If you’re just starting with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, you may not be aware of what equipment you’ll need for training. We’ve got you! In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of the martial art and cover the basic BJJ martial arts equipment along with some additional tools you may want to include.
If you’re looking to get in shape while having fun, then our Monroe martial arts training center has everything you need! Call our office and get started on your path to becoming the next Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) world champion!
Overview of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is also called gentle art because it allows smaller practitioners to take on opponents many times their size. It emphasizes ground fighting, submission, and grappling; employing techniques to take the fight to the ground, getting a dominant position, and finishing the fight through withholds and submissions.
The gentle art can be traced back to when a traveling judoka taught Carlos Gracie traditional Kodokan judo. Together with his brothers Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie, they developed their system called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Judo and Gracie Jiujitsu were adapted and innovated to become what we know today as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s now governed by bodies like the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. (IBJJF) and it’s easily recognizable through its widespread use in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting.
Gear for Jiu-Jitsu in the Gi
If you’re training in gi: it’s essential to have your uniform and your belt.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi or Kimono
If boxing has boxing gloves and punching bags, BJJ has the kimono.
This is the most important and most iconic of all the gear on this list. It’s important for a beginner to feel comfortable in their uniform. If you’re dedicated to practicing BJJ, consider investing in a more durable gi. Spending on a higher-quality gi may even be more cost-effective in the long run.
Try to look for different weaves as these determine thickness. A thick gi may make it difficult for you to move because of the weight. However, thicker weaves often make it difficult for opponents to grip and manipulate you into a disadvantageous position.
The more you learn BJJ, the more you’ll find out what works best for you. As a beginner, best to stick to a high-quality BJJ gi with a normal weight.
You may even come across gis with different patches. Different academies may have different rules when it comes to patches and gis. It’s best to consult with your martial arts instructor regarding what your uniform should look like.
BJJ Belts
As in most martial arts like karate or taekwondo, your rank determines the color of your belt. The standard-issue gis usually includes the white belt. If for some reason, you do not have a belt, there is plenty that can be bought online. You may even borrow one from a higher-ranking practitioner if you know any.
The higher you go, the more you’ll want to invest in a higher quality belt. There are times when those with a black belt personalize theirs.
Gear for No-gi Jiu-Jitsu
Gi jiu-jitsu and no-gi jiu-jitsu vary in their rules. There’s also a difference in the basic gear. Here’s a rundown for the beginners.
Grappling Spats
These are a recent trend. Spats are tights with hygiene benefits and compression much like a rash guard. They come in many styles and designs, so find one that fits your tastes!
Grappling Shorts
These are sometimes called MMA shorts. The seam structure allows more flexibility and lets them stay on even during rigorous workouts. Grappling shorts have a velcro strap or an inner pull string. They don’t have pockets, which is great since it removes one way for your opponent to grip you.
Rash Guards
As the name suggests, a rashguard protects you from rashes and cuts with its build and synthetic material. Aside from this, it also lets you cool down easily.
Rash guards are great tops to wear with your gi! We recommended wearing rash guards instead of white tees, as these keep sweat and easily tear during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training or sparring.
Protective Gear for BJJ
Protective apparel is important if you want to keep training in BJJ. Both amateur and experienced fighters cannot avoid injury without proper martial arts gear. We list down the common ones here.
Headgear/Ear Guards
This piece of equipment prevents cauliflower ear, one common injury among fighters. Some BJJ fighters have prominent problems with these while some go for years without developing cauliflower ear.
Take note that this is not a helmet. It protects your ears but relatively little else for your head.
Athletic Tape
Athletic tapes are very underrated sparring gear. Learn to properly wrap your fingers to prevent injury.
Cup/Groin Protector
Some practitioners wear a cup, others don’t. It’s controversial among BJJ fighters. Ask your trainer whether it’s a good idea for you to wear one.
If you do decide to have a cup, ensure that it’s strong enough to protect you without diminishing your flexibility.
There is a very slim chance that the cup can hurt your training partner or that it digs into your groin. Eventually, you’ll find one that suits you best.
Mouthguards
A mouthguard is an inexpensive way to protect your teeth from getting injured while sparring or during tournament bouts.
This is a very crucial piece of protection. It’s best to get a good quality mouthguard that fits well into your mouth
Knee Pads
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known to wreck knees. A decent kneepad can keep your knees intact.
We recommend avoiding pads that have holes cut in the knee or with thin material. There are different materials like lycra, neoprene, and polyurethane. Look into trying different materials to find which you’re most comfortable with.
Equipment for BJJ
If you’re vying to be a top-level contender or MMA fighter, you can also practice the fundamentals of BJJ at home with proper training equipment. There is a variety of martial arts supplies for a conducive training environment from the comfort of your home.
Training Bands
A training band is a long cord that helps training throws and building stamina. Alternatively, you can use inner tubing from an old bicycle for the same purpose.
Griptrainers
Being able to grip to maneuver your opponent is important for BJJ. Grip trainers let you improve your grip strength.
Grappling dummies
People don’t usually have willing training partners at home. A grappling dummy lets you practice your techniques on a human-sized figure. Of course, nothing beats drills with an actual partner, but it’s better than nothing.
Grappling dummies can be expensive. Don’t be afraid of making a DIY dummy for practice.
BJJ Mats
These mats are very portable, allowing you to train at home or even someplace else while traveling!
We recommend buying a mat with at least an inch of thickness. Try to avoid the thin interlocking mats.
Final Thoughts
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most recognizable martial arts today. From its Asian martial art influence, the Gracie family has developed self-defense techniques to enable underdogs to win against larger foes. This makes it the perfect martial art for anyone who wishes to start learning!
If you want to start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, visit our competitive training center at Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy. Whether you plan to enter the world of martial arts to get in better shape, drop a few pounds, learn how to fight, defend yourself, or compete in tournaments, we’ve got your best interest in mind. Call us at our Monroe martial arts training center to know more.
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