The ultimate guide to grappling gear

Grappling is a combat sport that combines technique, control and perseverance. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced fighter, the right gear makes a world of difference. It protects you from injury, increases your comfort and ensures that you can perform optimally. But what exactly do you need? In this guide, we will take you through all the essential items for your grappling gear.

Clothing: The basics of every grappler

A rash guard is more than just a sports shirt. It is designed to protect your skin from abrasions and bacteria that can occur on the mat. In addition, the compression of a rash guard helps keep your muscles warm, which can help prevent injuries. Whether you train in a gi or no-gi, a rash guard is a must-have.

Grappling requires flexibility and freedom of movement. Spats , or tight compression shorts, help keep your muscles warm and provide extra protection against skin infections. Fightshorts are specially designed for combat sports and have no pockets or hard zippers that can get caught during a scramble. The combination of a rashguard with spats or fightshorts provides the ultimate training experience.

Protection: Prevent injuries, stay on the mat longer

A mouthguard may seem like a small detail, but it is one of the most important pieces of protection for grapplers. During an intense roll or an explosive sweep, an unintended elbow or knee can hit your teeth. A good mouthguard prevents damage and injuries.

Grappling is a war of wear and tear on your joints. Knee and elbow pads provide extra cushioning and support, especially during techniques that put a lot of pressure on these joints. For many grapplers, these tools are indispensable, especially during longer training sessions or recovery periods after an injury.

Grip and control: The difference between winning and losing

Although gloves are not always necessary in traditional grappling , they can be useful in specific training formats or in MMA -related grappling. They protect your knuckles and prevent abrasions, without reducing your grip on your opponent.

Many grapplers use sports tape to give their fingers and wrists extra support. This helps prevent injuries from overuse and provides extra stability when grappling your opponent. Gi grapplers in particular , who use grip-based techniques a lot, swear by finger and wrist tape as a permanent part of their equipment.

Hygiene: The invisible but crucial factor

Grappling is an intense sport where you will sweat a lot. A quick-drying towel is not only useful for drying yourself, but also helps keep mats clean and reduces bacteria. Good hygiene contributes to a safe and pleasant training environment.

Ringworm, staph and other skin infections are common problems in grappling. A good disinfectant spray for your equipment and antibacterial soap for yourself can prevent a lot of trouble. A true grappler takes good care of his technique as well as his health.

Bags & accessories: Keeping everything organized

With all this gear, you want a bag that can carry everything easily and clearly. A good sports bag has separate compartments for wet clothes and your clean stuff, so you can keep everything neatly separated. Airy mesh pockets are a plus, so your gear can ventilate well.

During an intense grappling session, you lose a lot of fluid. A sturdy water bottle is not an unnecessary luxury, but a necessity. Choose a bottle that is large enough to get you through the entire training, without having to walk to the tap every time.

The right gear for your grappling goals

The perfect grappling gear depends on your training style and goals. Do you want to compete in tournaments? Then you should pay attention to the dress code and bring extra protection. Do you train mainly recreationally? Then you want comfort and durability. Whatever your level or goal, investing in good gear ensures that you can continue training injury-free and with pleasure.

At Fightstyle we have everything you need to perform optimally on the mat. Looking to upgrade your grappling gear? Check out our extensive range and train with the best gear!

What gear can't you live without during grappling? Let us know in the comments!