Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of BJJ or a seasoned veteran of the game, chances are you have probably seen people sporting a colourful, skintight rash guard on the mats. They’re obviously a staple piece of equipment used in grappling, both in Gi and No-Gi jiu-jitsu, but do you know why? That’s probably a silly question for some, but for others they just look cool. In this blog, we’ll explore the various benefits of why you should always be wearing a rash guard when training on the mats.
1. Protection from Mat Burns: Mat burns, also known as "gi burns" or "rug burns," are common in our sport. They occur when skin rubs against the mats during drilling or rolling. Rash guards provide a protective barrier, reducing friction between your skin and the mat. This helps prevent painful and unsightly mat burns, allowing you to train more comfortably.
2. Minimised Risk of Skin Infections: As BJJ practitioners we are always in close contact with our training partners' sweat and skin. This can create an environment where skin infections, such as ringworm and staph, can spread. Rash guards act as a barrier between your skin and your training partners, reducing the risk of contact and helping to maintain good hygiene for both you and your partners on the mats.
3. Temperature Regulation: Rash guards are also designed to wick away moisture from your body. This means they keep you dry by efficiently managing sweat during intense training sessions. They also provide some insulation, helping to regulate your body temperature. This feature is especially valuable when transitioning from a sweaty training session to a cooler environment (like the car ride home!).
4. Improved Comfort: Quality Rash guards tend to be made from lightweight, breathable materials that conform to your body. At Guard, we use the optimal composition of polyester and spandex for your performance needs. This snug fit ensures that your shirt doesn't ride up or get tangled during those hard rolls. It allows you to focus on your technique without the distraction of constantly adjusting your top.
5. Confidence and Style: Rash guards come in a variety of designs and colours, allowing you to express your personal style while on the mats. We at Guard Apparel have decided to keep our style as simple, modern and in our opinion, aesthetic. We’ve stayed away from the themes of traditional martial arts (think lions, bears, and lightning bolts) to try and represent the modern age of Jiu-Jitsu. Check out our X-Guard Short-Sleeve as an example of what we mean. It’s not to say we’re right or wrong in this stance, after all, it’s personal preference.
6. Avoiding Unintentional Wardrobe Malfunctions: When training in the traditional BJJ gi, loose-fitting clothing can often become dishevelled or untucked, potentially exposing more of your body than intended. Rash guards stay in place, reducing the chances of wardrobe malfunctions during training or competition.
Hopefully this blog helps shed some light on why grapplers actually wear rash guards when training and motivates you to step away from bringing those loose-fitting tee’s next time you’re on the mats. Oss!