BJJ Gear Checklist: Everything You Need for Class

Contents

Essential Gear for Every Class

Item	Why It Matters
BJJ Gi (or rash guard + shorts)	Required for class. Have 2+ for hygiene rotation.
Mouthguard	Protects teeth during sparring — required at most schools
Ear protection (optional)	Prevents cauliflower ear for heavy grapplers
Finger tape	Essential for gi grapplers — prevents and manages finger injuries
Water bottle	1-2L minimum for a training session
Flip-flops	Required off the mat for hygiene. Mandatory.

Hygiene Essentials for Your Bag

Antibacterial soap or tea tree wash. Small towel for shower. Clean underwear. Deodorant. Band-aids and waterproof bandaging. Nail clippers (trim before class). An emergency gi in case yours isn't dry — no gi means no training.

Competition Day Bag

Gi + spare gi (in case of disqualification for illegal patches or tears). Rashguard. Flip-flops. Mouthguard. Finger tape. Snacks (banana, rice balls, electrolyte drink). Photo ID and competition registration. Headphones for warm-up. Anti-anxiety item of your choice (music, ritual, food).

What NOT to Bring

Jewelry of any kind (rings, earrings, necklaces) — removed before training. Shoes on the mat. Dirty gi (twice-worn without washing). Strong cologne or perfume — training partners will tap from your smell, not your technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a good BJJ gi cost?

Quality beginner gis range from $70-150 USD. Mid-range gis ($150-250) last longer and have better weave. Competition gis ($250+) are for serious competitors. For beginners: invest in a $100-150 gi and spend the rest on mat time.

Do I need a mouthguard for BJJ?

Yes — most schools require them. A custom-fitted mouthguard from a dentist ($300-500) provides superior protection. Boil-and-bite mouthguards ($15-40) are effective for most practitioners and are the standard beginner choice.

What's the best finger tape for BJJ?

Standard zinc oxide athletic tape (0.5 inch/1.5cm width) is the industry standard. Tear or cut to length, wrap the finger joint with X pattern or buddy-tape method. Have a roll in your bag at all times.