Gift Guide for BJJ and MMA Fighters

Buying for someone who trains? Lucky you. People who grapple and fight burn through gear, love talking about it and always need one more thing in the gym bag. This guide to gifts for BJJ players and MMA fighters keeps it simple.

Short answer: The best gifts for BJJ players are things they use every week. A rashguard, compression shorts or spats, MMA shorts, a towel, a gym backpack, finger tape or a quality mouthguard all work. Not sure about sizes? Go for accessories, a seminar or a block of private lessons.

Here's the full list, sorted by type and budget.

Before you buy: a few quick checks

A little homework goes a long way. These three questions save you from a gift that ends up in a drawer.

• What do they train? BJJ, no-gi, MMA and Muay Thai all use slightly different kit.
• Gi or no-gi? Rashguards and shorts are mostly no-gi gear, though many people wear a rashguard under the gi too.
• What size are they? Peek at a rashguard they already own, or ask a training partner.

If sizes are a mystery, skip clothing and jump to the accessories and experience sections below.

Gifts for BJJ players who train no-gi

No-gi people go through a lot of kit, because they wash it after every session. A fresh piece always gets used.

A rashguard

A rashguard is the classic among gifts for BJJ players. It's worn every class, it protects the skin from mat burn and it's a chance to show some personality on the mat.

Our rashguards are sublimation printed, so the colors are in the fabric and don't crack or peel. They're made from 85% polyester and 15% elastane with a compression fit. Tribe Alpha designs are €41.90 short sleeve or €44.90 long sleeve, in sizes XS to 2XL. Our rashguard size guide helps if you're guessing.

A ranked belt rashguard

If they've just been promoted, a rashguard in their belt color is a lovely touch. It's a gift that says "I noticed". Our 10th Planet and Antbition ranked rashguards are €45.90.

Compression shorts or spats

Most no-gi players wear compression shorts or spats, often under looser shorts. One more pair in the rotation is always welcome. Our compression shorts are €37.90.

Gifts for MMA fighters and strikers

People who train MMA, kickboxing or Muay Thai have their own wish list. Good shorts are top of it.

• MMA shorts. Loose fight shorts with side splits are the everyday MMA staple. Our loose MMA shorts start at €45.90.
• Muay Thai shorts. Short, wide and made for kicking. Ours are €37.90.
• Hand wraps. They wear out and get lost all the time, so a spare pair is useful.
• A groin guard or shin guards. Only if you know their size and what they already own.

Not sure which shorts suit them? Our guide on Muay Thai shorts vs MMA shorts explains the difference.

Gifts for BJJ players under €30

Stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts don't need to be big. Small, practical gifts for BJJ players get used more than you'd think.

• Finger tape. Grapplers tape fingers constantly. A few rolls of good tape is a small gift that always lands.
• A sports bandana. Handy for sweat, hair or just style. Ours are €12.90.
• A gym towel. Everyone needs one, and most people own a sad old one. Our 50x100 cm towels are €12.90.
• A gym backpack. Something to carry wet kit home in. Our Urban Fighter backpack is €29.90.
• A laundry bag or wash bag. Keeps sweaty gear away from everything else in the bag.

Find the towels, bandanas and backpacks in our accessories collection.

Gear that keeps them healthy

Some of the most thoughtful gifts for BJJ players are the boring ones. They show you care about the person, not just the hobby.

• A quality mouthguard. Essential for sparring. A boil-and-bite or a custom-fitted guard from a dentist both work.
• Skin care for the mat. A gentle antibacterial body wash or shower gel for straight after training.
• A massage or physio session. Grapplers always have a sore neck or a cranky knee.
• Knee or elbow sleeves. Good for older joints, but check size first.

Experience gifts that grapplers love

Not everything has to go in the gym bag. Experiences are great gifts for BJJ players who already own plenty of kit.

A seminar ticket

Many gyms host seminars with visiting coaches. A ticket is a fun gift, and they'll bring home new techniques to try on you, whether you train or not.

Private lessons

A one-on-one session with their coach is a real treat. They get to fix the problem that keeps bugging them, like a guard that always gets passed.

Gym membership or a class pass

Paying for a month of training is practical and generous. It's also a nice push for someone who wants to start, or come back after a break.

A training trip

For a bigger gift, an open mat or training camp in another city or country is something they'll talk about for years.

A custom gift for the whole team

Coaches and team captains are some of the hardest people to buy for. A custom rashguard with the club logo, their name or a design they've always wanted is one of the more personal gifts for BJJ players.

Our custom gear has no minimum order. A custom BJJ rashguard is €62.90 short sleeve or €67.90 long sleeve. You send the logo and notes, and get a 3D mockup by email within 10 business days to approve.

Buying for a whole club? Team orders start at 10 pieces and take 4 to 6 weeks after design approval and payment.

Timing your gift

Everything we make is made to order in Slovenia, so plan ahead. Standard orders ship within about 10 working days. Custom pieces need extra time for the mockup and approval.

For Christmas or birthday gifts for BJJ players, order a few weeks early so you're not refreshing the tracking page on the big day. Shipping is free on orders over €69.90.

Quick answers

What do you buy someone who does BJJ?

The most useful gifts for BJJ players are things they wear or use every week. Think rashguards, compression shorts, spats, finger tape, a towel or a gym bag. Seminars and private lessons are great too.

What is a good gift for a BJJ black belt?

Experience gifts work well for senior grapplers who own plenty of gear. Try a seminar ticket, a training trip, a massage or a custom rashguard with their name or club logo.

What can I get an MMA fighter for Christmas?

MMA shorts, hand wraps, a mouthguard, a gym towel or a backpack all make good Christmas gifts. If you're unsure about sizes, go for accessories or a class pass.

Is a rashguard a good gift?

Yes. Most grapplers wear one every no-gi class and wash it after every session, so another one always gets used. Just check their size first.

The bottom line

The best gifts for BJJ players and MMA fighters are the ones that make training a bit easier, safer or more fun. Gear they'll use every week, small extras for the gym bag, and experiences like seminars all hit the mark.

If you'd like to start with the classic, browse our rashguards, all made to order in Slovenia.