Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a form of martial arts. It’s based on ground fighting. It teaches you how to use your opponent’s body to control them through various techniques.
One reason why BJJ is gaining so much popularity is that it’s accessible to everyone. Anyone can practice this form of self-defense, from stay-at-home moms to children.
If you come across an opponent who’s taller and stronger than you, you can use leverage and submission techniques to overcome them. That’s why it’s called the ‘gentle art’. It’s also called the ‘game of human chess’ because there’s a lot of strategizing.
As with all types of contact sports, you need to use the right protective gear during training. One essential piece is BJJ headgear. We know how busy you are training so we made this comprehensive list for you.
We gathered the best jiu jitsu headgear in one place, so you can find the most suitable one for you.
Our Top Picks
Here are our top choices for the best headgear for BJJ.
Contents
- 0.1 Winner: Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Wrestling Protective Headgear
- 0.2 Runner-up: Matman Ultra Soft Adjustable Wrestling Headgear
- 0.3 ASICS Unisex Gel Wrestling Ear Guard
- 0.4 Gold BJJ Headgear
- 0.5 Adapt Athletics Enhanced Headgear
- 0.6 Asics Conquest Ear Guard
- 0.7 Venum ‘Kontact Evo’ Ear Guard
- 0.8 Grapplearts Minimum Profile Ear Guard
- 0.9 Cliff Keen Fusion Headgear
- 1 BJJ Headgear FAQ
- 2 BJJ Headgear Summary
Winner: Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Wrestling Protective Headgear
The Cliff Keen F5 headgear is made with a lightweight material. It ensures a comfortable fit while providing the highest levels of protection.
This headgear has a hard plastic outer covering and a soft foam padding on the inside. It’s 43% lighter than other competitive brands. Thanks to its exclusive ‘Air Vent System’ technology, it allows for better ventilation.
Its 4-strap stock ensures that it can be adjusted to best suit all head sizes. The power tab-on-the-fly strapping system ensures a quick and optimal fitting.
The ear cups are ultra-deep. They also have several vent holes to maximize comfort and protection. It also helps boost sound by 80%, along with the help of the Cliff Keen F5 audible sound technology.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Hearing isn’t affected
- Available in many color choices
Cons
- No Velcro chin strap
- Price is slightly higher than other brands
Product Specifications
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Material | Exterior hard plastic covering over the earsInterior soft foam padding |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9 x 5 x 3 inches |
Runner-up: Matman Ultra Soft Adjustable Wrestling Headgear
The Matman Ultra Soft headgear is made from the breathable, lightweight material, neoprene. It provides maximum comfort and ensures a snug fit. Neoprene is also antimicrobial and absorbs moisture to reduce skin irritation and bad smells. Most BJJ gis are antimicrobial too, so with this, you’ll be sure to keep clean.
This headgear is designed to provide optimal protection without bothering you or your opponent. It’s also very durable and can withstand the toughest of hits.
Another great feature is its triple-stitched Velcro chin strap. It allows you to find the perfect fitting without any fuss. Plus, it prevents your headgear from sliding.
The ear cup is padded with ultra-soft Neoprene. It comes with a three-hole vent system for better hearing. They also keep your head well-ventilated.
This ear guard is probably the only one that you can take off your BJJ rash guard over the top off. Not that you’d need to do that often.
Pros
- Offers maximum stability on the head
- Cushioned foam padding
- 3-hole system for better hearing
- Great value for money
Cons
- Velcro straps are harsh and poorly placed
- Ear cups are uncomfortable
- Available only in black
Product Specifications
| Weight | 0.249 ounces |
| Material | Exterior hard plastic covering over the earsInterior ultra-soft Neoprene padding |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11 x 8 x 2.5 inches |
ASICS Unisex Gel Wrestling Ear Guard
The Asics headgear is innovative in its design. Its exclusive GEL technology cushioning system ensures optimal protection of the head and ears, without hindering hearing.
This headgear is made from soft material that enhances your performance while cushioning your head against bumps and falls. It also keeps it in place on your head at all times.
