Everything You Need To Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu And BJJ Gear
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu used to be a well-kept secret. Now it is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. A once niche martial arts discipline has become a global phenomenon, with a permanent home in mainstream culture.
Whether you chase podiums or just want to unwind, “the gentle art” welcomes everyone. ONE Championship has fueled that boom, bringing elite submission specialists to primetime and pushing the sport to unprecedented heights.
Fans see that mastery in twin World Champions Kade Ruotolo, the reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion, and Tye Ruotolo, the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion.
ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis and pound-for-pound best female grappler in the world Helena Crevar also represent the pinnacle of modern grappling.
Every one of these athletes started the same way you are about to. Stepping onto the mats for the first time still means figuring out what to wear, and BJJ demands kit built specifically for combat.
If you are ready to tie your white belt for the first time, here is the essential BJJ gear you need to start training with confidence — all available at the official ONE Shop.
A Moisture-Wicking Rashguard
No-gi training is the most beginner-friendly entry point into the sport, and it saves you plenty of laundry.
A quality rashguard is the foundation of that setup. This snug polyester or spandex top stays locked to your upper body, eliminating loose fabric and keeping you covered during scrambles. Flatlock stitching keeps the shirt intact under heavy strain while pulling sweat away from your skin.
Rashguards are just as crucial underneath a traditional kimono. Worn as a base layer, they stop abrasive collar friction, prevent mat burns, and protect your skin against common gym bacteria.
Pair your top with dedicated grappling shorts. These shorts skip metal zippers, buttons, and open pockets, protecting your training partners from catching loose fingers or toes during transitions.
A Durable, Well-Fitted Gi
Putting on a traditional BJJ gi completely changes the game. Also known as the kimono, it feels less like a training top and more like armor.
A proper gi consists of a thick jacket, reinforced pants, and a rank-defining belt. Unlike lighter karate uniforms, a BJJ gi uses dense pearl-weave cotton and ripstop fabric to withstand nonstop pulling.
Fit matters most when choosing your first kimono. You want enough room to move freely without giving your training partners handfuls of loose fabric to grip and control.
Color matters too, depending on the setting. Most competitions require white, blue, or black, while everyday training leaves room for creative colorways and patches so you can bring personal style to the mats.
The Must-Have Protection: Mouthguard And Athletic Tape
Grappling stays a contact sport, even without strikes. Accidental knees, elbows, and head clashes happen during takedowns and guard passes, so protection stays non-negotiable.
A simple boil-and-bite mouthguard goes a long way. It shields your teeth, tongue, and gums without costing a dental fortune, and it takes only minutes to fit.
It doesn’t stop there. Grip-heavy exchanges over lapels and sleeves put real strain on the fingers too. A roll of athletic tape stabilizes the knuckles, helps prevent ligament strains, and keeps your fingers healthy over the long run.
So if you’re starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ gear is on your priority list, pack these essentials inside a breathable gym bag, and you’re ready to roll.
