How to Buy BJJ Gifts When You Don't Train (A Non-Grappler's Guide)
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You Don't Train. They Won't Stop Talking About It. Here's How to Shop for Them.
If someone in your life trains Brazilian jiu jitsu, you've probably noticed a few things. They have opinions about things called "guard passes." They're always sore. They occasionally come home with bruises they're weirdly proud of. And when you ask what they want for a gift, they mention gear you've never heard of and can't spell.
Shopping for a BJJ practitioner when you don't train yourself can feel like navigating a foreign language. What's a rash guard? Why do they need special tape? What's the difference between gi and no-gi, and why does it matter for what you buy? If you want a deeper look at what BJJ actually is, our intro to Brazilian jiu jitsu covers the basics.
This guide is for you, the partner, parent, friend, or family member who wants to get a great gift but doesn't know a kimura from a kombucha. No jiu jitsu knowledge required. Just follow along and you'll land something they genuinely appreciate.
The Quick Cheat Sheet
Before we go deep, here's the simplified version of what you need to know:
BJJ = Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's a grappling martial art focused on ground fighting and submissions (joint locks and chokes). No punching or kicking.
Gi = the uniform. It looks like a thick set of pajamas with a belt. Some people train in it, some don't.
No-gi = training without the uniform. They wear a rash guard (tight-fitting athletic top) and shorts or compression pants instead.
Rash guard = a compression shirt designed for training. It's not a regular t-shirt. It's specifically made for grappling.
Belt colors = rank. White (beginner) → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black. Each one takes years. Our belt system guide explains what each rank means.
That's enough context to shop. Let's go.
The Safest BJJ Gifts for Non-Grapplers to Buy
1. Holiday BJJ T-Shirt — $34.95
This is your safest bet. A Holiday BJJ t-shirt is a regular t-shirt with a BJJ-themed design that your grappler will understand and appreciate. You don't need to know what the joke means, they will. And they'll love that you got them something from inside their world.
Holiday BJJ rotates designs by season (Christmas, Halloween, Father's Day, and more), so pick the collection that matches the occasion you're shopping for. The designs have names like Jingle Bell Lock, Tap or Snap, and Ground Shark, all references to jiu jitsu that your grappler will instantly recognize.
Sizing is standard t-shirt sizing. You know their shirt size, you're good.
2. Holiday BJJ Gift Card — Any Amount
The absolute safest option. A Holiday BJJ gift card lets them pick their own seasonal BJJ apparel, the design they connect with, the product type they want, the size that fits. You provide the budget, they make the choice.
This is particularly good if you don't know their size, aren't sure which product type to pick (tee vs. hoodie vs. rash guard), or just want to give them the freedom to explore on their own.
3. Massage Gun — $80-200
Every BJJ practitioner is sore. Every single one. A massage gun is a recovery tool that works out muscle tension after training, and it's the kind of gift they probably know they need but haven't bought for themselves.
You don't need to know anything about BJJ to buy a massage gun. You just need to know that the person you're shopping for puts their body through a lot, and this will help them feel better afterward. Theragun and Hypervolt are trusted brands.
4. Athletic Tape — $10-20
Grapplers tape their fingers constantly. It prevents injuries and supports joints that take a beating during training. A multipack of quality finger tape from Hampton Adams or Monkey Tape is a low-cost gift they'll use within the week.
It's not exciting to unwrap, but it's the kind of practical gift that earns real gratitude. Think of it like buying a coffee lover good beans, it's consumable, essential, and always needed. More budget-friendly ideas in our best BJJ gifts under $25 guide.
5. Holiday BJJ Hoodie — $59.95
Every grappler wears a hoodie after training. It's basically part of the uniform. A Holiday BJJ hoodie with a seasonal design is warm, comfortable, and has the same insider humor as the t-shirts, just in a cozier format.
Sizing is standard hoodie sizing. If you know what size hoodies they wear, you're set.
Gifts That Require a Little More Knowledge
6. Rash Guard
A rash guard is the tight compression top that grapplers wear during training. It's functional gear, not just a shirt. If your grappler trains "no-gi" (without the traditional uniform), they probably go through rash guards regularly.
Holiday BJJ rash guards come in men's ($69.99), women's ($69.99), and kids' ($54.99) sizes. The key here is knowing whether to buy men's or women's, the cut is different, and getting the right size. Rash guards fit snug, like compression wear. If in doubt, check Holiday BJJ's size guide or go with a gift card instead.
7. A Gi
The gi (pronounced "gee") is the BJJ uniform. It's the most essential piece of gear a grappler owns, and it's also the trickiest gift to buy. Gi sizing uses a unique system (A0, A1, A2, A3, etc.) that varies by brand. Getting the wrong size means it doesn't fit and can't be easily returned.
If you want to buy a gi, you need their exact size in the specific brand you're buying. The safest approach: ask them directly ("what size gi do you wear in Fuji?") or ask one of their training partners. If that feels too revealing, a gift card to a gi brand is the better route.
8. BJJ Book
Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro is the most recommended technique book in the sport. If your grappler is the studious type who likes learning off the mat as well as on it, this is a solid pick. Breathe by Rickson Gracie is more of a memoir and philosophy book, good for the grappler who's into the deeper side of the art.
Gifts to Avoid
Don't Buy a Belt
Belts in BJJ are awarded by coaches based on demonstrated skill and time on the mat. They're never purchased as gifts. Even if your grappler is about to get promoted, the belt should come from their coach, not from you.
Don't Buy Gear in the Wrong Category
If they only train gi, they don't need no-gi shorts. If they only train no-gi, they don't need a gi. If you're not sure which they do, ask. Or go with something universal, a t-shirt, hoodie, gift card, or recovery tool that works regardless of training style.
Don't Overthink It
The biggest mistake non-grapplers make when shopping for BJJ practitioners is overthinking. You don't need to understand the sport to buy a good gift. You need to understand the person. If they're into humor, get them a funny Holiday BJJ tee. If they're always complaining about being sore, get them a massage gun. If they're always taping their fingers, get them tape.
Match the gift to what you already know about them as a person, and you'll land well.
How to Find Out What They Need Without Spoiling the Surprise
Ask Their Training Partners
Grapplers talk about gear constantly at the gym. Their training partners know what they need, what they've been eyeing, and what they already own. Find someone they train with and ask. BJJ people love helping with gift ideas because they know how hard it is to shop for them from the outside.
Check Their Gear Bag
Look at what they currently own. If their rash guards are faded and worn, a new one is a safe pick. If their tape roll is almost empty (it always is), a multipack is a guaranteed win. If they don't own a foam roller or massage gun, that's a gap waiting to be filled.
Listen to What They Complain About
"My fingers are killing me" = tape. "I'm so sore" = massage gun or foam roller. "I need new gear" = rash guard, gi, or Holiday BJJ apparel. The complaints are the shopping list.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to train BJJ to buy a great gift for someone who does. You just need to know a few basics: they wear specific gear, they're always sore, they go through tape like it's free, and they appreciate gifts that show you understand their world, even if you're watching from the outside.
A Holiday BJJ tee, a gift card, a massage gun, or a bulk pack of tape. Any of those will land. And the person you're shopping for will know you cared enough to figure it out. For more ideas across every occasion, browse our complete jiu jitsu gift guide.
That's better than any gift in a box.