Best Overall

It's not cheap but it's a best bag out there for MMA practitioners.

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Best Versatility

This bag is high quality and can serve all purposes.

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Budget Friendly

This bag is best for people who are on a budget.

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu can sometimes be an equipment-heavy sport requiring Gis, rash guards, shorts, tights, and belts. Once you have your expensive and precious equipment it is important to have a place to store it to protect it from getting damaged or lost. Enter the Jiu-Jitsu Gym bag.

So without further ado, let’s try to improve ourselves by committing to the principle of aggregate marginal benefits. It won’t improve your game right away but clean equipment means clean minds. Let’s get into it.

Best Jiu-jitsu gym bags & backpacks in 2023

Hayabusa Elite Boxing Duffle Bag

Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle Bag

Elite Sports Jiu Jitsu Gym Bag

Elite Sports BJJ Expandable Backpack

Hayabusa Ryoko Mesh Gym Bag

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Duffle Bag

Notorious Combat BJJ Backpack

Meister Brawler Gym Duffel Bag

Sanabul Lab Series Mesh Duffel Gym Bag

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Backpack

Hayabusa Ryoko Backpack

Adidas Team Issue

Meister Mesh Duffel Bag

Hayabusa Elite Boxing Duffle Bag

My Take

Although the name mentions boxing in it, I think this is the best jiu-jitsu gym bag for people who want to carry open-finger boxing gloves which are a requirement in Gracie’s Jiu-jitsu. It holds more gear than anything else out there. This duffel bag is large, well-designed, and ventilated at the right spots to help you avoid a smelly situation. It is certainly the best and ultimate gym bag out there and it comes in at No.1 on our BJJ bag list.

9.8 out of 10

Best For

MMA Practitioner

Discount

5%

Buy Hayabusa

The Hayabusa Elite Boxing Duffle Bag is a perfect companion for all your martial arts and jiu-jitsu needs. This elite duffle bag is made from durable ripstop material, and it’s designed to keep your gym gear safe and secure. It features multiple compartments one to store your gi and the other to store your gloves, shoes, and other small items. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. With its stylish design, the Hayabusa Elite Boxing Duffle Bag is perfect for sweaty gear thanks to its amazing ventilation. Your BJJ gear will love this bag and so will your teammates because you won’t stink.

Benefits

• Extremely durable material that will last a long time
• Multiple compartments for easy access
• Amazing ventilation and storage space

Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle Bag

My Take

This duffle bag is great for your sweaty BJJ gear after a rough training session. It is well ventilated and the shoulder straps are sturdy. You could also consider this an MMA duffle bag because of its shape and lack of a separate compartment. Landing this duffle bag on No.2 on our BJJ bags.

9.5 out of 10

Best For

All Practitioner

Discount

5%

Buy Hayabusa

The Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle Bag is the perfect companion for anyone who loves to practice jiu-jitsu, MMA, or any other martial art. It is great to store your gi, mouth guard, and other items. It has a spacious inner compartment with a small pocket to fit your wallet, mouthguard, and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carry. The Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle Bag is similar to the Elite Boxing Bag minus the separate glove compartment.

Benefits

• Functional and stylish design that looks great.
• Durable construction like all Hayabusa products.
• Spacious inner compartment to fit all your BJJ or MMA gear.

Elite Sports Jiu Jitsu Gym Bag

My Take

This bag is a really affordable option for new users who are looking for the right bag. With water resistance and dedicated pockets at this price range, this is a great option.

9.4 out of 10

Best For

All Practitioner

Discount

5%

Buy Elite Gym Bag

The Elite Sports Jiu Jitsu gear bag is a duffel bag that can be used for MMA, BJJ, and boxing. This gym bag has a dedicated compartment for your shoes to keep your shoes separated to avoid dirtying your clothes or training equipment. It also has a dedicated compartment for your boxing gloves and a zipper pocket to keep your valuables safe and dry. It comes with mesh pockets for drying your dirty Gi. The Elite Sport gym bag comes in 2 colors grey and black.

Benefits

• Budget-friendly with adjustable straps.
• Ventilated side pocket for your sweaty gi.
• Constructed with water-resistant materials.

