Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art based on ground fighting, self-defense submission techniques, and grappling. If you are an experienced BJJ fighter, training at blue, purple, or brown belt level, surely you are aware of the fundamentals of this combat sport. Even white belts are somewhat familiar with the sport’s origin, rules, training methods, and gear. However, most BJJ aspirants, who became motivated to become a BJJ grappler after watching an intense IBJJF match at the black belt level, know little about this glorified sport.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means gentle arts and is mainly based on self-defense strategies. The sport applies the principles of grip holds, leverage, and balance to subdue one’s opponent in a non-violent way. All these techniques are highly dependent on the athletes’ attire. For this reason, in BJJ much emphasis is laid on the uniform. In fact, the uniform is a distinctive feature between the two disciplines of BJJ: traditional Gi and No-Gi BJJ.
In traditional Gi BJJ, athletes wear a thick cotton kimono, which includes a jacket and pants. In addition, athletes have to wear a belt that holds the jacket in place and also indicates the belt level to which a practitioner belongs. Gi BJJ involves joint manipulation, dynamic movements, chokes, and Gi grips.
On the other hand, the No-Gi BJJ gi grips are not allowed. In its place, wrestling-style takedowns are more common in No-Gi. In a close contact sport, a No-Gi fighter can submit his opponent through dominant positions, submission holds, chokes, and joint manipulations. However, all these techniques must be performed without using the opponent’s uniform as leverage. For No-Gi training and tournaments, athletes wear No-Gi rash guards and shorts. They can also replace the shorts with spat pants, or fight only in shorts.
This article discusses all the features that you should look for when buying BJJ gear. You will also find in-depth reviews of different BJJ equipment from Elite Sports, a reputed brand that will be your partner throughout your BJJ journey.
Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Uniform
Whether you are an adult man, a woman, a teenager, or a child, you can practice jiu-jitsu. BJJ is one of the most popular martial arts in the world because it has no age or gender restrictions. If you are healthy and interested in the sport, you can achieve great heights. The most iconic part of the BJJ is its uniform: the pristine white Gi and a white or colored belt, depending on your skill and rank.
We have never seen a BJJ student complain about the uniform. On the contrary, they take pride in adorning the same outfits as the legendary Carlos Gracie Sr., Marcus Almeida, and others. However, you will hear your fellow practitioner complain about the fabric, comfort, and fit of the Gi. A low-quality BJJ Gi can adversely impact your performance on the mat. The last thing you want is to get distracted by the rough chafing material of your Gi collar or waist band.
High-quality Gis and belts can be expensive. But finding an affordable brand that offers fine Gis is possible. Elite Sports is a shining example.
Elite Sports BJJ Gis for All
To keep up with the demands and challenges of BJJ, you need a Gi that facilitates your moves. Elite Sports Gis for men, women, and children are budget-friendly picks designed to resist the grips and tugs of your opponent. The Gi is crafted from a 400 gsm cotton and polyester blend that is lightweight. It is ideal for swift and fluid movements as the weight of the fabric won’t slow you down. In addition, the Gi is tear resistant and soft against the skin. Thanks to these qualities, you can shift all your focus on overcoming your opponent, and your Gi will protect itself from tears and your skin from injuries.
The claim that the Gi fabric is treated with antimicrobial and anti-odor chemicals rings true when you break into a heavy sweat on the mats. If you or your child is wrapped in the Elite Sports BJJ Gi, the counterparts will never complain about the bad odor. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties come in handy when you reach home after a long day at the BJJ gym. If you don’t have the energy to wash your Gi immediately after, you can leave the task to the next day. The fabric will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus, ensuring a clean Gi for your next training session.
When preparing to compete on the largest BJJ platforms like IBJJF, you need to train in a Gi that is approved by the tournament authorities. Not only will this help you break into your uniform and get comfortable in it, the fact that you are wearing an IBJJF approved Gi will remind you of the competition you plan to win.
No matter your size and height, you can easily order a Gi that fits you like a glove. In case the pant waist is loose, you can fix this problem by pulling at the drawstring.
