🧒 Parent’s Guide · April 2026
Kids BJJ Gear — A Complete Parent’s Guide
Gi’s, belts, rashguards, and mouthguards for young grapplers from age 4+. Everything you need to equip your kid for their BJJ journey.
📅 April 2026 · ⏱️ 7 min read · 🥋 Kids BJJ · Parents · Youth Gear
Why BJJ Is One of the Best Things You Can Give a Kid
If you are reading this, chances are your child has tried a BJJ class and is hooked. Or you are considering signing them up. Either way — you have made a good decision. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids discipline, resilience, respect, conflict resolution, and genuine self-defence in a way few other activities can match.
But before they roll into their first proper class, they need the right kit. Kids BJJ gear is not just “small adult gear” — it is purpose-built for growing bodies, durable enough for daily rolling, and affordable enough that you can replace it as they grow.
At Element Fight Wear, we build a full kids line specifically for young grapplers from age 4+ — gis, belts, rashguards, and mouthguards all sized and constructed for kids.
What Your Child Actually Needs
A complete kids BJJ starter kit includes:
- Gi (kimono): The uniform required for most BJJ classes
- White belt: Usually included with the first gi
- Rashguard: For no-gi classes and added hygiene under the gi
- Mouthguard: Non-negotiable for live rolling and sparring
- Gear bag: Keeps kit separate, dry, and organised
Choosing the Right Kids Gi
Size and Fit
Kids gis follow the M (Master/Mini) sizing system:
| Gi Size | Approx Age | Approx Height |
|---|---|---|
| M0 | 4–5 years | 100–110 cm |
| M1 | 5–7 years | 110–125 cm |
| M2 | 7–9 years | 125–135 cm |
| M3 | 9–11 years | 135–145 cm |
| M4 | 11–13 years | 145–155 cm |
| M5 | 13–15 years | 155–165 cm |
📏 Parent Tip — Sizing for Growth
Kids grow fast. Size up if your child is between sizes, but not too much — a gi that is too large is dangerous (excess fabric to trip on, sleeves that get caught). A slightly-loose gi that fits in 3 months and is tight in 9 is ideal. Expect to buy a new gi every 12–18 months for growing kids.
Weight and Durability
Kids need a gi that can survive being rolled on, dragged across mats, and thrown in the washing machine after every session. Look for:
- Pearl weave cotton — balance of durability and weight
- Reinforced knees on the pants — kids spend a lot of time on their knees
- Strong collar — takes constant grip pressure
- Double-stitched seams in high-wear areas
The Element Kids Gi Range
⭐ BESTSELLER FOR KIDS
Element Aspire BJJ Gi
- Durable pearl weave construction
- Available in Black
- Sized for growing kids
- Reinforced stitching in high-wear areas
- IBJJF legal colour
- From $79.00 (was $89.00)
💎 COMPETITION-READY
Element ProComp Kimono (Kids Sizes)
- Competition-grade pearl weave
- Available in White and Black
- Reinforced collar and seams
- IBJJF-ready cut in both colours
- Kids sizes M0 through M5
- From $119.00
The Kids Belt System
The kids BJJ belt ranks are different from adults because children cannot hold adult ranks. The IBJJF kids belt progression:
White → Grey → Yellow → Orange → Green
At 16, kids transition to the adult belt system (white, blue, purple, brown, black). Each kids belt typically has three sub-ranks (e.g. Grey-White, Grey, Grey-Black) to give more frequent promotions and keep young grapplers motivated.
For a deeper dive, see our full BJJ belts guide.
🧒 KIDS BELTS
Element Kids Competition Belts
- Sized specifically for ages 4+
- Full kids colour range: white, grey, yellow, orange, green
- Sub-rank variants available (Grey-White, Grey-Black, etc.)
- Durable cotton construction with reinforced stitching
- Secure knot hold
- From $19.90
Kids No-Gi Gear
If your child’s academy also offers no-gi classes, they will need a rashguard. Rashguards protect against mat burn, provide a hygiene barrier, and are required at most gyms.
- Short sleeve is usually more comfortable for kids in hot climates
- Look for flat-locked seams to prevent chafing
- Size snug but not restrictive — kids should be able to raise arms fully
- IBJJF-ranked rashguards are useful if they plan to compete
Kids Mouthguards — Non-Negotiable for Live Rolling
Once your child starts doing live rolling (usually by their second or third month of training), they need a mouthguard. Baby teeth are easier to damage than adult teeth, and dental work on kids is expensive and traumatic.
🛡️ YOUTH PROTECTION
Sisu 3D Youth Mouthguard
- Sized specifically for kids under 5 feet tall
- 2.0mm ultra-thin — kids can breathe and communicate clearly
- Diffusix technology distributes impact forces
- Works with braces (dentist fitting recommended)
- Remoldable up to 20 times — useful as teeth shift
- $24.99
How Much Will It All Cost?
| Starter Kit | Item | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Gi (with white belt) + mouthguard | ~$105 |
| Recommended | Gi + mouthguard + rashguard + gear bag | ~$175 |
| Complete | ProComp gi + full accessories | ~$220 |
Order over $199 and shipping is free worldwide from Element Fight Wear.
🛒 Equip Your Young Grappler
Full kids BJJ range — gis, belts, rashguards, mouthguards — all sized for growing bodies and built for daily training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start BJJ?
Most academies accept kids from age 4. Some have dedicated “Little Champions” or “Tiny Tigers” classes for 3-year-olds that focus on fun and coordination rather than technique.
How often will I need to replace the gi?
Expect to replace a kids gi every 12–18 months depending on how fast they grow. A 7-year-old starting in M1 will likely be in M2 within a year.
Can my child train in a cheap gi I bought online?
Technically yes — but cheap gis fall apart within months of daily training, have weak collars that tear when gripped, and often have non-IBJJF-compliant colours. The $20 saving costs you more in replacement gis within a year.
Is BJJ safe for kids?
BJJ is one of the safer martial arts for kids because there is minimal striking. Injury rates are lower than in football, rugby, or gymnastics. The main risks are minor joint strains and occasional skin infections — both manageable with proper gear and hygiene.
How many times a week should a kid train?
For beginners, 2–3 sessions per week is ideal. Kids under 7 often do best with 1–2 shorter sessions. Avoid daily training until age 10+ to prevent burnout.
Do kids need finger tape?
Usually not. Kids rarely have the grip strength to cause the joint damage finger tape protects against. Save the tape for teenagers (13+) who are starting to develop adult grip strength.
What should I wash a kids gi with?
Cold water (30°C), mild detergent, no fabric softener. Air dry — tumble drying destroys cotton gis. Wash after every session without exception — kids get sweaty and mats are dirty.
The Bottom Line on Kids BJJ Gear
Equipping your child for BJJ is not complicated, and it does not have to be expensive. A durable gi, a kids-sized mouthguard, a rashguard, and a belt — that is the complete starter kit. The key is buying gear that is sized correctly for kids, built to survive daily training, and affordable enough to replace as they grow.
At Element Fight Wear, every piece of kids gear is designed with young grapplers in mind. Worldwide shipping, free over $199.
Shop Kids BJJ Gear at Element Fight Wear →
