYM 🥋 Store a canister in your gym bag, or at your academy (but don't be surprised when your training partners find them, love them, and use them all).
- NOT JUST FOR JIU JITSU 🏃♀️ Once you try our wipes, you'll find they're great for any physical activity. Runners, wrestlers, lifters, and yogis all love our post-training exercise wipes.
- TRY THEM RISK FREE 💎 Like all of our products, we back our Jiu Jitsu wipes with the Gold BJJ Guarantee: if for any reason you're not satisfied, let us know and we'll replace or refund your purchase.
- Made For Jiu Jitsu Athletes: Our soap has a long track record of being trusted by thousands of athletes. Now available in a body wash shower gel!
- Tea Tree Oil: Packs over 1% tea tree oil concentration, plus eucalyptus and peppermint for a fresh feel.
- Made In USA: We don't cut corners or skimp on ingredients. Submission Soap is carefully made in small batches, by a team who knows the specific needs of Jiu Jitsu athletes.
- Free Of Harsh Chemicals: Keeps your skin's natural line of defense health and intact.
- Perfect Lather: Fine tuned to lather perfectly in a hot post training shower. Keep a bottle of Submission Soap body wash in your gym bag, and gift a few to training partners who need a hint!
- POLYESTER AND SPANDEX CONSTRUCTION – RDX MMA training shorts are made from a blend of polyester and spandex that is extremely durable and withstands intense use. This stretchable material retains its shape well and does not shrink. It dries quickly and has sweat-wicking properties for a comfortable wearing experience.
- DRAWSTRING CLOSURE – Our MMA shorts are secured with an interlocking drawstring that is adjustable, allowing you to find the best fit and maximum security. The closure system provides a comfortable feel and keeps your shorts in the right position during training sessions in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
- MULTI-LAYERED POLYESTER STITCHING – These grappling shorts are reinforced along the seams with triple-layer polyester stitching, allowing them to be worn repeatedly without tearing. This innovative T3 stitching technique enhances durability and longevity.
- SMALL POCKET FOR MOUTHGUARD – Our training shorts feature a small inner pocket where small items like a mouthguard can be stored between sparring sessions. Additionally, the fabric helps regulate body temperature.
- SIDE SLITS FOR GREATER FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT – These boxing shorts feature side slits that offer freedom of movement and allow for greater flexibility and mobility in the legs. Thanks to these slits, you can extend your legs without being restricted in the thigh area during high kicks.
- ✅ FABRIC MATERIAL – Our BJJ spats for men are made from lightweight, ultra-strong, moisture-wicking, Polyester & Spandex fabric. These Elite Sports men’s BJJ spats have compression 4-way stretch fabric which makes these great at comfort, breathability, and durability by wicking away the sweat so you can focus on the game without any disturbance.
- ✅ GREAT CONSTRUCTION – Elastic waistband and anti-slip sleeve bands won’t let these MMA Jiu Jitsu spats go anywhere despite the intensity or type of the workout. Multi-panel construction, high-density flat-lock stitching and innovative dual-lock waistband are for optimal fit and durability in warm and cool climates. This is what makes these BJJ spats for men best BJJ spats.
- ✅ TRAIN & COMPETE IN STYLE – Reinforced stitching of our MMA spats and its elastic waistband ensures long lasting quality and comfort. These men’s spats BJJ are optimized for the highest level of athletic performance. Minimally designed reflective printing of our No Gi spats gives it stylish look. Logos of our BJJ leggings aren’t easily peel-able.
- ✅ 4-WAY STRETCH MATERIAL –4-way stretch material of our best BJJ spats improves blood flow, allowing you to train harder. In addition, these jiu jitsu leggings offer you UV SPF protection whenever you’re wearing during outdoor activities. The graduated compression of 4-way stretch fabric our BJJ tights have lets you move and breathe freely keeping the moisture away.
- ✅ VERSATILITY – Elite Sports Jiu-Jitsu compression pants are versatile adapting to whatever style, type or intensity of workout you do. The durable and strong fabric allows freedom of movement and withstands machine washes. Whether it be white spats or black you are looking for we have all traditional colors and different sizes.
- ⚠️ MUST FOLLOW OUR ADVANCE SIZING: Our sizing is superior to any other brand out there. We do not believe in 1 size fits all when it comes to Bjj gis. PLEASE SEE OUR SIZING CHART.
- ✅ NO SHRINKING- MACHINE WASH IS OK- Lets be realistic most Gi brands want you to hand wash and then hang to dry in order to avoid shrinkage – Elite Sports Jiu-Jitsu GI is made from pre-shrunk fabric you’ll never have to worry about your lightweight BJJ GIs shrinking. Just wash this lightweight BJJ GI for men in cold water and use dryer. 🥋📏 Fit Tip: Each brand has its own sizing guide. Please check our Sizing Guide before ordering an Elite BJJ Gi.
- ✅ IBJJF APPROVED – This IBJJF GI is approved from International BJJ Federation, so you can wear our BJJ Jiu-Jitsu GI in competitions and tournaments held by IBJJF. Various sizes and colors are available for both men and women from ages 18 to 55 years. This Jiu Jitsu GI has a stylish and elegant design.
- ✅ FREE WHITE BELT w/ STRIPE BAR – Our lightweight men’s BJJ kimono is complemented with a free white belt for beginners which is made of the same cotton as the GI. The free while belt also has a stripe bar that will allow you to earn your stripes and show them with pride displaying your progress as you climb up the levels.
