Best BJJ Finger Tape UK (2026) | Sticky Grips Guide
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Best BJJ Finger Tape UK (2026): Complete Grappler’s Buyer’s Guide
If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu regularly, your fingers take a constant beating. Every grip fight, collar drag, sleeve control, spider guard exchange, and hard round puts stress on the small joints, tendons, and ligaments of your hands.
Over time, this wear and tear can lead to sore knuckles, swollen fingers, reduced grip strength, and even long-term joint damage.
That’s why finger tape has become an essential piece of equipment for serious grapplers.
But with hundreds of sports tapes available online, how do you know which one is actually suitable for BJJ?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes great BJJ finger tape, what features matter most, and how to choose the right tape for your training.
What Is BJJ Finger Tape?
BJJ finger tape is a narrow athletic tape designed to support the small joints and ligaments of the fingers during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and competition.
Unlike standard sports tape, grappling tape needs to be:
- Strong enough to survive grip fighting
- Comfortable during long training sessions
- Easy to tear by hand
- Secure even when sweating
- Narrow enough to wrap finger joints correctly
Most experienced grapplers keep finger tape in their gym bag at all times.
Why Do Grapplers Tape Their Fingers?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo are the most demanding sports for finger health.
Whether you train Gi or No-Gi, your hands are constantly subjected to pulling, twisting, and gripping forces.
Common situations that place stress on the fingers include:
- Collar grips
- Sleeve grips
- Spider guard
- Lasso guard
- Lapel guards
- Wrestling scrambles
- Grip fighting
- Takedown exchanges
Over months and years of training, this repetitive stress can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Finger tape helps support vulnerable joints and allows many athletes to continue training consistently.
Common Finger Injuries In BJJ
Jammed Fingers
One of the most common injuries in grappling.
Often occurs during scrambles or failed grip exchanges.
Collateral Ligament Strains
These small ligaments stabilise the sides of the finger joints.
They can become stretched through years of gripping.
Swollen Knuckles
Many experienced grapplers develop enlarged finger joints from repeated stress.
Tendon Irritation
Constant gripping can cause discomfort and inflammation around the tendons of the fingers and hand.
While finger tape won’t make you injury-proof, it can help provide support and reduce unnecessary strain.
What Makes Great BJJ Finger Tape?
Not all athletic tapes are created equal.
The best BJJ finger tape should offer the following:
Strong Adhesion
Nothing is more frustrating than tape peeling off after one round.
Quality grappling tape should remain secure during:
- Sweaty training sessions
- Hard sparring
- Gi friction
- Long competition days
Easy Tear
BJJ athletes don’t want to carry scissors everywhere.
A quality tape should tear cleanly by hand.
Breathability
Training sessions generate heat and sweat.
Breathable cotton construction helps improve comfort during long sessions.
Low Residue
Nobody enjoys spending ten minutes removing sticky glue after class.
A good tape should remove cleanly while maintaining strong hold during training.
Consistent Quality
Cheap tapes often vary from roll to roll.
Reliable manufacturing ensures every roll performs consistently.
8mm vs 10mm BJJ Finger Tape
One of the most common questions grapplers ask is:
Which is better: 8mm or 10mm?
The answer depends on your preferences and how you use the tape.
8mm Finger Tape
Best for:
- Everyday finger support
- Individual finger joints
- Competition use
- Smaller hands
- Precision wrapping
Many grapplers consider 8mm the most versatile option.
10mm Finger Tape
Best for:
- Thumb support
- Larger hands
- Extra joint stability
- Wider coverage
Athletes who tape their thumbs frequently often prefer 10mm tape.
Many experienced competitors keep both sizes available.
Why Zinc Oxide Tape Is Popular For BJJ
The majority of high-quality grappling tapes use zinc oxide adhesive.
This type of tape has become popular because it offers:
- Strong adhesion
- Reliable support
- Good durability
- Comfortable wear
- Proven performance
This is why zinc oxide tape is commonly used in:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Judo
- Wrestling
- MMA
- Climbing
- Rugby
How To Tape Your Fingers For BJJ
There are several methods commonly used by grapplers.
Buddy Taping
Used when one finger needs support from a neighbouring finger.
Common for minor strains and recovery training.
Joint Support Wrapping
A simple wrap around the finger joint helps provide additional stability during gripping.
X Wrap Method
Popular among competitors.
Helps support the joint while still allowing movement.
Always avoid wrapping too tightly as this can restrict circulation.
What Should You Look For When Buying BJJ Finger Tape?
Before purchasing, ask yourself:
Does It Stay On?
If the tape peels after a few rounds, it isn’t suitable for grappling.
Can It Be Torn By Hand?
Convenience matters.
Does It Leave Excessive Residue?
Quality tape should remove cleanly.
Is It Comfortable?
Support should not come at the expense of comfort.
Is It Available In The Correct Width?
8mm and 10mm options provide flexibility depending on your needs.
Best BJJ Finger Tape UK: Our Recommendations
When choosing finger tape, reliability is everything.
Sticky Grips tape was designed by grapplers who understand the demands of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
Sticky Grips 8mm Finger Tape
Ideal for:
- Daily training
- Competition use
- Joint support
- Grip-intensive athletes
Available in:
- Black
- Purple
- Combat Green
- Red
- Pink
Sticky Grips 10mm Finger Tape
Ideal for:
- Thumb support
- Wider finger coverage
- Larger hands
- Additional stability
Sticky Grips Refill Packs
Designed for athletes who train regularly and want maximum value.
Benefits include:
- More tape per purchase
- Reduced packaging
- Better long-term value
- Convenient storage
Why More UK Grapplers Are Choosing Sticky Grips
Sticky Grips was built specifically for the grappling community.
Our tape is designed to provide:
- Strong zinc oxide adhesion
- Breathable cotton construction
- Easy hand tear
- Low residue removal
- Reliable support
- UK dispatch
Whether you’re preparing for competition or simply trying to protect your fingers during training, choosing the right tape can make a significant difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What finger tape do BJJ athletes use?
Most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes use zinc oxide finger tape because it offers strong support and reliable adhesion during training.
Is 8mm or 10mm finger tape better?
8mm is generally preferred for finger joints, while 10mm is often used for thumbs and larger areas.
Can finger tape prevent injuries?
Finger tape cannot completely prevent injuries, but it can help support joints and reduce strain during training.
How often should I replace my tape?
Most athletes replace tape after each training session to ensure consistent support and hygiene.
Is finger tape allowed in competition?
Yes. Finger tape is generally permitted in most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, although specific rules may vary between organisations.
Does No-Gi training require finger tape?
Many No-Gi athletes still tape their fingers, particularly if they are recovering from injuries or training frequently.
Final Thoughts
Finger health is one of the most overlooked aspects of long-term Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
Choosing quality BJJ finger tape can help support your joints, improve training consistency, and keep you on the mats for years to come.
If you’re looking for dependable BJJ finger tape in the UK, focus on strong adhesion, comfort, durability, and proper sizing.
The best tape is the one that stays on when the rounds get hard.