All You Need To Know About Jiu-Jitsu Mats

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact grappling martial art that requires a lot of groundwork. So, it’s important to have a premium quality surface to roll and spar, you can have it with high-quality mats of recommended length, material, and thickness.

Choosing BJJ mats of perfect dimension and size is a prerequisite necessity in this highly competitive world of BJJ. However, we will explore the ideal size and dimensions for BJJ mats for drilling, sparring, rolling, and training at the gym or at home. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of cleaning BJJ mats and their role in your training regime. Keep reading to discover how large should Jiu-Jitsu mats be. What will be recommended dimensions and thickness of BJJ mats and much more.

Jiu-Jitsu mats are a must-have equipment for BJJ enthusiasts during their drilling/rolling and training sessions. Mats provide practitioners with a comfortable and safe surface to practice and hone their skills.

BJJ practitioners require mats not only to protect themselves against possible injuries but also for the proper cushioning and smooth transition of movements. However, the role of BJJ mats doesn’t end here. They also safeguard gym floors from scratches and wear and tear during vigorous drilling sessions. So, if you are wondering why BJJ mats have so much importance, the precise answer is:  it's a fundamental investment for the safety and durability of your training space.

BJJ mats, also known as folding mats or tatami, are mainly composed of foam-like fabric. They are made from high-density EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam, which offers several benefits to BJJ enthusiasts. EVA is ideal for subtle movements as it minimizes the risk of knee and elbow injuries during training.

Additionally, EVA foam work as anti-fatigue, meaning it can enhance performance on the mat by providing a cushioned and comfortable surface for training.

BJJ mat’s surface should have the following features:

• Must be Anti-Skidding
• Have Maneuverability
• Should be Waterproof
• Must have Appropriate Thickness

It’s mandatory for BJJ practitioners to have high-quality mats of recommended size and dimensions. BJJ mats come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and densities to match your specific training requirements. However, to choose the mat parallel to your training requirements, size, it’s necessary to know the types of BJJ mats. So these are different types of Jiu-Jitsu mats that can take your grappling game to the next level.

Roll-out mats are commonly made of cross-linked polyethylene foam, having a smooth surface that effectively safeguards against head injuries and body stress. Furthermore, roll-out mats are designed to be effortlessly rolled up after training sessions, providing ease to BJJ practitioners.

However, roll-out mats are not only suitable for wrestling and BJJ but also have a key role in providing an ideal surface for other martial arts training such as Judo and Sambo. Their high-quality composition and reliable durability made them an excellent choice for practitioners of various interests seeking a safe and effective training environment.

• Size Ranges: 6x12 feet
• Thickness: 1 to 1.25
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Easy to install
• Heavier than folding and puzzle mats
• Having high density
• Affordable

Jigsaw or puzzle mats have been popular since the inception of the grappling sport. They are mainly square-shaped and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They feature a unique wavy pattern that resembles the pearl weave Gis. In addition, the primary function of these mats is to provide excellent cushioning and support during training, which is crucial for rigorous rolling sessions.

• Size Range: 2x2 feet
• Thickness: 1-1.5 inches
• Durable
• Non-Toxic
• Flexible and Soft
• Waterproof
• Easy to Clean
• Made from EVA foam
• Portable and Lightweight
• Comfortable

Folding mats would be an ideal choice for grapplers with limited space in their gyms or homes, These mats are typically composed of EPE foam, having shock proofing capabilities and have an anti-slippery surface. It provides reliable grip and stability to BJJ enthusiasts during intense training sessions.

Their foldable designs help in their easy storage and portability, making them a practical choice for those seeking a versatile training space.

• Size Ranges: 4x6 feet (Width), 6x12 feet (Length)
• Thickness: 1-1.25 inches
• Easy to set up
• Easy to install
• Flexible
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Comfortable
• EPE foam is Environmentally Friendly and can be Recycled

In fact all BJJ mats are designed with a special interlocking feature that allows grapplers to easily join multiple mats together to create a customized size for their specific needs. So, just pick up the BJJ mats of your required length and start drilling. 

IBJJF has set rules and regulations for participating in national and international tournaments. It’s mandatory for the grapplers to be familiar with the rules prior to enrolling in any tournament. This not only helps to prevent any unexpected situation but also boosts their confidence level.

