What to wear to no-gi jiu jitsu.

The three things that matter

A fitted top — a rash guard, or any close-fitting athletic shirt for a first visit. Loose cotton t-shirts get stretched, tangled and grabbed, and a stretched neckline is a hazard for both of you.

Shorts or leggings with nothing on them to catch. Pockets snag fingers and toes, which is how fingers get broken. Zips and metal eyelets cut skin and scratch mats. Board shorts with a plastic-tipped drawstring are usually fine; gym shorts with mesh pockets are not.

A mouthguard, once you are rolling. Accidental knees and elbows to the jaw are uncommon but they happen, and dental work costs more than a mouthguard.

What to leave in your bag

Jewellery of every kind — rings, chains, earrings, piercings you can remove. A ring on a gripping hand is a genuine finger-degloving risk.

Shoes stay off the mat and, just as importantly, your bare feet stay off the bathroom floor. Bring flip-flops. Mat hygiene is the unglamorous foundation of a healthy gym.

Long nails on hands and feet. Trim them before you go; scratches from untrimmed nails are the single most common minor injury in grappling.

A note on hygiene, since nobody else will say it

You are about to spend an hour in very close contact with strangers. Clean gear every session, a shower before if you have come from work, and deodorant. Nobody minds sweat; everyone minds yesterday's rash guard.

If you have a cut, cover it. If you have a skin infection or you are unsure, stay off the mat until it clears. Every good gym would rather lose your attendance for a week than pass something around the room.

Common questions