A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi is the traditional uniform worn during Gi training. It consists of a durable jacket, reinforced pants, and a belt that indicates the student's rank.

Unlike a traditional karate uniform, a BJJ Gi is specifically designed to withstand the gripping, pulling, and physical demands of grappling. Students should purchase a Gi designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Gi Color Requirements

Strategic BJJ allows students to train in Gis of any color. However, we strongly recommend that students choose white, blue, or black for their initial uniforms.

These three colors are the most widely accepted at martial arts academies and BJJ competitions. White is the most universally accepted color, making it an excellent choice for students purchasing their first Gi.

Choosing one of these traditional colors provides greater flexibility when visiting other academies, attending seminars, or participating in tournaments.

Gi Branding and Academy Patches

Strategic BJJ welcomes students who are visiting from other academies or transitioning from another school. Students are permitted to wear Gis displaying another academy's name, patches, or logos during regular training.

However, students representing Strategic BJJ in tournaments should have team-branded equipment. This may include Strategic BJJ patches on their Gi or appropriate team-branded No-Gi apparel.

We encourage students to take pride in representing their team while recognizing that purchasing an entirely new uniform is not always necessary when joining a new academy.

What to Look For

• A uniform specifically designed for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Durable, reinforced stitching and construction.
• A properly fitting jacket and pants that allow freedom of movement.
• A belt appropriate for the student's current rank.
• A comfortable fit without excessive loose fabric or restrictive tightness.
• White, blue, or black for the greatest compatibility with other academies and tournaments.

Men's Gis are typically sized according to height and weight using sizes such as A0, A1, A2, A3, and larger.

Sizing varies by manufacturer, so we recommend consulting the manufacturer's size chart before purchasing.

Women's Gis are often designed with different proportions to provide a more comfortable fit through the shoulders, waist, and hips.

Many manufacturers use women's sizing such as F1, F2, F3, etc. However, women are not required to purchase a women's-specific Gi. The most important consideration is finding a uniform that fits properly and allows unrestricted movement.

Children's Gis are designed for younger students and typically use youth sizing based on height and weight.

Because children grow quickly, parents may be tempted to purchase a significantly oversized Gi. However, an excessively large uniform can interfere with movement and create unnecessary gripping opportunities.

We recommend selecting a Gi that fits comfortably with a reasonable amount of room for growth.

The belt is an important part of the traditional BJJ uniform and represents a student's rank and progress.

Many Gis include a white belt, but some are sold without one. Be sure to check the product description before purchasing.

As students progress through the ranks, Strategic BJJ provides their new belt when they are promoted. Students do not need to purchase replacement belts for rank promotions.

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced without the traditional Gi jacket, pants, or belt. Instead, students wear athletic clothing specifically designed for grappling. Because No-Gi training involves close physical contact, gripping, and movement on the mats, appropriate clothing is essential for both safety and hygiene.

A rash guard is a close-fitting athletic shirt designed to protect the skin and reduce friction during grappling. Rash guards help minimize mat burns and skin irritation while keeping loose fabric from becoming tangled during training.

Strategic BJJ Rash Guard Requirements

Students are also required to wear a shirt underneath their Gi jacket during traditional Gi classes. A rash guard is the preferred choice because of its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and close-fitting design.

Rash guards may be short-sleeved or long-sleeved, depending on the student's preference.

What to Look For

• A snug, athletic fit.
• Stretchable, moisture-wicking material.
• Short or long sleeves.
• Durable construction designed for contact sports.
• No zippers, pockets, or hard accessories.

Grappling shorts, also commonly called MMA shorts, fight shorts, or board shorts, are designed to allow unrestricted movement during No-Gi training.

Unlike traditional gym shorts, proper grappling shorts are designed without features that could catch fingers or toes or otherwise injure a training partner.

Strategic BJJ Shorts Requirements

For safety reasons, training shorts must meet the following requirements:

• No pockets, as fingers and toes can become caught during grappling.
• No zippers, metal fasteners, or metal components of any kind.
• No exposed hard plastic components.
• A secure waistband that keeps the shorts in place.
• Flexible material that allows unrestricted movement.

Traditional athletic shorts with pockets or metal components are not permitted.

Compression shorts or athletic leggings may be worn underneath appropriate grappling shorts for additional comfort and coverage.

Students who plan to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments should be aware that competition equipment requirements are often more restrictive than those for regular training.

While Strategic BJJ allows a wide variety of uniform colors and styles during regular classes, tournament organizations may have specific rules governing Gi colors, uniform construction, fit, patches, and No-Gi apparel.

Gi Competition Requirements

Most major BJJ tournament organizations recognize white, blue, and black Gis, although specific rules may vary. White is generally the safest choice for students who plan to compete in different organizations.

