In this article, we are going to explore the key reasons why rashguards are essential for any BJJ and MMA practitioner. From protection, performance enhancement, and circulation, these garments offer much more than just comfort.
Let's find out why you should include compression lycra in your training gear!
- Rashguards are an essential barrier between your skin and the mat, protecting you from the scrapes and cuts that are common in contact sports like BJJ and MMA. By fitting tightly to the body, they prevent direct friction with the ground or your opponent, minimising the appearance of skin burns. Additionally, by compressing your muscles, they reduce the risk of tears or sprains, offering an extra level of support that can prevent more serious injuries during intense training and sparring.
- They improve blood circulation , helping your muscles receive a greater flow of oxygen. This is crucial during prolonged or intense workouts, as it keeps your muscles active for longer, reduces fatigue, and speeds up muscle recovery between sessions. The increase in circulation also minimizes lactic acid buildup, allowing you to perform better and for longer.
- Rashguards are designed to offer a tight yet flexible fit, meaning they adapt to your every move without restricting mobility. Unlike other garments, they don’t roll up or slide, allowing you to execute techniques with precision, whether in grappling positions, quick transitions or strikes. This freedom of movement is critical to performance in sports like BJJ and MMA, where fluidity and speed of transitions can make all the difference.
- Sweat is a part of any intense workout, but a good quality lycra helps to manage it efficiently. These garments are designed with materials that absorb and disperse sweat, allowing the body to stay dry during longer sessions. This not only improves comfort but also helps regulate body temperature, preventing overheating. Keeping the body cool and dry allows you to train harder without sweat being a distracting factor.
- On mats, it is common to find bacteria and fungi that can cause skin infections, such as the dreaded athlete's foot or staph infections. Compression lycras act as a protective barrier, covering most of the body and minimizing direct skin contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. This is especially important in combat sports where physical contact is unavoidable, and protecting the skin can prevent long-term discomfort.
- A quality rashguard is made to last. The durable materials they are made from ensure that the garments withstand the wear and tear of daily training, constant friction and frequent washing, without losing their shape or elasticity. This means that you can trust that your rashguard or compression rashguard will be with you for a long time, giving you the same protection and performance in every session, no matter how demanding.
