Matman Headgear is our number one pick if you prefer softer headgear. It uses velcro straps, is easy to adjust, and provides decent protection. However, it can be a bit uncomfortable due to the chin strap digging into your neck, and it doesn’t offer as much protection as the harder headgear options like those from Cliff Keen or Adidas.
Adidas Response Headgear is an excellent option for both wrestling and BJJ. In fact, due to it coming with a chin cup, I feel it even rivals other popular headgear like those from Cliff Keen that do not come with a chin cup. However, like other wrestling style head gear, the thicker foam padding may get in the way during Brazilian jiu jitsu training.
Hayabusa spats are the gold standard for bjj spats. They are made from very durable material, fit great, and even have some nice additional features like reinforced waistband and silicone lined ankle openings. However, they do come at a higher price point.
Sanabul Spats are the best of the more affordable options for spats out there. However, don’t expect more premium fabric or added features like rubber reinforced waistband, waistband drawstring, or rubber lined ankle openings. Plus their sizing can sometimes be a little off.
Fuji Baseline spats are our top recommended spats for BJJ. They are simple, durable, and fit great – all at an affordable price point.
XMartial spats are a decent buy if you like their designs. Overall, quality was pretty comparable to other spats in the same price range, and they have some nice features like being made of thicker material and having a reinforced waistband.
Spats and compression pants are essentially the same thing when it comes to Brazilian jiu jitsu trainng with the terms sometimes used interchangeably. However, spats made specifically for bjj may be thicker and have added features like rubber ankle liners, drawstring waistband, and sublimated graphics.
In BJJ, wearing spats under you gi pants is not a requirement but is something that will come down to personal preference.
Some Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners may prefer to wear spats underneath their gi for an added layer of protection against mat burn and skin infections.
Yes, you should wear underwear or compression shorts with spats (leggings) in Brazilian jiu jitsu.
While there are no established rules on wearing spats with no shorts in Brazilian jiu jitsu, many bjj practitioners feel that it is too revealing for men, and it may be frowned upon by certain practitioners.