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.fabricwhol...
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.GracieInstr....

[@Travis-bg1fj]

I absolutely love how much Rener loves foam.

[@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.

[@Kickboxingenthusiasts]

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!!!

[@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

[@Kickboxingenthusiasts]

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

[@benjiboi6669]

Its ok dude me too

[@carlosacarter]

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

[@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. 🙏

[@thetruth9816]

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

[@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.🤘

[@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.

[@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.

[@jezwarren-clarke2471]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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!!

[@xjoshsaucex]

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

[@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

[@jims512]

Rener: “Ice?” Eskimo: “Yes, please.”

[@mikecampanella1990]

I called these guys recommended today for some mats. It is 9$ a square foot for just the foam, let alone for the vinyl mat with Velcro along the edges. This mat may be nice, but it sure is expensive. $13,500 plus the 4k for a 1,500 sq ft mat.

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

Great information thank you 🤙🏻

[@passionbonsai88]

It was very helpful thanks for sharing the info really appreciate

[@JaclynLevine]

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

[@lukaround1]

Finally what really matters

[@Thegreywanderer42]

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

[@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

[@markd7762]

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

[@11Khalid11]

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

[@N0rthGym]

crazy awesome info! :D

[@iulia1690]

Gold

[@LoveTheLys]

Thanks, Brother!

[@kravmagaCDK]

Dam. I already have to cushion floors. All I need is the cover but I have a pillar right in the middle of my floor. I wonder how that would work? I guess I should call bob🤔

[@juanrasmussen5796]

I did the math, and. it is not cheaper. I like the idea but it cost about the same. 1,000 sqf divided by 8sqf foam is 125 foam pieces. The foam on the website is $66. 125X66=8,250. Thats without the yoga mat layer and the vinyl cover. Maybe it was cheaper when the video was made?

[@dantemorales2493]

Joe , Bob and Rener are gonna end coronavirus together

[@owais146]

THANKS MASTER

[@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?

[@WAPticon]

A laregly unknown Gracie ploy is to have very soft mats, especially mats covered with tarps to slow down the footwork of strikers and soften the falls they will take from wrestlers and judoka. Softer mats will also destroy your knees as they face increased stress from the increased traction of the feet.

[@vitormaltez7505]

Thanks a lot.

[@sisbroshou3786]

What about european CTC's?

[@kumo3425]

where can we get all the material in europe ??

[@bibisabreen8506]

This looks great. But how is this matting for fire safety?? Thank you

[@oraclebjj]

vinyl tarp top layer comes in fire-rated variety.

[@egshane]

Bob is pretty good.

[@PowerStallionGym]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="693">11:33</a> Wall Panels

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

Just out of curiosity, what is the range of the CTC reservation? In a big city (e.g. Seattle), if the CTC is located on the north end of Seattle (e.g. the Northgate area), but you live in the south end (Federal Way), it can take 30-60 minutes (or longer) to drive there. (I don't live in the Seattle area anymore, but I've been curious about this.) What if there is a CTC in one suburb of a large city and you live in a different suburb of the same city, can you get a CTC anyway even though both are suburbs of the same major city? I guess I'm asking about the range (driving time or miles) of the CTC exclusivity. I've been curious about this because the closest CTC to me is a 25-45 minute drive, depending on the time of day.

[@dontwatchtheonlyvideo4179]

where can i get the gracie garage mats

[@MagickArmory]

Still hoping for a gracie academy at home mats or mat kit giveaway to some lucky CTC gracie students? Maybe 5 lucky peeps . Plz remember me 😊🥋

[@Will-ge7ri]

Pretty sure Rener killed Carole Baskin’s husband.

[@benjiboi6669]

Lol wtf

[@woundedtiger1213]

When I was taking bjj my teacher broke his toe from the crack in the matt

[@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!

[@nguyen9472]

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

[@benjiboi6669]

Goddamn bobs the man and joe

[@JunRobles-g5o]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="349">5:49</a> What did you use to frame the 1 3/8” Volara in BH? Are 2x4s too thick?

[@1g0d81]

Anyone have an idea on what you would recommend if the place already has carpeting (and underpadding) i place? A vinyl top alone over the existing carpeting would not be enough, but another layer imho, may work i.e. 1' poly 1.5lb or just volara 1-1/2"? (flooring is concrete, carpeting is poly tight closed loop).

