Brazilian jiu-jitsu equipment list with all 13 items. A practitioner needs five: gi, rank belt, rash guard and board shorts for no-gi, and a mouthguard.
Four belong to the academy, among them tatami mats, technique material and a scoring system, and four describe the space itself: mat area, changing rooms with showers, seating for observers and a cleaning and storage area. The table below lists all thirteen with the purpose of each one.
- What equipment do you need for Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
- A gi with a rank belt, a rash guard and board shorts for no-gi training, a mouthguard and a water bottle. The mats belong to the academy.
- What do you wear to your first BJJ class?
- Most academies lend a gi for the first sessions, so shorts without pockets or zips and a plain fitted shirt are enough. Ask before buying anything.
- What is the difference between gi and no-gi kit?
- Gi training uses the jacket, trousers and belt, because grips are taken on the fabric. No-gi replaces all three with a rash guard and board shorts, so there is nothing to hold.
- Do you need a mouthguard for jiu-jitsu?
- Yes. There are no strikes, but knees and elbows meet faces in a scramble, and a boil-and-bite guard costs a fraction of one repaired tooth.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Equipment at a Glance
Five items are the practitioner's own, four belong to the academy, and four are part of the building. The personal list is short because everything heavy in this sport is the floor.
| Item | What it does | Who supplies it |
|---|---|---|
| Gikimono | Jacket and trousers built to be gripped and pulled for years | Player |
| Rash guard and board shorts | The no-gi kit, with nothing loose for a partner to catch | Player |
| Belt | Shows the rank and holds the jacket closed | Player |
| Mouthguard | Knees and elbows meet faces in a scramble, even without strikes | Player |
| Water bottle | Rounds run back to back, drinking happens between them | Player |
| Matstatami or puzzle mats | Take the throw and the ground work, the academy's largest purchase | Coach |
| First aid kit | Mat burns, jammed fingers and the occasional nosebleed | Coach |
| Instructional materialsbooks and video | A shared curriculum, so a technique is taught the same way twice | Coach |
| Scoring system | Points, advantages and time for sparring and in-house tournaments | Coach |
| Mat area | Enough covered floor for the class to roll without collisions | Facility |
| Changing rooms and showers | A gi is trained in wet and has to come off before it goes home | Facility |
| Seating for observers | Parents and waiting students off the mat, not on its edge | Facility |
| Cleaning and storage area | Mats are cleaned after every session, because skin infections spread here | Facility |
Equipment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
#1 Gi (Kimono)
The Gi, or kimono, is the traditional uniform worn in Gi classes and competitions. It's designed to withstand rigorous grappling and enables specific techniques such as collar chokes and fabric grips, which are integral to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Elite Sports BJJ Gi
IBJJF approved, belt included
- Fabricpreshrunk cotton, machine washable without shrinking
- ApprovalIBJJF approved for competition
- Includedwhite belt with a stripe bar
- Sizingbrand-specific chart, do not size up for growth
- Handlinglightweight weave that dries faster and holds less odor
#2 Rash Guard and Board Shorts
For No-Gi classes, practitioners wear rash guards and board shorts, which are tight-fitting and flexible. Rash guards help reduce friction on the mat and prevent mat burn, while board shorts offer freedom of movement during dynamic maneuvers.
Elite Sports Rash Guard
Long sleeve, compression fit
- Fabric85 percent polyester, 15 percent spandex
- Sleevesfull long sleeve
- Seamsflatlock stitching, sublimated graphics that do not peel
- Fitanti-slip bands at the hem to keep it down
- Useno-gi, MMA, and under the gi
Progress Academy BJJ Shorts
No-gi shorts, no pockets
- Fabric80 percent polyester, 20 percent spandex
- Cutfour-way stretch for full guard and shrimping
- Leg lengths28 to 38, roughly 40.5 to 48 cm
- Carecold wash, hang dry
- Also forkickboxing, muay thai and judo
#3 Belt
A colored belt represents a practitioner's rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, signifying their expertise and progression in the sport. It is also an essential component of the Gi, used to secure the jacket and sometimes utilized during techniques in training and competition.
