Why Gear Choices Matter for Grapplers and MMA Fighters
In the high-stakes world of grappling, BJJ, wrestling, and MMA, your equipment isn't just apparel—it's your second skin. Poor choices lead to distractions, discomfort, and even injury during rolls, spars, or fights. Many athletes overlook fundamentals, repeating errors that seasoned practitioners avoid. This guide breaks down the most frequent blunders with rash guards, fight shorts, gis, mouthguards, and beyond, offering straightforward solutions to elevate your game across MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and submission grappling.
Drawing from real fighter feedback and training hall observations, we'll dissect each mistake, explain the consequences, and provide actionable fixes. Whether you're a white belt building basics or a pro prepping for competition, getting this right saves time, money, and frustration.
Mistake 1: Prioritizing Style Over Functionality in Rash Guards
Rash guards are essential for no-gi grappling, BJJ drills, and MMA rounds—they wick sweat, prevent mat burns, and offer light compression. Yet, countless fighters grab the flashiest design without testing fit or fabric.
The Problem: A baggy or overly tight rash guard shifts during grips, chafes skin, or restricts breathing. In prolonged sessions, this causes rashes, overheating, or reduced mobility, pulling focus from technique.
Real-World Impact: Imagine escaping a deep half-guard only for your sleeve to bunch up, telegraphing your pass. Or sweating buckets in a non-breathable material during a humid gym night.
How to Fix It: Opt for short-sleeve or long-sleeve rash guards from trusted brands like Scramble, Venum, or Hayabusa. Prioritize spandex-poly blends (80/20 ratio ideal) for stretch and durability. Test by doing burpees or armbars—fabric should hug without binding. Sizes run snug; go true-to-size for compression benefits in wrestling or MMA clinches.
Pro Tip: Layer under fight shorts for combo protection in kickboxing or Muay Thai sparring. At Apollo MMA, explore collections built for grapplers.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Split Durability in Fight Shorts
Fight shorts (or Vale Tudo style) dominate MMA, no-gi BJJ, and wrestling for their freedom. But cheap splits tear mid-training, a nightmare when knee-riding or shooting takedowns.
The Problem: Low-quality polyester shorts with weak stitching fail under shear forces from guard passes or sprawls. Once split, you're exposed and sidelined.
Real-World Impact: A purple belt's shorts ripping during open mat halts flow, embarrasses, and risks hygiene issues on the mat.
How to Fix It: Choose shorts with reinforced split seams, like those from Scramble or Fairtex. Look for 8-10 oz fabric weight—light for speed, reinforced for grapples. Test durability: tug splits aggressively; they shouldn't yield. Pair with a rash guard for full coverage in extended MMA rounds.
Pro Tip: For wrestlers, select no-grip models to mimic singlet feel. Avoid cotton blends—they absorb sweat and sag.
Mistake 3: Sizing Gis Wrong for Your Body Type
The BJJ gi is sacred for traditional grappling, but mismatched sizes lead to sloppy grips, excessive drying time, and discomfort.
The Problem: Too loose gis balloon in windmills or flail in turtle escapes; too tight ones limit hip movement for bridges.
Real-World Impact: A stiff A2 gi on a stocky frame hampers de la Riva hooks, frustrating technique development.
How to Fix It: Measure chest, waist, and inseam precisely. Standard sizing: A1 (5'4"-5'7"), A2 (5'8"-6'0"), A3 (6'1"-6'4"), A4 (6'5"+). Pre-shrink by washing hot. Brands like Scramble, Tatami, or Fuji offer athlete-specific fits—pear-shaped? Go wider hips.
Pro Tip: For competition in IBJJF or ADCC rules, confirm weight classes match gi specs. Maintain with gentle cycles to preserve pearl weave (450-550 GSM optimal for durability vs. flexibility).
Mistake 4: Skimping on Mouthguard Fit and Boil-and-Bite Process
Mouthguards protect teeth and jaws in MMA strikes, BJJ chokes, or boxing combos. Generic drugstore ones slip, causing cuts or ineffective cushioning.
The Problem: Improper molding leads to gagging, speech issues, or ejection during takedown impacts.
Real-World Impact: A fighter bites through a soft guard in a guillotine, leading to dental bills and lost training weeks.
How to Fix It: Use dual-layer boil-and-bites from Shock Doctor or SISU. Boil 20-30 seconds at 180°F, bite firmly for 1 minute, tap teeth, then cold water. Trim excess for comfort. Dual-arch designs fit over braces.
Pro Tip: Replace every 6 months or post-major impacts. Essential for Muay Thai clinch knees or wrestling shots.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Spats for Leg Protection
Spats (compression leggings) prevent gi-burns on shins and enhance grip-fighting in no-gi.
The Problem: Baggy spats roll down in leg locks or scrambles, exposing skin.
Real-World Impact: Red, raw shins after heel hook drills sideline you.
How to Fix It: High-grip waistbands from Scramble or Rival. Nylon-spandex for breathability. Size by thigh/waist ratio.
Mistake 6: Neglecting Headgear for Sparring
Wrestling headgear or MMA headgear cuts cauliflower ear risk.
The Problem: Loose fits slip in sweat; cheap foam compresses flat.
How to Fix It: Gel-lined models from Cliff Keen or Matman. Adjustable straps for custom fit.
Mistake 7: Wrong Compression for Recovery
Post-training compression gear aids circulation but wrong tightness causes numbness.
How to Fix It: 15-25 mmHg rating from 2XU or McDavid. Calf sleeves for grapplers.
Mistake 8: Foam Finger Protectors That Fail
DIY tape fails; proper knuckle guards like Meiwing endure.
Additional Insights for Multi-Discipline Athletes
- MMA-Specific: Layer rash guard + shorts + spats for full grappling/striking versatility.
- Boxing/Kickboxing: Prioritize ventilated rash guards under trunks.
- Gym Maintenance: Wash gear post-use; air-dry gis.
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