Complete beginners
If your first trial class is booked, start here. Most gyms only ask for comfortable clothes on day one.
BJJ Gear Starter Kit: What You Need
Starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu takes less gear than most people expect. Here is the kit we would put together for your first months on the mat, from gi and belt to rashie, mouthguard and bag.
What goes in your BJJ kit?
Our jiu-jitsu range is small, so here is where the essentials sit.
TRAINING WEAR
Fight shorts, martial arts uniforms and combat sports shoes.
What to prioritise
Shorts and uniforms
Combat Clothing and Shoes
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NO-GI TOPS
Snug rash tops, including grappling rashguards built for rolling.
What to prioritise
Grappling and surf
Men's Rashies and UV Tops
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PROTECTION
Mouthguards, groin guards and headgear for contact training.
What to prioritise
Mouthguards first
Mouthguards and Protection
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BELTS
Coloured martial arts belts, including IBJJF-standard jiu-jitsu belts.
What to prioritise
Rank belts
Martial Arts Belts
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BAGS
Sports bags and holdalls, several with a separate shoe pocket.
What to prioritise
Gear to class
Training Gear Bags
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TAPE
Kinesiology and strapping tape to support sore joints.
What to prioritise
Joint support
Kinesiology and Support Tapes
Shop the RangeWhat to look for
A gi that still fits after washing
Most gis are cotton and can shrink a little, especially in a hot wash or dryer. Adult gis are usually sized A0 upwards by height and weight, so check the size chart, wash cold and line dry.
A mouthguard that stays put
You'll be breathing hard with your face close to the mat and other people's knees. A boil-and-bite guard moulded to your teeth stays in place far better than a loose one, so you can keep it in and focus on training.
A rashie that won't ride up
A snug rash guard keeps your skin covered on the mat and stops your top flapping during scrambles. Long sleeves give your arms more cover, and many people also wear one under the gi.
A bag that keeps damp kit apart
A sweaty gi needs to come out of your bag as soon as you get home. A holdall with a separate shoe or wet pocket keeps clean clothes away from training gear on the way.
Who this kit is for
Parents of young grapplers
Kids grow fast, so buy for the next few months rather than the next few years. A fitted mouthguard is worth getting early.
Strikers adding grappling
Coming from boxing or muay thai? Your mouthguard and bag carry over, and a rashie and grappling shorts cover no-gi classes.
Your BJJ checklist at a glance
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gi | Needed for gi classes and grips | Ask your gym about colour rules first |
| Belt | Holds the jacket closed and shows rank | Beginners start on white |
| Rash guard | Covers skin and stays in place | Worth having two to rotate |
| Grappling shorts or spats | No-gi training without loose fabric | Avoid pockets and zips |
| Mouthguard | Protects teeth from knees and elbows | Mould it before your first class |
| Ear guards | Help protect ears from repeated rubbing | Useful once you train often |
| Gear bag | Keeps your kit together | Unpack it the moment you get home |
| Thongs or slides | Keep floor grime off the mats | Never walk on the mat in them |
Keep your kit fresh
- Wash your gi, rashie and shorts after every session, even if they look clean.
- Hang everything to dry in the shade, since direct sun and a hot dryer can fade and shrink fabric.
- Rinse your mouthguard after training and let it air dry in a vented case.
- Keep your nails short so you don't scratch training partners or tear your gi.
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Frequently asked questions
What do I need for my first BJJ class?
Very little. Most gyms are happy for you to turn up in a T-shirt or rashie and shorts without zips or pockets, and many lend a gi for trial classes. Bring a drink bottle, a mouthguard if you have one, and thongs or slides for walking off the mat. Once you decide to keep training, a gi, a belt and a rash guard are the first things worth buying.
How do BJJ gi sizes work?
Adult gis usually come in A sizes (A0, A1, A2 and up), and kids' gis often use M sizes, with each brand matching sizes to a height and weight range. Sizes vary between brands, so check the chart for the one you're buying rather than going by your usual T-shirt size. Cotton gis can shrink, so if you're between sizes, many people size up and wash cold. Belts follow the same A and M sizing in many brands.
How do I keep my BJJ gear clean and hygienic?
Wash everything you trained in after every session and let it dry fully before you pack it again, because damp kit breeds bacteria and smells. Shower soon after training, keep your nails trimmed and wear footwear off the mat. Skin infections such as ringworm can spread through close contact sports, so don't train with an open cut or a rash you're unsure about, and see a doctor or pharmacist if something doesn't clear up.
What does a BJJ gym usually provide?
Gyms provide the mats, the coaching and usually a few loan gis for newcomers. Your coach awards belts and stripes as you progress, and some gyms hand you your first white belt when you sign up. Some clubs ask members to wear a gi in a certain colour or with the club's patch, so check before you buy one. Mouthguards, rashies and bags are personal kit you bring yourself.
Do I need ear guards for BJJ?
Not for your first few classes, but they're worth considering once you train regularly. Repeated rubbing and pressure on the ears during grappling can cause swelling, which can harden into what's known as cauliflower ear if it isn't treated. Ear guards reduce that friction. If an ear becomes swollen or painful after training, see a doctor early, since prompt treatment matters.
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Ready for your first roll?
Start with the basics, train for a few weeks, then add to your kit as you learn what you need. We'll be here when you're ready.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
