Grappling Equipment

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kimono (aka the “Gi”)

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu “Gi” is often referred to as kimono by Brazilians. These “fight-pyjamas” are composed of a heavy cotton jacket, reinforced drawstring pants, and a belt that communicates rank. BJJ Gi’s are designed to take a beating (Don’t confuse them with the often lightweight kimonos you might find in Karate or Taekwondo). Some schools insist on club gi’s or gi’s of a certain colour…

At The Fighting Arts Academy, we are more relaxed - we want people to express their personal style so get whatever colour Gi you want (but please leave the decision of belt colour to us!).

The Gi is a piece of equipment - positional control, choke holds, sweeps and submissions using the lapels and collars of the kimono are all part of the sport.

Get your gi from: tatamifightwear.com

If it is your first Gi - double check if it comes with a belt included (else you need to purchase your white-belt separately )

We recommend finding someone your size at class, trying on their Gi jacket for fit so that you know what size to order!

  • Children’s BJJ gis are sized using the prefix of M. They come in sizes M0000, M000, M00, M0, M1, M2, M3 and M4, with M0000 being the smallest going up in size to M4, the largest BJJ gi size for kids.

  • Women’s BJJ gi sizes are usually recognisable due to the fact they are prefixed with an F (for Female). They come in sizes F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. Some women prefer the slightly different shaped cut of the “F” sizes but Gi’s are actually unisex so ladies - feel free to grab an “A” sized Gi if you prefer.

  • Men’s BJJ gis are the standard sized gis you’ll find at most Jiu-Jitsu retailers. In reality, there are unisex gis and can be worn by both men and women though their sizes usually come up on the bigger side and can sometimes be too big or baggy for women who want a more fitted cut. Men’s BJJ gi sizes are prefixed with A (for adult) and come in sizes A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and occasionally A6.

  • PLEASE WASH YOUR GI (& BELT) AFTER EACH TRAINING SESSION! Gi’s can shrink in hot-washes and tumble dryers so be careful!

No-Gi (Rashguard , Spats & Grappling Shorts)

We are incredibly fortunate to have our No-Gi classes affiliated with emergent grappling sports brand 5050 Lockers (and run by it’s founder!)

Go to 5050Lockers.com to get the latest no-gi gear!

(Remember to ask for the TFAA discount code at class before purchasing!)

  • Rashguards - Your rash guard goes under your gi, and it helps protect your skin from scrapes and skin burns. A rash guard also keeps your body warm and helps your muscles stay supple while grappling. Rash guards are made of polyester and spandex, two materials that are useful in soaking up the sweat before it seeps into your gi.

  • Grappling Spats - Spats are pocketless skintight leggings designed to be worn under shorts or gi pants to provide additional protection and comfort during training. They are, typically, made from a combination (or blend) of nylon, spandex, and polyester, and this aids with form-fitting and stretchiness.

  • Grappling Shorts - BJJ Shorts also known as fight shorts, Vale Tudo shorts or MMA shorts are essential for No-Gi grappling. These shorts are designed to enable the fighter to execute movements and techniques of BJJ. They are beneficial as they do not slide off easily which is very important due to the amount of grabs, pulls and holds they will experience throughout their sessions.

Grappling Protective Equipment

Grappling is a combat sport and injuries do happen from time to time.

Being a martial-art, “self-preservation” is key. This is a sport we want people to enjoy and benefit for as long as possible! That means pushing yourself but training smart, listening to your body, avoiding ego-induced injuries and raining for longevity. Here are a few extra things that can keep you safe on the mat…

  • MouthGuard - Not cheap but worth it - a quality mouth guard made by your dentist (not a cheap boil and bite job) is a must for any combat sports enthusiast who like their smile. Ask coach at class for details .

  • Zinc Oxide Tape (white grappling tape) - This tape is rigid (non-elastic) and strong. It is used for jammed fingers, sprained toes and whole host of other uses. It effectively reinforces and/or protect joints, tendons and ligaments. Ask coach for how to correctly apply tape to reinforce joints or protect an injury

  • Braces & Protectors (knee/elbow/ankle/shoulder) - There is a considerable difference between protectors used for comfort (eg. volleyball pads to cushion you knees on shoots and protect you from matburn) and braces used to protect an injury. Please talk to a coach so we can advise you

  • Cup / Chest Protector - Protect your bits guys and gals.