What to Wear to Jiu-Jitsu Class for Beginner Students
Beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training offers several benefits, including improved physical fitness, greater self-confidence, and learning effective self-protection techniques. For those who have never practiced BJJ before, figuring out what to wear to jiu-jitsu class can sound overwhelming. Proper attire is necessary to ensure comfort, mobility, and safety during training. Knowing what to expect based on your specific gym’s needs means you will be prepared for day one of training.
What to Wear to Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class
For your first jiu-jitsu class for beginners, the most vital thing to consider is comfort and safety. Many academies let students wear warm-up clothes for the trial class, so you do not have to purchase a sports suit right away. A tight T-shirt and stretchy shorts or leggings are ideal in terms of flexibility and safety.
Do not wear anything too loose, as it may hamper your movements or rolling on the ground and get caught in zippers or other openings. If your academy asks you to wear a gi, you may ask whether they have a trial suit or let you borrow one from another student.
Gi vs. No-Gi: What Beginners Should Know
There are two primary styles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: gi vs. no-gi. They differ in the equipment required for classes.
Gi training classes require wearing a special jiu-jitsu uniform made up of a sturdy jacket, pants, and a belt. Grips are used on the uniform and jacket sleeves to manage opponents.
In no-gi training, athletes wear sports clothing, typically a rash guard and wrestling pants. Without any uniforms, grips are less effective, meaning body management becomes essential.
For new practitioners, decisions will depend on schedules and preferences. You can try out both and see which suits you better based on experience gained.
When shopping for BJJ gear for beginners, you will not need much at the start. Focus on the best value in essentials.
- A rash guard is a T-shirt-style piece of clothing that fits your skin to prevent rashes and keep you dry. The fabric wicks away moisture and protects the skin from friction.
- Grappling shorts or leggings are required. Go for stretchy shorts or leggings that do not have zips, buttons, or any annoying features.
- A BJJ gi is a jacket and pants made of a special thick material designed to resist damage during the fight. You will need a belt of the required color depending on your rank and academy.
- A mouthguard is an optional piece of equipment that can be used in sparring sessions. Always ask your coach if you need a mouthguard.
- A water bottle and a towel are also necessary. They will help you stay hydrated and clean.
- Flip-flops or slides are useful in the BJJ community because you will spend a lot of time in the locker room and other places where you want to avoid getting your gear dirty.
Most academies will have certain dress codes for students, so ask around and learn what they recommend you buy first.
Gi vs. No-Gi Clothing Comparison
| Clothing or Feature | Gi Training | No-Gi Training |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Body | Traditional gi jacket | Fitted rash guard |
| Lower Body | Gi trousers | Grappling shorts or leggings |
| Belt | Required | Not usually required |
| Footwear | Barefoot on mats | Barefoot on mats |
| Fabric | Durable woven cotton or blends | Stretchy, moisture-wicking material |
| Grip Style | Grips on jacket and sleeves | Body and limb control |
| Beginner Requirement | Academy-approved gi | Academy-approved athletic gear |
How Should a Jiu Jitsu Gi Fit?
Understanding how a gi should fit is essential since improper fitting could inhibit mobility and training. The right gi will provide comfort and ease when sitting, stretching, bending, and raising your arms without any hindrance.
Jacket sizing should offer coverage to your body, meeting the necessary standards set by your academy for the uniform. Similarly, pants must fit comfortably and move freely without constantly dragging on the floor. The fabric needs to be sturdy yet lightweight and flexible enough.
What Not to Wear to Jiu Jitsu Class
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to use. As a beginner, it is better to avoid wearing clothes that may cause injury to a training partner.
Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, metal decorations, drawstring ends, or other hardware that can scratch a partner or cause injury. Also, jewellery, watches, necklaces, and earrings are better left at home.
Ignoring clothes that restrict movement or are slippery, like regular jeans, stiff trousers, loose-fitting garments, and large T-shirts, is also a must. Moreover, shoes and socks are not allowed on the mat, with few exceptions, depending on the academy.
Hygiene and Etiquette Tips for New Students
Good hygiene is essential for jiu-jitsu class etiquette for beginners since the training involves close contact with others. As a result, it is necessary to take special care of the skin and clothing, including a gi, rash guard, shorts, and other gear, to ensure safety.
It is required to wash the clothing after each training session and shower regularly. In addition, trim nails and cut skin to prevent infection, inform the coach and training partners about any contagious disease or skin infection, and follow the recommendations for returning to training. If there is a suspicion of a skin infection, consult the doctor and the coach to determine whether it is safe to continue attending the classes.
FAQs
What should I wear to my first jiu-jitsu class?
For beginners, wear a clean, form-fitting athletic T-shirt and exercise shorts/leggings. If it’s a gi class, inquire about the requirement for wearing a uniform or if a borrowed gi is available.
Do I need to buy a gi before starting?
Not necessarily. Some academies will have loaner gis for beginners, while others permit appropriate athletic attire.
What is the difference between gi and no-gi clothing?
Traditional gi uniforms involve jackets, pants, and belts, whereas no-gi clothes consist of a rash guard top and grappling pants or leggings.
Do I need a mouthguard and other protective gear?
Mouthguards protect your teeth during intense training, particularly with high-contact techniques. Consult your coach regarding its necessity and other protective gear depending on individual requirements.
Can I wear anything under my gi?
Absolutely! Practitioners tend to wear a rash guard or form-fitting T-shirts underneath their gi uniforms.
Final Thoughts: Ready for Your First Class?
Choosing what to wear to jiu-jitsu class does not have to be complicated. You can begin with comfortable athletic wear during your initial training session. Alternatively, you may choose gi or no-gi gear depending on the specific requirements of your BJJ classes. Focus on comfort, cleanliness, and functionality instead of spending extra money on branded products.
Excited about getting started? Find our nearest Octagon MMA Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and inquire about its uniform requirements before signing up for your first class. Take your first step towards becoming healthier and learning grappling techniques.