- ✅ REDUCE THE RISK OF BAD SMELL – Lightweight material in our Jiujitsu GI disperses sweat faster, means no lingering bad smells ruining your GI. So, you won’t have to experience rancid odors distracting you from training or competing. Just wash the BJJ Kimono after your training session and wear clean your BJJ Jiujitsu GIs every next day.
- COMFORT & PROTECTION: The Venum Challenger Mouthguard provides excellent protection, custom comfort and unparalleled value for athletes in combat sports and contact sports, including football, lacrosse, boxing, MMA and more.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE: Designed to protect teeth, gums, and jaw during intense training or competition in boxing, MMA, hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby and other contact sports.
- DURABLE, SHOCK-ABSORBING MATERIAL: Made with high-quality EVA materials that effectively absorb and distribute impact forces to reduce injury risk.
- EASY BOIL-AND-BITE CUSTOM FITTING: The mouthguard softens in hot water and molds precisely to your teeth for a personalized fit that stays securely in place.
- IMPROVED AIRFLOW AND SPEECH: Features vents that enhance breathing and make communication easier while wearing, without compromising protection.
Your Essential Guide to Choosing Jiu-Jitsu Gear
So, you’re ready to roll! Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time or a seasoned grappler looking to upgrade, picking the right Jiu-Jitsu gear is super important. It keeps you safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for Jiu-Jitsu gear, keep these important things in mind:
- Fit: Your gear should fit snugly but not too tight. You need to move freely. A loose gi can get grabbed easily.
- Durability: Jiu-Jitsu is tough on clothes. Look for gear that’s made to last through many training sessions and washes.
- Comfort: You’ll be sweating and moving a lot! The material should feel good against your skin and not chafe.
- Safety: Gear should protect you. This means strong stitching and materials that don’t easily rip.
- Ease of Movement: You need to be able to stretch, twist, and bend. The cut and design of the gear should allow for this.
Important Materials
The materials your gear is made from make a big difference.
- Gi (Kimono): Most gis are made from cotton. Different weaves offer different benefits:
- Single Weave: Lighter and good for hot weather. It’s also usually cheaper.
- Double Weave: Thicker and tougher. It’s more durable but heavier and warmer.
- Pearl Weave: A popular choice. It’s a good balance of lightweight and durable. It feels softer too.
- Rash Guards: These are usually made from a mix of polyester and spandex. This stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and prevents mat burn.
- Spats (Compression Pants): Similar to rash guards, they use spandex and polyester for flexibility and to wick away sweat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes Jiu-Jitsu gear great or not so great?
- Stitching: Strong, reinforced stitching in key areas (like the seams and collar) means your gear will hold up. Lots of loose threads or weak seams mean lower quality.
- Fabric Density: Heavier fabrics are often more durable, but they can also be warmer. Lighter fabrics are cooler but might wear out faster.
- Shrinkage: Some cotton gis shrink a lot after washing. Look for pre-shrunk gis or be prepared to size up if you plan to wash in hot water.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known Jiu-Jitsu brands often have a track record of making good quality gear.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does your gear feel and how will you use it?
- For Beginners: A comfortable, durable, and affordable gi is perfect. You don’t need the fanciest gear when you’re just starting. Rash guards are great for preventing skin irritation.
- For Advanced Grapplers: You might want a gi that’s lighter for faster movement or a tougher weave for more resistance. High-quality stitching and materials become more important as you train more intensely.
- For Competition: Competitors often choose gis that are lightweight and allow for maximum freedom of movement. Rash guards are also common in competition for hygiene and to prevent grabs.
- Everyday Training: Comfort and durability are key. You want gear that can handle daily wear and tear and keep you feeling good on the mats.
Jiu-Jitsu Gear FAQs
Q: What is the most important piece of Jiu-Jitsu gear?
A: The most important piece is usually the Gi (or Kimono). It’s what you wear for most training and is key for learning techniques.
Q: Do I need a special gi for Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Yes, Jiu-Jitsu gis are designed to be tough and allow for gripping. You can’t use a karate or judo gi because they are made differently.
Q: How do I know if a gi fits correctly?
A: It should fit like a comfortable jacket. The sleeves should end around your wrist bone, and the pants should be long enough to reach your ankles. You should be able to move your arms and legs easily.
Q: How often should I wash my gi?
A: You should wash your gi after every time you train. This keeps it clean and prevents odors.
Q: Can I put my gi in the dryer?
A: It’s best not to. High heat can cause your gi to shrink a lot. Air drying is the safest way to keep your gi in good condition.
Q: What is a rash guard, and why do I need one?
A: A rash guard is a tight-fitting shirt made of stretchy material. It helps keep you cool, wicks away sweat, and protects your skin from mat burn and germs.
Q: Are compression pants (spats) necessary for Jiu-Jitsu?
A: They are not required, but many people wear them under their gi pants. They add an extra layer of comfort and can help with muscle support.
Q: How do I choose the right size gi?
A: Gi sizing can be tricky. Check the brand’s size chart carefully. It usually depends on your height and weight. It’s often better to go slightly larger if you’re unsure, as you can shrink it down if needed.
Q: What’s the difference between a single weave and a double weave gi?
A: A single weave gi is lighter and cooler, good for beginners or hot weather. A double weave gi is thicker, heavier, and more durable, offering more resistance.
Q: How long does Jiu-Jitsu gear usually last?
A: With good care, a quality gi can last for several years of regular training. Rash guards and spats also hold up well if washed properly.
