Kids’ BJJ is all the rage now regarding self-defense, strength training, agility training, and so much more. The benefits are endless, and the number of studios will only continue to grow.
So, it is helpful for parents, coaches, and studio owners to understand the broad-ranging benefits to kids in BJJ and to be prepared to help them gear up once they enroll.
The Benefits of Kids BJJ
One of the most significant benefits for kids who do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is far beyond self-defense, which, while nice, is not always necessary.
The greatest thing about kids’ BJJ is that, when they learn it, they are unlikely ever to face an attacker.
Why?
Because they become more confident, they become more capable of de-escalating a situation, more patient and tolerant with others, and more self-aware.
In short, they become less of a target to someone who may become an attacker.
In addition, kids become part of a team in their class; they grow stronger, more coordinated, and more agile, all health benefits that will carry them through the rest of their lives.
The Best Kids BJJ Gear
Once you determine that BJJ is right for your kid, getting all the right gear is essential so kids are prepared to face their training well-equipped and ready to go.
To that end, we’ve compiled a list of some essentials that kids should have.
Elite Sports Kids BJJ GI
This BJJ Gi is from Elite Sports, a company dedicated to providing quality kimonos to young BJJ practitioners. The kids BJJ Gi is made from preshrunk 60% cotton and 40% polyester, making it washable and lightweight.
The fabric is both strong and durable, so it should last until your child outgrows it, at which point it can be handed down or resold. The material is also stink-proof; the lightweight material disperses sweat fast, so as long as you wash it after every use, you will be able to consider it like new for its lifetime.
The kids BJJ Gi comes with a white belt perfect for displaying each bar the child earns through their BJJ career, and the belt is made from the same material as the Gi, top quality that will last.
Finally, this kids BJJ Gi is approved by the International BJJ Federation so it can be worn to tournaments.
Sizes range from under 40 pounds up to 110 pounds and will fit kids up to 5 feet tall, and you can choose from a range of colors, including pink, for boys and girls.
The Elite Sports Gi has received 4.8 out of 5 from 2,179 reviewers on Amazon, with most noting that the BJJ Gi is precisely what they needed, that it is an ideal kimono for their kid, and that it exceeded expectations in terms of wear, and tear, and durability.
Elite Sports Rash Guards
While most people realize a Gi is essential in BJJ, many need help understanding the value of a rash guard.
Rash guards are critical in BJJ to prevent chafing and the onset of rash due to moving around in the larger fitting Gi.
This Elite Sports Rash Guard pairs perfectly with the company’s Gi.
It is 90% polyester and 10% cotton for flexibility and breathability, and it is durable and lightweight, so it will be a comfortable fit for boys and girls.
The rash guard also acts as a great base layer, providing warmth and boosting performance in wearers. The material will also not crack, fade, peel, or irritate the skin, ensuring kids can focus on their BJJ practice and tournaments. And yes, these rash guards have been approved by the International BJJ Federation, so they are ideal for wearing to those tournaments.
Sizes range from 30 to 120 pounds and will fit kids up to 5 feet tall. They range in sleeve colors, with the chest piece on each one in all black.
The rash guard has a 4.7 out of 5 from 740 reviewers, with commenters pointing out that the rash guard is great and that if you have any problem, Elite also offers excellent customer service.
SAFEJAWZ Mouthguard
The last thing you want when your kid is in a contact sport is for them to lose a tooth, which is why most of these sports will require a mouth guard.
The SAFEJAWZ mouthguard comes with a really cool design kids will love that mimics fangs’ appearance in various colors.
It is designed using a technology called FLUID FIT to be a perfect fit for youth 11 years and younger or youth 12 years and over, and the company backs this design with a guaranteed full refund.
The SAFEJAWZ mouthguard also includes a pre-formed base in their product JawSecure, which will help protect your child’s jaw from impact while biting down.
Finally, it is built to ensure your child does not gag. The gum shields have an ultra-slim profile on the inside of the mouth to prevent gagging.
Amazon reviews are currently at 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,849 reviewers who have overwhelmingly positive feedback saying this mouth guard is a perfect, customizable fitting product that lasts.
Invest in Kids’ BJJ Gear
Remember, in the end, you are investing in kids by providing the proper, top-quality gear for their BJJ experience.
Making sure they look and feel their best while they develop their skills will pay for itself in dividends that never end.