Jiu Jitsu Equipment List
Jiu Jitsu is one of the most popular types of martial arts in the world. It is a style that MMA fighters have been gravitating towards due to the usefulness of the grappling techniques. But it is hard to practice Jiu Jitsu if you don’t have the right equipment. In order to do so, here’s a list of some of the most important equipment in Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu Equipment
There are several pieces of equipment one needs when getting ready to practice Jiu Jitsu. First, it’s helpful to purchase a bag so that you have a way to transport all of your gear. Next, it’s important to get two key components of the official uniform: the gi and the belt. Once those things are accounted for, it’s all about getting protective gear, such as grappling shorts, knee pads, and more.
Bag
Before you get started, it’s important that you get the piece of equipment that enables you to lug around all the gear you need. It’s a trend that more and more Jiu Jitsu brands are hopping on, providing a separate item for you to place all things related specifically to Jiu Jitsu. Most of the time, these bags come in the form of either a backpack or a duffel bag. Backpacks are great for holding water and your gi, but a duffel bag should be able to carry even more.
Gi
The gi is the official uniform when people practice Jiu Jitsu. This is especially important in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as it is a requirement for training except for in No-gi gyms. The gi is supposed to teach the wearer about how to control your opponent and not let them control you. It also focuses your training and gives two fighters equal ground when sparring.
Belt
This is an item that both keeps the jacket and pants of a gi together and also denotes the rank of a practitioner. All beginners start with a white belt and progress through the ranks until they reach a black belt, which is the highest rank. Beyond that, a black/red belt indicates a seventh degree black belt, a red/white belt is for the eighth degree, and a red belt is a ninth or tenth degree black belt.
Grappling Shorts
One of the main actions in Jiu Jitsu is grappling. In order to do this to the best of your ability, you need equipment that allows you flexibility and a full range of motion. Grappling shorts do just that. They stay tight around the waist and allow you to kick if you delve into more MMA style Jiu Jitsu. These shorts also come as either loose board-style shorts or form fitting compression shorts.
Grappling Spats
While the shorts are probably the most common piece of lower body equipment, it’s far from the only option. Spats are a great alternative to shorts and can even be worn in conjunction with shorts. They create more friction in your legs, making them ideal for more easily hitting submissions. They also do a better job of absorbing sweat and moisture, keeping your legs warm and dry. Spats are also good for preventing too much bacteria from finding their way onto the mat.
Mouth Guard
Accidents happen all the time. Whether it is an elbow that finds someone’s jaw or a knee to the face while grappling on the ground, it’s more likely than not that at some point you will take a shot to the face at some point if you do Jiu Jitsu. A mouth guard can help prevent any chipped teeth from occurring, especially if you’re practicing MMA-style and striking becomes involved. There’s no better way to protect your teeth.
Rash Guard
Jiu Jitsu involves a lot of rolling around on mats, which can lead to plenty of rashes and burns on your skin. That’s why it’s important to have a rash guard to prevent that from becoming a regular occurrence. It absorbs moisture, evaporating sweat and helping cool down your body after intense physical activity. A rash guard is a must have for any Jiu Jitsu practitioners, the upper body version of grappling spats.
Groin Protectors
Similar to how errant shots to the face happen, it’s also common for groin shots to occur in Jiu Jitsu. Having protection for that area is the best way to prevent injuries from happening. While it is possible to get just the cup to protect you, the more support you have the better. It’s recommended you get a jock strap in order to secure it and have it fit snugly.
Knee Pads
Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that is very hard on your knees. The amount of grappling and takedowns that bring you down to mat make it essential for you to do whatever you can to keep your knees safe. Some say it’s not a requirement if grappling isn’t a huge part of your school’s style, but they will help significantly and will prevent damage in the long term.
Elbow Pads
Similar to knee pads, elbow pads are great for making the wear and tear one incurs while doing Jiu Jitsu a little less prevalent. It’s vital for several different disciplines, including Muay Thai and Krav Maga. With the amount of grappling one does in Jiu Jitsu, the more protection one has when elbows hit the mat, the better.
Finger Tape
This is another piece of equipment that isn’t technically necessary, but is extremely useful in the long run. The amount of gripping one has to do in Jiu Jitsu can do a lot to wear down your knuckles and fingers, leading to sprains, strains, and jams of all sorts. Finding some finger tape to put on before you hit the mat is a great way to ensure that your hands have maximum protection when in the ring.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are not necessary for fighting. They’re actually for the exact opposite. Flip flops are used by fighters when they aren’t fighting! They are easy to put on and off in between fights. Gyms don’t allow people to step on the mats with any type of shoes on, so having a pair of flip flops is just easiest for when you are off the mat.
Ear Protectors
Have you ever heard of cauliflower ear? It’s when you take a shot to the ear that shears away the cartilage and pushes liquid to fill the upper part of your ear, making it look like a cauliflower if not drained. It’s a very common injury that most fighters endure. The best way to prevent it from happening is to get some ear protectors. Ear protectors will dampen the impact and lessen the friction when fighting on the mat, helping prevent cauliflower ear from happening in the first place.
Mat
Maybe you don’t live close to a gym. Maybe you do, but it’s closed for some odd reason or another. Whatever the case may be, it might be worth your time to invest in your own Jiu Jitsu mat. It’s often considered the most important thing for practicing Jiu Jitsu. Whether it’s a folding mat, a rollout mat, or a puzzle mat, it’ll come in handy someday. Just be sure to regularly clean your mat!
Water Bottle
This is a simple yet important thing to bring along. Jiu Jitsu is an indoor sport that generates a lot of heat regardless of the weather outside. It’s important to bring a water bottle with you in order to stay hydrated and maintain peak performance in between fights.