Elite Sports BJJ Expandable Backpack

The Elite Sport Jiu-jitsu bag is an expandable duffle bag that can be used as a backpack as well as a duffel bag. It is expandable which is a great feature for when you want to carry extra equipment. It also comes with mesh pockets to dry off damp or sweaty gear. It has handles for it to be used as a duffel bag and shoulder straps for when you want to use it as a backpack. It also contains a hard shell pocket to keep valuables such as your wallet, sunglasses, and phone.

Benefits

• Expandable with separate compartments.
• High-quality water-resistant material.
• Reinforced stitching on sides.

My Take

This is a great option for people looking for the storage space of duffel bags but the functionality of backpacks. With dedicated pockets for valuables and lots more, this is an awesome training bag.

Hayabusa Ryoko Mesh Gym Bag

The Hayabusa brand name is well known in the MMA community and like its other product you really can’t go wrong with the Hayabusa Ryoko Mesh gear bag. This Hayabusa bag offers tear-resistant mesh for durability and water-resistant pockets to keep your dry equipment separate from damp equipment. It also comes with two pockets for water bottles so that you don’t have to worry about your choice of hydration rolling around with the rest of your gear making it wet or sticky. This duffel bag comes in three different colors; grey, silver, and black.

Benefits

• Made from tear-resistant mesh.
• Has two pockets for water bottles.
• Has water-resistant pockets to separate dry and wet gear.

My Take

The Hayabusa brand name speaks for itself. I think this is a great bag for frequent practitioners with separate compartments for dirty and clean gear.

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Duffle Bag

This duffel bag has a 44-liter storage capacity and is meant for users who need a larger alternative to the backpack that’s offered by Gold. This bag comes with a waterproof pocket to keep your dirty Gi separate from clean clothes and equipment. It also comes with dedicated compartments in the side pocket for your phone and other valuables so that they stay secure in place. It comes with multiple pockets to store your BJJ essentials such as your belt or any other accessories. No matter how much gear you have the Gold BJJ will always have room to carry more. The Gold duffel bags come in black or grey color.

Benefits

• A large storage capacity for multiple sports.
• Dedicated pockets for dirty gear.
• Lots of pockets.

My Take

I think the Gold BJJ duffel bag is one of the largest bags on this list in terms of storage capacity. It offers numerous pockets and compartments that can be used for different things. This is another great back for BJJ training.

Notorious Combat BJJ Backpack

The Notorious Combat BJJ bag is a great choice for a gear bag. It has three external pockets and three internal pockets as well as a pocket on the backpack shoulder straps for cash and cards. A unique feature that the Notorious Combat bag has is the thermal compartment that can be used to store a bottle or an ice pack. This bag has a 32-liter capacity that is more than sufficient for your MMA needs. Notorious Combat understands that your time is valuable that’s why their gear bag comes equipped with a laptop pocket so you can go to and from work directly from your training sessions. It also has separate compartments for your shoes and dirty martial arts gear.

Benefits

• Equipped with laptop pockets making it a good bag for busy people.
• Thermal compartment for storing bottles or ice packs.
• Back padding for comfort.

My Take

This is a great option if you’re looking for backpacks and with a 32-liter capacity that matches with some duffle bags out there you won’t ever be running out of space.

Meister Brawler Gym Duffel Bag

The Brawler Gym bag is a pretty big bag with around 40 liters of storage space. A unique feature of the Meister gear bag is the integrated zip-out wash bag that can be used to store all your dirty gear from training and directly transfer it into the washing machine. Pretty neat right? This bag again comes with a dedicated shoe compartment that is vented to ensure the shoe smells don’t creep into the main compartment. It also has many smaller compartments to store valuables or smaller accessories. This bag comes only in the black color

Benefits

• Removable wash bag provides convenient transfer of dirty clothes.
• Dedicated shoe compartment.
• A large storage capacity.

My Take

I think the Meister gym really makes a great case for itself with the removable washbag that you can use to store dirty gear, and with a shoe compartment and large 40-liter capacity, this really is a great training bag.

Sanabul Lab Series Mesh Duffel Gym Bag

The Sanabul Mesh Duffel bag has pockets for days with pockets dedicated to personal items and shoes. You won’t find a single side that’s missing pockets. This duffel bag comes with heavy-duty zippers and reinforced stitching to make sure this bag sticks along as you progress through belts. The Sanabul Duffel bag comes with an anti-slip grip pattern at the bottom so your bag doesn’t slip around as you’re taking items in and out. The main compartment of this bag can easily fit multiple pairs of boxing gloves and BJJ Gis. This bag is only available in black.

Benefits

• An anti-slip grip provides easy unloading and loading.
• Heavy-duty zippers and stitching for durability.
• A large number of pockets.

My Take

The Sanabul backpack is a great bag made from durable materials and although there is no official figure from the company on the storage capacity it’s big enough to fit multiple gloves and Gis.

Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Backpack

The Gold BJJ backpack is made by Jiu-Jitsu athletes that actually practice the sport and have expertise in contact sports. It comes with a pocket made from water-resistant material for your sweaty Gis or rash guards. This backpack has 25 Liter storage capacity. It comes with a zippered side pocket for your water bottle and a dedicated belt pocket to keep your BJJ belt in an easily accessible pocket. The bag also has a velvet-lined compartment inside to keep your valuables secure. As with all Gold BJJ products, this backpack is also backed by the Gold BJJ guarantee so you can return or replace the product no questions asked.

Benefits

• Gold BJJ guarantee for refunds and replacements.
• Dedicated belt pocket.
• Water bottle pocket.

My Take

The Gold BJJ backpack is for those users that are looking for the amazing quality of the Gold BJJ bags in the form of a backpack. This bag has a water bottle pocket and also a dedicated belt pocket making this bag a great choice for your BJJ training gear.

Hayabusa Ryoko Backpack

The Hayabusa Ryoko Backpack is a sleek and stylish backpack that is made of quality materials and made by a well-known brand within the MMA community. It comes with a dedicated pocket for your gloves or shoes. Like the Notorious Combat backpack, this bag also has a laptop pocket that is externally accessible for quick access to your laptop if you’re practicing MMA in between work. It also comes with a phone pocket with a headphone port so you can listen to music. The ventilation keeps your sweaty clothes and clean clothes dry. This bag only comes in one design which is a mix of grey and black colors.

Benefits

• Comfortable backpack straps.
• Laptop pockets for busy users
• Dedicated pocket for gloves or shoes.

My Take

The Hayabusa brand is a reputable brand that offers great quality. If you’re always busy with work but also want to train BJJ then this bag is great for you. With a laptop pocket, you can use this bag for training and for work.

Adidas Team Issue

The Adidas Team Issue duffel bag is a duffel bag that can be used for any sport. It comes with multiple pockets for all your training gear. The bag comes with a water-resistant base and ventilated side pockets for your dirty clothes or shoes so they stay separated from clean clothes and equipment. The bag comes with padded straps and a soft handle to ensure that it’s easy to carry. This bag comes in 10 different colors! Making sure there is a color for everyone.

Benefits

• Dedicated ventilated pockets for dirty clothes or shoes.
• Available in lots of colors.
• Water-resistant base.

My Take

This duffel bag offers great storage for any sport. Although not meant specifically for MMA or Jiu-Jitsu, this is still a great option from a reputable brand in sports.

Meister Mesh Duffel Bag

The Meister Duffel bag is one of the lightest gear bags on this list weighing just under a pound. It is super easy to carry and has pockets on each side. The bag itself is made of breathable chain mesh that is great for keeping all your equipment fresh. This bag comes in two different sizes but only one color.

Benefits

• Great ventilation for keeping clothes fresh.
• Available in two different sizes.
• Very light-weight.

My Take

This bag is a great option for people looking for a lightweight bag made from quality materials. I think doesn’t offer a lot of cool features but you really can’t beat a nice simple design.

Frequently Asked Question

How can I keep my BJJ bag fresh?

The best way to keep any sweaty gear fresh is to air it after every use. With items like shoulder bags, shoes, boxing gloves, and other gear, I’d recommend getting a coat hanger and hanging the items for a day or two. I have a designated stand-alone coat hanger with six prongs and it works just fine.

Can I use a regular duffle bag for BJJ?

Yes, of course, you can. There is no restriction when it comes to what type of bag or backpack you should use. A BJJ bag is designed with the BJJ training gear in mind. So, it is easier for BJJ athletes to access their items. BJJ bags have a wet gear compartment that can help you separate clean clothes and sweaty gear.

A BJJ bag will help you keep all your equipment in one place so it’s always packed and ready to go. It can be helpful in keeping your training gear fresh and separating dirty gear from your clean clothes can be a hassle sometimes. I’m sure we can all appreciate a sparing partner who smells fresh and doesn’t wear sweaty gear. In this guide, we recommend the 13 best BJJ gear bags available today. Consider factors such as size, compartment, durability, style, and price when choosing a BJJ bag. I highly recommend investing in a BJJ gym bag over a regular duffel bag.

What should I look for in a jiu-jitsu gear bag?

When choosing a BJJ bag, consider size, durability, compartments, ventilation, comfort, water resistance, accessibility, brand reputation, and price. Choose a bag that accommodates your gear and is made from durable materials. The BJJ bag should have organized compartments and should promote airflow. The bag must also offer comfort during transportation and must be water-resistant in case of rain. The last thing anyone wants is a soggy gi before training. The BJJ bag must allow easy access to small items such as mouthpieces and finger tape containers. I recommend going with a reputable brand like Hayabusa or Sanabul as long as it fits within your budget.

Should I choose a BJJ duffel bag or a BJJ backpack?

Choosing between an MMA duffel bag or a BJJ backpack depends on your personal needs. A duffel bag is great for ample storage and easy access, while a backpack is ideal for portability and organization. The size of your BJJ gear bag comes down to the amount of sweaty gear you will carry back home after practice. Simple rule, go with a duffel bag when size matters and a backpack when you want to be in and out quickly.

Conclusion

If you’re a regular BJJ practitioner and want a bag that caters more towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA, then it’s probably a good idea to consider a BJJ bag for your BJJ gear. They also help you keep your clean clothes separated from your sweaty clothes adding a level of organization to your kit that you will appreciate in the long run. Cheap bags only offer fewer compartments and pockets and are made from non-water-resistant fabrics or unbreathable material which leaves you with dirty training gear.

So if you’re interested in keeping your equipment organized and fresh consider choosing from our list of best BJJ gear bags and you will not be disappointed.

The simple answer is YES. It’s totally okay to be plant-based and practice BJJ. However, in this article, we will look at some benefits and some drawbacks of going meatless.

Meatless meat is prepared using a wide range of other products. The basic components are rice, black beans, pea, or soybeans.

Are you intrigued by the rising popularity of meatless meat options? These are meats plant-based and may be consumed for ethical and moral reasons. But, the main question is: Is meatless meat healthy?

Let’s find out!

In-depth Analysis

The benefits of consuming plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat are enormous, and it also shows your ethics and morals. Many people eat meatless meat due to sustainability and discourage industrial animal agriculture. Many also think about the environment, public health, and animal welfare. However, this article will talk about its health benefits.

It is interesting that various plant-based ‘meats’ don’t contain certain harmful nutrients for heart health, such as sodium and saturated fat. Moreover, countless research is available linking the consumption of red meat and processed foods with various cancers, including the breast and colon.

So next time you are at burger king ordering the impossible whopper or any plant-based burgers, you can feel better about the fact that you reduced the chances of cardiovascular disease in the future.

On the other hand, plants are the best source of fiber. Consuming a more plant-based diet helps in increasing your fiber consumption while getting more minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for health protection.

Moreover, meatless meats offer a similar texture and taste to the actual meat and work pretty well for individuals who want to avoid meat products.

Why do people swear by the health benefits of real meat?

I have been eating meatless burgers for about a year now, and I can assure you that the more plant-based food I consume, the more I can’t understand why people eat regular meat. Meat eaters today are out of shape and will vouch for the health benefits of animal meat. They will often make comments like veggie burgers are not real burgers or fake meat is bad for you. But who are we kidding most of these meat consumers are fatter than fed chicken.

Who would you rather listen to? A fit person who enjoys impossible burgers every day or a fat meat eater who loves processed food and has high blood pressure? Food science has made it possible to simulate that meaty taste and improve nutritional quality. So why shy away from eating less meat?

Up Sides About Going Meatless

Every time you pick meat substitutes at the grocery stores are immediately rewarded with a high amount of soy protein or its alternative pea protein and vital wheat gluten. When you choose to substitute red and processed meats or reduce meat consumption, you lower your risk of heart disease and take in roughly the same amount of nutrients. If you add supplementation to your diet, you come out on top.

Easy digestion

Plant-based proteins digest easily. So, you will not be farting all day as you do with heavy whey protein powders. Only in the last 15 to 20 years that animal protein has been prioritized over plant protein. As a child, my mom mostly fed us vegetables and forbade excessive amounts of sugar.

With the rise of social media and lobbyists in Washington D.C., meat and processed foods are now considered superfoods. Imagine these people working at the meat market. I bet they have no idea what kind of violence goes into that meat burger.

Healthy fats

Plant-based fats are unsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Some examples of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. It’s best to limit saturated and trans fats as much as possible and replace them with healthy unsaturated fats.

So, if you like chronic diseases and exercise animal cruelty at the expense of your health, all the power to you. As we all know, creatures that refuse to adapt to nature eventually go extinct.

Down Sides About Going Meatless

Even though meatless meats have several benefits, they also have a few downsides.

Meatless products are highly processed

For instance, many meatless meats, such as Impossible Burgers, are highly processed and may contain as much saturated fat and sodium as their meat counterparts.

Moreover, many processed types of meat also have several other ingredients that may be harmful to specific individuals, including added sugar, dextrose, refined oils, and modified cornstarch. To avoid such harmful ingredients, read the label before purchasing.

Just like anything in life, everything has a downside, and plant-based diets are the exception. Most plant-based diets depend on soy-based products. This makes it difficult for people who have severe allergies. Fortunately, there are other alternatives like pea, rice, or black-bean-based products.

I don’t know about you but I think these downsides are far less than eating a fatty burger with chemicals that our body can’t process. If athletes like Venus Williams and Carl Lewis can set multiple records by eating plant-based foods, there must be something good about it.

How To Live A Good Life While Consuming Meatless Meats?

Even though meatless meat options are relatively healthier than their meat counterparts, that doesn’t mean that you consume them without checking the labels.

• When shopping for meatless meats, check the nutrition labels and ingredients list. A few things that you can look for are:
• Foods that are nutrition dense, i.e. containing legumes, beans, grains, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
• Low sodium intake; consumption needs to be less than 2300 mg each day.
• The saturated fat content should contribute less than 10% of the total calories.
• Fortified foods contain added minerals and vitamins, including vitamin D or B12.
• Foods rich in protein support recommended protein intake for each day.

A Few Things To Avoid

It would help if you avoided certain things when shopping for meatless meats.

• Even though there is no strong evidence suggesting that artificial ingredients like additives or fillers are harmful, avoiding them can be good if you’re going for all-natural.
• Another ingredient you need to use in moderation is added sugar. However, added sugars may be mentioned as the names glucose, fructose, or maltose.
• You also need to avoid high-calorie foods, especially if you want to lose weight.

How can you switch to plant-based meat alternatives?

Switching to a plant-based diet can be easy and delicious. Here are a few tips that will help you get rid of that ground beef and get you to love that impossible burger.

1. Start small by adding meatless meat options into your diet gradually.

2. Experiment with different recipes to find dishes that you love.

3. Shop at local Farmers’ Markets or grow your own produce to get the freshest and most nutritious fruits and vegetables.

4. Incorporate meatless meat alternatives into your favorite meals, such as tacos, pasta, or burgers.

5. Find a supportive community of family and friends who can help encourage you on your journey to better health.

Summary

Here is what we’ve learned in a nutshell about meatless meat products.

1. They are low in saturated fat and cholesterol than regular meat.

2. They can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight if you follow dietary guidelines.

3. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

4. They are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

5. They may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

6. They are environmentally friendly.

7. They are humane, do not contribute to animal cruelty, and are tasty alternatives.

Conclusion

Many meatless types of meat offer vegan and vegetarian options for individuals who refuse to eat meat. This article explored if these meatless meats are healthy. Furthermore, this article explained the ingredients you should seek in meatless meats and the ones to avoid as consumers.

Plant-based proteins and packaged meat alternatives offer a sustainable red meat alternative that is healthy for your heart, body, and mind. You reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

Hopefully, this blog post has given you insights into the topic of healthy eating and will help you make the switch to plant-based alternatives or a veggie burger next time you are at a fast-food restaurant. I am not against meat but the way animal-based meat is produced today should belong in history books and not in our current society.

What do you think about plant-based meats? Would you substitute red meat for plant-based meat products? Is ‘beyond burger’ already a part of your diet? Let us know well would love to hear your thoughts on meat alternatives.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an incredibly technical and physical martial art. Many of us don’t think about the severity of common BJJ injuries. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most common injuries so you can avoid them and stay on track with your Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.

What are the most common Brazilin Jiu Jitsu injuries?

Let’s quickly take a look at the 11 most common BJJ injuries that can happen while you are on the mat. Although we refer to them as common,

Make no mistake, there is nothing common about BJJ injuries.

Always remember that your sole purpose is to prevent serious injury and prolong your training time on the mats.

Mouth injuries

BJJ is a contact sport and it’s not uncommon to see mouth injuries. Unfortunately, these can range from mild cuts and bruises to more serious dental issues. Most mouth injuries will happen when you are pulling guard. However, they can also happen when you are caught in a headlock or an accidental crash into a hard area of your opponent’s body.

Solution

To prevent this common BJJ injury, always make sure that you wear a mouth guard when training. The best one I found so far is made by Hayabusa. It’s the best $20 you’ll spend.

Hayabusa Adult Mouthguard

With its dual-density construction, provides the perfect cushioning base to shield you from any physical impact during martial arts training or competitions. Specially crafted for Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai athletes but can be used by anyone who participates in recreational or non-combat sports as well. 

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Knee injuries

Knee injuries are common among Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Such BJJ injuries happen when novice athletes go for leg locks or knee bars. The knee joint is particularly affected because of the amount of twisting, torquing, and pressure that is put on them. ACL tears, meniscus damage, sprained ligaments, and tendonitis, are common knee injuries caused by this gentle art. Knee injuries tend to last a very long time, trust me.

Solution

To avoid serious knee injury use proper technique and communicate with your partner during practice. Do plenty of strength and flexibility training with a focus on the legs to keep them healthy. You can also use the Shock doctor’s knee brace to prevent knee injury before it happens. It is one of the best knee braces for jiu-jitsu and will help you avoid knee pain before your end up in a knee brace.

Shock Doctor’s Knee Support Sleeve

The integrated gel inlays offer extra support and targeted compression, making your knees feel more comfortable while providing relief. This gives you lasting protection from a range of painful conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, patella alignment injuries, bursitis, and meniscus tears - all the way to preventing serious BJJ Knee injuries!

Get Shock Doctor's Knee Sleeve

Rib injuries

Rib injuries can occur from too much pressure or force applied to the wrong area. Ribs can easily be bruised, fractured, and sprained during BJJ training. The most common way to get rib injury is in the guard or during the low clinch. White belts generally will clinch or close their guard too hard as a natural reaction while practicing BJJ.

Solution

Prevention measures include avoiding contact with hard surfaces or objects and wearing proper compression gear or KT athletic tape around the weakest part of your ribs for extra support. Most importantly tell your novice partner not to apply too much force during the guard when rolling.

KT Tape Pro

KT Tape is known for significantly reducing tissue pressure. KT Tape PRO is the only sports tape with a synthetic performance fabric that maintains elasticity twice as long as cotton tape. It wicks moisture and can last for days. It's great for areas around the ribs, joints and shoulders.

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Skin infections

Skin infections are common in BJJ due to close contact with other people. Infections can be anything from mild rashes, fungal and bacterial infections, boils, impetigo, or herpes. Unfortunately, many BJJ practitioners have low hygiene standards and one cannot expect them to change overnight.

Solution

To prevent skin infections it is important to maintain good hygiene by showering before and after training and avoiding sharing mats and equipment with others when possible. Wearing protective gear like rash guards, shorts, and gis. It can be hard to tell your partner about their bad smell. However, you can politely avoid them.

Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard

Move freely and be amazed at Fusion, an ultra form-fitting rash guard specifically designed for Jiu-Jitsu. Its exceptional fabric shifts colors when you stretch it out to provide a stunning effect that's as pleasing to the eye as its soft, durable material feels on your skin. Plus, this one-of-a-kind garment also prevents mat burns and keeps you dry throughout your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

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Shoulder injuries

Shoulder injury occurs as the shoulder joint is often overused and abused. Common shoulder injuries include shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder dislocation. They will most likely happen when you practice the Kimura or the Americana armlocks. Especially, if you are over 35 years of age.

