BJJ Gear Guide: Essential and Advanced Equipment [2025]

Totally New to BJJ?

We’ll start by explaining what each piece of gear is and does. Then we’ll cover exactly what you need to begin training.

And forget to check out my The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Already know your gis from your rashguards? Then jump ahead to the Getting Started Guide section of this BJJ Gear Guide to learn what gear to buy and when you’ll need it in your BJJ journey.

Quick Start:

• Many schools provide loaner gis for beginners
  
• You don’t need everything at once
  
• We’ll show you smart buying timing to save money
  

Still considering whether BJJ is right for you? Read 10 Powerful Reasons Why You Should Start BJJ Today.

BJJ Gear Glossary

Every piece of BJJ equipment serves a specific purpose. Let’s break down everything you might encounter in your journey:

Essential Gi Training Equipment

1. BJJ Gi (Kimono): The traditional uniform consisting of a heavy cotton jacket and pants designed specifically for grappling. Unlike karate or judo gis, BJJ gis are built to withstand constant gripping and pulling.

Gi Jacket: The top portion of the gi features a reinforced collar and sleeves. The collar must meet specific thickness requirements for competition.

Gi Pants: These are reinforced cotton pants with specific thickness requirements and a sturdy drawstring. They are not the same as karate gi pants.

4. Belt (Obi): Indicates rank level, starting with white. It is made from thick cotton and has a special construction for BJJ. When you buy a gi, it ships with a white belt. You get your colored belts from your school when you test.

For detailed gi sizing help, see my BJJ Gi Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Fit guide.

When you’re ready to buy, check my Top 5 Best BJJ Gis for Beginners and The 7 Best BJJ Rashguards for Beginners for specific recommendations.

Essential No-Gi Training Equipment

1. Rashguard: Tight-fitting athletic shirt made from moisture-wicking material. Prevents mat burn and reduces skin-to-skin contact during training.

Construction: Tight-fitting athletic shirt with flat-lock stitching to prevent chafing

Materials: Blend of polyester/spandex or similar synthetic materials for durability

Features:

• Moisture-wicking to manage sweat
• Anti-bacterial treatment to reduce odor
• Reinforced seams for durability
• High neck design to prevent mat burn

Types:

• Long sleeve: More protection, required in some competitions
• Short sleeve: Better for hot weather, personal preference
• Competition vs training weight

Care requirements: Air dry to maintain elasticity

Read my The 7 Best BJJ Rashguards for Beginners for specific recommendations.

2. Grappling Shorts: Specialized shorts without pockets or zippers that could catch during rolling. Regular gym shorts won’t cut it.

Many grappling shorts, like this ELITE Brand, work for other martial arts too.

Construction: Reinforced stitching, especially at stress points

Design elements:

• No pockets or zippers that could catch
• Secured closure system (velcro and drawstring)
• Split sides for mobility
• Longer length for coverage

Materials: Ripstop or similar durable fabric

Fit: Should allow full range of motion without being baggy

3. Spats: Full-length compression pants that provide coverage and protection. Can be worn alone or under shorts.

You can buy the Gold Brand spats (above) in Full Length or Short versions, and wear either alone or with shorts.

Purpose:

• Prevent mat burn
• Provide hygiene barrier
• Aid muscle compression

Features:

• Flat-lock seams
• Strong waistband that stays in place
• Moisture-wicking properties
• Optional: grip panels at ankles

Length options:

• Full length for maximum coverage
• 3/4 length for warmer conditions
• Can be worn alone or under shorts (check gym policy)

TIP: Many competitors have separate competition and training gear to ensure competition-legal equipment stays in top condition.

ALWAYS CHECK SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES – Rules can vary significantly between organizations.

Universal Safety Equipment

1. Mouthguard: Essential protection for your teeth during training.

• Boil-and-bite vs custom-fitted options
• Single vs double layer protection
• Breathing considerations
• Storage and cleaning requirements

See my Best BJJ Mouthguards: Top 5 Picks guide for details.

2. Flip-Flops: Required for walking to and from the mats.

• Easy on/off design needed
• Must be shower-safe material
• No fabric/absorbent materials
• Dedicated pair for gym only

Never step on your gym’s training mats with street shoes.

NEVER EVER go into the bathroom or locker room without wearing shoes or flip-flops

3. Athletic Tape: For finger support and minor joint stability. I always keep some in my bag

• Regular width for joint support
• Finger tape for grip protection
• Buy large width and tear down lengthwise for fingers

4. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during training.

Hygiene Kit Essentials

Basic Supplies:

• Hand sanitizer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Small towel
• Nail clippers
• Shower supplies

Gear Management

Separate wet gear bag (optional, but comes in handy)

Ventilation requirements are important

Optional Protection Equipment

1. Ear Guards: Totally optional. Prevents cauliflower ear. Most gyms have these available to try before buying.

Typical wrestling or BJJ ear guard shown above. The chin strap often takes some time to get used to – shop for one with good reviews on comfort.

2. Knee Pads: Only if you need extra support during training. I keep a pair in my bag for days when my knees are sore.

3. Athletic Cup: This is a personal preference. These can get really uncomfortable for both you and your training partners. Check with your instructor about the gym’s policy.

4. Joint Braces: Wrist and ankle support for injury prevention. As needed.

Anaconda brand is known for their knee braces, but they also make a “3D compression” shoulder brace.

Advanced Training Equipment

1. Grappling Dummy: For solo drill practice. Most gyms have these available.

This smarty grappling dummy (above) gets good reviews – but you need to fill it yourself.

