Grappling is a form of hand-to-hand combat that includes wrestling, judu, jiujitsu, BJJ, etc. Groundwork and throws are the main skills that comprise grappling skills. As this is the case, traction and shock absorption are important characteristics of proper grappling flooring. Here we will outline some of the most popular materials and construction techniques to provide you with a home training surface with which you will be happy.
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| wrestling mats |
Core Material
When in the process of choosing grappling mats, the core material is the most important consideration as it's important to have flooring that provides the perfect combination of cushion, shock absorption, stability, and firmness.
The most common commercial core materials are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nitrile foam, cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, all of which are closed cell foams which are durable will not absorb water. While these foams are more expensive than open-cell foams like carpet padding, they have a longer lifespan and will not absorb moisture that can lead to mold and mildew. There are, however, high end grappling mats that use polyurethane foam, which is a open cell foam known for providing some of the best cushion available. This style of foam, must be contained by a durable cover material.
For areas where there will be a lot of throwing, thicker mats will provide the needed shock absorbtion that thinner mats won’t be able to provide. Some grappling mats, such as Greatmats Grappling MMA Mats 1-5/8 Inch, are even tested for fall heights and will give you an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) fall height rating.
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| wrestling mat material |
PVC nitrile foams are the traditional material used for competition wrestling mats. They are the most durable and heaviest option, and will also be the most expensive. This material is flexible enough to be double sided and still roll up for storage.
Cross-linked PE foam is a newer, less expensive and lightweight alternative to the PVC nitrile foams. This foam is firm in nature and introduces some bounce as well as shock absorption to the mat. PE foam is perfect for home grappling use. It is usually one-sided and scored on the back which allows it to be rolled up.
EVA foam is the least expensive option, providing most of the same benefits of the other materials without some of the cosmetic durability. It does not lose any of its functionally through extended use, there will just be visible wear and tear. These mats usually come in puzzle mat form (interlocking tiles) and can be double sided.
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| folding grappling mat |
Surface texture and material
The surface of the grappling flooring in a space can make a big impact on the comfort and safety of athletes who are training. Grappling mats can have foam wrapped or bonded to vinyl or canvas. They can also, in the case of EVA foam mats, have the surface texture molded into the same material as the core. Smooth and tatami are the most common textures.
Smooth surfaced mats lend well to use with shoes, but can become slippery when training barefoot.
Due to their smooth nature, they are also less likely to cause burns on your skin than more textured surfaces.
Vinyl tatami or canvas surfaces provide extra grip when training barefoot, and are very durable, but are well known for causing mat burns.
EVA mats with tatami texture molded into the surface, provide the grip needed for barefoot grappling training without the risk of mat burns. EVA mats will scuff over time but it will not be detrimental to the performance of the mat.
Mat size and repair
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| Grappling mat material & surface |
The larger the mat you get, the fewer seams you will have to deal with. Almost all wrestling and grappling mats offer a one year warranty.
Your PVC nitrile based mats usually come in the largest rolls (5+ feet wide and varying lengths), but can be cumbersome to install - especially in a home environment or by a single person. The factory can recondition or resurface the mats is they become damaged.
Cross-linked PE foam mats are often significantly smaller and more lightweight rolls (in the 5x10 foot range). They are lightweight and easy to install by a single person. A benefit of these mats is that they are lightweight and be installed by one person. It’s typical for multiple mat rolls to need to be taped together. Should they become damaged, cross-linked polyethylene foam grappling mats can be repaired with a patch, but can not be reconditioned or resurfaced.
EVA puzzle mats usually come in square tiles 2-4 feet in diameter that can connect together in any direct to achieve the desired floor coverage. While these mats cannot be repaired, they are typically double sided allowing for them to flipped if one side becomes damaged. Puzzle tiles are also easily replaced in as small as 4 square foot sections without the need for tearing up the entire grappling floor.
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| grappling mat |
Generally vinyl-wrapped PU foam mats come in a 1x2 meter (~3.3x6.6 feet) size. The durable vinyl is extremely resistant to damage and can be patched if needed. The outer vinyl is extremely durable and we resistant, and can even be patched if needed. These mats usually cannot be connected together but their weight, combined with grippy non-slip underside do a good job of keeping mats in place and allow for multiple mats to be butted up next to each other to expand your grappling area.
Folding mats with a PE core and vinyl cover are available in a large array of sizes, generally from 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet long. When these mats are used for grappling purposes, it’ll be important to find folding mats with hook and loop connectors. This is because the connectors will help ensure all the mats remain help tightly together.
There is a lot to consider when shopping for grappling mats, but if you keep the above factors in mind, you are sure to find grappling mats that will fit you budgetary, space and performance needs.
