Martial arts are practiced globally, with much training to indulge in both the physical and mental benefits this activity offers. Research shows BJJ training has a positive effect on your mental well-being. This includes resilience, mental strength, grit, and self-control.
Yet, as with most sports, investing in the right equipment is crucial to your success. Whether an amateur or a pro-Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, the right mat is essential. On top of ensuring the right level of cushioning and traction, they safeguard you from injuries.
This handy guide gives you a clue on what to look for when choosing BJJ mats for your home gym. We provide insight into why selecting the correct mat is a must! Read on to discover more.
1. Consider Comfort
When browsing the many BJJ mats on the market, comfort is an important consideration. The key is choosing a mat that provides a comfortable and safe surface to train. The wrong mat can turn an enjoyable experience into something brutal on the body. Even experienced practitioners need a quality mat to protect their knees from hard floors.
Puzzle mats are renowned for their high comfort levels. They are designed to handle heavy foot traffic, which makes them an ideal option for home gyms and studios. Unlike a hard floor, their unique foam interior absorbs shock and impact.
A high-quality, soft BJJ mat will provide a comfortable surface to train on, lessening the likelihood of wear and tear on your legs. All while promising to protect your knees. This allows you to concentrate on your skills instead of worrying about injury. It also gives you more confidence when practicing new moves.
2. Consider Thickness
If practice punches and strength training are part of your routine, choose a thicker mat. Even when practicing high-impact moves, the resilient foam interior promises superior shock absorption.
For heavier workouts, thicker mats are crucial. They ensure added resilience and durability. The center of these mats is manufactured from a hardy foam. This is coated in vinyl. When you’re practicing, this concoction allows for flexible joint movement. A must in jiu-jitsu.
On top of thickness, when choosing your perfect mat, review the foam interior specifications. It needs to offer cushioning and provide stability. This is so you don’t skid or slip during throws and takedowns.
For best results, always read the reviews and testimonials. Better still, view the mats in a store before placing an order.
3. Consider Maintenance
This is especially relevant if you’re purchasing a mat for a home gym or studio with a heavy footfall of family members and housemates. You’ll need to clean down your mats after every training session.
If you don’t clean your equipment, this can lead to skin infection or illness. Opt for mats that are low maintenance and can be easily maneuvered.
This will ensure you spend more time training and less time cleaning. Interlocking mats should be wiped down after every session and undergo a deep clean at the end of the day.
Special cleaning products and anti-bacterial wipes are available for this purpose. If you use individual mats, wipe them down before hanging or rolling them.
4. Consider Where You Will Be Training
If you train alone and often practice at various locations, including at home, in the park, or at a friend’s home gym, rollout mats are a great option! They provide excellent traction. They’re shock-absorbent and easy to transport.
Unlike jigsaw mats, which remain in one place, they can be rolled up and popped into a bag or thrown in your trunk. On top of this, they’re easy to clean and come in various sizes and thicknesses.
In addition, they’re cost-effective. Just be sure to buy a mat that is big enough for your needs.
5. Size Matters
Another consideration to think about is the size of your mat. If the mat needs to go into a specific space, such as an area reserved for training or a home gym in your garage, you’ll need to determine the dimensions and layout of your training space before buying mats.
This will ensure a seamless fit. Options include bespoke, custom-made mats as well as Interlocking mats. Both are prevalent choices. They’re cost-effective, shock absorbent, and will help you create a safe, comfortable space to train in.
The Bottom Line
Investing in a quality jiu-jitsu mat can make all the difference to your practice. Aside from providing a safe and secure surface to train on, it ensures you’re less likely to injure yourself. The last thing you want to worry about when practicing a new move is landing awkwardly on a hard surface.
Whether buying for your home gym or studio, you must consider the factors above. From the thicknesses available to where you intend to place the mats. On top of this, whether you require something you can travel with, there are various pointers to consider.
Taking these pointers on board will ensure you pick the perfect mat. This means you can put your focus into your practice.
