BJJ gear checklist for your first class

What you actually need

• A gi — most gyms lend or rent one for a trial, but if you're committing, this is your first buy. See how to pick your first gi.
• A rashguard — worn under the gi for hygiene and comfort, and required for no-gi.
• A mouthguard — cheap, and your teeth will thank you.
• Flip-flops or sandals — for walking to and from the mat. Never barefoot in the bathroom or hallway.

What you can skip at first

You don't need a premium gi, knee pads, ear guards, or competition gear on day one. Add those only if and when you need them. Spending big before your first class is the classic beginner mistake.

The hygiene rules nobody mentions

Trim your finger and toe nails before class — long nails cut training partners and yourself. Shower promptly afterward, wash your gi after every session, and never train with a skin infection. These aren't etiquette niceties; they're how the whole gym stays healthy. Our skin infections guide explains why.