I’ve been training BJJ for 15 years, here are my 9 BJJ bag essentials

When you purchase via a link on this guide we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

I've used this kit bag from North Face every week for over a decade. It's sturdy, big enough to fit everything in and you won't struggle to find it at busy comps/training sessions.

When I started training BJJ and MMA about 15 years ago, I was just a teenager. Half the time, I'd turn up to training and would be lucky if I'd remembered to pack a bottle of water and my MMA gloves. Now I am a coach and run my own school, I also train to compete at some of the biggest grappling competitions across the UK. Needless to say, I've become a lot more organised, primarily out of necessity.

Whether you're a total BJJ newbie or you're a seasoned grappler, this guide will help you get to grips with the essential kit that should be in your BJJ training bag.

---

Get more content just like this straight to your inbox...

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST

---

#1 Your gi

Let's start with the obvious. If you're training a gi class, you'll be needing a gi.

I've had a fair few gis in my time and they have varied in their quality. Right now, I am mostly wearing the RVCA X Bedwin X Shoyoroll gi, which is a joy to wear, although it is a little pricey.

If you asked me to recommend the gi that offers the best value for money, I would point you in the direction of Scramble Standard Issue gi. I've had 3 (or maybe 4) of these now. They've taken a beating a tonne of washing, but still stand up to a good roll. I also love the fit, not too baggy, not too tight. At around £75, you can't go wrong.

#2 no gi gear

At Borderlands, we typically train a gi session followed by a no gi session, so my no gi shorts and rashguard are going to be in my bag too.

Again, I've been through a fair few rashguards and shorts in my time. I'm a huge fan of Manto shorts, mostly for the fit and toughness, although I can find some designs a bit full on for my tastes. However, if you're looking for a great value all rounder, you can't beat Scramble's Combination Shorts. Similarly, I currently have two colours of Scramble's Baka Rashguard, as I love the style and fit.

Having a few rashguards in your bag can be a winner, especially if you are training regularly and don't want the headache of finding you've forgotten to wash your rashguard or it isn't yet dry.

#3 Headphones

In reality, I mostly use my headphones during competitions, but I do occasionally listen to a podcast in the car if I get to training mega early. I used to use the Bose QC at comps, primarily to cancel out the background noise and help me focus. They were great for this, but could become a little uncomfortable once warmed, as it was like putting on a pair of earmuffs when you're already sweating.

About six months ago, I bought the newest generation of Apple AirPods, which some with noise cancelling technology. These aren't up to the same standard as the Bose for drowning out the noise, but they are pretty effective and they aren't uncomfortable to wear between rounds. However, if you're blessed with cauliflower ear, the over ear Bose are the way to go!

#4 Nail clippers

Here is the thing. If you come to a Borderlands class with long, unkempt nails, you'll be asked to leave the mats until you've sorted them. They can be a major hazard when grappling and I've seen too many infected nail scratches to willingly let that happen. Of course, unless you are super image conscious, you probably don't think about your nails that much. That's why I carry a set of Tweezerman Nail Clippers in my bag. If they are too long, i can sort them out then and there - simple.

#5 Mouth guard

Mouth guards are typically optional when sparring, after all, if you want to lose your teeth, that's up to you. But they are strongly recommended.

I've got a lovely custom mouth guard that a dentist made for me a few years ago (I do need a new one). Getting a custom one is well worth it if you use it a lot. It sits perfectly in your mouth and makes it much easier to breathe.

However, they aren't cheap and as I have a couple of training bags for different things, I also have a few boil and bite Scramble mouth guards to make sure I always have something with me.

You don't really need a BJJ branded one, I just like how it looks.

#6 Finger tape

The thing about finger tape is that people tend not to use it until a little late in the game. I was the same. Jump on any open mat and you'll see a tonne of old guys with taped fingers that are already pretty screwed up.

I didn't turn to taping my fingers until I had already started having problems with my finger joints swelling and seizing up. Although some of those problems haven't gone away (and probably never will) I now tend to tape my fingers how you should - as a preventative measure.

You'll always find some finger tape in my BJJ bag. I alternated between Scramble's YUBI finger tape and this brand of finger tape I found on Amazon that seems to stay well in place.

#7 Ice packs

As a coach, I carry a full first aid kit with me to all of my sessions. However, when I visit other gyms, I tend to just bring a small number of instant ice packs.

The longer I coach, the more I have realised that an ice pack is the answer to about 90% of the first aid needs in a BJJ class, so it is handy to have a couple for myself and my training partners.

Top tip: Throwing an ice pack on your neck after a high-intensity/hot training session can help bring your body temperature back down...plus, it just feels amazing.

#8 Water bottle

Staying hydrated is a must when training BJJ. Onboarding plenty of water during your training sessions will help you perform at your best during class and recover faster afterwards.

Any water bottle will do, just make sure you bring it with you.

I invested in one of the Camelbak Chute Mag bottles a few years ago. It's made of sturdy stuff, so it survives being chucked in my bag, it holds a good amount of water for longer training sessions and it's insulated, which means I can keep some cold water in there for training on hot days.

#9 Crocs/Flip flops

Good hygiene is a must when training BJJ and the no-shoes on the mat rule is an important part of doing that. Typically gyms expect students to:

1. Wear no shoes on the mats

2. Not walk around with bare feet off of the mat

   
   

This helps minimise the chances of dirt, grime and nasty bacteria being caught on the bottom of your feet and then walked onto the mats. It's good for hygiene, but can pose a logistical problem for students as taking off and putting on trainers can be time consuming. That't why I (and most other experienced BJJ practitioners) invest in a pair of flip flops or Crocs that are easy to take on and off at the side of the mat between rounds.

I'm a dad, so I practically live a pair of crocs (these ones at the moment), but flip flips can be a lot more practical for carrying around in your bag.

BJJ bag essentials: Summary

Being prepared for your training sessions means you will get the most from it. In this guide, I have shared the essentials that I carry with me to every class, offering you some inspiration to get you started.

Ultimately, what you pack will be down to your individual tastes and needs.

Get training at Borderlands grappling

Whether you're a brand new grappler or an experienced black belt, we welcome you to come and train with us in the stunning, historical town of Ludlow.

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS