Best Knee Pads For BJJ [protect yourself from Injuries]

Training BJJ, or any grappling art, can keep your body strong and fit but, at the same time, it can have its consequences. You won’t find a grappler that hasn’t sustained some form of injury while training and the most common part to get hurt are the knees.

If you are coming off an injury or you want to prevent injuries and provide some protection to your knees, now is the time for you to grab a pair of the best BJJ knee pads.

Top 5 Best Knee Pads For BJJ

McDavid one of the highest quality producers of performance apparel out there and they certainly proved that they deserve the praise with these knee pads. They are on the top of this list because of several different factors that make them the best BJJ knee pads.

Combining the affordable price with very high quality makes these McDavid Hex knee pads the finest overall pick. Other than those two factors there are also several features that make these BJJ knee pads stand out from the rest. When rolling on the mats protecting your knees is one of the most significant things you can do to prevent injury, impact can also occur near and as the knee is the closest joint it will absorb the force. These Hex pads cover a large area of your leg and this helps keep the knee and the surrounding areas much better than some other standard pad. 

The Hex technology combined with hDc technology makes these BJJ knee pads unique. They keep the skin cool and dry. All of the moisture is absorbed into the material. Also, the pads allow the user to stay warm when resting between rounds or taking a break from the mats.  Despite their size they are quite lightweight and they feel lighter than other BJJ pads on the market. McDavid has a full range of sizes and models so you will be able to find a perfect fit for you. They are machine washable and dryable.

Who was it made for?

If you are looking to reduce swelling when coming off an injury these knees HexPads are the choice for you. Aside from being used by professional martial arts practitioners, they can be used effectively when working out and training other sports such as basketball or football.

The Makerfire Protector knee pads are the most versatile on this list because of several factors. The ergonomic design is for almost anybody that has lots of activities involving high impact on knees, such as training any grappling discipline. They are also very suitable as knee protectors for outdoor activities as they are super lightweight. Being light doesn’t mean they are not sturdy though.

This product is made of quality cotton, high-density sponge, and spandex. This combination provides good elasticity and superb durability.  They feature great breathability and great absorption of sweat, keeping your knees dry and comfortable through rolling. The advanced 3d knitting technology leaves no irritating sewing lines that can cause discomfort.

Another great feature is the anti-slip silicone that provides extra reinforcement and ensures that the sleeve doesn’t slip during intense activity. In the centre there is thickening sponge pads, anti-impact for optimum knee cap protection. They are easily washable and come in different sizes so you can pick the one that suits you best. 

Who was it made for?

If you are looking to recover faster with the tight compression sleeve, reduce inflammation and swelling of the knee you should get this product. Being the most versatile they are perfect for a wide range of activities and sports. You can use them in other sports or activities besides in your BJJ academy such as: running, cycling, climbing, working out, they make for a solid all round knee pad.

Bodyprox is on the list of best BJJ knee pad manufacturers for a few reasons.  They make excellent high-density and high-quality protective gear that can be used for all kinds of combat sports including BJJ and MMA. The very best BJJ knee pads they produce have an ergonomic design and are threaded with a combination of different materials.

The strengthened foam is perfect for high impact disciplines. The thick anti-slip sponge offers great breathability and grip when you are rolling around the mats. The protection gained when you are using these is substantial. They are worn like a sleeve up the leg and rest above and below the knee. There are four sections of padding that are connected and protect your knee from all angles. If you find yourself taking blows to the sides, top, or bottom these pads will help absorb the impact by giving you extra support to the joint.

They’re made of polyester, EVA and rubber. This combination makes them durable and withstand BJJ training. The padding on this product is impressive and the comfort is another factor that makes this product so attractive.

Even with the amount of protection they offer, they are lightweight. This is due to the breathable lightweight material used. They only come in two sizes so just be warned you might have to look for a different brand.

Who was it made for?

The Bodyprox Protective pads are a good back up knee protector if you are doing any kind of BJJ or grappling. If you have been grappling and experienced an injury this product can help provide more protection in the future. A big part of the design is compression material for people coming back from injuries. The way it helps with blood flow is maintaining compression.

The Venum “Kontact” Evo Knee Pads are part of the Evo-Series. They’re a quality variant and these pads do what they are made to do, that is to disperse shock and protect the knees. They are reliable and also protect against light abrasions. Not only do they protect you but your opponent is also slightly protected during sparring sessions with the padding they provide.

They’re made out of neoprene fabric that provides protection and a natural range of motion. The 4-way stretch mesh panels at the back of the knee allow for the knees to move freely. The bar underneath helps distribute the pressure reducing the overall load on the knee cap. The high density foam and an anatomical and lightweight design are the best features of the Venum “Kontact” Evo pads. The foam offers superior protection and unrestricted movement on the mats while rolling, sparring or just doing drills.

