Gracie Mat-Making Process (Do It Yourself!)

Now, more than ever, cleanliness of a jiu-jitsu school is paramount, and no where is cleanliness more important than the mats on which you and your students spend hours training on each day.
If you currently own a BJJ school, OR your dream is to open one, choosing what kind of mats to go with is one of the biggest decisions you'll have to make: Do you go the pre-fab route OR do you do it yourself?
In this video, Rener breaks down the pros and cons for each method, and then he shows you the exact method currently being used at Gracie University Headquarters in Torrance, CA, to minimize cost, eliminate the cracks, and maximize cleanliness.
There are three primary components when it comes to the Gracie Mat Making Process: 1) Foam, 2) Vinyl, and 3) Wall Panels.
Foam Configurations
Best Quality Configuration: Polyethylene Foam (1.5”) under Ensolite Foam (0.5”)
Best Value Configuration (and great quality): Volara Foam (1 3/8”)
For specific pricing and best recommendations, call the foam master, Joe, at [phone] or email [e-mail]. Tell him you want the “Gracie Special” for an extra 10% off. He loves the jiu-jitsu connection!
Vinyl Mat Cover
For detailed pricing quotes call the vinyl legend, Bob Henderson, at 714-637-6300 or email him at [e-mail]. He’s been doing this for decades and if you tell him you need a mat cover for a martial arts school, give him the dimensions, and he’ll take it from there.
Wall Panels
Each standard wall panel is made out of ½” plywood backing and 1.5” soft foam (ask Joe about the exact type we use at GU since I forgot). As for the upholstery that we use to cover the foam and connect it to the wall panel, you can use Ottortex Marine Vinyl which comes in 54”-wide rolls that can be found here in all kinds of colors: www.fabricwholesaledirect.com...
If you have any questions about materials or pricing, please contact the respective vinyl and foam experts as they will be able to help you better than we will.
Bonus Tips
-Duct Tape: When you are putting the foam down, use duct tape along the seams to prevent them from shifting under the vinyl over time.
-Wood Frame: You’ll need a wood frame around the perimeter of the mat in order to staple down the hook side of the Velcro. We used 2x4s, but depending on the thickness of the foam configuration you end up going with, you’ll want to adjust the thickness of the wood accordingly so that the height of the mat and the wood are similar.
-Wall Panels: Make sure you are consistent with how you fold the corners of the wall panel upholstery. Anyone with decent gift wrapping skills can help you make them look pretty. Also, make sure you screw the French cleat (z-bar) at the studs, if you just fixate them to the drywall, they won’t hold for long once the mat is hanging from in.
-Staple Gun: When it comes time to staple the Velcro down to the wood frame AND the upholstery to the plywood for the wall panels, you will want to use a high-power staple gun, preferably a Pneumatic Air Staple Gun (which you can rent or borrow).
Now that you've got the secrets to the best mat-making process in the industry, come learn the best jiu-jitsu programs on the planet! Remember, we only certify ONE school in each territory to utilize our systems, so the first step is to see if your territory is available, and if it is, you can reserve it for up to 12 months while you learn the material you'll need for instructor certification. Check your territory availability at www.GracieInstructor.com.

[@TourPro]

I don't need this, but I watched the whole thing.

[@G1stGBless]

tourpro dude is just a gifted speaker. Like you can identify the individual qualities: enthusiasm, knowledgeable, good gestures, detailed information, sources included, more enthusiasm etc Like you can see it. But there is also a synergistic quality that is unique to great salesmen that can’t quite be taught.

[@detectx4761]

ahaha me too dame it,

[@lordscrub]

I don't even like jujitsu and I had to watch the whole thing lol

[@nicholaslang6187]

If he didn't do fulltime bjj, he would be an excellent salesman. Next Billy mayes here! Rofl

[@benjiboi6669]

Its ok dude me too

[@user1313]

rener could sell anything. including FOAM

[@BlockheadJiujitsu]

Amazing salesman :) we can learn a lot from his style

[@Ruleisbroke]

Yup, pretty simple. Be an expert. Rener is obviously a complete master and it shows in the detail put into everything he does.

[@m5a1stuart83]

@@Ruleisbroke So many master but only a few have a good marketing like him.

[@wanderingandroid]

The gracies sold the idea rickson went 400-0. Gracies are natural bullshitters just like televangelists.

[@annoyed707]

But does the foam slice and dice?

[@juancarloslopez-vp1dn]

I love Rener's enthusiasm. He could sell reading glasses to blind people.

[@bujin5455]

That's what BJJ relies on.

[@DanielThomasArgueta]

Rener is a natural-born salesman.

[@joserezende102]

I love his shark tank participation hahahaha

[@Nethezbet]

He is as much a businessman as he is a BJJ practitioner.