Bored with the white Gis? A large selection of colored Gis is available to spice up your dull training sessions. All these features come at an affordable price. The prices of men, women, and kids’ Gis vary.
Elite Sports BJJ Belts for All Belt Levels
The belt is the most prominent feature of the majority of martial arts, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different. Though you have to wait and work a long while to become worthy of a black belt. But the moment you enter a BJJ school, you get to wear a belt. The quality of a BJJ belt lies in its knot abilities and thickness. In addition, a high-quality BJJ belt is tough in the beginning, but after a couple of sessions, it becomes soft and easy to knot. You should still be able to feel the thickness of the fabric.
Thin belts are great for multiple knots, but they wear out quickly. On the other hand, knots on thick belts are not secure. These belts remain firm and have the right thickness. The 100% cotton material keeps you comfortable no matter how tightly you secure the belt. Just like the fabric, the stitching is durable with no loose or broken threads to spoil your look.
Elite Sports BJJ belts stay in place keeping your Gi secure. All the colors are IBJJF approved, so you can participate in any tournament without having to buy a new belt. You can easily order a belt that fits your waist and does not fall to your knee. Once secure, only 15-20 cm of belt will stick out from each side of the knot, ensuring unrestricted movements. Size charts are available on the website to help you with your purchase.
Modern No-Gi BJJ Uniform
The No-Gi BJJ emerged in 1995 and was developed much later by Eddie Bravo, the founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. In No-Gi BJJ rank-signifying belt and kimono was replaced with a more comfortable and modern-looking attire: rash guard, shorts, and spats. While No-Gi utilizes the same submission techniques, positions, transitions, and chokes, the primary difference is the lack of gi grips. Hence, all the more reason to shed the Gi.
Also, No-Gi BJJ is more dynamic, fast-paced, and rigorous compared to Gi BJJ. In fact some No-Gi techniques can be translated into catch wrestling. For this reason, the dress code of catch wrestling, No-Gi BJJ, and UFC is quite similar.
Especially if the athlete only wears shorts No-Gi shorts on the mat.
No-Gi athletes also benefit from the versatility of their attire. Their rash guards can be used as warming base layers under gym clothes. The gear is practical for all kinds of exercises and workouts. Whether you are training for strength or practicing a particular technique, a quality No-Gi uniform is all you need. There is this idea that the collective cost of three No-Gi pieces can be taxing on one’s budget. If it isn’t surely the products are not high quality. You can easily find premium No-Gi gear at cheap rates on Amazon or official websites of different brands, and Elite Sports is a prominent one.
Elite Sports No-Gi Shorts
What should you look for when buying No-Gi shorts? The form of your gear should match the function. In No-Gi, you will perform quick movements for which you need ample mobility and range of motion. So your shorts must be tear resistant, have a leg gusset, and have side splits for adequate space.
Elite Sports No-Gi shorts are versatile and a great option for aggressive fighters. You can wear these shorts for your UFC fights as well. Breathable and lightweight, you will not feel any weight slowing your movements. These No-Gi shorts fit the waist perfectly and are slightly loose around the knee. You won’t feel any extra fabric swirling around, hindering your movement. The slightly loose fit ensures airflow and keeps you comfortable as you engage in a grueling sparring session.
The two-fold Velcro closure waistband offers a secure fit that does not cause any chafing or skin irritation. In addition, for a snug fit around the waist, you can adjust the Velcro strap. Although grips are not allowed in No-Gi BJJ, the 150 gsm cotton and microfibre fabric blend can withstand harsh pulls and tugs.
The side leg splits move and rolls freely, and the leg gussets help them last longer. Without these gussets, you can tear your shorts after using them regularly. Pair these shorts with a compression T-shirt and you have great gym gear at your disposal.
Elite Sports No-Gi Rash Guard
In No-Gi the kimono jacket is replaced with the rash guard. Some BJJ athletes also wear rash guards under the Gi during practice sessions. A rash guard is similar to a compression T-shirt that covers your entire upper body. It can have short sleeves but long sleeves are preferred for maximum protection. In half-sleeve rash guards, your arms are exposed and can get chafes, cuts, and scratches. Plus, long sleeve rash guards keep your arm muscles warm, boosting performance and preventing injury.
