Jiu Jitsu Journal: Comparing Quality, Durability, and Value

Have you ever stepped off the mats after a grueling BJJ session feeling like you nailed that armbar escape, only to forget the details by next class? Tracking your progress isn't just smart—it's essential for fighters at any level, from white belts drilling basics in a home gym to black belts prepping for IBJJF Worlds. That's where a quality jiu jitsu journal comes in, and as David Thompson, with over 20 years testing combat sports gear from boxing gloves to Muay Thai pads, I've seen firsthand how the right logbook elevates training across MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling.

In this deep dive, we'll compare three standout options available at Apollo MMA: the Hayabusa Performance Jiu Jitsu Journal, the Tatami Fightwear Roll Log, and the Venum Fighter's Training Notebook. We'll break down their construction, real-world durability during sweaty sparring sessions, and bang-for-buck value. Whether you're hunting for the best jiu jitsu journal to log technique reps or an MMA jiu jitsu journal that handles cross-training notes, this guide arms you with pro-level insights to choose wisely.

Hayabusa Performance Jiu Jitsu Journal: Premium Build for Serious Grapplers

Hayabusa sets the bar high with their Performance Jiu Jitsu Journal, designed specifically for grapplers who demand precision in every detail—just like their world-class MMA gloves. This journal features 120gsm acid-free paper that's fountain-pen friendly, resisting bleed-through even when you're jotting down armbar setups with a heavy hand after open mat. The cover is a durable synthetic leather with a matte finish, embossed with subtle Hayabusa branding that screams pro without being flashy.

In my testing—carried in gym bags alongside heavy bags and focus mitts for months—this journal held up remarkably. The lay-flat spiral binding doesn't warp under sweat or gym humidity, a common killer for cheaper notebooks. Pages are pre-structured with sections for date, opponent/style (perfect for competition breakdowns), technique drilled, reps/sets, and notes on grips or weight distribution. For intermediate to advanced BJJ practitioners or MMA fighters logging wrestling takedown defenses, it's gold.

Quality Highlights

• Thick 120gsm paper prevents ghosting, ideal for colored pens or highlighters during post-training reviews.
• Elastic closure and inner pocket for storing receipts from gear like hand wraps or rash guards.
• Compact 6x9-inch size slips easily into a duffel for travel to seminars or camps.

Durability shines in high-use scenarios: after 50+ sessions tracked (including some spilled water from a hydration bottle), zero page curling or cover peeling. At around $25, it's pricier, but the value justifies it for pros—think UFC grapplers like Charles Oliveira who swear by structured logging for pattern recognition.

Tatami Fightwear Roll Log: Affordable Grit for Everyday Rollers

If you're a beginner or intermediate fighter building habits on a budget, the Tatami Fightwear Roll Log is your go-to jiu jitsu journal for training. Tatami, renowned for buttery-soft BJJ gis that dominate UK scenes, brings that same no-nonsense ethos to this 200-page beast. The soft-touch polyurethane cover withstands the chaos of commercial gym lockers, and the 80gsm paper handles ballpoint pens flawlessly without feathering—crucial when scribbling guard passes mid-adrenaline dump.

I've tossed this in with shin guards and shorts for kickboxing-BJJ crossover sessions, and it endured. The perfect-bound spine flexes without cracking after repeated openings, though it's not as lay-flat as spirals. Structured templates cover warm-ups, live rolls (with partner notes and tap-out reasons), cardio metrics, and recovery tips—tailored for wrestlers transitioning to no-gi MMA or Muay Thai clinch work.

Durability in Action

• Rip-resistant cover shrugs off mat scrapes and backpack zippers.
• Perforated pages for easy tear-out and sharing drills with training partners.
• Rounded corners reduce wear in cramped home gym setups.

Value king at $15-18, it punches above its weight for hobbyists grinding 4-5 classes weekly. Limitations? Thinner paper means avoiding wet-erase markers, and it lacks an index—fine for linear training logs but less ideal for long-term trend spotting in pros.

Venum Fighter's Training Notebook: Versatile Powerhouse for MMA Hybrids

Venum's Fighter's Training Notebook bridges BJJ purists and MMA all-rounders, earning its spot as a top jiu jitsu journal for fighters. With a rugged neoprene-reinforced cover mimicking their iconic fight shorts, it laughs off sweat, chalk dust, and the occasional gi rip. Inside, 100gsm recycled paper offers a smooth write with minimal bleed, supporting everything from pencil sketches of triangle setups to typed inserts via app syncing prompts.

From my coaching days transitioning boxers to grappling, this journal's flexibility stood out during hybrid camps. The wire-o binding lays completely flat for left-page diagramming (vital for berimbolo entries), and expandable pockets hold photos or mouthguard maintenance logs. Sections include strength metrics, nutrition quick-notes, and injury trackers—perfect for Kickboxing fighters adding ground game or Wrestling bases bolstering stand-up.

Performance Breakdown

• Water-resistant cover survives spilled protein shakes post-spar.
• Customizable tabs for dividing BJJ, striking, and conditioning logs.
• 8x10-inch portrait orientation suits desk reviews away from the gym.

Priced at $22, durability rivals Hayabusa but with more white space for personal tweaks. Drawback: bulkier for pocket carry, better for dedicated gym bags. Fighters like those in ONE Championship events appreciate its multi-discipline adaptability.

Comparison Overview: Head-to-Head on Key Metrics

Stacking these up side-by-side reveals clear winners by need. Hayabusa leads in overall quality with superior paper and binding (9.5/10), ideal for meticulous pros. Tatami dominates value (9/10) for sheer pages-per-dollar, while Venum edges durability in wet environments (9/10) thanks to neoprene.

Common threads? All prioritize grappler-specific prompts over generic planners, reducing setup time. Safety note: Pair journaling with proper warm-ups to track overuse—I've seen shoulder strains from unchecked drilling volumes in BJJ and Wrestling alike.

How to Choose the Best Jiu Jitsu Journal for Your Training

Selecting the right one boils down to your setup and goals. Beginners in commercial gyms? Grab Tatami for low commitment and easy entry. Home workout warriors blending BJJ with shadow boxing? Venum's versatility wins. Competition-bound? Hayabusa's precision tracking spots weaknesses faster.

Consider these factors:

• Training Volume: High (5+ sessions/week)? Opt for 200+ pages and durable covers.
• Body Type/Style: Stocky wrestlers need grip-focused logs; lanky guard players want flow diagrams.
• Maintenance: Wipe covers weekly; store flat to preserve binding—extends life 2x.
• Skill Level: Novices log basics (positions survived); advanced track rates (escapes/hour).

Budget under $20? Tatami. Willing to invest for longevity? Hayabusa. Always test in your environment—order from Apollo MMA's collection and return if it doesn't click.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Matside Game with the Right Jiu Jitsu Journal

A solid jiu jitsu journal isn't just paper—it's your training co-pilot, turning chaotic rolls into data-driven dominance. From Hayabusa's elite polish to Tatami's gritty affordability and Venum's hybrid muscle, each shines in context. As someone who's coached fighters through gear fails and triumphs, I recommend starting with one today; the insights compound like compound interest in your game.

Head to Apollo MMA for these journals and complete your setup with premium BJJ rash guards or no-gi shorts. Track smarter, roll harder—what's your next entry going to reveal? Drop thoughts in the comments; let's build better fighters together.

David Thompson, Equipment Specialist & Former Boxing Coach