What Is a Rash Guard BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become an extremely popular form of Martial Arts. The dynamic combat system incorporates a series of transitional components, control positions, and highly advanced submission maneuvers. Nowadays the art of BJJ has kind of split into two different forms of the sport. The traditional Gi version of BJJ is one of the more solid versions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where many high level athletes compete in IBJJF tournaments like the European Championships, the Pan American Championships, and the World Championships. The second version which has almost become a different sport is the No Gi brand, which has seen many athletes switch over to this submission grappling style of Martial Art. 

What this article covers:

• No Gi Submission Grappling vs Gi Bjj
• What Is a BJJ Rash Guard
• Why Do Students Need to Wear Rash Guards
• Some of the Most Popular High Quality BJJ Rash Guards
• The Most Affordable Quality Rash Guards
• The Most Creative BJJ Rash Guards

In the modern era there are many high level athletes like Andre Galvao, Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, Vagna Rocha, and Felipe Penna, who are showcasing their skills in No Gi across competitions like the ADCC, Who's Number One, and Fight 2 Win. No Gi Jiu Jitsu combines elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Wrestling into one formidable style of submission grappling. In No Gi, the bjj attire that athletes will wear is a rash guard, and a pair of shorts, as they are forbidden from grabbing onto the material. No Gi Jiu Jitsu fighters must rely upon wrist grips, neckties, over hooks, under hooks, and more wrestling control, as opposed to gripping onto the material on a Gi.

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NO GI SUBMISSION GRAPPLING VS GI BJJ

There has been a long time debate over which discipline is better for BJJ, the Gi or No Gi. There are many factors to consider when looking at the differences between both styles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Gi is highly traditional, and remains as the number one version of BJJ due to the high calibre of professional practitioners in competition. There are distinctive differences between Gi and No Gi, as the Gi uses a large amount of grip fighting. In comparison No Gi does not allow gripping onto the clothing of any sought, instead athletes must rely on securing wrist grips, neckties, or using their forearms to secure under hooks, or over hooks. No Gi also allows most submission maneuvers, as submissions like heel hooks, toeholds, calf slicers, bicep slicers, neck cracks, and twisters are all illegal maneuvers in the Gi version of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The Gi is highly traditional, and athletes must learn how to wear a bjj gi with honour, as there is very little room for change on the international scale of the sport. No Gi on the other hand, has a much broader scope in terms of innovation within its own discipline. This can be seen in the culmination of different events like the ADCC, and all of its points system changes. This is also apparent in competitions like Subversiv, and Combat Jiu Jitsu, which have different rule sets to accommodate the modern grappler, with even the addition of palm strikes in some competitions. No Gi Jiu Jitsu has become synonymous with high end grappling, as many Gi fighters are switching over to the less traditional brand of submission grappling. Proven Gi champions like Pedro Marinho, Paulo Miyao, Nicholas Meregali, and Mica Galvao are having success on the world No Gi scene of grappling.

WHAT IS A BJJ RASH GUARD

A BJJ rash guard is a popular piece of sports clothing known to fit extremely tightly around an athlete's body. Rash guards are generally made from spandex, polyester, lycra, or a combination of all of these. Rash guards can be short, or long sleeved, and are generally chosen by each individual due to their comfort levels. There is a difference between a rash guard, and a compression shirt, as rash guards are usually reinforced, and stitched together by a flat lock stitching pattern. This means that the rash guard has more freedom then a compression shirt, which is stiffer, and more of a hindrance to the wearer. The rash guard is a much more durable piece of sports clothing, as it is able to withstand wear and tear during the heat of battle. Students will often wonder what size rash guard should I get bjj, as there is a performance difference between a tightly fitted rash guard, and one that is loose. A rash guard is proven, and tested to help an athlete be free from rubbing, or chafing. The rash guard will also mop up a lot of sweat, as this can be a key component in keeping an athlete safe from spreading harmful bacteria.

WHY DO STUDENTS NEED TO WEAR RASH GUARDS

The use of a rash guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is extremely important, especially now that academy's know the risks associated when a student does not wear one. Wearing a rash guard, even under a Gi is crucial in reducing the risk of contracting infections like ringworm, and staph. Students can opt to wear a short sleeve, or a long sleeve rash guard, but the long sleeve brand is much more effective at protecting a student's skin from any type of harmful bacteria, which can gather around the BJJ mats, or be embedded in other students' Gi's, belts, or skin. Even though most gyms are extremely clean, and their coaching staff will comprehensively disinfect their mats, and wash their equipment, the risk of infections is still very real. Traditionally Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grapplers used to train bare chested, as this can be a breeding ground for infections to spread. You can just imagine a bare chested grappler receiving a scratch, or a cut of some sort, and the amount of bacteria that could possibly infect the grappler is quite substantial. This is why it is extremely important that all students wear rash guards to prevent any type of infections from incurring.