[@Bethlehem0BC]

But what about the mat perimeter? Can't sweat etc seep into the edges?

[@foxybrown2]

How do i get one of the Gracie mats and how much are they . Actually I need two so i will have a 10x10

[@2012fullthrottle]

Anyone have experience with these mats and know if that soft top layer would make it too slow of a surface for an MMA gym where people do stand up striking as well?

[@MaxJaymercer]

When hard work and energy have a baby, they name him Renergy. 😉

[@harborjiujitsu]

what kind of vinyl would you recommend for the flooring?

[@Eddy-we2nq]

Did you put plywood under the foam?

[@mma-gb3si]

Thanks a lot for the information. Your afghan fun.

[@Dboy-ui1fb]

Can I trade my gracie mats for those new generation gracie mats?

[@rasalghul9331]

Rener should run QVC

[@tommynguyen6176]

Would definitely make volaura 2 inches

[@banzai7504]

Quem me dera isso aqui no brasil... Já treinei em cima de sacola de lixo emendada com silvertape em cima do chao de terra batido, bons tempos.

[@phredbookley183]

Price of the foldable ones?

[@Playmaker.hongkong]

i want to buy it now ! now ! wait i dont have a bjj club...

[@espenborgen5255]

How the fuck does this dude make foam sound exciting

[@usbsol]

Is it just me or are there no details given here, like densities and hardness.

[@kevinorr6880]

I hate the wrinkles of the topper. sticks to me so I can't move well.

[@andresmaldonado7356]

I want this for my garage gym.

[@FARever72onxbox]

I have been waiting for an email back, I really want to teach jiujitsu in my community for free. I can not wait to redo my garage, to test the waters. I have this amazing business idea for the east.

[@gfd635]

Oh good s commercial.

[@Guigomargini]

My guess is that this you tube video paid for all that foam…

[@annoyed707]

After the corona virus mess subsides, there will be a lot more cleaning at dojos, until people get lazy again.

[@patanjalilemonsquashimmortal]

Joe and Bob. Got it. Sounds like made up names but Ok.

[@444Patricky]

this vinyl is no good because you burn your feet when you slip on it. Tatami is better

[@ParetoESO]

Eddie destroyed Royler both times. Admit it. Thats all.

[@prawnstar502]

Gracies are a bunch of clowns

[@mycatsballs8195]

Has anyone used his portable ones for judo throws? Are they good?

[@FranciscoEstrada1]

just by looking them, they don't seem good for judo throws

[@themeatballs4473]

FUJI

[@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.

[@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!

[@athmananthan694]

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

[@eclipsewrecker]

Athma Nanthan haha sounds more like a sheep.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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..🤼 🥋

[@igorvenancio5899]

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

[@blakesanchez376]

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

[@thekingguerra]

Only through Jesus Christ is there forgiveness of sins and ETERNAL life with Him and God the Father in heaven repent and believe He loves you.

[@joshuahall1656]

I've broken a toe twice on certain a brand of puzzle mats.

[@annoyed707]

It's hard to find enough puzzle mats in the right combinations that will lock together, as everything seems to be focused on four-mat play areas. That said, they are adequate for most training, especially if you double up. The texture of the surface can be quite different between the mats too.

[@utubepunk]

Download this one folks!

[@TheTyler701]

I don’t understand, that seems really expensive. $3 a square foot. That’s 300 dollars for a 10x10 ?

[@wishvermont]

Doesn't having the 2x4 border with velcro mean that there is a hard edge around the mat which can't be seen? Isn't this a problem when people roll or get throw on the edge of the mat?

[@kravmagaCDK]

No. Because most of the Velcro is against a wall

[@williamdicken309]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@henrysmith5784]

I've done very little BJJ and I come from a wrestling background. I was looking for wrestling mats on a budget and came across some Fujimats on Facebook marketplace for $60 per mat which is pretty cheap. I bought the mats for my boys to practice wrestling but I think at the very least I'll get this vinyl to resurface them. The enthusiasm with which Rener exuded in this video made me subscribe 😂 Anyways, I'm not a BJJ guy but I'll also have my boys get into it eventually. Cheers guys!