Erik Paulson’s Motion Master BJJ training dummy (Above) has four strategically placed nubs representing elbows and knees, for mastering ground control.

2. Training Weapons: Rubber knives, batons, and guns are always provided by schools that teach weapons defense for self-defense practice.

TP Hardware’s Rubber Hand Gun for Self-DefenseTraining

3. Neck Harness: For specific neck strengthening. Be sure to see what your gym may have to try out before purchasing.

Iron Neck (above) makes a premium neck harness

4. Home Mats: For home training space. A significant investment best made after consistent training.

Many customers consider this BalanceFrom Folding Mat to be a good value for the price.

Getting Started Guide

Understanding BJJ gear basics is your first step to smart equipment choices.

Let’s talk about what you actually need to start training. I’m going to break this down based on where you are in your journey.

Trial Period Equipment

Trial Period Equipment

Most BJJ schools offer trial programs with loaner gis, which significantly reduces your initial investment.

When using loaner gear, check these key points:

• Gi fit across shoulders and arms
• Pants length and waist security
• Overall fabric condition
• Reinforcement at stress points

For your very first class, you only need:

• Mouthguard ($5-25)
• Flip-flops ($10-15)
• Athletic clothes if no-gi or under loaner gi
• Water bottle
• Small towel

Most schools maintain quality loaner gear, but always check the fit before class starts. A properly fitting gi, even a loaner, makes a big difference in your training experience.

Trying different sizes of loaner gis helps you understand what size to buy when you’re ready for your own.

I strongly recommend waiting to make major purchases until after your trial period. This allows you to understand what gear works best for your training style.

Using my Surviving Your First BJJ Class: What to Expect and How to Prepare guide, you can ensure you are prepared for your first BJJ class.

First Purchase Guide

After deciding to train regularly, you can use this BJJ gear guide checklist to ensure you have everything needed:

For Gi Training:

• One quality BJJ gi (invest in good quality – it matters)
• One rashguard to wear under the gi – short-sleeve is fine
• Mouthguard (properly fitted)
• Flip-flops (dedicated pair for gym use)
• Basic hygiene kit

For No-Gi Training:

• Two rashguards (allows for rotation between classes)
• Two pairs of grappling shorts or spats
• Mouthguard
• Flip-flops
• Basic hygiene kit

I always wash my gi and rashguard after every single training session and air dry it to extend its life. Never leave wet gear in your bag.

Basic Cost Overview

Entry-Level Investment:

• Basic BJJ Gi: $80-150
• Rashguard: $25-45 each
• Grappling Shorts: $30-50
• Mouthguard: $5-25
• Hygiene Supplies: $20-30

Quality matters more than saving a few dollars. I’ve seen too many beginners buy cheap gis that fall apart after a few months.

Gear Progression Timeline

Training Frequency Impact

Training frequency directly impacts gear needs:

• 2x weekly: One gi with proper care suffices
• 3x weekly: Consider second gi by month three
• 4x+ weekly: Multiple gis and rashguards needed

Competition training: Additional gear for competition prep

Factor in laundry schedule when planning gear expansion.

Having enough gear to maintain proper hygiene between washing is essential.

Consider seasonal changes too – summer training might require more frequent gear rotation than winter sessions.

Three Month Mark

By this point, you’ll have a better sense of your training frequency and specific needs.

Your BJJ gear progression should match your training development.

Consider adding:

• Second gi if training 3+ times weekly
• Additional rashguards for rotation
• Basic protective gear based on your needs

I keep knee supports in my bag for those days when I need extra stability. It’s not about using them all the time, but having them when needed.

Six to Twelve Months

Your gear needs will evolve based on your training frequency and focus:

• Third gi for frequent training
• Competition-specific gear if competing
• Specialized protection equipment as needed
• Keep athletic tape in your kit – you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy for finger support.

First Year Cost Planning

Consider these factors when planning your purchases:

• Training frequency impacts gear rotation needs
• Gi vs No-Gi focus determines priority purchases
• Competition plans require specific gear
• Budget constraints are a fact of life, but they can affect quality if you are solely price focused

I’ve found that investing in quality basics early saves money in the long run.

Technical Guidance

Care and Maintenance

Proper gear care extends equipment life significantly:

• Wash your gi immediately after training
• Always air dry gis and rashguards
• Clean your mouthguard with antibacterial soap
• Store gear in a well-ventilated bag

Specific care guidelines:

• Cold water wash for gis to prevent shrinkage
• Avoid fabric softeners which can break down materials
• Check seams and stress points after each wash
• Pre-treat any mat stains before washing
• Rotate gear if training multiple days
• Store in dry area away from direct sunlight
• Proper ventilation between training sessions helps prevent bacterial growth and odors.

I never put my gis in the dryer – it extends their lifespan significantly.

Following these BJJ gear durability tips helps prevent early BJJ gear replacement!

For even more care specifcs, check out this ELITE article on 12 tips to care for your gi.

Quality Assessment

Look for these features when evaluating gear:

• Reinforced stitching at stress points
• Pre-shrunk fabrics for consistent fit
• Reliable brand reputation
• Quality customer service
• Pearl weave or similar quality fabric for gis

FAQs

Conclusion

Starting BJJ doesn’t require a massive initial investment. Focus on essential gear first and expand your collection as your training progresses.

Take advantage of trial periods and loaner gear to understand what works best for you.

Remember to maintain your gear properly – it protects both your investment and your training partners.

For more guidance on starting your BJJ journey, check my complete Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.