[@nicholaslang6187]

Ha that was my thoughts too. Nice catch.

[@jamesron5625]

Salesman is a natural-born Rener

[@davedave8608]

ice to an eskimo

[@DanielThomasArgueta]

I'm going to replace the area where my bed is with mats. 🥋🧘🏻‍♂️

[@sylyjoly]

I'm gonna go with the 2" and the 1/4 inch layer on top. That way I can pass it down to my kids.

[@hmf33]

Heart: I'm going to replace the entire area where my bed is with mats. Brain: Uhmm, where are we going to sleep then there champ? Heart: I never said I'm getting rid of the pillows.

[@jamesron5625]

@@hmf33 Heart hit Brain right in the feel with a rear naked choke. Now Heart and Brain can sleep soundly.

[@pedecia]

Wonderful idea. Now I need to BJJ my wife arse on the bed before I can do this and get rid of the bed all together. Will be tough but I need to man up!!! Wish me luck!!!

[@b-pos6022]

20 minutes later and I realised this guy just made me who doesn’t even do jiu jitsu want to build a gym

[@1mchristy]

Not wonder it doesn't smell bad!!! We are SO spoiled at Gracie Headquarters! Just thankful Rener. Brilliant as usual. Thank you so much for sharing your secrets!

[@pcerritos]

Hi Mika!

[@Travis-bg1fj]

I absolutely love how much Rener loves foam.

[@carlosacarter]

Loved the enthusiasm of the presenter and the idea of having enough friends to form a team to make mats.

[@krynico8451]

Love how Rener loves the Fighting Art his Family created..He loves it so much so every detail...kink..and things that have to do with BJJ/GJJ...I hope it keeps going with his Children and future generation Gracies..🤼 🥋

[@thetruth9816]

Your academies have some of the best mats I’ve ever used thank you so much for sharing this.

[@pilgrim7globalltd227]

I’ve helped do this at several schools and I recommend this method to every client and share the original video. And I can confirm those new mats at GU are like rolling in heaven on clouds. Thanks for the new video to be able to share. 🙏

[@Falkov]

This was fantastic - thanks! I've wondered about and looked into practice floor/wall complexes, here and there, for years. You've got plenty of credibility and these ideas seem great. Whenever the topic comes up, I'll direct people to this video.🤘

[@mthomps0]

Hener sir, you do such an AMAZING job in explaining every topic you cover - including the topic of building your own mats. You do it with such passion. Thanks for another great video.

[@GracieBreakdown]

Gracie Family Secret. 😉

[@y200sub]

@lapulapu54 Good call, Ryron & Rener are the best

[@SamsonGuest]

Just out of curiosity, since I don't see it mark as an ad anywhere (not sure if mandatory in the USA), none of this is payed for advertising for the foam or vinyl guys etc? All of this is just a recommendation based on your guys experience and preferences? Thanks. :) Edit: either way thanks for the insight. Not in the states and no plans to open a BJJ school. But still interesting to hear you share your experience.

[@allentonnesen1021]

Awesome video. I love these kinds of videos on how stuff is made/done.

[@BreathFitness]

I loved the last mat building video. You guys are the greatest! I want to come to visit.

[@jrtien]

Thanks for this video. I hope its still up for me when I finally open a school years from now.

[@williamdicken309]

Gotta love Rener, everytime i watch his vids, its like im watching an infomercial 🤣

[@muddyshane4529]

This dude needs to run for president... what a fluid speaker

[@athmananthan694]

Rener can makes me jump off a clip believing that im a duck

[@eclipsewrecker]

Athma Nanthan haha sounds more like a sheep.

[@JudoHubKenya]

Judo is taking off in my country and I’m looking at being the premier Tatami provider/supplier in my country and the wider region. My research brought me here and this video has been super enlightening. Thank you.

[@user-md2fm7ik2z]

It’s amazing to hear that judo is still growing in new countries. I love judo!

[@davidortiz3047]

This is cool safety is part of learning and having fun great lessons from the pioneers of BJJ may God bless you with many children with your mind and sprit 🙏

[@snap-off5383]

Now this video is right up my alley. DIY FTW!

[@MG-tp7hw]

I was just looking into mats last week! You were sold out of the garage mats, no doubt due to the virus, might have to give the diy a try, thank you!

[@YoxfordBoy]

Thanks for this Rener

[@justinjam7376]

Rener gotta be the best salesman on youtube!

[@haroon420]

Now this is how you give a shout out. I live in a different country and I want to talk to bob about the vinyl. Other KZbinrs now look like they half ass promote their sponsors.

[@mateusrai8592]

me too, and i dont even started training yet.

[@anthonydooley224]

Great video, as usual.

