What Gear Do I Need to Start Jiu Jitsu? — The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Short answer: not much — but the right basics will make your first months smoother, safer, and more fun.
Quick checklist (copy/paste)
Gi (kimono) — 1 (or 2 if you’ll train daily) (your gym might offer these)
No-gi set — rash guard + grappling shorts / spats (think skin-like material to prevent skin contact on mat)
Mouthguard (boil-and-bite or custom)
Water bottle (seriously don’t forget this)
Tape for fingers / first-aid tape
Small towel & flip-flops
Antibacterial soap + body wash
Optional: knee sleeves, ear guards, athletic cup (men), a training journal (highly recommended)
Why gear matters
Jiu jitsu is low-equipment but high-contact. The right clothing protects your body and your partners, helps you learn quicker (better fit = less fumbling), and keeps you in good standing with gym etiquette. You don’t need expensive kit to start — you just need sensible, clean, well-fitting basics.
1) The Gi (kimono) — essentials, types, and how to choose
What it is: the traditional uniform used for gi classes — jacket + pants + belt.
Key choices
Weave / weight: Single, pearl, gold, double — they change weight, durability and drying time. Single is light and comfortable for beginners; pearl is a common modern balance of durability and weight; double is heavy and very durable but can be hot and slow to dry. Hayabusa
Cut / fit: “Competition” vs “classic” vs women’s cut — fit varies by brand. Try to choose a size that fits snugly (not baggy) in the shoulders and sleeves. Most brands provide A0–A5 sizing charts; when in doubt, follow the brand chart and err toward the larger size if you’re between sizes. FUJI Sports
Material: Mostly cotton/cotton blends. Competition gis will list IBJJF compliance if that matters.
Price guide
Budget: $50–$90 (single-weave / basic brands)
Midrange: $100–$180 (pearl weave, good durability)
Premium: $180+ (limited drops, boutique brands)
Buying tips
Buy your first gi for comfort and durability, not style. You’ll eventually want a nicer gi, but a $60–$120 gi is perfectly fine for learning.
Don’t buy a gi too small expecting shrinkage. Preshrunk gis still shrink if washed/dried wrong — follow care instructions. FUJI Sports
If buying used, inspect for stains, ripped seams, and — importantly — any signs of skin infection (see hygiene section).
2) No-Gi basics
When you attend no-gi classes you’ll wear:
Rash guard (long or short sleeve) — tight, moisture-wicking polyester/spandex blend is standard.
Grappling shorts / boardshorts — shorter, non-padded, with a secure waistband; avoid pockets or zippers (prevent fingers and toes from getting caught)
Spats / compression pants (optional) — good for cold mats, extra skin protection.
Why a rash guard? It prevents mat burns, reduces skin-to-skin friction, and wicks sweat. Pick a fabric that stretches freely (4-way stretch) and a size that’s snug but not constricting. Elite Rash Guard on Amazon is one of the best budget friendly options.
3) Mouthguards — non-negotiable protection
You should wear one while rolling. There are two main types:
Boil-and-bite — inexpensive, forms to your teeth at home. These Venom Mouthguards are $14 on Amazon and they do the trick.
Custom dental — made by a dentist, best protection and comfort (more expensive).
Thin, high-performance guards (like some SISU models) are popular because they protect while letting you breathe and speak — a lot of grapplers prefer them. If you’re serious about teeth and jaw protection, consider custom.
4) Other essentials and small stuff
Mouth towel, flip-flops, and shower kit — hygiene is huge in BJJ flip flops are usually NEEDED when you are not on the mats.
Finger tape — protect sore fingers / tape splits (ask a coach for taping technique).
Knee sleeves / braces — useful if you have prior knee issues.
Athletic cup — optional for men (some gyms require it during specific drills).
Ear protection / headgear — to prevent cauliflower ear during heavy clinch work (headgear reduces risk). If an ear hematoma occurs, see medical care promptly.
5) Hygiene & infection prevention (must-know)
Skin infections (ringworm, impetigo, MRSA) are a documented risk in close-contact sports. Good habits keep you and your partners safe. Key rules:
Shower with soap immediately after class. This is the most important. Don’t put on your street clothes and go to work, make sure you take a shower ASAP.
Wash training clothes (gi, rashguard, shorts) after every session; do not rewear without washing.
Don’t share towels or personal gear.
Do daily skin checks — if you notice suspicious skin lesions, sit out and get checked by a healthcare provider.
6) How to wash & care for your gi (practical steps)
Simple routine that preserves fit and prevents stink:
Rinse / remove excess sweat as soon as possible — don’t marinate your gi in a bag.
Wash cold (cold water) to limit shrinkage and fading.
Turn gi inside-out.
Use mild detergent; never use bleach.
Air-dry (hang dry) out of direct sunlight — sunlight can fade colors and high heat from dryers will shrink. That said, I use the drier, because it’s quicker.
Tip: If odor persists, a white-vinegar rinse (small amount in wash cycle) helps neutralize smells without damaging fabric. Avoid heavy chemical cleaners that degrade cotton fibers.
7) Buying — where & what to buy first
Buy first: one comfortable gi (single/pearl weave) + minimal no-gi set + mouthguard.
Where to buy: gym pro shop (great for sizing & supporting the academy), reputable BJJ shops (Fuji, Tatami, BJJ Fanatics). If you want to save, look for entry-level lines from established brands rather than the boutique hype drops. BJJ Fightgear+1
8) Budget path & upgrade timeline
Month 1–3 (starter): One budget/midrange gi, basic rashguard, boil-and-bite mouthguard, tape.
Month 4–12 (committed): Second gi (so one can dry), nicer rashguards, consider custom mouthguard if you’re getting hit.
After 1 year (serious): Pick a premium gi or custom fit, invest in knee sleeves/headgear if needed, use a training journal to track progress.
9) Training journal — how it speeds learning
Writing short, consistent notes after class — what you drilled, one thing to work on, and a 3-item weekly focus — accelerates retention more than random practice. A simple log with: Date, Class Type (gi/no-gi), Warmup, Technique(s) drilled, Sparring notes, Partner name, 1 Goal for next session — is hugely effective.
If you want a ready-made layout, consider using The Practitioner’s Journal training pages to standardize quick entries and weekly reviews — perfect for building consistency without adding friction.
10) FAQ
Do I need a gi to start jiu jitsu?
No — many schools offer no-gi or beginner classes. That said, most academies teach gi curriculum, so you’ll likely use one within your first few weeks.
What size gi should I get?
Use the brand’s size chart (A0–A5). If you’re between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort; never buy intentionally too small expecting shrinkage. FUJI Sports
Can I use regular shorts / a t-shirt for no-gi?
You can for the first class, but rashguards and grappling shorts are designed for safety and durability. Invest in a proper pair when you decide to continue.
How often should I wash my gi and rashguard?
After every single class. Don’t sit on it in a bag. Washing prevents both odor and the spread of skin infections.
Should I get a custom mouthguard?
f you plan to compete, spar hard, or care deeply about dental protection, yes — custom offers the best protection and comfort. Otherwise a good boil-and-bite or a high-performance thin guard is fine.
Now start training.
— Tim