Solution

It is important to build up strong rotator cuff muscles, maintain good posture and flexibility, and use proper technique when rolling or executing techniques. You can try using iron-necks RX launch pad and resistance bands to train your shoulders.

Iron Neck RX Training Kit

The RX Training Kit is perfect for strengthening external and internal rotator cuffs. It comes with resistance bands in different weights and has a training bar that allows you to get all the gym exercises right from in front of your TV. The Launchpad is foldable and can be stored away easily. 

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Elbow injuries

Elbow injuries such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and UCL tears are common in BJJ due to the amount of pressure that is put on them when doing the arm bar or the elbow knot. One way I get around this is by not training the injured arm. Injuries sometimes are a blessing in disguise because they force you to be good on both sides. Some people get seriously hurt when trying to execute the flying arm bar. Which I think is unnecessary during training.

Solution

Ice or heat therapy can help alleviate elbow injury-related pain. I find that the iron-neck resistance bands work best because you can easily adjust the resistance while training. Shock Doctor’s elblow sleeve is also a great solution to this problem.

Shock Doctor's Elbow Sleeve

This is perfect for athletes needing a compression garment that not only contours their body but feels soft on their skin. The snug fit ensures optimal support while still allowing the user's movement to be unrestricted and comfortable. Crafted with a lightweight breathable knit fabric and even compression along all coverage areas, this garment guarantees comfort in any situation! If you are at the upper end of the size range we suggest choosing one size larger for added ease.

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Foot & ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are common in BJJ due to the amount of pressure that is put on them when doing takedowns, heel hooks, toe holds, and other common moves. Common foot and ankle injuries include sprained ligaments, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and broken bones.

Solution

If you are feeling tightness in any area of your foot and ankle best to tape and stretch. Wear supportive gear like ankle supports, do plenty of calf stretches, and do ankle rotations. Take adequate breaks between training sessions. I find that KT tape and Hayabusa ankle supports help a lot.

Hayabusa Ankle Supports

These chic ankle supports are the perfect balance between form and function. They'll keep your ankles warm and provide extra support to help you reach peak performance in any martial art activity. Get ready for an elevated level of comfort, stability, and strength!

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Finger injuries

Finger and hand injuries include sprained ligaments, jammed fingers, broken bones, and trigger fingers and these BJJ injuries are extremely painful. Hyperextension can often lead to painful moments during BJJ training.

Solution

Finger injuries have somewhat of an easy fix. Use finger tape when you feel discomfort settling in the fingers. However, avoid finger tape if your fingers are not injured.

Hamptons Jiu Jitsu Tape

Strains in your fingers and hands can cause pain that hinders movements. Get this jiu-jitsu tape for maximum compression that immobilizes fingers and prevents swelling while helping with faster recovery times. Not only is it effortless to apply but comfortable too. Plus it’s durable enough so there'll be no need for frequent replacements either!

Get Hampton Finger Tape

Wrist & hand injuries

Wrist and hand injuries are common BJJ injuries due to the amount of gripping and twisting that is required. Wrist locks also contribute to the common injuries list. Common wrist and hand injuries include sprained ligaments, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, wrist fractures, and broken bones.

Solution

Build up strength in the wrists with specific exercises. Wear wraps when rolling for support, and educate your partner about your injury and the affected area. To avoid further injury, apply heat and a cooling pad to the affected area. I prefer to use icy hot spray and then wrap the wrist with a supporter. Iron neck RX training set helps too to strenten your wrists.

Shock Doctor's Wrist Brace

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Neck & spine injuries

Neck injuries and spine injuries are common in BJJ because of chokeholds and spinal locks like ‘the twister’. Injuries include cervical spine fractures, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, whiplash, and even concussions from head bumps when executing takedowns.

Disc injury can happen when trying to escape the guard and standing up carrying the entire weight of your opponent. This happens far too often in training, and injuries are inevitable.

Finally, these BJJ injuries are not to be taken lightly, as they can cause seriously affect your nervous system, and you must seek medical care if you are in pain.

Solution

Practice drills to build up strength in the neck muscles and do plenty of stretching. If you incur a neck or spine injury, then physical therapy is usually the recommended course of treatment. I highly recommend the iron-neck training system to strengthen the neck and spine. I know I suffered from neck pains and now it’s a thing of the past.

