If you're a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, you know that having a good mat is essential. Not only do they protect your body from injuries, but they also provide the right amount of traction and cushioning to help you move around quickly.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the things you need to look for when buying BJJ mats, as well as the benefits of having them in your home or academy.
Table of Contents
- What Are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mats?
- Different Types of BJJ Mats
- BJJ Mats Are Essential for Martial Artists
- Top Reasons Why You Need BJJ Gym Floor Mat
- Tips on Finding the Right Mat
- Steps on How to Care For Your BJJ Mats
- Conclusion
What Are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mats?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu or BJJ mats, also known as tatami or folding mats, are essential to any martial arts gym. They provide a safe place to practice takedowns and throws for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Not only do BJJ mats provide a cushion during training sessions, but they also protect gym floors from scratches and tears due to the intense activity found in gyms.
Different Types of BJJ Mats
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats come in various types, all with advantages and disadvantages. A durable mat is designed to last the wear and tear that comes with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu movements. Here are some of the different kinds of BJJ mats around:
- Folding mats are great if you're travelling or you don't want to use all the time. These can be quite costly and you require adequate storage.
- Smooth mats are great for doing partner drills.
- Puzzle mats offer more of a traditional training feel and a simple to install with the interlocking design.
- Tatami mats create a resistant surface but also have plenty of giving to reduce impact and protect joints.
- Roll-out mats are excellent for portability and taking to events and competitions but they require a lot of storage space.
One extra benefit of many BJJ mats is that they have special linking systems that allow you to connect multiple mats to create your custom mat size fit for any occasion. No matter what type of mat you use, finding something durable, comfortable and affordable is essential.
BJJ Mats Are Essential for Martial Artists
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) mats are one of the most critical equipment for martial artists. BJJ mats provide a safe and comfortable surface to practice, reducing the risk of potentially serious injury during high-impact movements.
Good quality mats come in various sizes, colours, and densities to accommodate specific activities or give an aesthetically pleasing look to a facility. While these items may seem like a luxury, they are a necessity for people involved in martial arts as they promote optimum safety standards and ensure practitioners get the best out of their training sessions.
Top Reasons Why You Need BJJ Gym Floor Mat
If you're thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, you'll need to invest in a good quality BJJ mat. So, we'll look at why you need a BJJ mat.
Whether you're just starting, or are an experienced BJJ practitioner, here are the top reasons why you need to invest in jiu-jitsu mats:
1. Help Prevent Injuries
If you're a martial arts enthusiast, you know safety is the first priority when practising martial arts. To ensure your martial arts training space provides the ultimate level of protection and shock absorption, folding BJJ mats are the way to go.
Not only do they provide extra cushion and anti-fatigue support, but they also help prevent any type of injury due to falls or hard contact. A bonus - they're ultra-durable and can be used repeatedly.
Investing in professional-grade MMA mats will allow martial art practitioners of all levels to focus on refining their martial arts skills without fearing injury looming overhead.
2) Provide a Comfortable Surface to Train On
Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) without smooth, resilient mats can be brutal on the body. Even for experienced athletes, protecting your knees and other vulnerable areas from the hard floor is essential when practising this powerful martial art form.
Investing in puzzle mats can help you achieve this goal – they are explicitly designed to handle heavy foot traffic, and their foam interior absorbs impact and shock more effectively than hard surfaces.
Not only will your BJJ mats provide a comfortable surface to train on, but they'll also reduce wear and tear on your legs and protect your knees so that you can concentrate more on improving your skills.
3. Used for Other Activities
Are you looking for durable mats that can stand up to the rigorous sparring of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Are you need extra large floor mats that can be used for other activities, such as yoga or stretching?
These durable tatami mats offer the following:
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Anti-fatigue cushion support allows for open space to practice various poses.
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Peace of mind knowing that your tatami mat is built from high-quality material and will last through many sessions and exercises.
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Hassle-free workouts without worrying about slipping or replacing your mat in a few months.
