The Ultimate BJJ Gear Guide for Beginners (What You Actually Need)
New to Jiu-Jitsu? Here’s what to throw in your bag—and what to leave at home.
Starting BJJ can feel like entering a whole new world. You show up; that’s wonderful. However, seeing everyone with cool gear may lead you to think, “Am I supposed to have all of those things too?”
Chill. You don’t need to buy everything right away.
But there are a few things worth packing — especially if you’d rather not be the one bringing bathroom germs to the mats. (More on that in a sec.)
Here’s what I carry in my gym bag—and what I wish I knew when I started.
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
1. Sandals (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
If you bring one thing, let it be sandals.
Here’s why:
Let’s say you go to the bathroom mid-class. If you enter the bathroom without footwear and then return to the mat, you are essentially exposing yourself to the germs present on the bathroom floor. This is not an exaggeration. No joke.
Ringworm, staph, and other nasty infections spread quickly. Sandals stop that from happening. So keep a pair with your bag and wear them every time you leave the mat.
2. Water Bottle
You’re gonna sweat. A lot. Bring water. You would rather not be the dehydrated zombie halfway through class.
3. Nail Clippers
Trim your nails—hands and feet.
Long nails scratch people. I’ve seen someone get their eyelid cut by a rogue toenail. Not fun.
Just toss a clipper in your bag. Use it before class. You’re not Wolverine. Keep those claws in check.
4. Athletic Tape
Your fingers will endure significant strain.
Wrap them up when they’re sore. When they sustain an injury, apply tape. Use it for grips, mat burns, or skin splits.
A cheap roll of tape can save your joints.
Recommended: Hampton Adams (Check Price on Amazon!)
5. Tea Tree Oil (Optional But Smart)
It's not mandatory, but I prefer to carry a small bottle in my bag.
After training, especially if you get a small cut or rash, dabbing some on helps with skin stuff. Many people claim it helps with ringworm.
Just test it on your skin first—some folks are sensitive to it.
Recommended: Tea Tree Essential Oil by Fiora Naturals (Check Price on Amazon!)
6. Gi and No-Gi Gear
Even if it’s a Gi day, I bring my No-Gi gear. And vice versa.
You never know—maybe class changes, or you stick around for open mat. Being over-prepared is always preferable to being a spectator in jeans.
If you're new, aim to get:
2 Gis (so one can dry while the other’s clean)
2 rash guards
1–2 No-Gi shorts or spats
This way, you’re not doing laundry after every class or showing up in a crusty Gi. Trust me—your teammates will thank you.
Recommended Gi: Elite Sports BJJ GI (Check Price on Amazon!)
Recommended Rashguard: Sanabul Essential Short Sleeve Rash Guard (Check Price on Amazon!)
7. A Good Gym Bag
Any duffel or backpack works. But I like ones with:
Separate compartments
Vents for airflow
Enough space for two training outfits and gear
Please try to keep clean and dirty items separate whenever possible.
Recommended: Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Backpack (Check Price on Amazon!)
8. Breath Mints or Gum
Nobody wants to roll with someone whose breath smells like coffee and regret.
If you smoked, ate garlic, or just rolled out of bed—freshen up. It’s just polite.
9. Grip Extender Bands
This one's extra, but nice to have if your hands are always tight from gripping sleeves and collars.
These small bands aid in extending your fingers. I use mine while commuting or during breaks. It aids in alleviating soreness and promoting long-term hand health.
Recommended: IronMind Expand-Your-Hand Bands (Check Price on Amazon!)
Bonus Car Tip: Keep extras like deodorant, mints, and maybe a spare rash guard in your car. You’ll thank yourself later.
Final Thought: Don’t Stress the Gear
Start with the basics:
Sandals
Water
Tape
Nail clippers
Clean clothes
Then add more stuff as you go. You don’t need the full setup on day one. What matters most? Showing up.
Train. Learn. Get a little better each time. That’s it.
Extra: Not sure who expect from your very first BJJ class? 👉 Check this out: What to Expect in Your First BJJ Class (Without Freaking Out). It walks you through the whole thing—no pressure, no ego, just real talk to get you started.