Elite Sports BJJ Belt
IBJJF colors and stripe bar
- Materialpreshrunk cotton, thick weave
- Buildreinforced stitching with a tie closure
- Rank barsleeve bar for the ranking stripes
- SizesA0 to A5
- ColorsIBJJF compliant
#4 Mouthguard
Although optional, a mouthguard is a protective measure that safeguards the teeth and jaw during sparring. It dissipates the force of impacts and reduces the risk of oral injuries, allowing practitioners to engage confidently in close-contact training.
Venum Challenger Mouthguard
Boil and bite, vented
- MaterialEVA that absorbs and spreads impact
- Fittingboil and bite, molds to the teeth
- Profileslim, low bulk in the mouth
- Breathingvents for airflow and speech
- Usegrappling, boxing, MMA and team sports
#5 Water Bottle
Hydration is critical to maintain peak performance and recovery in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Practitioners must have a water bottle at hand to replenish fluids, stay hydrated, and keep their bodies functioning efficiently during intense training sessions.
Equipment for Coaches and Teams
#1 Mats (Tatami or similar)
High-quality mats, such as Tatami, are crucial for safety in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and competitions. They cushion falls and reduce the risk of injuries, providing a comfortable and secure surface that's essential for both learners and advanced practitioners to execute techniques effectively.
Gold BJJ Home Mats
1.5 inch, 33 square feet
- Thickness1.5 inch, up to three times a standard exercise mat
- Set12 interlocking tiles of 20 by 20 inches, 33.3 square feet
- Surfacetatami texture, non-slip for pivots and takedowns
- Sidesblack on one face, grey on the other
- Handlingassembles, breaks down and stores again
#2 First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for managing unexpected injuries in martial arts. It equips coaches with the necessary tools to promptly address cuts, bruises, or more serious concerns, facilitating swift action to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
#3 Instructional Materials (technique books, videos)
Instructional materials such as technique books and videos are indispensable for coaches to refine their teaching and for practitioners to enhance their understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These resources provide valuable insights into advanced techniques and strategies, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
Jiu-Jitsu University
Saulo Ribeiro, the standard text
- AuthorSaulo Ribeiro, six-time world champion
- Structureorganized by belt, from white to brown
- Approachsurvival and escapes first, submissions later
- Formatstep-by-step photo sequences
- PublisherVictory Belt Publishing
#4 Scoring System (for competitions and sparring)
An accurate scoring system is vital for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions and sparring sessions. It provides a transparent and reliable way to judge performance, recognize skill, and ensure that the competitive spirit of the martial art is upheld with fairness and clarity.
Equipment for Facilities
#1 Mat Area
A sufficiently large mat area provides the foundation for safe and effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. The mats must accommodate the class size, enabling both drills and sparring without risking injury from falls or collisions. The quality of the matting influences both comfort and performance, which is why it's integral to any BJJ facility.
#2 Changing Rooms and Showers
Changing rooms and showers offer privacy and hygiene for practitioners before and after training. They are essential for participants to transition from street wear to workout gear and to maintain cleanliness, reducing the risk of skin infections prevalent in close-contact sports.
#3 Seating for Observers
Seating areas for observers, including family, friends, or potential students, are crucial. They serve as a place for guests to watch classes and events comfortably, fostering a welcoming environment and promoting the sport's community aspect.
#4 Equipment Cleaning and Storage Area
A dedicated area for the cleaning and storage of equipment ensures that hygiene standards are maintained, prolonging the life of the equipment and safeguarding practitioners' health. Proper storage solutions keep training areas tidy and organized, streamlining management and upkeep of the facility.
Once you've got your gear sorted, immerse yourself in the culture and community of the sport by tuning into the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcasts.
FAQ
What is the equipment you need to play Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A gi (kimono), a rash guard, and a belt are the equipment you need to play Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These essential items uphold the traditions and functionality required for training and competition.
What is the most important equipment in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
The gi (or kimono) is the most important equipment in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as it is used for grip and leverage, which are fundamental aspects of this martial art.
What is a recommended list of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equipment for beginners?
Here's a recommended list of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equipment for beginners: a comfortable and durable gi, a white belt, a rash guard, shorts for no-gi grappling, and a mouthguard for protection. These items provide the essentials to start training safely and effectively.