4. Help Keep Your Training Area Clean
With resilient foam interiors, BJJ mats provide a flat indoor surface ready to help keep your training area clean. The ribbed textured surface of a high-density EVA foam greatly absorbs the impact caused by doing falls safely and silently with all the sureness you need during grappling, throws or takedowns.
Not only is this beneficial to your safety during practice - but it also helps to contain sweat and other residues, making sure that any post-workout mess stays off the floor and out of sight until it's time for cleanup. In addition, this hassle-free containment keeps your training space looking orderly and inviting.
5. Used as a Place to Meditate or Relax
When it comes to creating a personalised fitness facility, it's crucial to think about the kind of matting you're going to use for your exercises. BJJ mats are the perfect option because they are incredibly durable and provide endless room-filling capacity. Not only can these mats be used for workouts and training, but they also make an excellent place to meditate or relax.
With an easy installation process and a tough surface that won't tear or rip easily, BJJ mats provide a comfortable way to make meditation and relaxation part of your routine.
Though many people purchase these mats strictly for exercise, having them in place provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and make time for yourself.
Tips on Finding the Right Mat
If you're looking to assemble a workout floor for your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice, BJJ mats come in various sizes and colours.
In choosing the right mat, here is what you need to consider:
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If strength training and practice punches are part of your routine, opt for a thicker mat. This will provide the best protection for you and your mat. The resilient foam interior ensures superior comfort and shock absorption even during high-impact moves.
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For heavier workouts, thicker mats are recommended for added durability and resilience. The core of these mats is usually made up of a resilient foam interior covered with vinyl material that allows for flexible joint movement during required practices.
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In addition to thickness, the foam interior is an essential factor when selecting a mat – it should provide enough cushion while remaining stable, so you don't slip or skid during takedowns and throws.
Keeping these few things in mind will guarantee you find the perfect mat for your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice.
Steps on How to Care For Your BJJ Mats
Whether you have an established BJJ academy or are just starting, it's important to know how to take care of your BJJ mats. Not only do they play a vital role in providing a safe and comfortable training environment, but they also represent a significant investment.
With proper care, your BJJ mats will last many years and continue providing a great place to train. Here are some steps on how to keep your BJJ mats in top condition:
Step 1: Clean
Cleaning Brazilian jiu-jitsu mats is essential for maintaining an ideal workout space. The best way to take care of your mats is by giving them a good scrub down after each session. Here is how you can do it:
- First, assemble the workout floor in a well-lit and open area.
- Then, use a clean cloth with hot soapy water or specialised mat cleaning products to scrub away the dirt and sweat from both sides of the mats.
Step 2: Disinfect
If your BJJ mat is not disinfected regularly, it could become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Keeping it clean is essential to maintain an indoor workout environment safe and healthy. Take note of these steps:
- Before you start disinfecting your BJJ mats, see what kind of flooring there is beneath. Is there a hard floor beneath, such as laminate or hardwood flooring?
- Then, use a gentle antibacterial solution specifically designed for gym mats and avoid using harsh chemicals since they can damage them. It can also damage the flooring below.
- Allow the mats to dry thoroughly before your next session, but if you're running low on time, you can quickly vacuum off excess moisture with a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
These simple steps will help ensure that your BJJ mat stays hygienic and sanitised all year round.
Step 3: Maintain
Maintaining commercial-grade gym martial arts mats is important in ensuring their durability and quality. After the initial cleaning and disinfection process, it is important to take some extra steps to make sure the mats are appropriately maintained in the future.
So, make sure to do these:
- Regularly checking for tears or damage is key, and any issues should be repaired immediately.
- Periodic spot cleaning should be done since dirt can cause mat damage.
Following these simple steps will help ensure that your commercial-grade gym martial arts mats last you a long time.
Conclusion
If you consider your existing space, the type and level of training you plan to do and choose the correct BJJ Mat accordingly, it will not only optimise your practice and performance but will save you time and money further down the line.
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The Many Uses of Foam Mats: MMA, Yoga & More