Competitors should also be aware that tournaments may regulate:

• Permitted Gi colors and whether the jacket and pants must match.
• Gi material, construction, and thickness.
• Sleeve, pant, and jacket length.
• Placement and size of patches and logos.
• Belt color corresponding to the competitor's officially recognized rank.

No-Gi Competition Requirements

No-Gi tournaments frequently have additional requirements regarding rash guards and grappling shorts.

Some organizations, particularly those following IBJJF rules, require competitors to wear rash guards displaying colors corresponding to their current belt rank.

For example, competitors may be required to wear rash guards incorporating white, blue, purple, brown, or black, depending on their rank and division. Youth divisions may have additional rank colors.

Other tournament organizations may permit a wider variety of colors and designs.

Competitors should verify:

• Whether their rash guard must display their current rank color.
• Whether a minimum percentage of the rash guard must feature that color.
• Whether short-sleeved or long-sleeved rash guards are permitted.
• Requirements for shorts, compression garments, and leggings.
• Restrictions on pockets, fasteners, logos, and other uniform features.

Representing Strategic BJJ

Students competing as members of Strategic BJJ should wear appropriate team-branded equipment whenever possible. This may include Strategic BJJ patches on their Gi or team-branded rash guards and grappling shorts.

Team branding must also comply with the tournament organization's uniform regulations.

Before You Compete

Equipment that is acceptable for training at Strategic BJJ is not necessarily legal for competition.

Before purchasing competition-specific equipment, students should review the rules published by their tournament organization and consult with their instructor.

This is especially important when purchasing rank-specific No-Gi apparel, as students may need different equipment after being promoted.

Our instructors are happy to help competitors understand the equipment requirements for their upcoming events and avoid unnecessary purchases or problems during tournament uniform inspections.

For the safety and comfort of everyone on the mats, all training apparel must meet the following standards:

• Cleanliness: Clothing and uniforms must be clean and in good condition for every class.
• No hazardous components: Training apparel must not contain zippers, metal fasteners, or other hard components that could injure a training partner.
• No pockets: Training shorts must not have pockets that could catch fingers or toes.
• No jewelry: Watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry must be removed before training.
• Proper fit: Clothing must fit securely and allow unrestricted movement.
• Appropriate appearance: Uniforms and training apparel must not contain offensive or inappropriate graphics or language.
• Required coverage: Rash guards are mandatory for No-Gi classes, and students must wear an appropriate shirt underneath their Gi jacket.
• Academy representation: Students competing on behalf of Strategic BJJ should have appropriate team-branded equipment.

These requirements help protect students and their training partners while maintaining a safe, clean, and respectful training environment.

The following guide summarizes the equipment students should plan to purchase as they progress through our Kickboxing and MMA programs.

There are two primary types of gloves used in our Kickboxing and MMA programs: traditional boxing gloves and hybrid MMA training gloves.

Students participating exclusively in Kickboxing classes may purchase traditional boxing gloves.

Boxing gloves provide substantial padding around the hands and knuckles, making them well suited for punching drills, heavy bag work, striking pads, and kickboxing activities.

What to Look For

• Gloves designed for boxing or kickboxing.
• Adequate padding for the intended activity.
• Secure wrist support.
• Durable construction.
• A comfortable fit that accommodates hand wraps.

Boxing gloves are commonly sold by weight in ounces (oz), including 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz.

The appropriate glove weight depends on the student's age, size, and intended use. Students should consult the manufacturer's recommendations and their instructor before purchasing.

Hybrid MMA gloves combine additional striking protection with an open-finger design that allows students to grip, grapple, and perform takedowns.

These gloves are more versatile for MMA training because students can transition between striking and grappling without changing equipment. Hybrid MMA gloves are suitable for many MMA training activities, including:

• Striking drills.
• Clinch work.
• Takedowns.
• Grappling transitions.
• Controlled partner drills, when approved by an instructor.

Students participating in both Kickboxing and MMA should prioritize purchasing hybrid MMA gloves, although traditional boxing gloves may also be useful for certain striking activities.

What to Look For

• Gloves specifically designed for MMA training.
• Adequate padding across the knuckles.
• Open-finger construction that allows gripping.
• Secure wrist support.
• Durable materials and stitching.
• A comfortable and secure fit.

Hybrid MMA gloves are commonly sized Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, although sizing systems vary between manufacturers.

Shin guards help protect students and their training partners from injuries caused by kicking, blocked kicks, and accidental shin-to-shin contact.

Shin guards are particularly important when students progress from practicing techniques independently to performing contact drills with training partners.

Strategic BJJ Shin Guard Requirements

Beginning Students: Students who are new to Kickboxing or MMA are not required to purchase shin guards immediately, provided they are participating only in non-contact activities. Beginners can focus on developing proper technique, balance, footwork, and striking mechanics before investing in additional protective equipment.

