Equipment

Essential Equipment

Gi (Kimono)

The fundamental BJJ training uniform for gi classes.

Components:

• •Jacket (heavy woven cotton)
• •Pants (ripstop or cotton drill)
• •Belt (rank indicator)

Weaves:

• •Single Weave: Lighter, cooler, less durable
• •Pearl Weave: Most popular balance of weight and durability
• •Gold Weave: Heavy, very durable, hot
• •Ripstop: Lightweight, travel-friendly

Fit:

• •IBJJF competition requires specific sleeve/pant lengths
• •Pre-shrunk vs shrink-to-fit considerations
• •Academy patches may be required

Recommended Brands: Origin, SYR, Shoyoroll, Tatami, Fuji

Rash Guard

Worn under gi or for no-gi training.

Features:

• •Compression fit prevents grabbing
• •Moisture-wicking fabric
• •Protects skin from mat burn
• •Sun protection for outdoor training

Sleeve Length:

• •Long sleeve: More protection, required for some comps
• •Short sleeve: Cooler, more common for no-gi

Grappling Shorts/Spats

For no-gi training.

Shorts:

• •No pockets, zippers, or loops (safety)
• •Velcro or drawstring closure
• •Board short style or fight short style

Spats:

• •Compression tights
• •Often worn under shorts
• •Some academies require coverage

Hygiene & Safety

Defense Soap / Antifungal

Critical for skin infection prevention.

Evidence: Proper hygiene reduces skin infection rates (ringworm, staph) by 70%+ in grapplers (Adams et al., 2012).

Protocol:

• •Shower immediately after training
• •Use antifungal soap/body wash
• •Wash gear after every session

Mouthguard

Essential for competition, recommended for training.

Types:

• •Boil-and-bite: Affordable, decent fit
• •Custom-molded: Best protection and comfort

Ear Guards

Prevents cauliflower ear from repeated trauma.

When to Use:

• •Early stages of ear trauma
• •Competition preparation
• •History of cauliflower ear

Types:

• •Headgear style: Full coverage
• •Magnetic guards: Low-profile, training-friendly

Athletic Cup

For no-gi training especially.

• •Compression shorts with cup pocket
• •Traditional jock style

Training Gear

Gym Bag

Ventilated bag prevents odor and bacterial growth.

Features:

• •Separate wet/dry compartments
• •Ventilation panels
• •Shoe pocket
• •Large enough for 1-2 gis

Training Dummy

For solo drilling.

Types:

• •Grappling dummy: Position practice
• •Submission dummy: Arm/leg submission drilling
• •Heavy bag: Takedown practice

Grip Trainers

BJJ is highly grip-dependent.

Options:

• •Gi material grip trainers
• •Rice bucket training
• •Hand grippers
• •Climbing hangboards

Competition Equipment

Competition Gi

IBJJF and most organizations have strict requirements:

• •White, blue, or black
• •Specific patch placement
• •Proper fit measurements

Competition Bag Checklist

• •Competition gi (plus backup)
• •Belt
• •Rash guard
• •Shorts or spats
• •Mouthguard
• •Tape (fingers, toes)
• •Flip flops (keep feet clean)
• •Snacks and hydration
• •IBJJF card (if applicable)

Budget Tiers

Minimal Budget - $150-250

Getting started:

• •Entry-level gi ($60-100): Fuji All-Around, Elite Sports
• •2 rash guards ($30-50)
• •Grappling shorts ($25-35)
• •Defense soap ($10-15)
• •Mouthguard ($5-20)
• •Basic gym bag ($20-30)

Moderate Budget - $400-700

Regular training setup:

• •Quality pearl weave gi ($120-180): Tatami, Kingz
• •Backup gi for frequent training ($80-120)
• •3-4 rash guards ($60-100)
• •2 pairs grappling shorts + spats ($60-100)
• •Ear guards ($25-40)
• •Custom mouthguard ($50-100)
• •Ventilated gear bag ($50-80)
• •Tape and first aid ($15-25)
• •Grip trainer ($20-30)

Comprehensive Budget - $1000+

Dedicated competitor:

• •Premium competition gi ($180-300): Origin, SYR
• •Multiple training gis (3+) ($300-500)
• •Full rash guard/shorts collection ($150-250)
• •Complete safety gear ($100-150)
• •Grappling dummy ($100-300)
• •Grip training equipment ($50-100)
• •Competition travel setup ($100-200)
• •Video analysis equipment ($100-200)

Strength & Conditioning Equipment

BJJ-specific S&C requires pulling-dominant equipment. Here's what you need by tier:

Minimal (Home - $100-200)

• •Resistance bands (set of 3-4) - External rotation, pull-aparts, lateral walks, assisted exercises
• •Pull-up bar (doorframe) - Pull-ups, dead hangs, towel hangs for grip
• •Kettlebell (16-24kg) - Swings, Turkish get-ups, goblet squats, rows
• •Gi or thick towel - Towel pull-ups for grip, towel rows, isometric holds
• •Rice bucket - Finger and hand conditioning (5-gallon bucket + 25lbs rice)

Moderate (Home Gym - $400-800)

Everything from Minimal, plus:

• •Trap bar or barbell + plates - Deadlifts, rows, presses
• •Adjustable dumbbells - Single-arm work, accessory exercises
• •Plyo box (20-24") - Box jumps, step-ups, elevated push-ups
• •Medicine ball (6-10kg) - Slams, rotational throws

Comprehensive (Full Gym Access)

All movements in the S&C templates are available. Key equipment used:

• •Cable machine (face pulls, Pallof press, cable rows)
• •Battle ropes (scramble conditioning)
• •Sled (push/pull conditioning)
• •Rings or TRX (rows, dips, advanced bodyweight work)
• •Sandbag (carries, ground-to-shoulder)

Recovery Equipment

For Grapplers

• •Foam roller (back, legs)
• •Lacrosse ball (shoulders, hips)
• •Finger tape (joint protection)
• •Ice packs (impact injuries)

Injury Prevention

• •Resistance bands (shoulder prehab)
• •Finger strengthening tools
• •Stretching straps

Training Supplements

Joint Health

BJJ is demanding on joints.

• •Fish oil for inflammation
• •Collagen for connective tissue
• •Glucosamine (individual response varies)

Energy

• •Pre-training nutrition timing
• •Hydration during training
• •Post-training protein

Academy Considerations

What to Look For

• •Clean mats (daily cleaning protocol)
• •Proper HVAC (temperature control)
• •Qualified instructors
• •Safety-focused culture

Trial Period

Most academies offer free trial classes. Bring:

• •T-shirt and shorts (or borrowed gi)
• •Positive attitude
• •Water bottle

Sources

1. 1.Adams BB, et al. (2012). "Skin infections in athletes." Sports Medicine.
2. 2.Green CM, et al. (2007). "A systematic review of wrestling injuries." British Journal of Sports Medicine.
3. 3.Bahr R & Maehlum S (2004). "Clinical Guide to Sports Injuries." Gazette Book.