BJJ Rolling - The Best Mat Choice

The best mat for BJJ rolling depends on factors such as budget, space, portability, durability, and the type of training environment. Here's a comparison of the three popular options: Judo mats (vinyl-covered compressed foam), Roll-out mats (XPE foam), and EVA jigsaw mats:

Firstly what is "Rolling"? As described at King Calisthenics "In live rolling, you are focusing on resisting your partner until you ultimately get a submission. It is this rolling with resistance that differentiates BJJ from other martial arts." 

Now lets jump into the best gym flooring for rolling. 

1. Judo Mats (Vinyl-Covered Compressed Foam)

• Material: High-density compressed foam with a durable vinyl cover.
• Features:
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting.
  • Excellent impact absorption, making them ideal for throws, takedowns, and groundwork.
  • Non-slip underside to prevent shifting during intense sessions.
• Advantages:
  • Superior cushioning and shock absorption reduce injury risk.
  • Durable, professional-grade mats used in competition and high-level gyms.
  • Easy to clean due to the smooth vinyl surface.
• Disadvantages:
  • Heavy and less portable.
  • Expensive compared to other options.
  • Installation may require additional effort or adhesive.

2. Roll-Out Mats (XPE Foam)

• Material: Cross-linked polyethylene (XPE) foam with a flexible vinyl or PVC top layer.
• Features:
  • Designed for quick and easy setup and storage.
  • Typically comes in long rolls that can cover large areas efficiently.
  • Moderate cushioning suitable for groundwork and light takedowns.
• Advantages:
  • Lightweight and portable, ideal for multi-use spaces or temporary setups.
  • Fast installation – simply unroll them.
  • Moderate price compared to Judo mats.
• Disadvantages:
  • XPE is closed cell so no air passes between the cells so its not as comfortable to be thrown on compared to open cell compressed foam like in a Judo mat.

3. EVA Jigsaw Mats

• Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, interlocking puzzle-style pieces.
• Features:
  • Easy to assemble, like a puzzle, making them highly versatile for different spaces.
  • Lightweight and portable, suitable for home setups or smaller training areas.
  • Available in various thicknesses (often 1-1.5 inches for BJJ use).
• Advantages:
  • Affordable compared to Judo and roll-out mats.
  • Modular design allows for customization and easy replacement of damaged sections.
  • Lightweight and portable, easy to disassemble and store.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited durability; can wear out faster under intense rolling.
  • Gaps between tiles may open during intense training, causing uneven surfaces.
  • Less cushioning than Judo mats, especially for takedowns or throws.

Comparison Table

Recommendation

1. Judo Mats: Best for professional gyms or dojos, where durability and safety during throws are priorities.
2. Roll-Out Mats: Ideal for multi-use spaces, temporary setups, or those who need moderate cushioning and portability.
3. EVA Jigsaw Mats: Great for budget-conscious users or small/home setups but not recommended for heavy-duty or high-impact training.

For BJJ rolling mats, Judo mats provide the best performance, but for flexibility and affordability, roll-out mats or EVA jigsaw mats are suitable alternatives depending on your specific needs.