The ear guards are padded for maximum comfort. They provide support and durability. There are three vent holes on both sides for better ventilation.
The Velcro chin strap is easily adjustable. You don’t have to go through the time-consuming process of taking off your headgear to fix it. It’s quick and hassle-free.
Pros
- Patented GEL technology
- Available in 3 colors
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Velcro straps are too narrow and uncomfortable
Product Specifications
| Weight | 0.287 ounces |
| Material | Exterior hard plastic covering over the earsInterior soft foam padding |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7 x 7 x 1.4 inches |
Gold BJJ Headgear
The Gold BJJ headgear was designed for three main goals. The first goal is to provide you with the protection you need as you train. The second goal is to be easy to adjust and fit you properly. The third goal is for you to look great while you’re wearing it.
The reinforced Velcro chin strap makes it easy to adjust the headgear to fit you perfectly. The headband is elastic to prevent the headgear from sliding during training.
The ear cups are padded for extra support. There are three vent holes on each side, which means hearing isn’t a problem.
What makes the Gold BJJ headgear stand out from its competitors? It’s trusted by thousands of Jiu-Jitsu players and coaches around the world. Plus, it comes with a BJJ mouthguard.
Gold BJJ is fast becoming one of the top jiu-jitsu equipment brands out there. They also make a handy BJJ gym bag that can fit all of your training items.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Comes with a mouthguard
Cons
- Available only in black
- Slightly higher in price than other brands
Product Specifications
| Weight | 0.64 ounces |
| Material | Soft padded material all around with extra cushioning around the ears |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.09 x 5.91 x 10.51 inches |
Adapt Athletics Enhanced Headgear
This headgear is made of the soft, durable material, neoprene. It prevents irritation of the skin as it absorbs moisture. Neoprene is also antimicrobial, which means no bad smells and no acne breakouts.
The ears are protected with the Adapt Athletics hard EVA ear guards. They can withstand the hardest of bumps and drops without affecting your ears. You’ll also find three large vent holes on each side for better ventilation. Plus, they make it much easier to hear.
With this new design, you can easily adjust the headgear to fit you perfectly and without a fuss. The chin strap is padded with additional foam for maximum comfort. The anchors on the buckle are triple stitched and highly durable.
The Adapt Athletics headgear fits head circumferences of 21 to 34.5 inches.
Pros
- Triple stitch anchors
- EVA ear guard
- Extra-large vent holes
- Great value for its price
- Available in 3 colors
Cons
- Velcro isn’t as clingy as it should
- Isn’t as durable as other brands
Product Specifications
| Weight | 3.5 ounces |
| Material | Made of soft Neoprene material and hard EVA ear guards |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.6 x 7 x 10.7 inches |
Asics Conquest Ear Guard
ASICS designed these BJJ ear guards with great care and innovation. These are the best ear guards for BJJ. They’re made with a hard injection-molded EVA covering. They’re antimicrobial to prevent skin irritation.
The outer shell is made with injection-molded LDPE plastic. This means your ears are protected against all types of falls, drops, and bumps without bending or deforming. Even when your head is on the BJJ mats you’ll be protected.
These ear guards come with several vent holes. This allows for better hearing and increases ventilation.
Its low profile design makes it easy to use during training. These ear guards will enhance your performance and make you look great in the process.
Pros
- Available in 5 colors
- Hard EVA ear pad
- Injection-molded LDPE shell
- Low profile design
Cons
- Snaps don’t stay closed
- The chin strap is uncomfortable
Product Specifications
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Material | Durable EVA ear padsLDPE outer shell |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 6.9 x 6 x 3 inches |
Venum ‘Kontact Evo’ Ear Guard
Venum is most famous for Muay Thai equipment, like shin guards and Thai boxing gloves. But, they do make other items too, just like this ear guard. Made with injected foam, the Venum ear guard is one of the most sought-after BJJ ear guards on the market. It offers a great deal of protection, as well as comfort.
