So how was a rash guard introduced in BJJ ? find out a possible explanation bellow.
From Gi…
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or BJJ is a martial art based on grappling and ground fighting. Traditionaly, as many other martial arts of asian provenance, Jiu Jitsu training and combats required the fighter to wear a Gi, the strong kimono and pants cotton uniform that comes with a color belt indicating the level of expertise. The Gi provides some much needed protection from mat friction, but it also provides “handles” to the fighter, who can use his opponent’s Gi to throw to the ground and to immobilize him.
White ripstop BJJ GI by athlon
…to no-gi
With Martial Arts becoming increasingly popular in the 80’s, athletes start dropping the Gi and the no-gi trainings and competitions become more popular. BJJ develops in Brasil, where the need to adapt to everyday life and to use the sport in the dangerous streets of the city makes the Gi unpractical. The IBJJF gradually accepts this state of things and not only accepts no-gi training and competitions, but starts an international no-gi championship.
With no-gi BJJ being officialy accepted, the fighting rules also change: in no-gi BJJ it is not acceptable to grapple your opponent from his clothes.
The rash guard makes its entrance
The truth is that we don’t know exactly how and when using rash guards in BJJ was introduced. If you watch older BJJ competition videos of that older era, staring Rickson Gracie inVale Tudo or Royce Gracie in UFC, you can see that they were not wearing rash guards back then. The no-gi athletes would fight in a plain t-shirt or half naked, using only the Gi pants. Gradually, even the Gi pants are replaced, and many athletes fight in short and rash guards.
Most probably, as Brazil is famous for its surfing community, the rash guard was transmitted from one sport to another. Surfers use rash guards under their wetsuit to avoid friction burns. They also wear them on their own when the temperature of the water allows for it, to protect from sun burns, jellyfish stings and friction with sand and wax when they lay on their boards to catch the waves. Thus the rash guard introduced in BJJ no gi.
Rash guards are made to protect the body from friction. And friction burns are a usual injury on the BJJ tatami, which is rough, tough and waterproof. It is most probable that athletes who used to do both surf and BJJ were the first to use their surf rash guard on the BJJ mats. Whoever got the idea, it was a good one: using a rash guard soon became a general habit. At the beginning of the 2000’s, it was part of the standard BJJ attire.
Evolution of rash guards
Since then, rash guards have evolved. They used to be black and white, with very simple designs, styles and stitches. Some of them had prints that would faint after a few weeks of friction on the tatami.
Today, you can find really beautiful, impressive rash guards, with vivid colors and intricate designs that won’t faint. Competitive rash guards must show the belt / level of the athlete, according to IBJJF.
Prometheus Titan rashguard
Made from light, stretchy and durable materials, usualy polyester, lycra or spandex, they fit tight to the body and provide full movement ease at the same time. They wick sweat and moisture away from the body thanks to their dry fit technology and they have antibacterial qualities. With flat seams that don’t chafe the skin, they are reinforced or padded on friction points. They are usually made from 6 pannels instead of the common t-shirts, and they offer free movement and protection during training and competitions.
Choose a custom made rash guard
Nowadays, avery association and every fighter can express his character and his fighting principles through the rash guard of his own choice. On top of having a wide selection of ready made styles and colors to choose from, you can customize your own rash guard by creating your own, personal and unique design.
In ATHLON Custom Sportswear, we have high quality ready made rash guards in impressive colors and styles.
We have the great technology and expertise in designing and printing rash guards and therefore we can help you design and print your own unique design in high quality materials. Just send us your ideas and it is our privilege to implement it.
Custom print rash guards
Contact us for details!