[@BluntTruth7]

Wow, what a great martial art gym floor preventive medicine video. As a former public health official and after inspecting Military Gyms with MMA mats, you wouldn't believe the filth I found. As a practitioner I've always been weary of Martial Art Studios with matted flooring that have cracks and always wondered if they cleaned underneath the mats after cleaning the tops. Pretty sure they didn't and after inspecting some of our Military Gyms, I know they didn't. One of the suggestions I had to give was to duck tape, at a minimum, all the cracks on the floors to keep sweat and filth out and from collecting causing a breading ground for bacteria, especially MRSA. I hope a lot of Martial Art Studio owners watch this video.

[@jezwarren-clarke2471]

Business, marketing, sales and bjj lessons all in one 👍.

[@Ontheway61]

I love his sincerity and energy. It's sad to think people think gracie jui jitsu ruined or somehow mainstreamed the sport. I love what they are doing and how they represent our sport.

[@hassanalialqadiri]

i needed this. thank you

[@reymicroc]

very educative and informative, thanks

[@iasoto]

Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot.

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

Great information thank you 🤙🏻

[@passionbonsai88]

It was very helpful thanks for sharing the info really appreciate

[@Hdfretard]

Thanks for making this video

[@jiujitsuismyoutlet]

Rener is the greatest salesman on earth imo

[@wingoreviewsboxingandmma3667]

Looks like a great layered foam combination for boxing gloves as well

[@N0rthGym]

crazy awesome info! :D

[@xjoshsaucex]

I use the puzzle mats for my carpet. This would be a cool upgrade

[@LoveTheLys]

Thanks, Brother!

[@tim-jim760]

Excellent take-down @ 13:04

[@Chooong7]

Sold! I'm gonna do this at home even if I don't need it.

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Kind of neat, I guess. I wonder what kind of discount they got for the publicly for foam and vinyl guys. Or possibly just bored since no class. Such a skilled sales guy!!

[@rogelioacobajr.6445]

I need this and watched the whole thing.

[@ggarcia22588]

Rener is the man

[@ivraalia]

Would it be possible to make a video on how to clean mats and proper sanitation?

[@rambooven4290]

@@deathlarsen7502 cmon now. people don't know how to wash their hands properly cause they were never taught. Lets all learn something yea?

[@MastersmokeABUSE]

They already made a video about that I believe

[@JaclynLevine]

I’ll be getting the Kron Gracie Grey/Blue but thanks for all the info sweetheart 😘

[@vitormaltez7505]

Thanks a lot.

[@SoulRollerFIN]

Dollamur flexi-roll seems like the perfect option for me. But if I ever needed to open a gym with a huge mat area the DIY way should be great.

[@jims512]

Rener: “Ice?” Eskimo: “Yes, please.”

[@jiujitsuismyoutlet]

I cracked up when Rener said “if you’re team anti gracie jiujitsu get whatever color you want and be whatever you can be”. You can’t hate this guy

[@melkbraga]

Obrigado pelo vídeo 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@igorvenancio5899]

"Jiu Jitsu's Heaven" hahaha Rener is very funny

[@annoyed707]

I have a few blocks of that 2 inch thick dark foam. It's good stuff.

[@isaacbonilla4964]

Sanitation video for a Gracie garage would be awesome, oss

[@owais146]

THANKS MASTER

[@blakesanchez376]

Sick vid. i’ve definitely broke my fair share of nails.

[@lukaround1]

Finally what really matters

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

So ironic you post this video today! I’m currently looking to put some mats in my garage. COVID-19 is making my BJJ journey bumpy to say the least. Thank you! (Am I the first commenter? I should get an additional 10% off!) 😂

[@ivraalia]

Great work! Is it ironic though? I think you mean coincidental. Keep up the great work!

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

ivraalia ironic, or coincidental, it doesn’t matter! Either way, it’s pretty great to have this information now! 😊

[@yessum15]

@@ivraalia It's not ironic or coincidental. It's on purpose. They know right now a ton of people are trying to build jiu jutsu heaven to escape COVID-World.

[@HickLif3]

Just so yall know you could go with the green poly at 1" thick for ⅓ the price of the black 1.5" or the green 2" for about 50 bucks cheaper than the black stuff. Could save yall some money

[@rudesfernandes6568]

Hi Rener, Please can you give info on the specification for the Vinyl ? Thanks for the video, im doing this. 👍🏻

[@utubepunk]

Download this one folks!

