It is always difficult to make a fresh start, but it is also fun. Parallel to that, it is fun and exciting to put together your BJJ gear collection. However, it all matters if you know what to get.

In this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beginners gear guide you’ll get to know about all the BJJ gear that you will need to make a start.

This BJJ gear checklist covers both the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traditional forms: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (with a Gi) and also No-Gi BJJ. Have fun while filling up your gear checklist.  

BJJ Beginners Gear Guide

Indeed, this combat art fighting style has a historical background that cannot be denied under any condition. Moreover, following the tradition is one of the basic rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

However, there are two traditional forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a Gi or No-Gi BJJ.

Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (with a Gi)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a Gi is the primary traditional form of BJJ. A Jiu-Jitsu Gi and a Belt are the first going to be added to your checklist.

Furthermore, a rash guard could be the next on your checklist. It is recommended to wear a rash guard under your Gi but that is basically the part of No-Gi BJJ. 

⮚    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi aka Jiu-Jitsu Kimono has numerous names. The base of the word “gi” is the Japanese words “keikogi” or “dogi”, which means “uniform for fighting”.

Besides, there are multiple types of gis available, which are suited to different martial arts. Some martial arts styles require uniforms and different gis are out there for different martial arts.

Alike, other martial arts it is vital to get a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specific gi. However, BJJ gis is made from tough material and is durable. The toughness of the gi enhances the ratio of difficulty for your opponent to grab it.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi is fundamentally based on a jacket and pants. The belt is not usually provided with the gi.

However, multiple things need to be considered while choosing a BJJ Gi.

⮚    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt has the basic functionality of tying up your Gi jacket and holding it in its place. There are other notable things that you need to know about the BJJ belt.

First of all, it can be used as an arsenal to let you hold your grip around your opponent, but this could also happen with you. So, a belt can be used for both offensive and defensive techniques.

Furthermore, a BJJ belt illustrates your rank and your level of proficiency. There is a whole belt system in BJJ, which represents the practitioner’s rank and level of expertise.

A white belt is a sign of a beginner and new learner. Then with taking every step ahead the rank will rise within the form of belt color.

There are two belt systems in BJJ. For adults, it goes in the order of white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Besides, for kids, it goes in the order of white, yellow, orange, and green.

BJJ belts are long and capable of wrapping twice around your waist and still have excess length after you tie them.

Primarily, there will be a patch with the manufacturer’s logo on one end of the belt. On the other end of the belt is traditionally a black bar (red on black belts). It is the section where you put your stripes that represent progress between belt levels.

Note: While choosing a belt size choose the same size that you selected for your gi. 

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is named for some specific reason, which we’ll discuss below. However, for No-Gi BJJ you will require Grappling Shorts and a Rash Guard.

Moreover, you can wear Gi pants instead of Fight Shorts, or you can wear a t-shirt instead of a rash guard, this is a temporary escape. But this is not recommended at all because of some reasons, which we will discuss below.

⮚    Grappling Shorts

Fight Shorts, MMA Shorts, and Vale Tudo Shorts are some of the other names of Grappling Shorts.

Grappling Shorts are necessary for No-Gi BJJ as they are specifically designed for the movements and techniques of BJJ.

Firstly, they do not easily slide off, which is essential given the pulls, grabs, and holds that they will experience.

Secondly, they allow flexibility, either you are sparring, kicking, or fighting into MMA.

Thirdly, there is no use of any metal object like zippers and buttons. So, they do not get into your way while fighting or can cause damage to your opponent.

Grappling Shorts are available in two different varieties: Board-style shorts come with loose-fitting and Vale Tudo style which comes with tight-fitting.

Instead of wearing grappling shorts, you can wear Gi pants for No-Gi BJJ. But it is crucial to keep in mind that this becomes an opportunity for your opponent. They will have more to grab onto and to your movements.

⮚    Rash Guards

Rash Guards are important for multiple reasons. Firstly, they are made of a moisture-wicking material that helps you stay relaxed and cool during fights.

The moisture-wicking material draws moisture away from your body while maintaining the cooling effect and helps the sweat to evaporate.

The thermal material makes the airflow possible through it and it creates a layer of cooling air around your arms and torso.

Secondly, it limits skin-on-skin contact, which helps prevent skin diseases, for example, ringworm.