Students Participating in Contact Drills: Once students advance to drills involving contact with training partners, appropriate shin guards are required for kicking activities as directed by the instructor.

Advanced Students: Advanced Kickboxing and MMA students are required to have their own shin guards as part of their regular training equipment.

What to Look For

• Shin guards designed for Kickboxing, Muay Thai, or MMA.
• Adequate padding along the shin.
• Protection over the top of the foot.
• Secure straps or compression-style construction.
• A comfortable fit that does not shift excessively.
• Freedom of movement for kicking, footwork, and grappling.

Traditional kickboxing shin guards and MMA-style shin guards may both be appropriate, depending on the student's training activities.

Sizing varies by manufacturer and may be based on height, shin length, or calf circumference. Students should consult the manufacturer's sizing chart before purchasing.

Beginning students participating only in non-contact drills are encouraged, but not required, to wear a mouthguard. Students progressing into contact drills, partner sparring, or competition must wear an appropriate mouthguard. Advanced students are required to have their own mouthguard as part of their regular training equipment.

Standard and orthodontic (braces) options, sizing, and care are covered in Mouthguards under Safety & Hygiene.

All Kickboxing and MMA students must follow these safety standards:

• Equipment must be clean, properly fitted, and in good condition.
• Training clothing must not contain pockets, zippers, metal components, or other hazardous features.
• Students must use gloves appropriate for their training activities.
• Mouthguards are mandatory for contact training.
• Shin guards are required for kicking drills involving contact with training partners.
• Advanced students must have appropriate gloves, shin guards, and mouthguards.
• Instructors may require additional protective equipment depending on the activity.

Competition Equipment

Students participating in Kickboxing or MMA competitions must follow the equipment regulations established by the event organizer or sanctioning body. These requirements may include specific glove types and weights, approved protective equipment, and apparel restrictions.

Equipment suitable for everyday training may not be approved for competition. Students should consult their instructor and review the event's published rules before purchasing competition-specific gear.

Athletic tape, commonly called finger tape in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is frequently used by grapplers to provide additional support to the fingers and other small joints.

BJJ involves extensive gripping, pulling, and hand fighting, which can place considerable stress on the fingers. Over time, repetitive gripping can contribute to soreness and minor joint irritation. Athletic tape may provide additional support and help protect areas of the skin that are prone to friction or irritation.

Why Use Finger Tape?

• Joint Support: Properly applied tape can provide additional support to fingers during gripping activities.
• Skin Protection: Tape can help protect areas prone to friction, blisters, or minor abrasions.
• Comfort: Some students find that taping sore fingers makes certain gripping activities more comfortable.
• Preventive Care: Tape may help manage repetitive stress on the fingers, although it cannot reliably prevent injuries.

What to Look For

• Athletic tape designed for sports use.
• Narrow rolls suitable for wrapping individual fingers.
• A secure adhesive that stays in place during training.
• Material that is comfortable against the skin.
• Tape that can be removed without excessive irritation.

Finger tape is available in different widths and materials. Many BJJ practitioners prefer narrower tape because it is easier to apply around individual fingers without restricting movement.

Strategic BJJ Recommendations

Finger tape is optional but recommended for students who regularly participate in Gi BJJ, especially those who experience finger soreness from gripping. Students should avoid wrapping tape so tightly that it restricts circulation or normal finger movement.

Maintaining good personal hygiene is one of the most important responsibilities of every martial arts student.

BJJ, Kickboxing, and MMA involve close physical contact with training partners, shared equipment, and training mats. These conditions can allow skin infections to spread if appropriate hygiene practices are not followed. Common skin concerns in contact sports include ringworm, impetigo, and bacterial infections such as staph.

Regular washing, clean training apparel, and proper care of minor skin injuries are important steps in reducing these risks.

Defense Soap and Other Athletic Cleansers

Defense Soap is a brand of personal cleansing products marketed toward wrestlers, grapplers, and other contact-sport athletes. These products are designed to help remove sweat, dirt, and other contaminants from the skin after training.

Students may use Defense Soap or another suitable body wash or soap as part of their regular hygiene routine. Specialty athletic soaps are optional. Regular soap and water are also appropriate for routine cleansing, and no soap can guarantee prevention of skin infections.

Recommended Personal Hygiene Practices

• Before Training: Arrive with clean skin, clean hands and feet, and freshly washed training apparel.
• After Training: Shower as soon as practical using soap and water.
• Skin Checks: Check for unusual rashes, sores, or irritated areas before participating in class.
• Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal hygiene products.
• Open Wounds: Properly clean and cover minor cuts and abrasions. Students with wounds that cannot be safely covered should not participate in contact training.
• Nail Care: Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed to help prevent accidental scratches.

Maintaining clean training equipment is essential to protecting yourself and your training partners. Because BJJ, Kickboxing, and MMA involve close physical contact and shared training surfaces, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can spread through contaminated clothing and equipment.

