The BJJ Gear Guide: Gis, Rashguards, Hygiene and Staying Injury-Free
Shoyoroll or Fuji, mouthguard or ear guards, and the hygiene rules your training partners will thank you for.
MAN TARGET EditorsOctober 29, 2026 4 min read
Jiu-jitsu needs very little kit, but the kit you choose matters. A good gi survives years of washing and grips, a fitted mouthguard protects your teeth, and clean habits protect everyone on the mat. Here is what to buy first, and the rules that keep you training.
The gi
- Shoyoroll: the California brand founded in 2006, known for limited-edition batch releases and a collectible following.
- Fuji: outfitting martial artists since 1969; durable, accessible gis that are a staple in many academies.
- Kingz: founded in 2011 in Winnipeg and now based in San Diego, with clean competition cuts.
- Atama: in jiu-jitsu since 1989, one of the oldest and most traditional gi brands.
- Koral: making gis since 1997, known for its rubber-cored collar and one-piece jacket back.
- Vulkan: a Brazilian brand that uses Brazilian cotton and is known for lightweight models.
- Competing? IBJJF rules require a white, royal blue or black gi in good condition.
No-gi kit and protection
- Rashguards and spats protect skin and reduce friction; brands such as Tatami, Hyperfly and Venum offer ranked designs in belt colours.
- Mouthguard: a boil-and-bite guard from a brand such as Shock Doctor is a sensible start; a custom guard from your dentist fits best.
- Ear guards: worn by many grapplers to reduce the risk of cauliflower ear.
- Knee pads and finger tape for joints that take a beating.
The most respected man in the academy is not always the best fighter. He is the one with the clean gi and short nails.
Hygiene, non-negotiable
- Wash your gi, belt and rashguard after every session, and never re-wear damp kit.
- Shower as soon as possible after training.
- Keep finger and toenails short and clean.
- Wear sandals off the mat and never walk onto it in street shoes.
- Stay off the mat with any rash, cut or unusual skin lesion and see a doctor: fungal and bacterial skin infections are a known risk in contact sports.
Injury prevention (general information, not medical advice)
- Tap early and often; there is no prize for surviving a submission in training.
- Warm up properly and build your training volume gradually.
- Choose sensible training partners, especially in your first months, and say so when you are carrying an injury.
- Rest when you are sore and sleep well; recovery is part of training.
- If pain persists, or you have a prior condition, talk to your doctor or a sports physiotherapist before you train again.
Key takeaways
- Start with one durable, well-fitting gi; buy the collector pieces later.
- For IBJJF competition, gis must be white, royal blue or black.
- Wash all kit after every session and stay off the mat with any skin lesion.
- Tap early, warm up and build volume gradually; see a doctor for persistent pain.
FAQ
What is the best BJJ gi for a beginner?
A durable, well-fitting gi from an established brand such as Fuji, Kingz or Atama. Check the size chart against both height and weight.
How often should I wash my BJJ gi?
After every session. Wash promptly, dry fully and never re-wear damp kit.
Do I need a mouthguard for jiu-jitsu?
It is strongly recommended. Many academies and competitions encourage one, and it protects your teeth during scrambles.
Build your wish list: the gis and gear our editors would buy again.
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