- Bethany-May Rowe
What’s in the Training Bag? Jiu Jitsu Edition
“What do I bring?” – the inevitable question when you first start training BJJ regularly. Whether you organise your bag the night before or throw everything together at the last minute (guilty as charged), having a checklist of essentials to bring with you makes life much easier. Here’s what I take to training on a standard day.
Training Essentials for BJJ
My Tough Cherry rashie set
The first time I tried jiu jitsu, I figured a standard baggy tee and pair of leggings would do the trick and quickly learned otherwise. Once the sweat starts flowing (and it always does), loose material traps limbs, tangles hands and feels a bit like being waterboarded if you’re the poor soul underneath it.
Invest in a few quality rashguards and training bottoms that you feel amazing in and give your skin a solid layer of protection while rolling. I first came across Tough Cherry at a seminar at TFT MMA in Seaham and I haven’t looked back since. I just got the Tropical Flora Turquoise set and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
A gum shield
Jiu jitsu might not be a striking sport, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from a rogue elbow or flying knee catching you in the mouth during a spicy round. Trust me, it happens more than you think. At the very least, you should be wearing a gum shield whenever you spar.
Personally, I swear by Opro, specifically the Gold Tier gum shield. It fits great, comes with its own case and when you register it online, you get 12 months of free dental warranty.
Some sliders
“No shoes on the mats”, “Shoes on off the mats”. It’s the back and forth you’ll hear in every gym. There will be many, many signs, yet someone will still try to run to the toilets or fill their water bottle barefoot. Don’t be that person. You’ll probably need to hop on and off the mats a few times in a session, so bring a pair of sliders that are easy to slip on and off mat side.
Resistance bands
Some gyms warm up as part of the class, others don’t, so you might need to squeeze in your own before the class starts. A quick dynamic stretch with resistance bands is a great way to get your joints and muscles moving when you have limited space. They fold up easily in your bag, too.
Finger tape
This one is mainly for any Gi players. Over time, gripping Gi material and breaking grips can really take a toll on your finger joints and you’ll often see people with their digits taped up for added support. It’s worth having some packed if you’re concerned about tweaks or are recovering from past injuries.
Deodorant
Jiu jitsu is a close quarters sport, so keep some spare deodorant in your bag in case you forget to apply before leaving home. Even if you didn’t forget, adding an extra layer before class never hurts.
Training fuel
Post training fuzzy brain can set in if you're dehydrated and underfuelled. I bring water, electrolyte tablets and a small snack with me to every session, so I can keep my energy up and perform my best. It also helps me stay alert on the way home, which is especially important if you're planning on driving.
Spare underwear
It sounds ridiculous, but I’ve forgotten a sports bra more than once and your standard Boux Avenue number just doesn’t cut it. Save yourself the panic and keep an extra one with you. Some fresh undies and loose bottoms are another post training essential. You sweat a lot during a session and clean underwear will help prevent picking up a UTI.
Antifungal spray
There’s bacteria everywhere, but jiu jitsu mats have more than average. People sweat during rounds and there’s lots of skin to skin contact, so skin infections like ringworm can spread easily and even turn into more serious conditions like staph. Using an antifungal spray like Combat Sports Hygiene is a quick, easy way to add a layer of skin protection before or after you roll.
My notebook and a pen
I’ve always been a note taker when trying to learn and retain information. It helps me organise my thoughts, highlight concepts that stand out and capture small details to remember. I got my first For Thoughts When I Grapple notebook in my Grapple and Glow goodie bag and now I bring it to every session. That way, I can skim my notes before a class and remind myself of the techniques I want to work on.
My Gi (occasionally)
I don’t train tons in the Gi personally, but I have dabbled in the dark arts. Whether you’re all in, or a part timer like me, it’s worth having a clean Gi packed. If buying a new Gi is out of your budget, find out your size and check out second hand shopping platforms like Vinted. You’ll often find ones that are basically brand new for a third of the price.
Spare hair ties
Most gyms have more men than women, so if your bobble snaps mid tie up or you forget to bring one, there isn’t always someone with a spare. Pack a few extras just in case. It also means that you can lend one out if someone else is stuck.
Nail clippers and nail file
No one wants to be scratched by long fingernails or toenails during a roll. Longer nails also trap bacteria, which increases the risk of infection if you catch someone. Keep your nails short and pack clippers or a file so you can sort them if needed.
Time to fill your tote
What you need in your bag might change based on the day, but having a list of the basics makes packing less stressful and keeps your training running smoothly, so your energy can go into the fun part… jiu jitsu. Fill your tote and have fun rolling!