The following hygiene requirements apply to all Strategic BJJ students:

• Gis and Belts: Gi jackets, pants, and other washable uniform components must be washed after every class. Belts should also be washed regularly, following the manufacturer's care instructions, and whenever soiled.
• No-Gi Apparel: Rash guards, grappling shorts, compression garments, and other training clothing must be washed after every class, without exception.
• Striking Equipment: Boxing gloves, hybrid MMA gloves, shin guards, and other reusable striking equipment must be cleaned and disinfected after every use, using products and methods appropriate for the equipment's materials.
• Mouthguards: Mouthguards must be cleaned after each use, thoroughly rinsed as directed by the manufacturer, and stored in a clean, ventilated case.
• Gear Bags: Gym bags, backpacks, and other containers used to transport training equipment should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially compartments that hold sweaty or used equipment.
• Other Equipment and Surfaces: Items that regularly come into contact with used training gear, including protective cases and reusable storage containers, should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Proper Drying and Storage: Allow equipment to dry thoroughly before storing it. Avoid leaving damp clothing, gloves, or shin guards sealed inside a gear bag, where moisture can encourage microbial growth.

Why Equipment Hygiene Matters

Unwashed training apparel and improperly maintained equipment can contribute to unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and the spread of contagious skin conditions such as ringworm, impetigo, and staph infections.

Cleaning removes sweat, dirt, and other contaminants, while appropriate disinfection helps reduce microorganisms on compatible equipment surfaces. Students should follow manufacturer care instructions and use cleaning products that are safe for their equipment. Not all disinfectants are suitable for fabrics, leather, foam, or other materials.

Our Commitment to a Clean Training Environment

Strategic BJJ works to maintain a clean and safe training facility, but good hygiene is a shared responsibility.

Students must arrive at every class with clean training apparel and properly maintained equipment. Reusing unwashed Gis, rash guards, shorts, or other training clothing is not permitted.

Keeping your gear clean is more than a personal preference. It is a matter of respect for your training partners and an important part of maintaining a healthy training environment for everyone.

Mouthguards are an important piece of protective equipment for students participating in BJJ, Kickboxing, and MMA. They help protect the teeth, gums, lips, and other soft tissues of the mouth from injuries caused by accidental impacts, falls, or contact with training partners.

Although mouthguards are most commonly associated with striking sports, accidental contact can also occur during grappling. For this reason, we encourage all students to use a mouthguard during training.

Strategic BJJ Mouthguard Requirements

Students participating in contact drills, live sparring, or other training activities involving physical contact must wear an appropriate mouthguard. Students participating only in non-contact activities are encouraged, but not required, to wear one.

Standard Mouthguards

Standard athletic mouthguards are designed for students who do not wear braces or other orthodontic appliances. Many use a boil-and-bite design that allows the guard to be molded to the shape of the student's teeth for a more secure and comfortable fit.

• A mouthguard designed for contact sports.
• Appropriate sizing for adults or children.
• A secure and comfortable fit.
• Material that allows comfortable breathing.
• Durable construction suitable for repeated use.

Students should carefully follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions to ensure the mouthguard provides appropriate coverage and stays securely in place.

Orthodontic Mouthguards (For Students with Braces)

Orthodontic mouthguards, also called ortho mouthguards, are specifically designed for students who wear braces or certain other orthodontic appliances. These guards accommodate orthodontic brackets and wires while providing additional protection for the lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues of the mouth.

Standard mouthguards may not fit correctly over braces and could interfere with orthodontic appliances if improperly fitted.

• Specifically designed for use with braces.
• Adequate clearance for brackets and wires.
• Comfortable coverage of the teeth and gums.
• Appropriate sizing for the student's age and mouth.
• A secure fit that does not interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Students with braces should consult their orthodontist when selecting a mouthguard. Standard boil-and-bite guards should not be molded around braces unless specifically approved by the manufacturer and orthodontist.

Mouthguard Sizing and Care

Mouthguards vary in size, shape, and fitting method between manufacturers. Students and parents should review the manufacturer's sizing recommendations before purchasing.

Mouthguards should be cleaned after every use, allowed to dry, and stored in a ventilated protective case. Replace mouthguards that become damaged, excessively worn, or no longer fit securely.

Proper equipment is only one part of maintaining a safe training environment. All students should also follow these basic practices:

• Arrive at class clean and wearing freshly washed training apparel.
• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed to prevent accidental scratches.
• Remove jewelry, watches, and other accessories before training.
• Clean and dry personal protective equipment regularly.
• Use a mouthguard during all contact training.
• Avoid training with suspected contagious skin conditions.
• Report injuries or equipment concerns to an instructor.
• Never use tape or other protective equipment to conceal an injury that makes training unsafe.