When students train wearing a Gi they may feel like they are protected from unwanted, and nasty infections. The key to staying more protected is to learn how to wash a jiu jitsu gi, so their risk of spreading infections are slim. Athletes that wear the Gi with no rash guard underneath, may think they are protected, but it is extremely important to take even further precautions. It may be a smart move to wear a rash guard underneath a student's Gi. To put this in perspective a bare chested athlete that has a Gi jacket on, can still receive rashes, or scrapes, and in turn their sweat may cause a significant infection. No Gi Jiu Jitsu fighters commonly train in long sleeve rash guards, long leg compression pants, with shorts over the top, and this is a great way to put in a layer of defense against any unwanted infections. Another important aspect about wearing a rash guard especially underneath a Gi, is just how much sweat the rash guard will mop up. You can imagine a grappler wearing no rash guard, and the amount of sweat that will be held inside the Gi is astronomical. This is why it is important to wear a rash guard underneath a Gi uniform, so that it will limit the transfer of any unwanted bacteria inside the sweat of other students, and their Gi's.

BJJ will create a lot of friction during a roll, as training partners will often leave their academy covered in scrapes, rashes, and bruises. It is an essential part of Jiu Jitsu to have constant friction between opponents, as this is the only way to stay connected, while transitioning into more advantageous positions. Wearing a rash guard, and compression pants will help a student's muscles stay preserved. Keeping a compression of the muscles could be the catalyst for keeping a student on the mats, and training for longer. Wearing any form of compression clothing will no doubt help students recover quicker from any injuries they may receive during training. This point is proven tenfold by wearing compression knee braces, as they too will help the recovery of the knee.

SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR HIGH QUALITY BJJ RASH GUARDS

The Hayabusa Geo is one of the more smooth looking rash guards, as it has come with the usual high standard that Hayabusa brings to the table. This rash guard comes in short sleeve, or long sleeve, and has an option of three different colours including blue, grey and red. Included in the Geo rashguard is a silicone waistband, which is specifically designed to stop the garment from riding up during training sessions. The flatlock stitching has been added for extra durability, as well as the four way stretch fabric, which will give the wearer a higher elevation of comfort. 

Hayabusa also make Super Hero long sleeve rash guards, as every Marvel fan can now represent their favourite heroes, or villans. Characters like the Punisher, Captain America, Black Panther, and Ironman are available in 5 different size options. These rash guards are constructed for an enhanced performance, as the flatlock stitching is designed for extra comfort. The graphics are sublimated, meaning there will be no cracking, or fading. The other factor is these Super Hero rash guards are UP SPV protection rated, meaning not only can they be used for grappling, but they double as a great swim shirt.

Another high quality rash guard is the Scramble Tactic Rash Guard, as it has a simplistic design that features a camo finish. Along with the Scramble logos, this rash guard has elegance, and performance built into the brand. The short sleeve rash guard is made from 80% polyester and 20% elastane, which is lycra. The Scramble brand has become synonymous with high level No Gi grappling, as many professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters are sporting this highly durable, and comfortable garment as it offers a supreme fit to all athletes.

THE MOST AFFORDABLE QUALITY RASH GUARDS 

The brand Sanabul have brought out their Essentials Rash Guard, which has a simplistic, and stylish new design. The essential comes in IBJJF legal ranked coloured sleeves for the avid BJJ competitor. There are many features like the mesh fabric under the armpit areas, as this is designed to improve the body's cooling system. The material is made from four way stretch, which makes this rash guard one of the most comfortable on the market. This rash guard also offers a SPF 50 rating, meaning it can be worn outside, and will protect the wearer from the sun. This rash guard is great quality, with a comfortable fit at an extremely affordable price, making this garment a popular choice among the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.

The Elite Standard Long Sleeve Rash Guard is another really affordable rash guard, with its simplistic design for the more subtle of grapplers. The rash guard has rank colored sleeves, which makes it another IBJJF legally ranked rash guard. Elite, like many other leading brands, uses flatlock stitching for extra comfort, and durability. The rash guards all come treated, which makes them antimicrobial, and antifungal, which is a massive help for protecting athletes from skin infections they may pick up from the mats. All of Elite's rash guards have bands along the bottom of the garment, which stops the rash guard from riding up. The sublimated logos are exuberant, and will not fade, or crack, as the large range of sizes come at an extremely affordable price.

THE MOST CREATIVE BJJ RASH GUARDS

Raven Fightwear is an Australian company that designs a highly creative, and quality range of Gi's, and rash guards. Their Nordic themed rash guards are IBJJF approved, and have an extremely stylish look that appeals to many competitors. Their rash guards come in all rank colors, and are made from the best four way stretch material, so it can offer their customers a durable rash guard that is number one for comfort. It also has a rubber band along the waist, which will halt any ride ups during training sessions. The reinforced flatlock stitching is another quality finish, along with its sublimated images that ooze appeal. Raven have a bold image scheme, as they delve into Nordic Gods, and mythical beasts like the Kraken.

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Tatami are another brand of rash guards that are highly unique, with their main artwork being a gorilla playing chess. This highly creative graphic has become extremely popular, and is synonymous with the Tatami brand. The sublimated images make sure that rash guards won't crack, peel, or fade. This one of a kind rash guard is symbolic with what the spirit of Jiu Jitsu is all about, as the reference to a powerful athlete playing chess is BJJ all the way. Tatami has had many positive reviews about their unique style of rash guards, as not only are they stylish, but they are durable and extremely comfortable. 

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