One of the most common questions our training staff gets at Gracie Raleigh is regarding the use of a cup during Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training. While our team highly recommends that participants use any and all safety gear available to them to avoid serious injury, some BJJ practitioners opt not to use this vital piece of protective equipment. Among those who practice the sport, there is about a 50/50 split between those who choose to wear a cup and those who don’t. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. The information below can help you make the most informed decision for yourself. If you are searching for the best BJJ martial arts classes in Raleigh, call Gracie today. New classes starting soon!

Reasons Not to Wear a Cup

• Compression shorts or athletic supporters can offer stability and mobility without the discomfort of a rigid cup.
• Frequent adjustments need to be made which can interfere with your training time and focus.
• Your pants can be challenging to tie due to the space the cup and supporter take up.
• The discomfort felt when taking your opponent’s back can become counterproductive. Many of the BJJ practitioners who wear a cup have reported experiencing tearing and pain as a result of their cup during these moves. For this reason, many deem the cup counterproductive.
• Mobility can be limited by wearing a cup. The space the cup takes up can impair your ability to close your legs or clamp down on your opponent completely.
• When properly fitted, the gi should keep everything in place.

Reasons to Wear a Cup

• You are concerned with your own comfort and the discomfort of your opponent during moves like the triangle choke.
• Protecting your most sensitive area while rolling or sparring makes sense to you.
• Minimizing injury to your groin area is important to you.
• You are concerned about the possible fertility risks that not wearing a cup poses.
• Stomach and abdominal pain from blows can limit your performance significantly.
• Many of the compression short brands now offer a flexible cup option that minimizes discomfort and reduces the cup’s impact on mobility.

Affordable Martial Arts Classes in Raleigh

All in all the option to wear or not to wear a cup is a personal choice. Many BJJ students find that through a process of elimination they will find an athletic support or cup option that works for them. When in doubt, ask more experienced BJJ practitioners or coaches for recommendations.

Come train with the area’s best BJJ teachers at Gracie Raleigh. New martial arts classes in Raleigh start soon, and space is limited. Call or come by the gym today and get signed up for your slot!