BJJ Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need
You want to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are wondering what you need for your first class? It is easy to end up with a long shopping list: gi, belt, rashguard, fight shorts, spats, mouthguard, tape and perhaps a dedicated training bag.
The good news is that you do not need all of it when you are starting out. The most important question is whether you will be training Gi or No-Gi. This guide explains what belongs in your essential kit, which extras are useful and which purchases can wait.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is generally divided into Gi and No-Gi training.
In Gi training, you wear a traditional BJJ uniform consisting of a durable jacket and matching trousers. You also wear a BJJ belt that represents your current rank. Because the gi can be gripped, it creates a wide range of chokes, controls and grip-based techniques.
In No-Gi training, you train without the traditional uniform. The usual outfit is a close-fitting rashguard with fight shorts or spats. Without a gi jacket to hold on to, the training is often more dynamic and relies more heavily on body control, underhooks and direct grips.
Many BJJ academies offer both formats. Before your first class, check which session you are attending and whether the academy can lend you suitable equipment for a trial class.
What you need for your first Gi class
1. A properly fitting BJJ gi
The BJJ gi is the most important piece of equipment for traditional BJJ training. Whenever possible, choose a gi made specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Judo uniforms are often heavier and cut more generously, while lightweight karate uniforms are usually not designed to withstand constant gripping and pulling.
A good BJJ gi should:
- give you enough freedom of movement,
- fit comfortably across your shoulders and back,
- avoid unnecessary excess fabric around the sleeves and trouser legs,
- feature reinforced high-stress areas,
- and suit both your regular training and personal preferences.
For most beginners, a reliable mid-weight gi is the best place to start. It is durable enough for regular training without feeling unnecessarily heavy.
If you are unsure about sizing, materials or weaves, read our guide: What should you know before buying a gi?
2. A white BJJ belt
Adult beginners start with a white BJJ belt. It keeps the gi jacket closed and represents your current rank.
Choose a dedicated BJJ belt in the correct length. Unlike many traditional martial arts belts, a BJJ belt usually has a black rank bar at one end where promotion stripes can later be added.
3. A rashguard - depending on your academy
Wearing a rashguard under the gi is not compulsory at every academy, but many practitioners find it more comfortable. It can reduce friction against the skin, absorb sweat and add another layer between your body and the gi.
A regular cotton T-shirt is less suitable: it quickly becomes soaked, shifts more easily and can feel uncomfortable during training. If you prefer to wear something under your gi, or your academy requires it, a close-fitting rashguard is the better option.
Permitted colours and designs depend on your academy and, for competition, the rules of the event.
What you need for your first No-Gi class
1. A close-fitting rashguard
A rashguard is the foundation of your No-Gi kit. It should fit close to your body without restricting movement. This leaves less loose material to catch and reduces the risk of fingers or toes becoming trapped.
A good rashguard should:
- be stretchy and close fitting,
- move moisture away from your skin,
- have flat or comfortably finished seams,
- and stay in place during intense movement.
2. Fight shorts or spats
For No-Gi training, you can wear fight shorts, spats or a combination of both. Your clothing should not have open pockets, zips, hard buttons or other elements that could injure you or your training partner.
Fight shorts offer plenty of freedom of movement and are highly versatile. Close-fitting spats provide additional skin coverage and can be worn alone or under shorts. The best option ultimately comes down to personal preference and your academy's rules.
Do you need a mouthguard for BJJ?
A mouthguard is not compulsory at many BJJ academies, but it is a sensible addition. Strikes are not allowed in BJJ, yet an accidental knee, elbow or head contact can still happen during a fast scramble or transition.
A well-fitting mouthguard protects your teeth, lips and the inside of your mouth. It should stay securely in place without forcing you to bite down and should interfere with your breathing as little as possible. You may not need one for a first trial class, but it is one of the most useful additions once you train regularly.
Do beginners need finger tape?
You will see finger tape in almost every BJJ academy, but it is not an essential purchase for a beginner.
Tape can support individual fingers, cover small areas of broken skin or help when your hands are exposed to a high volume of gripping. It does not replace medical advice or a necessary break from training. Beginners should also learn to release grips at the right moment instead of trying to hold everything with maximum force.
Keeping a roll in your training bag is useful, but you do not need to tape every finger before every session.
How many gis and rashguards do you need?
To get started, the following is enough:
- one gi for Gi training,
- one rashguard for No-Gi or under the gi,
- one pair of fight shorts or spats for No-Gi,
- and one white belt.
Once you train several times per week, a second set becomes useful. A gi or rashguard should be washed after every session. Having more than one set means you do not have to wait for your only kit to be washed and dried before your next class.
As a simple guide:
- One class per week: One set may be enough.
- Two or three classes per week: Two gis or two to three No-Gi sets are more convenient.
- Four or more classes per week: Several rotating sets make washing and drying much easier.
How to care for your BJJ gear
Good training hygiene protects you, your training partners and your equipment. A few simple rules make a big difference:
- Wash your training gear after every session. Never return to the mat in an unwashed, sweaty gi or rashguard.
- Do not leave damp clothing in your bag. If you cannot wash it immediately, hang it somewhere with good airflow.
- Always follow the care label. Washing temperature and drying instructions vary between materials.
- Close hook-and-loop fasteners before washing. This helps prevent damage to other garments and seams.
- Avoid fabric softener where possible. It can affect the performance of synthetic fibres.
- Inspect your gear regularly. Loose seams, damaged fasteners or hard edges can become a safety risk during training.
Also remember the basics: keep fingernails and toenails short, arrive with clean hands and feet, and wear fresh training gear for every class.
What can you add later?
You do not need a complete professional setup before your first class. These items are useful, but they can wait:
- a second or third gi,
- additional rashguards and fight shorts,
- spats for extra skin coverage,
- finger tape,
- a separate bag with a ventilated wet compartment,
- slides for walking between the changing room and the mat,
- and equipment specifically intended for competition.
Train for a few weeks and discover which cuts, materials and combinations work for you. This helps you buy more deliberately and avoids collecting gear that remains unused.
Checklist for your first BJJ class
Gi training
- BJJ gi
- white BJJ belt
- optional: rashguard
- water bottle
- slides for use away from the mat
- optional: mouthguard
No-Gi training
- rashguard
- fight shorts or spats
- water bottle
- slides for use away from the mat
- optional: mouthguard
Pack a towel and clean clothes for after training as well. Remove jewellery, watches and piercings before stepping on the mat.
Conclusion: Beginner BJJ gear does not need to be complicated
You do not need a huge equipment collection for your first BJJ class. For Gi training, a properly fitting BJJ gi and a white belt are enough. For No-Gi, you need a close-fitting rashguard and suitable fight shorts or spats. A mouthguard is a useful addition, while tape and extra sets can come later.
The most important things are a good fit, unrestricted movement, clean training gear and compliance with your academy's rules. Get those right and you are ready for your first rounds on the mat.
Looking for your first BJJ kit? At Choke&Chill, you will find gis, BJJ belts, rashguards, fight shorts and more equipment - developed by grapplers for grapplers.
