Xpress Yourself with XMARTIAL

Jiu Jitsu has so many benefits for practitioners: learning self-defense, getting a great workout, etc. But for me, my favorite part of jiu jitsu is its ability to build a community; a community where you can be yourself. XMARTIAL is truly a company that champions being yourself. Getting to know the company and its leaders as they became a part of the Professional Grappling Federation World, I picked up some of their gear that spoke to me. After training in the gear for a while, I thought I’d give it a review. Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): get some XMARTIAL gear – you’ll love it!

For many of us, jiu jitsu is our escape. It’s meditation in motion, where you don’t think about work or the stresses of the day. You focus on being present or your training partner chokes you out. But the mats are also where you can let loose. My 9 to 5 gig generally requires a serious, if not stern, attitude from me as a leader – stressing the importance of my organization’s work. But in jiu jitsu, even as adults (or middle-aged adults), we get to play. Sure part of that playing is simulating murder, but you can yell “wheeeeeee” when someone throws you to the ground (and I do). It’s this spirit of play that caught my attention from XMARTIAL. Whether they are training or going on their Dojo Roadshow, the XMARTIAL crew and everyone with them are having fun. So when they had one of their great specials, that XMARTIAL leader Josef announced at the Los Angeles PGF World 5 qualifier, I checked out their website. And I found my favorite rash guard – the Lethal Weapon!

The “Too Old” rash guard spoke to me. I love movies. I love Lethal Weapon. I love movie quotes. And my “Snap, Crackle, Pop” 40-something joints echo Danny Glover’s Roger Murtaugh character, telling me “I’m too old for this shit!” The rash guard is 80% polyester and 20% spandex. It has an elastic band at the bottom with some rubberized material to give it some friction to stay in place, which I like. The regular material has a nice, smooth feel. The fabric feels substantial, but still lightweight enough to not be an issue when rolling many rounds (or getting shark tanked during a gym going away). The XMARTIAL website warns that you will likely want to order up a size from your normal rash guards. They even provide a handy size chart to help you make sure you get the right one.

The “Too Old” rash guard is great for training, but even better for building community. I just joined a new gym after moving cross-country. Between my genetics and my vocation, I’ve been described as having “Resting Marine Face,” which is anything but approachable. But when I wear my “Too Old” rash guard, I get compliments and other people realize I don’t take myself too seriously. It’s a win-win-win. I get a quality rash guard for rolling. I laugh/smile every time I see it. And, it helps me break the ice with others – something that gets harder the older you get. Of course, the “Too Old” rash guard speaks to me and my situation, but there’s a ton of other options that might speak to you. I’m really looking at that tuxedo rash guard with the blue tie to match my eyes. There’s the Hillybilly set I’ve seen in competition footage. The Game of Chokes is on my short list as well. Of course, not all of their gear is tongue-in-cheek; they also have plenty of sleek gear or just colorful designs. Seriously, it’s worth a look hit up XMARTIAL and see which of their rash guards speak to you.

I kept hearing from PGF World competitors that the XMARTIAL shorts were the best shorts for jiu jitsu. So, I had to get a pair…

The shorts are 100% spandex. The shorts come down to about mid-thigh. They are a great mix between baggy and tight; they just fit well without giving too much fabric to get caught in exchanges. If you or your training partner do get caught up on the shorts, they have a little give to help avoid injury. Like the rash guards, they have the “1% Better Everyday” motto on them. I love the motto and the reminder – I just need to keep showing up and working every day. Truth be told, I came of age during the 90’s so I’m used to a longer pair of shorts. Still, I believe this length is more the style now. Plus, this length helps keep you from getting hung up during inversions while trying leg entries on a standing opponent (yes, Egghead can hit a Jackie Chan entry, etc.). I’ve recently ran into training partners rocking the XMARTIAL shorts and they spoke highly of them as well. Overall, they’re a great pair of shorts I definitely like during jiu jitsu, but could also see myself wearing during kickboxing training.

Ok, so I’ve highlighted my favorite parts about XMARTIAL gear. The designs, the quality product, etc. But, I have to address all aspects to be fair to my readers. I’ll admit $75 for a rash guard (as a MSRP or manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is a little steep. So is $80 MSRP for some shorts. HOWEVER, quality gear lasts. I have a pair of mma shorts I bought when I trained krav maga a dozen years ago that are still going strong. The XMARTIAL gear is solid and well worth the investment. Moreover, XMARTIAL runs sales very often, so you can usually get a discount. FINALLY, if you use the code “EGGHEADWARRIOR” you get 15% off ON TOP OF THEIR SALE PRICE DISCOUNT! The only real drawback I’ve experienced with XMARTIAL is the time from purchase to order fulfillment. Now, let’s be honest. Most folks have been spoiled with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping, which is partially accomplished by Amazon cyber stalking you and pre-staging your likely purchases near you based on your browsing history (LOOK INTO IT!). XMARTIAL will take a week or so to get you the gear you purchase. So, if you have a big match/tournament coming up, order early if you want to sport the XMARTIAL gear in competition (like the PGF WORLD 6 winning team – see below). But, if you’re just looking for some cool gear, that will speak to you and help you break the ice with folks on the mat, the wait won’t hurt.

I wanted you to get my experience as just a hobbyist who loves jiu jitsu and really loves his XMARTIAL gear. But let’s be honest, I’m not much of a model-type. Just so everyone realizes XMARTIAL gear looks great on phenomenal competitors, my friend Walo Jay from the PGF Insiders said I could share some great photos of the PGF World competitors rocking their XMARTIAL gear. So here’s a few:

Thanks for reading Egghead Warrior’s review of his XMARTIAL kit. As I said, I love it. XMARTIAL gear just works for me in the gym. But then, you might not realize I’m the dirty wristlocker, squirrely guy, that won’t stop talking during rolls (I’m a commentator/analyst after all). We can, or must, be buttoned up at work. When we get the chance to be with our jiu jitsu people, let’s be ourselves. Rest assured, I’m willing to bet you’ll find a kit that speaks to you and can express who you really are at XMARTIAL.

Note: I was not paid for this article. I bought the Too Old rashguard myself. I did receive the shorts for free when XMARTIAL asked for a review of their gear.