Another good feature is the low weight and the comfort these knee pads provide, and that is what makes them one of the best on the market. They come in four sizes S, M, L and XL. The durability of the product is excellent, if treated with care they can last you a long time.

Who was it made for?

Venum “Kontact” Evo knee pads are high-quality pieces of equipment with excellent shock absorption and a good fit for a variety of leg sizes. These are outstanding for both grappling and BJJ, they are useful when doing ground work in MMA, and also can be used during stand-up sparring in other martial arts disciplines such as Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

The McDavid 6440 Hex Knee Pads is the budget pick on this list because of its affordable price and the quality it provides. These pads are universal and can be used as a knee pad and also as an elbow or shin pad. The hexagon design of the padding conforms to the body and provides excellent comfort.  The McDavid 6440 knee pads offer protection and do a good job of preventing a variety of joint or muscle injuries when training or sparring on the mats. The fabric is close-fitting and flexible. They are lightweight, breathable and hardly restrict movement.  

The special patented materials the pads are made from include nylon, elastane and polyethylene foam. The best feature of the pads is the HydraVent hDc material. This material is a synthetic fabric which is made of water-attracting molecules. To put it simply moisture from the body is pulled away from the skin and absorbed in this special material. When wearing these pads the skin stays cooler and drier.

They’re available in six different sizes and it comes in 18 different colors. They can also be washed in the washing machine.

Who was it made for?

This McDavid’s knee pad can be utilised as knee, elbow, or shin protector to prevent and act against different injuries during BJJ training.  It works well as a recovery aid after some injuries too. These knee pads come in 6 sizes which makes them suitable for both adults and younger kids. 

Benefits Of Using Grappling Knee Pads

Wearing knee pads can provide you with many benefits on and off the mats. Similar to how headgear can prevent cauliflower ear, pads can help you in preventing knee injuries and make your recovery from the same injuries much faster (1). One of the most common parts of the human body that is prone to injuries is the knees. At most BJJ schools, or grappling schools in general, people tend to get hurt out of pure ignorance and unawareness of their own body. 

The main purpose of the best BJJ knee pads is to stabilize the knees and prevent them from overextending. One of the most common major injuries that can happen is tearing a knee ligament such as the ACL and this is where having the best knee pad possible comes in handy. They can prevent these types of knee injuries or help you recover faster.

Most of these injuries happen when you put a lot of pressure on the knee. It can happen from bad technique or from being tense and not relaxing when drilling or sparring (2). 

What To Look For In BJJ Knee Pads

When getting a new pair of the best BJJ knee pads you should know what qualities to look for.

The first thing is the material the knee pads are made from. Just the difference in the material can dictate if the product is going to last you for a long time or not (3). 

These are the several most commonly used materials that make a good knee pad:

• Polyester – also known as polyethylene terephthalate, this material is one of the strongest synthetically produced fibers that have amazing strength, durability and water resistance.
• Neoprene – also known as polychloroprene, is a material most commonly used for orthopedic uses. A rubber like material with good flexibility, strength and impact resistance. 
• Rubber – a black elastic material that adds elasticity, strength and water resistance to the knee pad.
• Polyurethane – a synthetic material that is used to make foam. It provides high strength and is resilient and long-lasting.

The second thing is the padding and that is why it is best to first try the knee pads before purchase if possible. The padding needs to be big enough and fit your knees perfectly, which is even more important if you are coming from an injury. The material that is used besides the padding needs to provide enough flexibility, stability, and ability to stay in place during your training.

How To Maintain Your Jiu Jitsu Knee Pads?

Maintaining your knee pads every time after using them is a sure way to help they last. There are several ways how you can do that (4).

The easiest way is to throw them in the washing machine. You can wash them with the rest of your gear or use a laundry bag, or you can wash them by hand. The main thing to take notice of is to use cold water and the right type of detergent. Use a detergent that is designed to wash synthetic fibers. When washed it is best to let them air dry. Using a tumble drier heats the synthetic fibers and makes them wear out more quickly.

Long Sleeve Knee Pads

Long sleeve knee pads can be very useful in providing extra stability that short sleeve knee pads simply don’t offer. These types of knee pads have bigger contact with the knee and provide bigger padding. They are best used when recovering from injuries. The bigger padding allows for better compression and protection from mat burns.

Long sleeve BJJ knee pads are little bigger than the regular pads and can add more resistance while training BJJ, or any discipline that involves a lot of ground game. If you use a quality long sleeve knee pad you shouldn’t have to worry about them restricting your movements too much though.