Is Finger Taping in BJJ Weak or Smart? What Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Should Know

Finger taping is a common practice in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), yet it is often misunderstood. Some athletes believe finger tape is unnecessary or a sign of weakness. In reality, finger taping is a widely accepted and effective method for protecting finger joints, improving grip reliability, and supporting long-term training in both BJJ Gi and No-Gi.

Why the “Finger Taping Is Weak” Idea Exists

This belief comes from outdated gym culture, not performance science. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grip-dominant sport, especially in the Gi, where fingers are exposed to repeated stress from sleeve grips, collar grips, guard retention and grip fighting exchanges. Ignoring joint protection does not improve toughness. It increases injury risk.

Common Finger Injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ athletes frequently experience:

• Finger sprains and ligament strain

• Joint inflammation and swelling

• Reduced grip strength over time

• Chronic stiffness that limits training frequency

These injuries are rarely caused by one incident. They develop through repeated stress without proper support.

What Finger Taping Actually Does in BJJ

When applied correctly, BJJ finger tape helps to:

• Stabilise finger joints during gripping exchanges

• Reduce strain on ligaments and tendons

• Support injured or recovering fingers

• Maintain grip control in Gi and No-Gi training

• Allow consistent training without unnecessary downtime

Finger tape does not replace technique. It supports the hands during high-volume, high-intensity training.

Why Regular Athletic Tape Fails for BJJ

Most standard athletic tape sold in the UK is designed for light movement sports. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it often:

• Loses adhesion due to sweat and friction

• Unwraps during rolling and sparring

• Breaks down under gi fabric and grip pressure

• Requires frequent re-taping, increasing cost over time

This is why many BJJ athletes search specifically for grappling tape or BJJ finger tape, not generic sports tape.

What Makes Sticky Grips Tape Different

Sticky Grips finger tape is designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, not adapted from generic athletic tape.

Sticky Grips tape features:

• High-strength zinc-oxide adhesive that stays secure during rolls

• Breathable 100% cotton for comfort and skin protection

• Optimised structure for grip fighting, not linear sports

• Residue-free removal after long sessions

• Easy tear by hand for fast application

Sticky Grips is a UK-based brand, tested by active BJJ athletes and designed to perform under real training and competition conditions.

Why Experienced BJJ Athletes Tape Their Fingers

High-level and experienced athletes tape because they prioritise longevity and consistency. Training regularly over months and years matters more than short-term ego. Finger taping allows athletes to train harder while protecting their most valuable asset in grappling: their grips.

Is Finger Taping in BJJ Weak?

No. Missing training due to preventable finger injuries is what limits progress. Finger taping is a smart training tool, not a shortcut.

Key Takeaway

Finger taping in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not about fear or weakness. It is about intelligent injury management, grip protection and long-term performance.