No-Gi Gear Guide — Which Rash Guard, Spats and Mouthguard to Buy
What do you wear to your first no-gi class? How essential rash guards, grappling shorts, mouthguards and ear guards are, why to avoid cotton T-shirts, and hygiene (ringworm) warnings.
For gi training, a gi is all you need, but no-gi calls for different gear. If you're heading to your first no-gi class and don't know what to wear, use this to prepare. No need to start with expensive stuff.
| Gear | How essential | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rash guard | Essential | Sweat, friction, hygiene. Cotton tees stretch and are risky. Long or short sleeve is up to you |
| Grappling shorts / spats | Essential | No pockets or zippers is safer. Spats (leggings) are good for friction and hygiene |
| Mouthguard | Highly recommended | Protects your teeth. Breaking one costs far more in dental work |
| Ear guard (headgear) | Optional | Close to essential if your ears swell easily. Prevents cauliflower ear |
| Knee sleeves | Optional | If your knees are weak or you do a lot of leg locks. Protection + compression |
Buying tips
- At first, a rash guard + shorts is plenty. Buy the rest as you need it.
- Avoid cotton: it soaks up sweat, gets heavy and tears easily. Go with polyester/spandex performance fabric.
- No pockets, zippers or drawstrings: fingers get caught and hurt. No-gi specific gear is safer.
- Hygiene: wash it every time. If you don't, skin infections (ringworm) spread. This one really matters.
Source: NATA Position Statement: Skin Diseases (preventing skin infections)
For more on protecting your ears, see the cauliflower ear article, and for gi vs no-gi differences, see the gi vs no-gi article.
no-gi gearrash guardspatsmouthguard