[@bradypierce07]

Hopefully he is still going when I won't to start my own gym

[@benjiboi6669]

You sold me i don’t Even know who joe is but i think hes the man and ima go buy some foam i dont know what i need it for and some vinyl from bob

[@austinalexander238]

What a fun dude

[@laars8015]

I like those cracks sometimes I use them to give myself some leverage 😆 but thx Hanher

[@darthdredz]

Such a great video. Thank you

[@MRG144]

Thanks for this. I guess they didn't end up wanting you to put the links in for the foam and vinyl guy? Thanks again.

[@MAl-xz7lc]

SO TREU 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

[@DeDraconis]

Hey Rener, just out of curiosity, would your recommendations be any different for someone that wanted to have a platform subfloor beneath the foam instead of concrete? With the idea that people would be practicing Judo too and there would be throws/slams from standing done on it. Or would you say what you described is sufficient for that even being directly on top of concrete?

[@sayadclothing]

2 inches should be enough even for Judo if the the ukemi waza is up to date. I recommend buying throwing mattress just in case.

[@mvmcampa]

Traducir

[@mvmcampa]

hey

[@mybidness68]

So Rener do you have any issues or worries about the two layers moving of shift while training? Or is that only and issue when it comes to smaller scale. If so how do you get the two layers to stay together

[@writtikbasumatary711]

The way he talks i so amazing he could sell anyting

[@josecantutv5584]

Yes sir 🤙

[@benjiboi6669]

I like the things over the mat cause my gym has like tape over the cracks in the mat and my toe nail got broken the other day on the tape

[@GregLew]

Years ago, you had a layer of carpet between the foam and the vinyl. I've been using your design for 10 or so years, and it's been great but i recently contemplated adding carpet between to allow for other groups to use my space on off days. Did the carpet not work out too well? What are you thoughts now-a-days?

[@markd7762]

Can you please come instruct in AZ? I'd change academies in a heart beat

[@mcorra8]

Thanks for the video! Do you have a foam guy for the gym you built in Seoul? We are making our gym now in Seoul so any help would be fantastic!

[@thewomboldt7899]

This is the most timely video. I have been building my own gym since the one i go to is closed for covid. I learned fast not to use gym mats lol

[@annoyed707]

I've used puzzle mats. Just one layer, plus a thinner pad if I desire. I started Systema on a plain wood floor, so I don't mind going 'off road' periodically. A hard surface is an honest friend. You can use the trim from the puzzle mats and some tape to make protectors for corners. Slit pool noodles are handy for padding sharp edges too.

[@iulia1690]

Gold

[@deanboman]

A square meter of that closed cell foam is double the price of a square meter 40mm wrestling mat, just to let you people know.

[@ronniepeter7611]

deanboman oh damn

[@11Khalid11]

What a long advertisement. And I watched it all because...Rener

[@caydenhadfield7824]

At the gym I go to after the lessons they put the mats up and clean under them then put the mats down and clean the tops

[@awnibond]

@GracieBreakdown, Rener, can you please let us know what kind of foam we can use to create a foldable mats ourselves? i am living in the middle east and the final cost with shipping will be way to much for us to afford, how can we do the foldable option ourselves?

[@mma-gb3si]

Thanks a lot for the information. Your afghan fun.

[@Thegreywanderer42]

Hey! thats the guy from Shark Tank. He's selling foam now, huh? right on brotha!

[@cixco6140]

Now that’s what I call Gracie technique

[@icolater27]

What about putting a layer of those new antibacterial sheets in between the foam layers. Could be expensive though. Just an idea. God bless.

[@jasonwesley_]

Love it!

[@BMLocal374]

We need a ctc near Chicago south side please

[@jrome923]

thank you rener for your video's! I would like to purchase garage mat's. the site shows out of stock. please help! thank you!

[@willistheghost]

"Don't call me! Stop calling me!" hahaha

[@MyCommentsRMaturelol]

Lmao this is exactly the same tech as larping swords I love it

[@mmaacademyonline2250]

Rener Don’t know if you remember me I was at your academy in 2007. I have this system at my academy agreed much easier to clean

[@dantemorales2493]

Joe , Bob and Rener are gonna end coronavirus together

[@abluequaker5486]

I wish my school did this but we're a couple of years old now and growing pretty quick so I could realistically see us having to expand into a bigger space in the next 1-3 years. Rener's mats look great but new BJJ schools would be taking a pretty big financial risk if they got anything more expensive than jigsaw mats when they start out. That said, if I ever convinced one of my siblings or friends to do BJJ I'm the type of guy to build this in my garage so we could train whenever.

[@nguyen9472]

Was wondering if vinyl or tatami texture would be best for bjj?

[@Bethlehem0BC]

Why not make the gracie portable mats have the crease on the bottom side? ie just invert it. That way toes never get stuck

[@harborjiujitsu]

what kind of vinyl would you recommend for the flooring?

[@alext7202]

Hi Rener, how come your belt is without instructor/professor stripes?