The IBJJF recommends a mat size of 20 x 20 feet for competitions and specifies that the mat can be shaped in a square, rectangle, triangle, circular, or octagonal shape. Adherence to the recommended guidelines by IBJJF is essential for a smooth and fair competitive journey.

These tips should be considered while choosing the best pick. Here are some quick tips that will surely help you out.

One of the most important factors to be considered would be the mat’s material. Pick a mat that forms high-density foam like EPE and EVA, providing excellent durability. The mats are made from high-density EPE having the best force absorption qualities.

The second thing to be considered is the length of Jiu-Jitsu mats. As BJJ mats come in a variety of size ranges. However, you must select the size of your Jiu-Jitsu mat proportional to the space available for training.

The thickness of BJJ mats is crucial for the safety of practitioners, providing them with proper support and shock absorption. While choosing BJJ mats, must pick up 1 to 1.5 inches thick mats.

It’s recommended to look for mats having anti-skidding properties. This will help the practitioners and prevent them from slipping and sliding during training.

By considering these tips, you’ll surely be able to add effective, durable BJJ mats to your training arsenal.

To safeguard the well-being and health of BJJ athletes, maintaining the proper care and maintenance of training space is mandatory. Proper care and cleanliness can help in preventing and spreading germs and diseases.
To ensure safety and provide a healthy training environment, the following preventive measures should be taken.

• Regular cleaning of mats to eliminate the attack of harmful germs.
• Use chemical disinfectants and regularly sanitize the mats.
• Vacuum cleaning of BJJ mat for deep cleaning of pores, like puzzle BJJ mats is highly recommended.

This step-by-step guide will help to properly clean your grappling mats. 

To begin cleaning BJJ mats, first, you need a broom with soft bristles or a dry mop to remove any dust and debris, hairs, or any hard materials from the surface of the mat. This is the most crucial step of cleaning before moving to wet mopping.

After sweeping or dry mopping, it’s time to remove the remaining dust, loose substance, and stains on the grappling mats. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner with effective suction power to keep the BJJ mats free from harmful substances.

In the last step, you have to sanitize and disinfect BJJ mats. However, it’s recommended to use commercially available cleaners that are reliable and safe. Furthermore, Be sure to follow the instructions on the product leaflet for proper dilution and use the appropriate amount for effective disinfecting agents.

For cleaning the home BJJ mats, you should use spray bottles for sanitation or to apply disinfectants. However, for the sanitization of gym mats, a canister having nozzle spray would be a time-saving option.

BJJ practitioners should avoid following mistakes while washing their grappling mats.

• Avoid the use of bleach while cleaning BJJ mats. Although bleaching has an effective role in eliminating germs, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bad odors. However, immoderate use can cause respiratory problems.
• Using disinfectants having HOCl (Hypochlorous Acid) can pose serious health risks as they may linger on the mats and get absorbed into the skin. These chemicals can cause burns and irritation during practice on the mat. However, it's essential to use EPA-approved disinfectants for cleaning.
• You can also get satisfying results by using organic cleaners like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Always keep an eye on the condition of your grappling mats. Because using old, worn-out mats with cracks and slits can harbor bacteria and germs, even after cleaning.

The official tournaments organized by IBJJF require mats having a thickness of 1.5 inches including puzzle and Zebra’s Grappling mats. 

The best thickness of a BJJ mat is considered one that provides proper cushioning while intensive grappling techniques. However, 1.25 to 2 inches thick mats are considered the best ones. 

The practitioners training at home can choose BJJ mats according to their preference, available space, and affordability. However, the recommended size for a BJJ home mat is 10 x 10 which would allow the practitioners to perform basic rolling.

The minimum size of BJJ mats available in the market is 10 x10 feet which would be suitable for home-based BJJ training.

Selecting the BJJ mats of the right size and length can make all the difference in your practice. There are a number of factors that you should consider while choosing the right pick including affordability, available space, storage quality, and thickness of the BJJ mat. 

However, after choosing BJJ mats, remember that proper care and maintenance are crucial for their longevity. So, invest wisely at the right place while taking care of your comfort, you'll be on your way to mastering the grappling techniques in the comfort of your own home.