So you've decided to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Welcome to the tribe. Whether you just watched your first submission grappling match and got hooked, or you've been drilling for a few months and realized your gear isn't cutting it — this guide is for you.
BJJ doesn't require a ton of equipment, but the gear you choose matters. The right kit keeps you comfortable, protects your skin, and honestly? It makes you feel like a grappler. Let's break it all down.
🥋 Rash Guards: Your Second Skin on the Mat
If there's one piece of gear every BJJ practitioner needs — gi or no-gi — it's a rash guard. These compression tops do a lot of heavy lifting:
- Skin protection: Mats carry bacteria. A rash guard creates a barrier between your skin and the mat (and your training partner's skin), dramatically reducing the risk of mat burns and skin infections like ringworm or staph.
- Muscle compression: The compression helps with blood flow and can reduce muscle fatigue during long rolls.
- Moisture management: Quality rash guards wick sweat away so you're not soaking through your gi or feeling weighed down during no-gi sessions.
What to Look For
Look for rash guards made from a polyester/spandex blend — typically around 80/20 or 87/13. This combo gives you stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking performance. Flatlock stitching is a must; it lies flat against the skin so seams don't dig in during scrambles.
Our Rash Guard Lineup
At Epic Roll, we've built rash guards for grapplers who take their training seriously but also want to represent something on the mat. Here are some fan favorites:
- Obsessed Rash Guard — For the ones who live on the mat. If BJJ is your obsession, wear it proudly.
- Addicted Rash Guard — Because once you start, you can't stop. A staple for any grappler's rotation.
- Leg Locker Rash Guard — A nod to the leg lock revolution. Perfect for the submission hunters.
- Tarot Card Rash Guard — Bold, artistic, and unlike anything else on the mat.
- Mostly Peaceful Rash Guards — The name says it all. Mostly.
Represent Your Rank
One of our most popular collections is our Ranked Rash Guard series — designed to match your belt color so you can rep your rank in no-gi training too. We carry both the classic Faded Ranked style and the Short Sleeve Ranked style across all belt levels:
- White Belt | Faded White Belt
- Blue Belt | Faded Blue Belt
- Purple Belt | Faded Purple Belt
- Brown Belt | Faded Brown Belt
- Black Belt | Faded Black Belt
🩳 Grappling Shorts: Move Without Limits
Your shorts need to move with you — through guard passes, takedowns, and deep half guard. The wrong pair will bunch up, restrict your hips, or fall apart after a few washes. Here's what to know:
Elastic Waistband vs. Drawstring
Elastic waistband shorts are the go-to for most no-gi grapplers. They're streamlined, nothing to grab onto, and they stay put during scrambles. Our Epic Grappling Shorts 2.0 series is built exactly this way — and they come in a range of colorways to match your vibe:
- Matte Black — The classic. Goes with everything.
- Blood Red — For when you want to make a statement.
- Ghost White — Clean, crisp, and bold.
- Purple Haze — A fan favorite.
- Sage — Earthy and understated.
Drawstring shorts (sometimes called fight shorts) offer a more adjustable fit and are popular for MMA crossover training. Check out our Enlisted Nine Fight Company Shorts for a rugged, military-inspired option.
We also carry limited edition collab shorts — including the Team Epic Roll PGF Shorts and the Philadelphia Phenoms Grappling Shorts for those repping the Philly scene.
🥋 Gis: The Foundation of Traditional BJJ
If you're training in a gi program, your gi is your most important investment. A good gi lasts years. A bad one shrinks, tears, or gets you DQ'd at your first tournament. Here's how to think about it:
IBJJF Legal vs. Custom Gis
IBJJF legal gis must be white, royal blue, or black — no patches in restricted areas, and the fit must meet specific measurements. If you plan to compete, start here. Our IBJJF-legal options have you covered:
- Ghost White Gi — Classic white, competition-ready.
- Royal Blue Gi — Sharp, clean, and legal on any IBJJF mat.
- Jett Black Gi — Sleek and intimidating. The black gi is always a statement.
Custom and collab gis are where things get fun. These aren't bound by competition rules, so the designs can go places standard gis can't. They're perfect for open mat, in-gym training, or just expressing your personality:
- Ocean Storm Gi — A wave of bold design energy.
- Combat Green Gi — Tactical aesthetic, built for the mat.
- The Raven Gi — Dark, striking, and one of our most unique designs.
- McDojolife Gi — A collab with one of BJJ's most beloved voices in the community.
- 5FDP Gi (Blood Red) — A rock-and-roll collab for the grapplers who train hard and live loud.
A Note on Gi Care
Always wash your gi after every session — no exceptions. Cold water, hang dry when possible to prevent shrinkage. Your training partners will thank you.
🎒 Accessories: The Details That Matter
Once your core kit is dialed in, the right accessories round out your bag. A dedicated gear bag keeps your equipment organized and aired out (trust us, your car will thank you). Keychains and small accessories are also a great way to rep the tribe off the mat.
Check out our full accessories collection in the store for what's currently available — we're always dropping new pieces.
Final Thoughts: Gear Up, Show Up
BJJ is a journey, not a destination. The gear you train in should reflect that — functional, durable, and authentically you. Whether you're a white belt stepping on the mat for the first time or a seasoned competitor looking to upgrade your kit, Epic Roll has you covered.
The most important thing? Just show up. The gear will take care of itself.
Welcome to the tribe. See you on the mat. 🤙