Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has gained popularity throughout the world due to its usefulness in self-defense scenarios and its use in a variety of combat sports, including mixed martial arts. (MMA). The sport emphasizes grappling and ground fighting techniques to defeat opponents and is centered on the principles of leverage and skill. Due to its intensive nature, it can be physically demanding and tough on your body. It's imperative to wear the right gear while you train and BJJ spats are an essential piece of equipment for any BJJ practitioner. In this article, we will explore the advantages of wearing BJJ spats during training.
Pros & Cons of Wearing Spats for BJJ
Before delving into the benefits of wearing spats, it's important to consider the pros and cons of this gear. Here are some of the most significant pros and cons of wearing spats for BJJ:
Pros:
- Spats provide compression, which can help improve blood flow and prevent injuries.
- They can help regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in hot environments and warm in colder ones.
- Spats are typically made from moisture-wicking materials, which help keep you dry and comfortable during training.
- They can help protect your skin from mat burns and other forms of irritation.
- Spats are versatile and can be worn for training or competition.
Cons:
- Some people find spats uncomfortable or restrictive, particularly if they're not used to wearing compression gear.
- They can be expensive, depending on the brand and quality.
- They may not be suitable for people with certain skin conditions or allergies.
Are BJJ Spats Just Compression Pants?
BJJ spats are frequently compared to compression pants, which many people find absurd. The two share certain similarities but also have some significant distinctions. The purpose of compression pants is to provide support to particular body parts, and they are frequently used by athletes in a range of sports. For ventilation, they may have mesh panels and are frequently made of synthetic fabrics like nylon or spandex.
BJJ spats on the other hand are created and designed exclusively for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and competition. They are designed to provide compression to the entire lower body and come in a range of fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester. To help them withstand the rigors of BJJ training, they also tend to include reinforced stitching and other design features.
Can BJJ Spats Improve Your Overall Performance?
Now that we've discussed what spats are and their pros and cons, let's explore how they can improve your overall performance during BJJ training.
✔ Improved Blood Flow and Reduced Muscle Fatigue
One of the primary benefits of wearing spats is the compression they provide. Compression can help improve blood flow to the muscles, which can reduce muscle fatigue and soreness during and after training. This increased blood flow can also help promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping them perform better during training.
✔ Protection from Mat Burns and Other Forms of Irritation
Another benefit of wearing BJJ spats for training is that they can help protect against skin infections. BJJ is a close-contact sport, and the mats and equipment can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. When the skin is exposed, it is more susceptible to infection.
BJJ spats provide an additional layer of protection to the legs, reducing the risk of skin infections. They also help to keep the skin dry by wicking away sweat, which can further reduce the risk of infection. For those who have had previous skin infections, wearing spats is an essential precaution to avoid future incidents.
✔ Regulation of Body Temperature
BJJ training can be intense, and it is common for practitioners to sweat heavily during sessions. Spats are designed to be moisture-wicking, meaning they pull sweat away from the skin and onto the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. This helps to keep the skin dry and comfortable, preventing chafing and irritation.
In addition to keeping the skin dry, BJJ spats can also help regulate body temperature. The stretchy material allows for airflow, which can help to keep the legs cool during training. This is particularly important during hot and humid weather when overheating can be a real concern.
✔ Versatility and Convenience
Finally, BJJ spats are a versatile piece of gear that can be worn for training or competition. They are easy to put on and take off, and they can be worn underneath other clothing or gear like Gi's. This versatility makes them a convenient and practical piece of equipment for any BJJ practitioner.
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