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Hip & groin injuries

Hip and groin injuries include labrum tears, adductor strains, hamstring strains, hernias, and sciatica. You will, at some point, experience your training partner shoving his knee in your groin during a double-leg takedown. Usually, this person is a white belt.

You will also experience these BJJ injuries occurring if your hip mobility is limited. If you are a white belt with very little flexibility, you will strain your hamstrings and hip flexor muscles. Your partner will also get to knee you in the hip while passing your guard.

Solution

It is best to wear protective gear such as a groin cup or compression shorts. Work on your flexibility, especially in the hamstrings and hip flexors. Luckily I have not suffered severely from these common BJJ injuries and I want to keep it that way.

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How to avoid BJJ injuries?

Most injuries in BJJ can be avoided just by following simple steps. This will lead to fewer injuries occurring and help you stay consistent in your Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.

Warm-up & light stretching

The most common way to avoid injury for BJJ practitioners is to properly warm up and do light stretching before any training session. This will help get the blood flowing through your body, prepare you for physical activity, and reduce the risk of injury during training.

Do yoga

Doing yoga and stretching to keep muscles flexible, strong, and mobile. Use common sense and never attempt any moves beyond your physical capabilities. Yoga is a great way to minimize injury risk in a combat sport. Yoga is essential to reduce your chances of acquiring BJJ injuries.

Strength & conditioning training

Engaging in weight training and conditioning exercises will help prepare your body for the rigors of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Strength training will always help prevent BJJ injuries, particularly during a sparring session.

Tap early

Tap early, especially when you are a beginner. Keep your ego in check and give yourself the gift of fewer BJJ injuries.

Get adequate rest

Get adequate rest between training sessions to avoid common BJJ injuries. This will help to keep your body fresh and reduce the risk of injury during training. I would highly recommend taking a week off when suffering from an injury.

Listen to your body

Pay attention to what your body is telling you while practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and stop if something doesn’t feel right. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced practitioners if you need help.

Sparring partners

Ensure you always have a trusted partner when training BJJ, as they can help ensure safety while executing techniques. Avoid people that you cannot trust. There is nothing wrong with saying NO to people you are not comfortable training with. Perhaps this is one of the best and most understated ways of avoiding common BJJ injuries.

Invest in massages

Massages and foam rolling help reduce the risk of common BJJ injuries. Massages help improve muscle tissue elasticity, which makes muscles less prone to injury, while foam rolling targets trigger points that can cause tension, tightness, and pain. This will improve mobility and flexibility, helping you avoid most BJJ injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu bad for your body?

No, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not bad for your body if done correctly. Injuries can occur in any sport, but if you follow the tips outlined above and implement the necessary steps then you should be able to avoid most injuries associated with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, even as a white belt.

How long does the healing process take?

The healing process for common BJJ injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few days to several months for the injuries to heal. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and rest when needed to properly recover.

Are injuries inevitable in Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

No, injuries are not inevitable in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Wearing protective gear such as rash guards, groin cups or mouth guards will also help reduce the risk of injury. Listen to your body and tap early if something doesn’t feel right. This will help you stay safe and injury-free while training BJJ.

Are BJJ injuries worse than other martial arts?

No, common Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu injuries are not necessarily worse than common injuries in other martial arts. The best way to reduce the risk of injury is to properly warm up and prepare your body for physical activity before engaging in BJJ or any combat sport. Taking proper safety precautions like tapping out early will also help minimize the severity. You are more likely to get injured when training in Muay Thai or boxing.

What causes more injuries: training or BJJ competitions?

Both jiu-jitsu training and competition can lead to severe injuries or minor ones. However, the risk of injury is often higher during BJJ competitions due to the heightened intensity. The injury rate depends on how your practice and not how many times your practice. For injury prevention try to gradually increase the intensity of the training. As it is said,

“Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war.”

Sun Tzu

Conclusion

Injuries sustained by BJJ athletes are no joke. They can delay progress and demotivate novice athletes and advanced athletes alike. Although many injuries can happen when practicing any combat sport, injury prevention should be your top priority.

BJJ training can take a long time to heal. So be sure to consult a medical professional and take proper care if an injury occurs. Remember, BJJ is just as much about recovery as it is about attempting to strengthen oneself. I hope this article helps you prevent these common injuries and stay safe.