Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exciting journey but figuring out what you actually need to bring to class can be confusing. The last thing you want is to show up underprepared — or worse, unhygienic. Below are some essential Bjj gear every beginner should have in their BJJ gym bag to stay safe, clean, and ready to roll.
1. Mouthguard
Possibly one of the most important pieces of Bjj gear is a mouthguard. BJJ can be very taxing on the body — especially if you are an active competitor. It is crucial to invest in a good mouthguard to protect your teeth from accidental knocks. You should always be wearing a high-quality mouth guard when you’re sparring to avoid any chips and damage to your teeth. This is especially important during takedowns and wrestling exchanges, where accidental contact can easily occur. Even for beginners, a boil-and-bite mouthguard is a good starting point, but as you train more, consider upgrading to a custom-fitted one for added comfort and protection.
2. Finger Tape
Don’t neglect finger tape as part of your bjj gear. Finger injuries are very common in BJJ, especially in the Gi. Repetitive gripping places strain on the finger joints, tendons, and ligaments. Finger tape, also known as zinc oxide tape. can help support these vulnerable joints and can even improve your grip strength by providing extra compression and structure. It’s also extremely useful for already injured fingers — taping them properly can allow you to continue training while they heal. Many practitioners swear by it as an everyday preventative tool, not just for recovery.
3. Rash Guard
A high-quality rash guard will protect your skin from friction burns and act as a barrier for harmful bacteria that can lead to potentially life-threatening infections such as staph. See here for the top 5 BJJ rashguards in 2025Beyond protection, rash guards also help wick away sweat and keep your body cooler during tough rolls. Make sure you choose a rash guard that fits snugly to avoid it bunching up or shifting mid-training. Some gyms have rules about ranked rash guards, so check your academy’s guidelines before buying.
BJJ GI
BJJ has two main training styles: Gi and No-Gi. A Gi is a non-negotiable if you plan on training both. The Venum Unisex Contender Evo is highly recomended if you want a GI that will last. The Gi is a traditional piece of clothing — made of thick cotton — that opens up entirely different submission possibilities such as collar chokes, sleeve grips, and lapel controls. Training in the Gi emphasizes grip strength, control, and technical precision. It’s important to get a Gi that fits you well and is made of durable material that can withstand intense sparring. Most academies also expect students to show up with a clean Gi every session — so having at least one spare is always a good idea.
Antibacterial wipes or spray
It is good practice to clean your skin with an antibacterial wipe or spray if you can’t shower immediately at the gym. This is especially true after hard sparring sessions where sweat and skin contact are unavoidable. Antibacterial wipes and sprays will help you avoid potential skin infections, which are unfortunately quite common in BJJ due to the close-contact nature of the sport. Wipe down your arms, legs, feet, and neck as soon as possible after training, and always wash your training clothes immediately after.
Spare clothing
After a tough session, you’ll want to change into something dry and clean. Always bring a spare t-shirt, socks, and underwear in your bag. This will not only make your journey home more comfortable but will also reduce your chances of skin irritation or rashes. If your gym has showers, throw in a small towel and flip-flops too — walking barefoot around changing rooms is never a good idea in combat sports gyms.
