Brabo Ultimate No-Gi Guide

No-Gi training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means practicing without the traditional gi or kimono. Instead, you wear a rashguard, shorts, and/or spats.

Rashguard

A rashguard is a tight-fitting compression shirt that can have long or short sleeves. It fits snugly, like a second skin.

Spats

Spats, also known as tights or leggings, fit similarly to rashguards. Many No-Gi practitioners wear spats under their shorts.

Shorts

No-Gi shorts are similar to board shorts but have evolved since 2014 to include shorter, lighter versions called grappling shorts. There's also Vale Tudo shorts, which are like short spats or speedos.

Material

Rashguards, shorts, and spats are usually made from polyester-based materials, often mixed with spandex for stretch. The thickness of these fabrics is measured in grams per square meter (gsm), with typical rashguards ranging from 180-230 gsm.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is used to print on stretchy materials, ensuring that the design stays on the fabric without cracking or peeling. The polyester fabric starts white, is printed with the design, then cut and sewn together.

Washing Instructions

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, wash these items at 30 degrees Celsius and hang them to dry. Use a washing bag to protect them, and avoid washing with items that have zippers or Velcro, as these can damage the fabric. Check for small objects in the washing machine that could cause damage.

Common Issues

Velcro is the biggest problem for polyester fabrics, causing pills—tiny knots or balls of tangled fibers—to form. These usually appear where the fabric experiences the most friction, like the shoulders and sleeves of a rashguard or around the Velcro closure of shorts. This is a common issue that comes with the territory of hard training.

Will They Shrink?

As long as they are made from polyester and spandex, rashguards, shorts, and spats won’t shrink.