However, rash guards are also recommended to use under the Gi. It will help you to prevent diseases like the one we have discussed above.

The rash guard also limits the rug burn. Sometimes, Gi becomes rough under long-term use that can cause rug-burn.

⮚    Protective Gear

Even though Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does not involve striking. It is very ardent that you are sparring with your partner applying a lot of force in very close proximity.

Well, as a matter of facts nobody can always be 100% accurate while executing techniques. Unpredictable things happen sometimes, that can cause severe damage. Wearing protective gear helps in minimizing the damage.

⮚    Mouth Guards

Although Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does not involve any type of striking, kicking, and punching, there is still a chance that you could get hurt, unexpectedly.

BJJ is typically based on taking downs, which involves staying close to your opponent to manipulate and revolve around their bodies. There is a slight yet lethal chance that you get stuck in the mouth by a passing arm, leg, or knee, etc.

To reduce the chance of damage it is crucial to wear the mouthguard, cautionary. Usually, mouth guards are custom-molded.

At first, a mouth guard gets boiled in water and then molded according to your teeth. The process is simple and provides a perfect fit for maximum protection.   

⮚    Groin Protectors

Groin Protectors are highly recommended, though you won’t like to put your life at stake. Although, the groin is highly exposed in BJJ movements and techniques, which makes it crucial to wear a groin protector.

One slight slip by you and your sparring partner and possibly for a knee, foot, etc, to get planted where you don't want it, can cause a serious health issue.

Usually, groin protectors come with a jockstrap or the cup only. It is highly recommended to get the best quality supporter for the cup as it will ensure a perfect fit for your body.

This is especially recommended for BJJ, because if your cup is not in a perfect position only a little push can change it from groin protector to groin assaulter.

Good quality supporters contain convenient cup sleeves, which allow you to easily slip the cup in and out whenever needed between sparring sessions. 

⮚    Head Gear

It can’t be more than tapped out with a cauliflower-like swollen ear. This can happen unwantedly, maybe while skipping the opponent’s strike or trying to get out your head of chokeholds.

It can’t be any worse, that it causes the skin to separate from the cartilage because of the friction accidentally applied to your ear.

Your ear is going to look mangled because of the blood filling up the space between the skin and the cartilage.

Having a cauliflower ear is not only painful, it can also affect your hearing, which is really awful. However, a cauliflower ear is considered a symbol amongst Jiu-Jitsu masters and veteran fighters. But for an average BJJ practitioner, it could be frightful. 

So, if you don’t want a cauliflower ear, make sure you are wearing headgear or ear protectors. Keep one in mind while acquiring a headgear, it should be low profile. So, your opponent could not take extra advantage to keep you in chokeholds.

⮚    Braces / Knee Pads

Knee strains can get in your way to success or can be the reason for your defeat. This is because of frequent posturing on them, landing on them, or twisting them as you roll out to dodge your opponent.

Bruised knees and popped knee caps are very prominent in BJJ. Use knee pads and knee braces to prevent any serious injury.

Make sure you are choosing BJJ-specific knee pads and braces. They are low profile and flexible which helps you in multiple ways. To execute the proper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique your knees and legs need to be flexible during rolling. 

Gear Bags

You might have decided what BJJ gear you are going to add to your buying list. But, have you decided where you are going to keep them all?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear bags and backpacks are the most functional means to keep your gear clean and safe. Moreover, the modern style never lets you down your hopes, though you feel confident to carry your gear bag.

However, there are a lot of BJJ bags available in the market and the price varies from low to high. But you cannot say only an expensive bag is the best.

Some ventures in the market like Elite Sports provide the best quality bags at cheap prices.

At Elite Sports, we have two types of BJJ bags, duffle bags, and backpacks. Duffle Bags are the ones more liked by BJJ practitioners as they have more storage space. You can put on an extra pair of outfits or shoes.

Moreover, multiple pockets provide you extra storage space to keep your small objects like keys, mobile phones, and other objects. Most duffle bags have side pockets to carry water bottles and snacks.

Hence, contrary to duffle bags, backpacks can be used as your daily commute bag and provide a boyish look. 

Though, both the gear bags are available in multiple sizes, colors, and designs available at Elite Sports. You can get one by visiting our site.