Whether you’ve been training for years or just getting started with BJJ, having the right things in your gym bag is essential for a good training session. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you should keep in your jiu-jitsu gym bag, ensuring you’re armed with the right gear to show up prepared and make the most out of your time on the mats.
We’ve categorized this guide into three main sections with a bonus section at the end, to ensure you have everything you need pre-training, during training, and post-training. We’ve also included links for each item, in case you’d like to see what we recommend.
BJJ Gym Bag Essentials, at a Glance
Here are the highlights. You can find more in-depth info about each item below.
- Deodorant: Something aluminum-free, $10-14
- Nail Clippers: Hawatour Nail Clipper Set, $10
- Mouth Wash: Listerine Cool Mint 6 Pack, $10
- Flip Flops: Dirk Slides Pillow Slippers, $20
- Water Bottle: Hydro Flask 32oz Insulated Bottle, $49
- Electrolyte Powder: Ultima Replenisher 30 Servings, $19
- Mouth Guard: Sisu® Max Mouth Guard, $30
- Finger Tape: Jiu Jitsu 8 Pack Finger Tape, $5
- Antimicrobial Soap: Defense Soap, $8
- Foam Roller: TriggerPoint Foam Roller, $28
- Training Log: Jiu-Jitsu Training Journal, $9
- Bandaids: Band-Aid Tru-Stay Sheer Strips 80-Count, $4
before class:
Get changed, put on deodorant, clip your nails, swish around some mouth wash, and start stretching.
Deodorant:
Use: Stay fresh and combat odors. Use something mild in scent but effective.
Why: There’s no way around it; you’re going to sweat a lot in class. Be considerate and wear deodorant to class.
We recommend an aluminum-free option.
Nail Clippers:
Use: Trim your nails before every class, at least once a week.
Why: Long nails can lead to unintentional injuries for both you and your training partners. They’re also unsanitary, so keep your nails short.
These work great and come with a free case.
Mouthwash:
Use: Freshen your breath before training. This is just good etiquette, and everyone should do it.
Why: It’s always better if you can brush your teeth before training. But if you happen to forget, you better hope you have some mouthwash in your bag.
Try this six pack of travel-sized Listerine.
Flip Flops:
Use: Protect your feet from communal shower floors and when walking up to the mats. You don’t need anything fancy, just something to slip on.
Why: Fungal and other skin infections are common in moist environments like gym mats and showers. Slide into your flip-flops to reduce the risk of picking up unwanted bacteria.
These cloud slides are comfortable and waterproof.
during class:
Stay hydrated, replenish electrolytes, protect yourself, and learn something new.
Water Bottle:
Use: Make hydration convenient throughout your training.
Why: Hydration is key to optimal performance and recovery. Keep a reusable water bottle to sip on during breaks and stay energized.
This Hydro Flask will last forever.
Electrolyte Powder:
Use: Replenish electrolytes lost through sweating for better energy and recovery.
Why: Intense training sessions can lead to electrolyte imbalances. A sachet of electrolyte powder in your water can help restore the minerals your body needs.
Great product, with a great taste.
Mouth Guard:
Use: Protect your teeth and jaw during sparring.
Why: Accidental blows can happen in Jiu-Jitsu. A good mouth guard can prevent injuries during rolling sessions, and the new ones make it easier to breathe with it in your mouth.
This one is protective and makes it super easy to breathe.
For all our mouthguard recommendations, check out The Best Mouthguards for BJJ.
Finger Tape:
Use: To support and protect your fingers and joints during training.
Why: Jiu-Jitsu can be tough on your hands. Having tape on hand can help prevent injuries and provide extra support when needed.
This tape is cheap and works great.
After class:
Do some stretching and foam rolling, then shower off, get clean, and jot down some training notes.
Antimicrobial Soap:
Use: This one’s important. Showering off with good soap right away after training is the best thing you can do to prevent skin infections.
Why: Proper hygiene is vital in any combat sport. Pack a travel-sized soap to ensure you can freshen up after an intense session.
This soap is made specifically for grapplers.
Foam Roller:
Use: Stretching and rehab after class.
Why: While it’s definitely important to warm up before class, it is equally, if not more important, to stretch after rolling. This is when the muscles are warm and expanded, and you will decrease your risk of injury.
This small roller will fit in your gym bag.
Training Log:
Use: Right after class, this is the best time to make quick notes on what you learned and the small tips you received. Before the next class, take a peek at your notes to refresh your memory and pick up where you left off.
Why: One of the best ways to improve faster is to write down notes about what you covered in class, including any feedback you received or specific things you noted.
This one has prompts specifically for Jiu-Jitsu.
Bandaids:
Use: You should pretty much always have these on hand to provide quick fixes for minor cuts and scrapes.
Why: Mat burns and small nicks are common in Jiu-Jitsu. Keep a variety of bandaids in your bag to quickly address any unexpected injuries.
These are light & breathable in assorted sizes.
So there it is – everything you need to keep in your gym bag to show up prepared and make the most of every training session. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments!
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