Shopping List
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What You Actually Need for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an incredibly rewarding martial art that doesn’t require a massive investment in gear to get started. While you might see experienced competitors with elaborate collections of rashguards and competition gis, beginners can build an effective training setup with just a few essential items. This shopping list focuses on the core equipment that will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready to train at any BJJ academy.
1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi (Kimono)
A gi is the traditional uniform worn during BJJ training and competition. It consists of a heavy cotton jacket, pants, and a belt that indicates your rank. The gi is designed to withstand the intense gripping and pulling that happens during training while allowing freedom of movement for executing techniques.
Why beginners need it: Most BJJ academies require a gi for training, and it’s essential for learning proper technique and grip work. Without a gi, you’ll be unable to attend traditional gi classes, which are the foundation of most BJJ programs.
What to look for: Choose a gi that fits snugly but allows full range of motion—sleeves should end at your wrist and pants at your ankle. Look for preshrunk cotton or canvas blends to minimize shrinkage after washing.
2. No-Gi Rashguard
A rashguard is a fitted, moisture-wicking shirt typically made from polyester and spandex blends. It’s worn during no-gi BJJ training (where you wear shorts instead of a full gi) and provides compression, reduces friction, and protects your skin from mat burn and sweat-related infections.
Why beginners need it: If your academy offers no-gi classes—which are becoming increasingly popular—a rashguard is mandatory. Many academies also recommend wearing one under your gi to reduce skin-to-skin contact and prevent fungal infections.
What to look for: Ensure the rashguard is specifically designed for grappling sports and fits snugly without restricting movement. Look for high-quality stitching and UPF protection for sun safety if training outdoors.
3. BJJ Shorts or No-Gi Pants
These specialized grappling shorts or pants are designed for no-gi training and feature reinforced stitching, tapered legs, and breathable material. They’re distinct from regular athletic shorts because they’re built to withstand the stress of grappling movements and repeated washing.
Why beginners need it: No-gi classes require appropriate footwear alternatives, and standard shorts often tear, slip, or restrict movement during training. Proper grappling shorts ensure durability and safety during intense rolling sessions.
What to look for: Choose shorts with a wide waistband, secure drawstring, and minimal pockets to avoid snagging. Materials should be breathable yet durable, with reinforced seams at stress points like the groin and thighs.
4. Sliding Shorts or Compression Trunks
Sliding shorts are worn under your gi pants or grappling shorts to reduce friction and provide additional compression. They’re typically made from nylon or polyester and are designed to glide smoothly against your gi or other shorts during rolling.
Why beginners need it: Compression shorts prevent chafing, reduce sweat buildup, and protect sensitive areas during intense grappling. They also extend the lifespan of your main gi or shorts by reducing wear and tear from friction.
What to look for: Look for seamless construction, high-quality elastic, and materials that dry quickly. Ensure they’re fitted but not restrictive, and choose a length that extends to mid-thigh for full coverage.
5. Grappling Gloves
Grappling gloves are padded hand coverings designed specifically for submission grappling sports. They provide wrist support, protect knuckles and hands from mat abrasion, and reduce the risk of finger injuries during training and competition.
Why beginners need it: Grappling gloves offer crucial hand and wrist protection, especially important as a beginner when you’re still learning proper falling and bracing techniques. They also help prevent cauliflower ear and skin infections from repeated hand contact.
What to look for: Select gloves with strong wrist support, proper padding distribution, and a secure closure system. Ensure they allow adequate grip strength and finger mobility—gloves that are too thick will hinder your ability to grip and control opponents.
6. Mouth Guard
A mouth guard is a protective device worn over your teeth to prevent dental injuries during training and competition. BJJ mouth guards are available as boil-and-bite models or custom-fitted versions and provide cushioning to absorb impacts from accidental strikes or falling.
Why beginners need it: Dental injuries are one of the most common and expensive injuries in BJJ. A proper mouth guard significantly reduces the risk of chipped teeth, broken jaws, and lip lacerations that can occur during rolling.
