What Should I Bring?
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- What to Bring
Written and reviewed by Sarah Black
After years of coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve found that beginners don’t need to bring much—just the right essentials and a willingness to learn. Being prepared helps you feel more comfortable, focus on instruction, and get more from your first class.
Essential Training Gear
Hygiene and Personal Care
Hydration and Energy
What to Leave at Home
Getting Personalized Advice
Every student’s needs are a little different, especially when it comes to gear that fits properly. Sarah Black and the coaching team are happy to walk you through exactly what to bring based on your experience level and training goals.
Related questions
How should I care for and clean my gi or rash guard after training?
Wash your gi or rash guard after every session, even if it doesn’t look dirty—sweat and bacteria build up quickly in grappling gear. Proper gear care is also part of developing good Jiu-Jitsu training habits that support consistent practice and recovery
Is it okay to wear compression shorts under my rash guard for extra support in no-gi training?
Comfort is personal, so it’s worth experimenting early on to find what lets you move freely without distraction. Finding clothing that works for you is one part of starting adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and becoming comfortable with the training environment.
Should I bring my own hand sanitizer or wipes for personal use during class?
Should I avoid training if I have a cut, rash, or skin infection?
Close-contact grappling makes skin issues easy to spread, so covering any wound with a bandage or tape and letting your training partners know is a responsible approach. Hygiene, rest, and recovery are also important parts of building healthy Jiu-Jitsu training habits over time.
Should I bring protective gear such as a mouthguard or athletic support for my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
If you’re unsure, wearing one for the first few classes until you decide it isn’t needed is a reasonable approach. Questions about equipment, fitness, and class structure are all common when starting adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Last updated: 18 September 2026