The last thing you need after hours of dedicated practice is shin splints or joint strains. Instead of risking injury on carpeted floors and backyard lawns, a comfy but firm Jiu Jitsu mat for home workouts is a safer bet.
We compiled the best BJJ mats for home training and added a few handy tips. Before you put on your BJJ rash guard. Take a look.
Our Top Picks
Here are our top seven picks.
Contents
- 0.1 Winner: ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
- 0.2 Runner-Up: IncStores 1″ MMA Interlocking Foam Tiles
- 0.3 Everlast 2′ x 6′ Folding Mat
- 0.4 We Sell Mats 3/8 Inch Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat
- 0.5 IncStores Rollout Wrestling and Tumbling Mat
- 0.6 Dollamur 10’x10′ Flexi-Roll Wrestling Mat
- 0.7 BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat
- 1 Home BJJ Mat FAQs
- 2 In Summary
Winner: ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Our top pick is made from interlocking 1/2″-thick high-quality foam tiles that are lightweight but extremely tough. The high-density EVA foam cushions your bones and joints while the noise-reducing design absorbs thumps and thuds.
This mat covers 144 square feet and comes in packs of 36 tiles with 72 end borders for a polished look. With no toxic phthalates to leach out when your mat is warm, this is much safer than rubber floor mats. It also protects your hardwood floors from sleet, rain, and snow.
Pros
- Anti-skid texture
- Easy to clean
- Hassle-free assembly and disassembly
Cons
- May come apart on jumping impact
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Jigsaw |
| Size | 18.1” x 25.5” x 25.5” |
Runner-Up: IncStores 1″ MMA Interlocking Foam Tiles
This 1” mat is highly shock-absorbent, durable, and lightweight, with each tile weighing 2.4 lbs. It’s made from non-toxic high-density closed-cell EVA foam, so it’s completely safe, health-wise.
The two removable edges let you use any tile on the border, corner, or center, although the tiles will overlap by 1″ when locked together. You don’t need to worry about mold thanks to the water-resistant material, which makes cleaning straightforward and easy.
Pros
- Two pleasant reversible colors
- Suitable for MMA, gymnastics, and children’s play
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Tile color and thickness may fluctuate
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Jigsaw |
| Size | 24″ x 24″ x 1″ |
Everlast 2′ x 6′ Folding Mat
This 1 ⅝” folding mat weighs 10.2 lbs. The bonded foam provides additional comfort, while the non-absorbent material makes cleaning a breeze. It’s sturdy enough that you can train with shoes without worrying about tears.
In addition, you can flip the mat over if one side is worn and use the other side to get more years out of each side. With its top-notch cushioning, it can even protect your adventurous toddler’s head from jump impacts.
Pros
- Folds quickly and smoothly
- Easily portable thanks to sewn handle
- Superior alternative to yoga mats
Cons
- Not ideal for takedowns.
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Folding |
| Size | 2’ x 6’ |
We Sell Mats 3/8 Inch Multipurpose Exercise Floor Mat
This ⅜” mat comes with durable high-density 24” x 24” foam tiles that are textured on one side and smooth on the other. It’s made from super-dense foam that provides an excellent cushion for both exercise and play.
You can assemble the tiles in a few minutes and place the mat on hardwood floors or any other flat surface indoors. This provides extra-thick padding to protect floors and children. You can even sleep on it while camping, but make sure it’s inside your tent.
Pros
- Anti-fatigue support reduces joint strain
- Soapy water is enough for cleaning
- Can be safely air-dried
Cons
- Doesn’t interlock with 12″ multipurpose tiles
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Jigsaw |
| Size | 24” x 24” |
IncStores Rollout Wrestling and Tumbling Mat
Among the best grappling mats for home training, this 1¼” thick mat comes with durable vinyl over polyethylene foam. This provides excellent shock absorption and lets you sanitize the surface easily. Whether you’re grappling or practicing half-Nelsons, you’ll be safe and strain-free.
Pros
- Excellent for beginners
- Easy transport and storage
- More mats can be velcroed for a larger surface
Cons
- Mats may vary slightly in color and size
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Rollout |
| Size | 5’ x 9’5’ x 10’ |
Dollamur 10’x10′ Flexi-Roll Wrestling Mat
This professional-quality mat is 1.25″ thick. It has a neat practice circle with starting marks. For extra protection against nasty smells, its surface is treated with antimicrobials.
You do need to tape it down, but the tape is high-quality and will keep the mat in place for several months of daily training. It weighs 25 lbs, and its size is more than enough for two people to roll or wrestle on.
