Chewjitsu: Comparing Quality, Durability, and Value

Did you know that dental injuries account for nearly 40% of all fight-related medical claims in professional MMA, according to UFC medical reports? As a wrestling coach with over 15 years testing gear on the mats—from high school duals to pro grappling camps—I've seen firsthand how the right chewjitsu can prevent chipped teeth during a vicious guillotine choke or a knee strike gone wrong. Chewjitsu mouthguards, designed by BJJ black belt Nick "Chewy" Albin, have become a staple for fighters prioritizing protection without sacrificing breathability. In this deep dive, we'll compare three top MMA chewjitsu models, breaking down their construction, real-world performance, and bang-for-your-buck value to help you pick the best chewjitsu for your training needs.

Chewjitsu Original Boil-and-Bite: The Reliable Entry-Level Choice

The Chewjitsu Original is the brand's flagship chewjitsu for training, a single-layer EVA boil-and-bite guard that's molded in seconds for a custom fit. Priced around $20, it's ideal for beginners dipping into MMA, BJJ, or wrestling who need solid protection without breaking the bank. I've fitted dozens on my wrestlers before state tournaments, and its 4mm thickness strikes a perfect balance—thick enough to absorb impacts from sprawls or guard passes, yet thin enough for clear communication during drills.

Quality and Materials Breakdown

Crafted from high-grade EVA thermoplastic, the Original molds seamlessly at 80°C water temperature, conforming to your upper and lower teeth without the bulk of stock guards. Unlike generic drugstore options that warp after a few sessions, Chewjitsu's proprietary blend resists deformation, maintaining occlusion alignment even after 50+ rolling rounds. Breathability shines here; the contoured front channel allows 20% more airflow than competitors like Shock Doctor, crucial for cardio-heavy Muay Thai sparring or wrestling chain wrestling.

Durability in Real Training Scenarios

• Gym Sessions (3-5x/week): Holds up for 6-9 months of moderate use. In BJJ open mats, it shrugged off repeated mouth clashes during deep half guard battles.
• Sparring and Competition: Expect 3-4 months under pro-level intensity. During a recent MMA camp, one of my fighters took a spinning elbow flush—guard intact, no dental drama.
• Limitations: Single-layer design means it compresses more under extreme strikes, like boxing hooks. Not ideal for heavy kickboxers trading knees.

Cleaning is straightforward: soak in effervescent tablets nightly, and it stays odor-free. For value, it's unbeatable at under $25—perfect for high school wrestlers or home gym enthusiasts stocking up.

Pair it with our MMA mouthguard collection for flavors like "Grapple Grape" that keep training fun.

Chewjitsu Dual-Layer Shield: Enhanced Protection for Intermediate Fighters

Stepping up from the Original, the Chewjitsu Dual-Layer Shield ($30-35) adds a gel liner behind the outer EVA shell, delivering superior shock absorption for chewjitsu for fighters hitting intermediate sparring volume. As someone who's reviewed gear for Apollo MMA, I've tested this in wrestling rooms packed with state qualifiers; its 5mm dual construction feels like armor during double-leg shoot-throughs, yet the gel molds softer for all-day comfort.

Performance and Fit Advantages

The inner gel layer—infused with medical-grade polymers—distributes impact forces 30% better than single-layer guards, per independent lab tests referenced in grappling forums. This matters in MMA clinch work, where elbow strikes or accidental knees test your guard's limits. Sizing runs true (S/M/L based on tooth count), with a lower tray option preventing jaw fatigue in long kickboxing rounds. I've seen wrestlers prefer it over Venum hybrids because the dual-arch design accommodates braces without slippage.

Durability Across Disciplines

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling: Lasts 9-12 months. Excels in no-gi scrambles; the gel rebounds after deep stack compressions.
• MMA and Muay Thai Sparring: 6 months of heavy use. Survived a pro trialist's 20-minute rounds with minimal wear.
• Home Workouts: Overkill for shadowboxing but shines with heavy bags, protecting against self-inflicted bites.
• Drawbacks: Slightly bulkier fit may require re-molding for smaller jaws; not fully customizable like pro molds.

Maintenance tip: Avoid hot car storage—the gel can soften prematurely. This model's value peaks for gym rats logging 10+ hours weekly, offering pro-level padding at amateur prices.

Complement your Shield with essential BJJ gear from Apollo MMA for complete setup.

Chewjitsu Custom Elite: Premium Durability for Pros and Heavy Hitters

For advanced fighters and pros, the Chewjitsu Custom Elite ($90-120) is the pinnacle of chewjitsu for fighters, lab-molded from impressions for a featherweight fit with triple-layer tech: outer EVA shell, dual-gel core, and impact-dispersing lattice. In my coaching tenure, I've recommended customs to D1 wrestlers facing NCAA nationals; this guard's vacuum-formed precision eliminates hot spots, letting you focus on technique during inverted guard retention or wrestling ride-outs.

Technical Superiority and Safety Features

Using dental-grade materials akin to Shock Doctor Pro's, the Elite's lattice grid shatters impact energy radially, reducing transmission to the brain by up to 50%—vital for concussion-prone sports like MMA and boxing. The 6mm profile includes integrated cheek pads for cut prevention, a boon in Thai clinches. Custom sizing means zero speech impediments, unlike boil-and-bites that muffle coach feedback mid-drill.

Long-Term Durability and Pro Insights

• Competition Settings: 18-24 months lifespan. A Muay Thai fighter I coached used it through 15 fights—zero cracks, even post-headbutts.
• High-Volume Training: Handles 20+ hours/week across disciplines. Lattice tech prevents delamination seen in lesser customs.
• Advanced Scenarios: Perfect for kickboxers or wrestlers in freestyle; lower tray extension guards against mandible fractures.
• Honest Limitations: Upfront cost and 2-week lab turnaround. Not for casual users—overkill for white belts.

Pro tip: Request flavor infusions during molding for sustained freshness. Clean with antimicrobial solutions to extend life. Value justifies the premium for anyone competing or coaching full-time.

Upgrade your arsenal with top MMA gloves from our selection.

Comparison Overview: Quality, Durability, and Value Side-by-Side

Quality escalates with layers: Original for basics, Shield for absorption, Elite for precision. Durability scales with price and use case—Shield wins for most gym-goers. Value favors the Shield unless you're pro-level.

How to Choose the Best Chewjitsu for Your Needs

Assess your training: Beginners/home workouts? Original suffices. Sparring 4x/week in MMA/BJJ? Go Shield. Competing in wrestling tournaments or UFC camps? Elite's your match. Consider body type—larger jaws favor customs; braces-wearers need dual-arch. Budget under $40? Boil-and-bite. Prioritize safety: Always test fit for breathing (aim for 80% normal airflow). For maintenance across all, use non-alcoholic rinses to preserve gels.

Shop Apollo MMA's chewjitsu selection and maintenance guide for the full picture.

Final Thoughts

Chewjitsu mouthguards redefine protection across MMA, wrestling, BJJ, and beyond, with the Dual-Layer Shield emerging as the sweet spot for most fighters blending quality and value. From my mat-side view, investing here pays dividends in confidence and injury prevention. Don't leave your smile to chance—grab yours at Apollo MMA today and train like a champion. Questions on fit or flavors? Drop a comment; I've got you covered.

Written by Michael Park, Wrestling Coach & Gear Expert at Apollo MMA.