Regularly training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the gi (kimono) significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing problems with the joints in your fingers.
In fact, it's almost certain that you'll encounter such issues at some point.
While it is advisable to allow your joints time to recover, some of us, the more stubborn practitioners, tend to persist with training, thereby exacerbating the problem.
The swelling of the joints is a result of the repeated stress placed on them during training, which involves constant pressure, impacts, and tugging.
Numerous studies such as the NLH (National Library of Medicine) have investigated the occurrence of swollen finger joints in grappling, including in other sports such as Judo.
Strain on fingers with a Gi
When practicing with the Gi, athletes utilise various grips and controls that can put considerable strain on their fingers.
Techniques like the cross collar choke, clock choke, loop choke, pocket grips, pistol grips, and lapel wraps can lead to twisted fingers in the process.
As a result, athletes must condition their hands to withstand the intensity of gripping battles during competitive matches.
Finger endurance
The strength and endurance of an athlete's hands can significantly impact their performance.
Fatigue in the hands might ultimately cost them a match, as opponents may capitalise on weakened grips, passing their guard, or securing submissions.
Therefore, developing hand strength becomes vital for success in both Gi and No Gi scenarios in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
BJJ Finger Tape: An Overview
BJJ finger tape is crafted from robust materials such as hard cotton or rayon, ensuring its durability.
It boasts a powerful adhesive quality, designed to withstand intense and sweat-inducing BJJ training sessions.
Its primary purpose is to safeguard the fingers, shielding them from cuts, rashes, and other potential injuries.
Moreover, the tape provides additional support to the smaller finger joints, enhancing the grip and bolstering the confidence of BJJ practitioners during combat.
Not limited to finger protection alone, this versatile tape can also be employed to cover other vulnerable areas like toes, wrists, knees, and ankles, offering further support and protection during BJJ training and competitions.
What’s the difference between regular sports tape & BJJ tape?
The primary distinction between regular sports tape and BJJ finger tape lies in their width.
BJJ tape is narrower, specifically tailored to fit the width of fingers, typically measuring around 0.3 inches or 8-9mm wider than standard sports tape.
This narrower design allows for a more precise application on the fingers.
Additionally, BJJ tape boasts enhanced reliability, ensuring a secure and long-lasting hold even during extended training sessions and intense sweating.
Key Features to Consider in the Best BJJ Finger Tape
If you are new to BJJ and in search of the right finger tape, it's essential to take into account the following features before making your purchase:
- Strong Adhesive Properties:
Opt for BJJ tape with robust adhesion capabilities to ensure it stays securely in place during rigorous training sessions. Look for tapes that utilize materials like zinc oxide, known for their excellent adhesive characteristics.
- Inelastic and Firm Material:
Choose high-quality, non-elastic materials like cotton or rayon for the tape's composition. These materials offer the necessary support to the finger joints. Avoid highly elastic kinesiology tapes, as they tend to lose their stickiness over time and may not provide adequate support.
- Customized Size:
BJJ tapes come in specific sizes tailored to fit fingers perfectly. Regular tapes are often too wide, leading to time-consuming cutting and the risk of inadequate coverage, potentially causing finger injuries. The ideal width for BJJ tape is around 0.3 inches or 8-9mm.
- Affordability and Value Packs:
Look for quality BJJ tapes from reputable brands without overspending. Many brands offer value packs containing multiple rolls and a carrying bag. These packs often provide generous tape lengths, typically over 10 yards / 30 feet / 9.1 meters, and some may even offer longer lengths, such as 15 yards / 45 feet / 13.7 meters.
- Residue-Free Removal:
Choose a BJJ tape that leaves no sticky residue behind when removed. This ensures a clean and comfortable experience, without the hassle of dealing with sticky fingers after training.
By considering these essential features, you can find the best BJJ finger tape that provides reliable support and protection during your training and competitions.
BJJ Taping Methods
Option A - The X Method
Using BJJ finger tape is crucial to protect your fingers from injuries and provide support during training or competition. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the X-taping method:
Materials needed:
High-quality BJJ finger tape
Scissors (if the tape doesn't have a built-in cutter)
Step 1: Prepare the tape
Cut a piece of finger tape, making sure it is long enough to go around the joint several times. The exact length will depend on the size of your fingers and how much support you need. A good starting point is around 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) per finger.