Pros
- Maximum shock absorption
- Mat tape is included
- Ideal for BJJ and wrestling
Cons
- Pricey
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Rollout |
| Size | 10’x10′ |
BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat
The 1/2″ mat cushions your elbows, knees, hips, and spine. This durable mat comes with double-sided textured anti-slip tiles that won’t keep slipping away from underneath you. It’s easy to assemble and take apart and doesn’t take up much space in storage.
The excellent resilience helps you keep your balance. It’s also water-resistant so you can clean it easily with soap and water.
Pros
- High-density EVA foam gives superb cushioning
- Toxic-free material
- Noise-resistant
Cons
- Different color tiles may have different thicknesses
Specifications
| Material | Foam |
| Fitting | Jigsaw |
| Size | 24″ x 24″ x 1″ |
Home BJJ Mat FAQs
Different Types of BJJ Mats
Before you buy a BJJ mat, make sure it’s the right type and thickness for you.
Home BJJ mats are made with easy setup, cleaning, and storage in mind. Here are the three main types of mats.
Folding Mats
Also known as judo mats, these mats arrive ready for use. You can remove and store them faster than the other two types. In addition, they won’t need taping down if they’ve been folded up for a long time.
Folding mats are usually covered with vinyl, which makes them durable and reversible but can cause skin burns. They’re also the most resistant to damage from rocks and sticks, so they’re your best bet if you need to train outdoors temporarily.
Rollout Mats
Like folding mats, rollout mats need no assembly. That said, you might need to spend a good chunk of time taping down the edges if they curl up. Usually, this happens with mats that have been stored rolled up for a long time.
If your rollout mat is too big for your space, you can cut off part of it with a sharp utility knife. These mats come with a vinyl surface and an exposed foam base, which makes them the only irreversible type.
This is a great choice if you have a dedicated workout space.
Jigsaw Mats
Also called interlocking mats, this type is usually cheaper because of its inconvenient, time-consuming assembly. Like rollout mats, you can cut them with a good utility knife to make them fit your space.
Here are two other great bonuses: the interlocking tiles give you more storage versatility. You can also make your jigsaw mat larger, if you need to, by buying more tiles and attaching them to your current mat.
Jigsaw mats usually have a softer texture that doesn’t cause skin burns. Like folding mats, this type is reversible, so you can flip it over if you need to. If you have children who might play on your mat, this is probably a good fit for you.
Ideal Thickness
Most mats are between one and two inches in thickness. Ultimately, the best thickness for you depends on your discipline.
One-inch mats are ideal for striking and stand-up arts, like karate, taekwondo, and kung fu. The higher firmness provides optimal support for stand-up moves. Any thicker and the mat won’t be firm enough.
Slams, grappling, and throw-heavy disciplines like jiu jitsu, judo, and Hapkido are better practiced on the thicker two-inch mats. The softer core provides extra cushioning, and the additional padding makes it safer for bodies hitting the mat from as high as four feet.
If you’re unsure, a 1.5” mat can be a good compromise. It’s the same thickness required for official tournaments by the International Judo Federation and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Here are the answers to a few common questions.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Home BJJ mats come in various sizes, so you’re bound to find a suitable mat for your space. Measure the room, garage, or space you want to work out in. Remember to subtract the area needed for any fitness machines, storage items, or furniture.
If you want your mat to cover the entire floor, consider leaving 5% for errors. You can also use your mat to set off a certain space or place multiple mats in designated sparring areas.
Can You Use Your Home BJJ Mat Outdoors?
While it may be tempting to train in the open air, we don’t recommend using your mat in your backyard. The sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on your home BJJ mats. Sharp rocks and grass could penetrate the surface as well.
Even worse, various critters love munching on BJJ mats. This could not only cost you a good mat but also encourage rodents.
How Do You Clean Your Mat?
Between the sweat and foot bacteria, a lot of slippery, sticky grime can build up on your mat super-fast. Cleaning home BJJ mats is all about sanitizing to protect you from infections and increase your mat’s life.
You need to vacuum your cleaner, wash it, and dry it. A water-bleach mix is fine, but so is any regular detergent. With non-waterproof mats, your number-one enemy is mold. Make sure to wipe down rather than hose your mat, then thoroughly dry every crease and fold.
In Summary
For a professional-quality mat, the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat is the winner hands down. It’s easy to clean, assemble, and take apart. Even better, it’s anti-skid and toxin-free. It also has outstanding shock absorption, so get rolling!
