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Equipment Guides

BJJ Gear

BJJ gear covers everything you wear on the mat: the gi (kimono), rash guard, no-gi shorts, and mouthguard. Choosing the right equipment for Thailand's training environment makes sessions more comfortable and protects you from unnecessary injury. This hub covers each category in detail, with guides to help you buy smart at any budget.

What BJJ Gear Do You Actually Need?

The minimum kit for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu depends on whether you are training gi, no-gi, or both. For gi training, you need a compliant gi (kimono) and a belt at your current rank. For no-gi, you need a rash guard and shorts without pockets or zips that could catch on a training partner. A mouthguard is recommended from your very first session regardless of format.

Beyond those essentials, most practitioners eventually add a second gi so they can train on consecutive days, a long-sleeve rash guard for no-gi, and possibly ear guards if they train frequently enough to be at risk of cauliflower ear. Specialist items such as knee sleeves, finger tape, and groin guards are worth considering once you are training four or more times per week.

Training in Thailand adds one practical consideration: heat. The country's climate means even air-conditioned gyms run warmer than facilities in Europe or North America. Lightweight gis and moisture-wicking rash guards make a noticeable difference to your comfort during a two-hour session. If you are travelling to Thailand specifically for a training camp, pack your own gear rather than relying on a loaner, since sizes are not always available in every gym's stock.

If you are new to BJJ, the What Is BJJ guide provides useful context before diving into equipment choices. For an overview of training styles, the Gi vs No-Gi page explains the key differences.

Gear Guides

Browse by Equipment Category

Detailed buying guides for every piece of kit you need on the mat.

BJJ Gi Guide

How to choose the right gi for your body type, budget, and training style. Covers weave types, sizing, IBJJF colour rules, and care instructions.

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Rash Guards

Short-sleeve vs long-sleeve, compression fit, and what to look for in Thailand's heat. Covers gi and no-gi use, fabric, and hygiene factors.

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No-Gi Shorts

BJJ-specific shorts versus MMA cuts, the features that matter on the mat, and how to pick the right fit for guard-heavy training.

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Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite versus custom-fitted, why dental protection matters in BJJ, and how to find a guard that stays in during live rolling.

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Quick Reference

BJJ Gear at a Glance

A summary of what each item is, when you need it, and approximate price ranges. Confirm current prices with retailers before purchasing.

Item When Required Approx. Price Range (USD) Key Consideration
Gi (kimono) Gi training only $60 to $250+ Weave weight, IBJJF colour compliance, sizing
Belt Gi training (usually included with gi) $10 to $30 separately Correct rank colour, correct width to tie properly
Rash guard No-gi; optional but recommended under gi $30 to $90 Compression fit, moisture-wicking fabric, sleeve length
No-gi shorts No-gi training $30 to $80 No pockets/zips, secure waistband, BJJ-specific cut
Mouthguard Sparring and live rolling (all formats) $5 to $300+ (custom) Boil-and-bite for starters; custom for regular training
Ear guards Optional; recommended for frequent trainers $20 to $50 Prevents cauliflower ear from repeated friction
Knee sleeves Optional; useful for knee support $20 to $60 Compression support during drilling and rolling
Finger tape Optional; common among experienced grapplers $3 to $10 per roll Supports finger joints and prevents sprains during grip work

Gear Advice Specific to Training in Thailand

Thailand's humidity and heat affect your gear in ways that matter beyond pure comfort. A heavy single-weave or pearl-weave gi that works fine in a heated gym in Europe will feel oppressive in a Bangkok or Chiang Mai academy during the hot season. Lighter gis in the 350 to 450 gsm (grammes per square metre) range are a practical choice for most training in Thailand. Some practitioners keep a lighter gi for their regular Thai sessions and a heavier competition-spec gi for IBJJF events.

Rash guards dry far faster than cotton t-shirts, making them more hygienic in a tropical climate. A plain-colour rash guard without heavy rubberised prints is also more comfortable under a gi during a hard round. Long-sleeve options offer additional protection against mat burn on the forearms during no-gi sessions.

If you are visiting gyms across different cities, a white gi is the safest choice. Some academies in Thailand have colour preferences for visiting students, and a plain white gi is accepted universally. For no-gi, a neutral-coloured rash guard and black shorts will not clash with any academy's colour scheme.