Step 2: Begin the X-taping pattern
Start by placing one end of the tape on the side of your knuckle, just below the joint you want to support. The tape should run perpendicular to your finger.
Step 3: Wrap the first side
Carefully wrap the tape around the joint, making sure it is snug but not too tight. You can use a slight stretch in the tape to provide additional support.
Step 4: Cross over to the other side
After a couple of circles around the joint, continue the tape across the palm side of your finger, diagonally crossing over the joint.
Step 5: Continue wrapping
Keep wrapping the tape around your finger, forming an X pattern. The tape should provide support on both sides of the joint, ensuring stability and protection.
Step 6: Secure the end
Once you have wrapped the tape sufficiently around the joint, secure the end by pressing it firmly against the existing layers of tape. Make sure the tape adheres well to itself to prevent it from unwinding during training.
Step 7: Repeat for other fingers (if necessary)
If you need to tape multiple fingers, repeat the process for each finger individually. It's important to provide support to all the fingers that require it.
Step 8: Test mobility
After taping, gently move your fingers to ensure that the range of motion is not excessively restricted. The X-taping method should allow for reasonable mobility while still providing essential support.
Remember, the key to effective BJJ finger taping is to use enough tape to create multiple layers for better support without overtightening, which could restrict blood flow.
Additionally, be sure to check with your instructor or a qualified medical professional if you're uncertain about how to tape your fingers properly or if you're dealing with a pre-existing finger injury.
The restrictive taping method
Restrictive BJJ finger taping is a method used to immobilize injured fingers or toes tightly, promoting proper healing.
It's important to note that this technique is not meant for providing support and mobility to chronically hurt fingers, as it significantly limits movement.
Instead, it's reserved for acute injuries that require immobilization.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply restrictive BJJ finger taping:
Materials needed:
High-quality BJJ finger tape
Scissors (if the tape doesn't have a built-in cutter)
Step 1: Assess the injury
Before applying restrictive taping, assess the extent of the injury. If you experience severe pain or suspect a fracture, seek immediate medical attention and avoid training until you receive proper medical advice.
Step 2: Prepare the tape
Cut a piece of finger tape long enough to wrap around the injured finger or toe multiple times. Typically, a length of about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) should be sufficient.
Step 3: Begin the taping process
Gently anchor the tape at the base of the injured finger or toe.
Step 4: Wrap the tape tightly
Wrap the tape around the injured finger or toe, ensuring a snug and tight fit. The goal is to restrict movement to facilitate proper healing.
Step 5: Continue wrapping
Continue wrapping the tape multiple times around the injured area to create a secure and stable hold.
Step 6: Secure the end
Once you have wrapped the tape sufficiently, press the end firmly against the existing layers of tape to secure it. Ensure that the tape adheres well to itself to prevent unwinding.
Step 7: Enforce with the buddy system
To prevent accidental use of the injured finger during training, consider using the buddy system. Pair up with a training partner who can remind you to protect the injured finger and avoid putting unnecessary stress on it.
Step 8: Allow time for healing
Give the injured finger ample time to heal before resuming regular training. Restrictive taping should only be used temporarily during the initial stages of recovery.
Remember, prioritise your long-term health and recovery when dealing with injuries.
If you're unsure about how to apply restrictive BJJ finger taping or the severity of the injury, seek advice from a qualified medical professional before resuming training.
The Buddy System for Injured Finger Joints
The Buddy System is an excellent way to provide support to your injured finger joints.
When a finger joint is hurt, it can lose stability and mobility, making simple tasks like gripping your opponent's gi in BJJ painful and uncomfortable.
By using this technique, you can give your wounded finger the assistance it needs and make gripping much easier.
To implement the Buddy System, tape the injured finger together with the adjacent one. This taping method helps prevent overextension and strain on your joints during fights or training. Make sure to create an X-pattern with the tape to effectively secure and stabilize the injured fingers.
With the Buddy System in place, you can continue your BJJ training with reduced discomfort and protect your injured fingers from further harm. Remember to prioritize proper healing and consult a medical professional if you are unsure about the severity of the injury or the taping technique.
Conclusion
Using finger tape for BJJ can be used as both an injury prevention & healing tool. We advise allowing yourself time to heal if an injury is getting worse after training sessions as any long terms trauma could lead to prolonged time off the mat. Better to stay on the safe side and listen to your body.
