5 things to know for your first BJJ equipment purchase.

Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard it before, buy once, buy right. If you can though, do it. The difference between a super cheap rash guard and a higher priced option is usually a more robust build and higher quality (usually thicker) material. That’s not the say the cheaper ones aren’t worth looking at either, if you’re just dipping your toe in the water, do whatever you need to get rolling.  

We’ve been over this before in our ‘How to Care for Your Rash Guard’ blog, but in a nutshell, wash it on a low heat, (we recommend 30 degrees) only air dry it and do not tumble dry it.  If you’re reading this after a few sessions on the mat and it’s smelling a bit ripe, get it on a long soak, or add a cup of white vinegar to the wash load. The acidity neutralises the bad smells without damaging the rash guard.  

You’ll be getting in tight positions and relying on having good flexibility so you can finally scissor sweep your mate who’ll get you in a chokehold every week, and those off-the-rack summer shorts just won’t cut it unfortunately.  Get some elastic shorts and you’ll have that scissor sweep down in no time. Probably best we plug our own gear at this point, eh? Take a look at the Reap shorts. 

With all this in mind, you’re not restricted to one brand or style of Nogi. What works for another person, might not work for you. Ask at your local jiu-jitsu gym on your next visit what brands they like. They might be absolute demons on the mat, but they’re mostly a lovely bunch and will always help someone just starting out.  

When you do visit your local jiu-jitsu gym, don’t feel like you’re missing out because the biggest guy there only wears Reap. Like we’ve already said, find what works for you and just be as comfortable as you can be. You’ll find your way in no time.