|
Proper Equipment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Every sport has certain equipment a player needs to use in order to play safely and effectively. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is no different. It requires some standard equipment for the safety of both competitors, in practice and competition.
The most basic piece of equipment is the uniform, and in this case, it is the Gi. This is the official uniform worn by all participants in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The Gi has sleeves that sit about a fists’ length up the arm from the waist. Opponents score points by grabbing you, so your uniform must allow for that without much interference.
Uniforms should be clean and crisp at all times and re-purchased when torn or falling apart. You can save money on uniforms by buying darker-colored ones rather than white because it will not show discolorations or tears as easily.
In order to protect your body parts like hands and feet, you need to wear sparring gloves and feet protectors. These are easily found online or in a sporting goods store. You can get gloves in two forms: open and closed palm. Your instructor must check them before sparring with them and if you use them in competition, an official needs to analyze them to make sure they abide by standard regulation, which is at least ½ inch of soft/medium-density foam.
Jiu Jitsu equipment must never consist of any metal or plastic as that could cut, scrape, or injure another opponent. Although helmets are required for anyone under 16 years old, they are an optional added protection for anyone wanting to protect their eyes, ears, and forehead. Frontal attacks do happen, so this may be something to look into for yourself.
Mouth guards are appropriate for Jiu Jitsu as accidents do happen, in sparring as well as competition. Along the same lines, men can choose to wear a cap for the groin area to prevent any injury there.
Women should always wear a sports bra while practicing Jiu Jitsu, sparring or not. They can easily be worn under the Gi and protect women against accidental flashing if the Gi comes loose.
The heavy is another piece of equipment that can be used between sparring matches. It should weigh at least 100 pounds and be 6 feet tall. While waiting for your sparring turn, you can also take notes or video of what is happening in the ring. Video and notes are excellent ways to learn the craft quicker than simply watching it live.
Keeping your equipment clean, organized, and in decent working order will help you become the best fighter you can be. Although some things pieces are expensive, having the proper equipment is essential to performing your best in the ring and keeping your equipment nice will extend the life of each piece to save you money on it in the long run.
All of this equipment is only a part of becoming a decent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter, though. You must sacrifice time, effort, and energy to devote all that you need to be good. In competition, it is dedication that will out shine and opponent and it will all boil down to who wanted the win more.
|