For a gi class, wear a gi. For a no-gi class, wear a rash guard and shorts or spats. Showing up for your very first trial class? Athletic clothes work fine. Most gyms are relaxed about what beginners wear on day one.
What is a BJJ gi?
A BJJ gi is the traditional uniform used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It consists of a heavy woven jacket, reinforced pants, and a belt. The jacket has thick collar and lapels that your training partner grips during sparring. The gi is designed to take serious punishment. It will get grabbed, twisted, and pulled in every direction.
The belt color shows your rank. White belt is where everyone starts. Do not worry about that yet. Just show up.
What should you wear to a gi BJJ class?
Wear a BJJ gi (also called a kimono). A judo gi works in a pinch, but BJJ gis are cut for the specific demands of ground fighting. They have tighter sleeves and a shorter jacket skirt so opponents cannot grab extra fabric.
Under your gi jacket, wear a fitted rash guard or a plain cotton t-shirt. Either works. Avoid anything baggy or loose that bunches up uncomfortably under the jacket.
Under your gi pants, wear compression shorts or regular athletic underwear. Some people wear spats under their pants for extra coverage. That is personal preference.
Tie your white belt around your waist using the standard knot. If you are unsure how, check out this guide on how to tie your BJJ belt before your first class. It will save you some embarrassment on the mat.
What should you wear to a no-gi BJJ class?
No-gi training is done without the traditional uniform. You wear athletic clothing instead. The standard setup is a rash guard on top and board shorts or spats on the bottom.
A rash guard is a tight compression shirt made from stretchy material. It protects your skin from mat burns and reduces friction during scrambles. Choose a fitted one. Loose shirts ride up, bunch around your neck, and get caught on your opponent.
For bottoms, board shorts or BJJ shorts are the standard choice. Look for shorts without pockets, zippers, or hard plastic. These catch fingers and toes and can cause injuries. Flat-waistband shorts with a drawstring are ideal.
Spats are compression leggings worn on their own or under shorts. Many people layer spats under board shorts. Spats alone are also common. Both options are accepted in most gyms.
Avoid wearing a regular cotton t-shirt to no-gi class. Cotton soaks up sweat and gets heavy fast. It also creates uncomfortable friction against the mat. Invest in at least one rash guard before your first no-gi session.
What if you do not have a gi yet?
Most gyms let beginners train in athletic clothes for their first class or two. You do not need to buy anything before walking through the door. Call the gym ahead of time and ask. They will tell you exactly what to bring.
Some gyms have loaner gis available. These are washed and ready for new students trying out class. It is worth asking when you book your trial. If a loaner is available, use it. Training in a gi from day one gives you a more accurate feel for the sport.
When you do buy your first gi, look for a single-weave or lightweight gi. These are cheaper, easier to wash, and dry faster. You do not need an expensive competition gi to start. A basic white gi from a reputable brand is all you need.
Not sure which gym to try first? Read our guide on how to find the right jiu-jitsu gym before you commit anywhere.
What should you NOT wear to BJJ class?
Some clothing creates real safety hazards on the mat. Avoid these.
- Jeans or denim: Hard seams and rivets scratch and cut skin. They also restrict movement completely.
- Clothing with zippers, buttons, or metal hardware: These cut and scratch training partners. They are banned in almost every gym.
- Loose t-shirts for no-gi: They bunch up around your face and neck during rolls. They also limit your partner's ability to move freely.
- Shoes or socks on the mat: BJJ is trained barefoot. Wear flip-flops or sandals to walk to and from the mat, then take them off at the edge.
- Jewelry: Remove rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets before class. Rings break fingers. Necklaces snap and cause injuries. Earrings tear earlobes during takedowns.
- Underwear with hard waistbands: These dig into your hips during ground work. Stick to compression shorts or soft athletic underwear.
- Strong cologne or perfume: You will be very close to other people for a long time. Skip the heavy fragrance. Your training partners will appreciate it.
What accessories and gear should you bring?
A few items make a real difference to your training experience and safety.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard protects your teeth during sparring. You will be in close contact with knees, elbows, and heads moving at unpredictable angles. A boil-and-bite mouthguard from a sporting goods store costs very little and does the job. Get one before you start sparring.
Ear guards
Training BJJ consistently puts your ears at risk of developing cauliflower ear. This happens when repeated friction and impact cause fluid to build up in the ear cartilage. It is not dangerous but it is permanent. Ear guards protect against this. Not everyone wears them, but beginners who know they are sensitive or want to keep their ears intact should consider a pair. Read more about BJJ ear protection to decide if they are right for you.
Finger tape
Your fingers take a beating in BJJ. Gripping the gi strains the tendons and joints. Many experienced grapplers tape their fingers before training to protect existing injuries and prevent new ones. Keep a roll of athletic tape in your bag. Learn how to use it properly by checking out this guide on finger tape for BJJ.
Flip-flops
Wear footwear every time you walk off the mat. The floor outside the mat area carries bacteria that you do not want to bring back onto the training surface. Flip-flops are the easiest solution. Slip them on every time you step off the mat, even just to use the bathroom.
What should you pack in your gym bag?
Pack smart and you will feel prepared every class. Here is what to bring.
- Your gi (jacket, pants, and belt) or your rash guard and shorts for no-gi
- A spare rash guard or compression layer
- A mouthguard
- Flip-flops
- A towel
- Nail clippers (keep your nails short to avoid scratching training partners)
- Deodorant
- A water bottle
- Ear guards if you wear them
- A roll of finger tape
- A clean change of clothes for after class
Keep your bag organized. A separate mesh laundry bag for your used gi makes it easier to wash it immediately when you get home.
How do you care for your gi?
Wash your gi after every single training session. No exceptions. A damp gi left in your bag grows bacteria and mold quickly. It also develops odors that are very difficult to remove once they set in.
Wash your gi in cold water with a mild detergent. Hot water causes the heavy cotton fabric to shrink. Some gi manufacturers pre-shrink their gis, but cold water is always the safer choice.
Air dry your gi whenever possible. Tumble drying on high heat accelerates shrinkage and breaks down the stitching over time. Hang it up to dry as soon as the wash cycle finishes.
If your gi develops stubborn odors despite regular washing, try soaking it in a solution of cold water and white vinegar before your normal wash cycle. This kills bacteria that regular detergent sometimes misses.
For a complete breakdown of mat hygiene and keeping your kit clean, read our guide on BJJ hygiene essentials. It covers everything from washing your gear to keeping your skin healthy.
Key takeaways:
- Wear a gi to gi class and a rash guard with shorts or spats to no-gi class.
- Athletic clothes are fine for your very first trial session. Call the gym to confirm.
- Many gyms have loaner gis available for beginners. Ask when you book.
- Avoid jeans, zippers, buttons, jewelry, and shoes on the mat.
- Bring a mouthguard before you start sparring. It is not optional.
- Consider ear guards if you want to protect your ears from cauliflower ear.
- Keep finger tape in your bag for joint protection.
- Wash your gi after every training session in cold water and air dry it.
- Wear flip-flops every time you step off the mat.
Getting your kit sorted is just the first step. To make sure you are fully ready for your first session, read our complete guide on how to prepare for your first jiu-jitsu class. It covers everything from what to expect on the mat to how to behave in the gym.