Explore the city guides for information on what gear is available locally in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Gear

For your first class, most gyms will let you train in a t-shirt and shorts. Once you commit to regular training, you need either a gi (kimono) and a belt, or rash guard and no-gi shorts, depending on whether your gym trains gi or no-gi. A mouthguard is also strongly recommended from the start. You do not need gloves, knee pads, or ear guards on day one.
No. A BJJ gi is cut tighter through the sleeves and collar and uses reinforced stitching in high-stress areas such as the armpits and collar base. Karate gis are too lightweight and will tear quickly under BJJ grips. A judo gi is the closest alternative and is allowed at many open-mat sessions, though it is slightly heavier and cut looser than a purpose-built BJJ gi.
The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) allows white, royal blue, and black gis for competition. Patches and embroidery must stay within the size and placement rules set in the IBJJF General Rules. Coloured gis such as grey, navy, or red are not permitted at IBJJF events, so if you plan to compete under IBJJF rules, stick to one of the three approved colours.
BJJ gis are typically sold in A-sizes (A0 to A5) for adults, with F-sizes for female-cut and M-sizes for juvenile cuts. Sizing varies between brands, so always check the brand's specific size chart against your height and weight. Gis shrink after the first wash if they are not pre-shrunk, so factor that in. As a general starting point, try a size that fits your height first, then assess the waist and sleeve length.
A rash guard under the gi is optional but widely recommended in Thailand's heat. It absorbs sweat, reduces gi rash on your chest and shoulders, and adds a layer of hygiene. Short-sleeve rash guards are the most popular choice for gi training. Long-sleeve rash guards are more common for no-gi sessions where there is no jacket to protect the arms.
BJJ shorts are designed specifically for ground work. They are typically cut shorter and tighter than MMA shorts so excess fabric does not catch during guard work. They have a sturdy drawstring or velcro closure, no external pockets, and are made from a material that resists tearing under friction. MMA shorts often have a side slit and are slightly longer. Both can work for no-gi training, but purpose-built BJJ shorts are noticeably more comfortable on the mat.
A mouthguard is not always mandatory at beginner-level classes, but it is strongly advised. Accidental contact to the jaw, a knee to the face during a scramble, or a poorly timed elbow can chip or break a tooth without one. A boil-and-bite mouthguard from a sports shop is an affordable starting point. Custom-fitted mouthguards from a dentist offer better protection and comfort if you train regularly.
You should wash your gi after every single training session without exception. In Thailand's humid climate, leaving a damp gi unwashed even overnight creates ideal conditions for bacteria and skin infections. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius to avoid excessive shrinkage and hang-dry rather than machine-dry to extend the gi's lifespan. Having at least two gis allows you to train on consecutive days without rushing to dry a single one.
Both options work, but they have trade-offs. Buying before you travel means you can order your preferred brand in a size you have already confirmed. Buying locally in Thailand means you can physically try gear before purchasing, and you avoid excess baggage fees. Major gyms in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket either sell gear on-site or can direct you to a nearby supplier. Budget for roughly the same prices as you would pay online in your home country, though stock of premium brands can be limited outside Bangkok.
A rash guard works for both gi and no-gi. Your gi shorts (the trousers) can occasionally double as no-gi shorts in a pinch, though they are heavier than purpose-made no-gi shorts. Your gi jacket, obviously, is only for gi training. If your gym offers both, it is practical to own at least one gi, one rash guard, and one pair of BJJ shorts as a minimum kit that covers both formats.
Rules vary by gym, but a few points apply broadly to Thailand. Most academies require you to remove footwear before stepping onto the mat. Some gyms ask visitors to wear a plain white or academy-branded gi for their first session to signal respect. Training in the Thai heat means you will sweat more heavily than in cooler climates, so moisture-wicking rash guards and lightweight gis become more important. Always confirm gear requirements with the specific gym before you arrive.

Ready to Step on the Mat?

Once your gear is sorted, the next step is finding the right gym. Browse the city guides to see what BJJ academies are available across Thailand, what they offer, and how to get started.

Find Gyms in Thailand New to BJJ? Start Here