It’s designed with a 3-way enclosure system and 2 straps for the best fit. You’ll also find inner rubber hands to secure the ear guard.
The Venum protection gear is made with high-density foam. There are molded shells around the ear area for maximum protection. It’s also made with breathable Neoprene.
Neoprene is a non-irritant, antimicrobial material. Neoprene is soft on the outside, yet durable and protective at the same time.
Pros
- Held in place by 2 straps
- Non-slip, soft silicone head strap
- Made with breathable, antimicrobial material
Cons
- No vent holes in the ear cups
- Hearing is minimized
Product Specifications
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Material | Made of Neoprene and high-density foam |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.4 x 8.27 x 10.24 inches |
Grapplearts Minimum Profile Ear Guard
The Grapplearts ear guard is custom-designed by the BJJ player, Stephen Kesting. It’s snug, comfy, and, most importantly, durable.
These protective gear are made from breathable, antimicrobial fleece Neoprene lining. It’s soft on the skin. It also absorbs moisture and prevents skin irritation. The outer covering is made from thermo-molded plastic for optimal protection.
Its Velcro straps allow for easy adjusting of the headgear. The chin pad can be removed for added customization.
This ear guard has a low profile design to prevent slipping as you’re training. It also minimizes discomfort for you and your opponent.
Pros
- Quick-and-easy adjustable straps
- Low profile prevents slipping
- Fits snugly
- Affordable price
Cons
- Doesn’t allow for good ventilation
- Hearing is minimized
- Available only in black
Product Specifications
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Material | Made from antimicrobial Neoprene and thermo-molded plastic |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10.8 x 6.8 x 2.6 inches |
Cliff Keen Fusion Headgear
This Cliff Keen headgear offers plenty of room for your ears. It offers a snug fit, without compromising any of its protective features. The ear cups have a sleek profile to fit snugly and prevent the headgear from moving out of place.
It has a patented foam protective padding that’s soft on the skin. At the same time, it offers maximum protection against all kinds of bumps and falls.
The outer shell is soft on the skin and pliable. It won’t irritate you or your opponents.
The chin strap’s 3-strap design helps adjust the fit to prevent slipping. Its On-The-Fly strapping system makes adjusting the headgear easy and quick.
Pros
- On-The-Fly strapping system
- Available in a wide selection of colors
- Ear cups have a sleek profile
Cons
- Straps can become loose
- Price is higher than other brands
Product Specifications
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Material | Inner foam padding and protective external shell |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5 x 5.39 x 7.99 inches |
BJJ Headgear FAQ
These are three of the most common questions about BJJ headgear.
What are some of the benefits of using BJJ headgear?
BJJ is a great way to express your individuality and get a great workout in the process. But it does take its toll on your ears. The most common form of trauma when practicing BJJ is cauliflower ears.
The best way to protect your ears against this type of trauma, and others, is to wear protective headgear and ear guards.
Can I use wrestling headgear?
Yes. Whether you’re wrestling or practicing BJJ, you need to protect the same body part; the ears.
What’s the best way to clean my headgear?
it’s recommended that you wipe the headgear with disinfectant wipes.
Certain brands that can be safely washed in the washing machine. The Matman Ultra Soft Adjustable Wrestling Headgear, Adapt Athletics Enhanced Headgear, and the Grapplearts Minimum Profile Ear Guard are just a few.
BJJ Headgear Summary
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been perfected over the years to become almost a type of art form. It’s accessible to everyone. Plus, it offers many benefits, both physical and psychological.
Proper training requires adequate safety gear to keep you safe and protected. The most important of these is the headgear. We’re sure you’ll find the best BJJ headgear from the choices we’ve provided above.
Our top pick is the Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Wrestling Protective Headgear. It’s durable with easy-to-adjust straps. Plus, its vent holes are strategically placed for better hearing. It also allows for better airflow.
Once you find the best Jis Jitsu headgear for you, then train non-stop. The more you train in BJJ, the more you’ll realize it’s more than just a form of martial arts. It’s a way of life.
