We at Progress Jiu Jitsu love BJJ, not only because it is one of the most effective martial arts in the world, super fun to train but, above all else, the amazing people involved in Jiu Jitsu training. Making sure we take care of eachother in the Jiu Jitsu community is a very important thing. One essential piece of equipment for BJJ practitioners is the BJJ rashguard, a tight-fitting, moisture-wicking shirt. The Jiu Jitsu rashguard is important for a wide range of reasons. While it may seem like a minor detail, wearing a Jiu Jitsu rashguard holds great importance in BJJ training. This essay explores the reasons why wearing a rashguard while training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is crucial for both safety and performance, making it one the most important pieces of Jiu Jitsu clothing

Jiu Jitsu Hygiene and Skin Protection

Hygiene is paramount in any contact sport, and BJJ is no exception. The close physical contact between training partners in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ( BJJ) can lead to the transfer of sweat, bacteria, and fungi, which may cause skin infections. Rashguards (like our academy rashguard) create a barrier between the skin and your training partners, reducing the chances of skin-to-skin contact and the transmission of potentially harmful microorganisms. BJJ practitioners are often exposed to mat burns, which are painful abrasions on the skin caused by friction against the mat. Jiu Jitsu rashguards minimize this friction, preventing skin abrasions and burns, and consequently, reducing the risk of infection.

Temperature Regulation

BJJ is a physically demanding sport that can cause intense perspiration during training. A BJJ Rashguard is designed with moisture-wicking materials that help regulate body temperature by efficiently managing sweat and moisture. They allow the skin to breathe while wicking away sweat, preventing overheating and discomfort during training. The ability to maintain a stable body temperature is essential for optimal performance, as it ensures that the practitioner remains comfortable and focused throughout the session. So, wear a jiu jitsu rashguard and make sure you stay cool during sparring (checkout this sparring footage of our athletes Owen Livesey and Owen Jones).

Reducing Abrasions and Mat Burn

The grappling aspect of BJJ involves frequent transitions between positions, which can lead to friction and abrasions on the skin. These abrasions, often referred to as mat burns, can be both painful and disruptive to training. Jiu Jitsu Rashguards create a protective layer between your skin and the mat, reducing the friction experienced during grappling and minimizing the likelihood of mat burns. This benefit extends to beginners who are prone to excessive mat friction as they learn the fundamentals of the sport. Therefore, it is important for beginners to find the proper jiu jitsu clothing as they start their Jiu Jitsu journey.

Preventing Skin Conditions

The combination of sweat, constant contact with the mat, and tight clothing can be a recipe for various skin conditions. A BJJ Rashguard may help to mitigate the risk of skin problems such as ringworm, staph infections, and fungal infections, all of which can be highly contagious. By reducing skin exposure and contact with contaminated surfaces, rashguards play a crucial role in preventing the spread of skin conditions in the BJJ community. No one wants to train with someone who is dirty so make sure you wash your Progress jiu jitsu rashguard properly. Checkout our washing instructions for rash guards here.

Muscle Compression

 A Progress Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard will provide a level of muscle compression, which can offer several benefits for BJJ practitioners. Muscle compression can enhance blood circulation, leading to improved oxygen delivery to muscles and quicker removal of metabolic waste products. This can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve endurance during training sessions. Additionally, the compression provided by rashguards can aid in muscle recovery after training, reducing post-training jiu jitsu soreness.

Conclusion

The importance of wearing a Jiu Jitsu rashguard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu cannot be overstated (we have a full range of rashguards to choose from). These tight-fitting, moisture-wicking shirts provide essential benefits in terms of hygiene, skin protection, temperature regulation, and injury prevention. They play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and safety of BJJ practitioners while simultaneously offering performance-enhancing advantages such as muscle compression and reduced skin-to-skin contact. BJJ rashguards are even required by some of the major jiu jitus federations like the IBJJF. You can shop our full range of progress jiu jitsu rashguards here, Including our ranked rashguards: available in white, blue, purple, brown and black. Overall, the rashguard is a seemingly small piece of equipment that holds immense significance in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making it an essential part of a BJJ practitioner's training gear and a key piece of Jiu Jitsu clothing to have in your collection.