Why Regular Athletic Tape Doesn’t Work for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes rely on standard athletic tape to protect their fingers, but most quickly discover it doesn’t work well in real BJJ training. Generic sports tape is designed for light movement and short-duration use, not the constant gripping, pulling and friction of Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

1. It Loses Adhesion During Rolling

Regular athletic tape is not built to handle sweat, gi fabric and constant hand fighting. Once moisture builds up, the adhesive weakens, causing the tape to slip, unravel or fall off mid-round.

2. It Lacks Proper Joint Support

Most pharmacy or general sports tapes are either too elastic or too soft, offering minimal finger joint stability. In BJJ, fingers are constantly bent, twisted and stressed, requiring structured support that generic tape cannot provide.

3. It Wasn’t Designed for Grip Fighting

BJJ grips involve intense friction against sleeves, collars and wrists. Standard athletic tape smooths out quickly, reducing friction and compromising grip control and performance.

4. It Fails Under Repeated Use

Regular tape breaks down fast during long sessions or competition days. Once it loosens, it no longer protects the fingers, increasing the risk of sprains and overuse injuries.

Why BJJ-Specific Finger Tape Matters

Finger tape designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses stronger adhesives, breathable cotton and optimised structure to stay secure through sweat, friction and extended rounds, providing consistent joint support and reliable grips.

For grapplers who train regularly, using tape built for BJJ isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.