What to look for: Choose a mouth guard specifically designed for grappling rather than boxing. Look for models that are comfortable to wear during extended training sessions and allow relatively clear speech so you can communicate with your training partner.
7. Ear Guards (Headgear)
Ear guards are protective headgear designed to shield your ears from direct impact and repeated friction that can cause cauliflower ear—a permanent condition where the ear cartilage becomes thickened and deformed. They’re available in various styles from minimal ear covers to full wrestling headgear.
Why beginners need it: Cauliflower ear is one of the most visible badges of a grappler, but it’s also preventable with early use of ear guards. Starting protection as a beginner significantly reduces your risk of developing this permanent condition.
What to look for: Choose headgear that’s lightweight, allows you to hear clearly, and doesn’t restrict your vision. Minimalist ear guards are often preferred by BJJ athletes as they provide protection while maintaining mobility and comfort during rolling.
8. Training Mat or Yoga Mat
A high-quality training mat provides cushioning for home practice, stretching, and solo drills. While not a replacement for your academy’s mat, a personal mat allows you to practice movements, improve flexibility, and stay active between class sessions.
Why beginners need it: Home practice accelerates your learning and helps you develop muscle memory for basic techniques. A dedicated mat also protects your floors and gives you space to practice positioning and movements without leaving your house.
What to look for: Choose a mat that’s thick enough for comfort but not so thick that it’s unstable for balance work. Look for non-slip surfaces, easy cleaning capability, and portability if you plan to store it away between sessions.
9. Antimicrobial Soap and Mat Cleaner
Specialized antimicrobial soaps and mat cleaning solutions are formulated to eliminate the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that thrive on grappling mats. Regular use prevents common skin infections like ringworm, staph, and herpes gladiatorum that are occupational hazards in BJJ.
Why beginners need it: Mat-borne infections are extremely common in BJJ, especially for new students with less developed immunity to grappling-related pathogens. Proper hygiene practices from day one significantly reduce your infection risk.
What to look for: Choose products specifically formulated for grappling sports that are strong enough to kill common pathogens but won’t damage your gear. Look for gentle formulations that won’t dry out or irritate your skin during frequent washing.
10. Gi Belt (Colored Rank Indicator)
A gi belt serves both functional and symbolic purposes in BJJ. It holds your gi jacket closed and displays your rank through color, progressing from white to blue, purple, brown, and black as you advance in skill and knowledge.
Why beginners need it: Every beginner starts with a white belt, which comes with most gis but can wear out quickly with regular training. A quality replacement belt ensures your gi stays properly secured and represents your commitment to the art.
What to look for: Select a belt made from cotton or canvas that’s durable and maintains its color through repeated washing. Ensure proper width and length for your size—belts should wrap around your waist one and a half times and tie securely without bunching.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with one gi and basic gear: You don’t need multiple gis right away. One quality gi, a rashguard, shorts, and protective equipment will get you through your first few months. As you advance and train more frequently, gradually build your collection.
- Buy from reputable brands on sale: Major BJJ gear retailers and Amazon regularly offer discounts on previous season colors and styles. Following brand social media accounts and subscribing to newsletters can alert you to sales and help you save on initial purchases.
- Invest in hygiene products first: While protective gear seems expensive, antimicrobial soap and regular mat cleaning save you from costly skin infections and medical treatment. Prevention is significantly cheaper than treatment, making hygiene products your best initial investment.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on acquiring quality essentials—a durable gi, protective equipment, and hygiene products—rather than accumulating multiple gis, specialty rashguards, and competition gear. Advanced practitioners often own five or more gis in different weights for various conditions, custom-fitted mouth guards, premium headgear systems, and specialized training wear optimized for specific positions and techniques. As you progress from white belt toward blue belt and beyond, you’ll naturally expand your collection based on your training frequency, competition aspirations, and personal preferences. The fundamentals you learn with basic gear remain constant regardless of how fancy your equipment becomes, so beginning with essentials allows you to focus on technique development while gradually upgrading as your skills and commitment to BJJ deepen.
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