The Elite Sports rash guards are a premium blend of spandex and polyester. Their four-way stretch offers greater mobility and an even greater range of motion. The compression properties of the fabric increase blood flow, reduce muscle soreness and reduce the risk of blood pooling, and the pain resulting from it.
The anti-slip waistband keeps the rash guard in place, so you don’t have to pull your rash guard in the middle of the fight. The product has subtle branding and IBJJF approved belt rank colors for inexperienced and seasoned grapplers. Lightweight, breathable, and anti-odor material ensures a pleasant grappling experience. Flatlock seams enhance comfort and durability, so you can use your favorite rash guard for a long time.
Elite Sports No-Gi Spats
According to the IBJJF No-Gi uniform rules, men can either opt for shorts or wear spat pants and shorts. While female athletes have to wear pants even if they wear board shorts. So, a female No-Gi BJJ aspirant must invest in a good pair of spats for training.
The BJJ No-Gi spats can be worn as a warming base layer, compression tights under running shorts, or for BJJ drills, workouts, and competitions. The Elite Sports No-Go spat pants are skin-tight providing optimal protection, comfort, and mobility. In BJJ, your limb muscles are the most active. Therefore, full-sleeve rash guards and spat pants are a great option if you want to ensure your muscle health.
Spat pants are designed to prevent mat burns and abrasions. The polyester and spandex blend acts as the much-needed shield and keeps you unharmed no matter how aggressively you drill or roll on the mat. The 4-way stretch retains shape and becomes one with skin. When on the mat, you won’t even feel the fabric, and this will improve your focus and increase your chances to win. Some fighters argue that shorts are a better option as they allow airflow. However, the moisture-wicking properties of the spats will keep you dry and as comfortable as you would be in shorts. The anti-slip sleeve bands keep the fabric in place, without which the pants may roll up your shin and expose your lower leg and ankle. Furthermore, the side-split overlay hem adds to the mobility offered by the stretchable material.
The elastic waistband offers a comfortable fit, and you won’t get any waistband rashes. Have you ever discarded a pair of spats because their waistband lost its elasticity? The Elite Sports spats are designed for long-term use and can be used regularly for years before the elastic band loses its elastic strength. The flatlock seams further enhance the durability and ensure a comfortable sparring experience.
BJJ Gym Bag
When going to your BJJ gym, you may have to carry a spare rash guard, Gi, belt, or a change of clothes. Some practitioners also carry shoes, sweaty BJJ gear, water bottles, and other essentials in a BJJ gym bag. Seasoned BJJ grapplers who want to transition to other martial arts or train MMA can also use this bag to carry protective training accessories, such as gloves, head gear, shin pads, and mouth guards.
Made from heavy-duty cordura, and 1200 Denier polyester, The Elite Sports BJJ gym bag complements your Gi and No-Gi attire, and can carry sufficient weight. With a 12” width, 22” length, and 10.5” height, the bag has enough space to carry other everyday essentials along with your BJJ equipment. The bag has separate pockets for water bottles and shoes. Though the moisture wicking Gi and No-Gi training gear won’t get sweaty and wet, the BJJ gym bag also features two waterproof pockets to cater to athletes who don’t have sweat wicking gear.
You can keep your BJJ bag in your car to train anytime you want. Featuring minimal branding and a stylish shape, you will use this bag for regular gym visits, travel, beach vacations, and camping trips.
Takeaway
The Elite Sports BJJ gear is the overall best equipment for all BJJ practitioners. Some athletes complain that the Gi is not 100% cotton; therefore, it won’t be as durable. However, the high quality cotton and polyester blend is lightweight compared to 100% cotton. But it is as sturdy and reliable as a cotton Gi.
As far as No-Gi gear is concerned, there aren’t any reservations. Athletes interested to purchase the complete gear, including rash guards, spats, and shorts often find it an expensive deal. If you too have the same concern, you can avail generous discounts readily available. So, make sure you check out the website.
