When it comes to setting up, breaking down, and transporting martial arts tatami, there are several factors to consider, including ease of installation, weight, durability, and portability. In this section, we will compare three common types of martial arts mats – jigsaw mats, judo mats, and roll-out mats – to determine which mat is the fastest to set up, break down, and transport.
JIGSAW MATS
Jigsaw mats are made of EVA foam and interlock like a puzzle, creating a seamless surface. They are available in various thicknesses and sizes, making them a versatile option for any training space.
Setting Up: Jigsaw mats are easy to install and can be quickly assembled like a puzzle, making them by far the most popular option for martial arts training floors. However, the installation time can vary depending on the size of the training space, thickness of the mat and the number of mats required.
Breaking Down: Breaking down jigsaw mats is also relatively straightforward. The mats can be disassembled quickly by removing each piece like a puzzle. The time it takes to break down jigsaw mats will depend on the size of the training space and the number of mats used. Important tips. If using edging strips to avoid toe traps this can also take longer to fix. Thicker mats need more force to fit together and release and if you have plenty of 40mm mats to disassemble this can be hard on the thumbs! Thinner 20mm mats, especially the lower density ones with thin neck jigsaw teeth are easier to take apart but do so with care as you can rip teeth off!
Transporting: Jigsaw mats can be relatively easy to transport if they are disassembled and stacked neatly. Jigsaw mats don’t like sharp objects like high heels 😊 weapons and alike. Be careful to remove things like this from the back of your van. Spare bags are also handy to store and transport.
JUDO MATS
Judo mats are made of high-density foam and covered in a vinyl or canvas material. They are designed to provide excellent shock absorption and a smooth surface for grappling and ground work.
Setting Up: Setting up judo mats can take longer than jigsaw mats, as they are larger and heavier, especially the 2m x 1m x 40mm ones. It can take several people to move and position the mats correctly.
Breaking Down: Breaking down judo mats can also take longer than jigsaw mats due to their size and weight. It may take several people to disassemble and move them.
Transporting: Judo mats can be difficult to transport due to their weight and size. They often require a large vehicle to transport, and careful planning is necessary to ensure they are secured and protected during transport. You may consider trolleys if storing in situ.
ROLL-OUT MATS
Roll-out mats are made of high-density foam and come in various size rolls that can be easily rolled out and cut to size.
Setting Up: Roll-out mats are the easiest to set up and can be rolled out and cut to size in a matter of minutes. The installation time for roll-out mats is significantly faster than jigsaw or judo mats. Our Mats can be connected together along the length with Velcro. They can also be taped at the ends.
Breaking Down: Breaking down roll-out mats is also relatively simple, and they can be rolled up and stored away quickly. They have Velcro belts to hold them together.
Transporting: Roll-out mats are lightweight and easy to transport due to their compact size. They can be carried by hand or stored in a vehicle easily, making them a convenient option for those who need to transport mats frequently.
Points to note:
- Roll out mats are generally 40mm thick as thinner options can buckle. This is not ideal for transport capacity.
- Ease of transport: a 3m x 1.5m mat can be easily lifted by one man. A 6m x 1.5m mat is possible but very hard and not recommended. Anything larger should require rolling or two people.
- When rolled a 3m mat has diameter of 50cm; 6m has 65cm diameter and 12m diameter is 88cm. Obviously they are 1.5m tall.
CONCLUSION
In terms of speed and convenience, roll-out mats are the fastest to set up, break down, and transport. They require minimal assembly and can be easily rolled out and cut to size, making them an ideal option for those who need to set up a training space quickly. Jigsaw mats are also a popular option due to their versatility and ease of installation and cost effectiveness. While they can take longer to assemble and disassemble, they are still a relatively quick option for martial arts training floors. Judo mats, on the other hand, are the least convenient option in terms of speed and portability due to their size and weight.
The fastest mat to deploy, breakdown and transport is the roll out mat. If you are grappling then be sure to select a lower grip option to avoid the need for a tarp cover thus increasing the time taken for each operation. Having said that thinner low burn jigsaw mat such as our very popular 30mm BJJ mat will take up less space and much more affordable.
