What to Wear to BJJ and No-Gi: A Beginner's Kit Guide

Walking into your first BJJ, no-gi or MMA class is nerve-wracking enough without worrying about what to wear. The good news: the kit is simple. Here's what you need, what to leave at home, and why it matters.

The basics: rash guard and spats

For MMA & no-gi, most clubs expect a rash guard on top and spats (compression leggings) or fight shorts on the bottom. There's a reason for it. Tight, stretchy kit doesn't catch fingers or toes, it protects your skin from mat burn, and it's more hygienic for you and your training partners.

Look for:

• A slim, compressive fit. Loose kit gets grabbed and twisted. Rash guards should feel snug, so many people size up one.
• Flat seams. Nothing that rubs when you're rolling for five minutes straight.
• Four-way stretch. So it moves with you and doesn't ride up.
• A longer body and sleeves. So it stays tucked in when you're on your back.

Our long-sleeve rash guard is built around exactly that, and pairs with our men's training leggings for a full, matching set. See everything in our Fight Kit.

What about gi classes?

For gi BJJ you'll need a gi (most clubs will lend or sell you one for the first few weeks). A rash guard underneath is still a good idea, especially for women, and many clubs ask for it.

What to leave at home

• Anything with zips, pockets or buttons
• Jewellery and watches
• Loose gym shorts with no liner
• Cotton T-shirts for no-gi (they stretch, soak up sweat and get grabbed)

Looking after your kit

Rinse or wash your kit after every single session. Don't leave it in your bag overnight. Fresh kit is part of mat etiquette, and it makes your gear last much longer. Wash cool and hang it to dry rather than tumble-drying.

The most important thing

Turn up. Nobody cares what you look like in your first class, and everyone on the mat was a beginner once. The kit just helps you train properly and keep turning up.

Fighting Is Tough, Activities Strenuous, but Failure & Focus Keep us going.