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Pro Tips: How to Properly Measure Your Space for Training Mats
One of the most common questions asked when shopping for martial arts mats is, "how many mats do I need for my space?' All Zebra Mats, regardless of their thickness, are sold individually and measure 2 meters x 1 meter (39.375" x 78.75"), or about 21.5 square feet. Note:production variance no greater than 5 MM or 3/16 in to be expected. Don't be discouraged when looking at your space. There's an easy way to determine how many martial arts mats you'll need for your space, whether you're a gym owner or are looking to transform a space in your home into a home gym. All you need is a measuring tape, paper and pen, and a calculator. Follow these quick and easy steps to properly measure your space and determine how many mats to order.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Gym and Martial Arts Mats
There are often two words that are overlooked when martial arts and MMA gym owners invest in new mats: care and maintenance. Taking proper care of your martial arts mats is the best way to prolong their life, ensuring you get the most out of your investment, not to mention having a facility that looks great. While there are proper ways to clean and maintain your Zebra Mats"see our cleaning and maintenance resources"there are also some essential products we believe no gym owner can be without. If you want to get the most out of your martial arts mats while providing superior protection to them, don't forget to buy these care and maintenance essentials for your gym.
Tips to Make Your Martial Arts Mats Last Longer
Your Zebra martial arts mats can take a beating, but they were designed to be used only as mats for grappling, MMA, yoga, and traditional martial arts practices. These mats are tough, but they are not indestructible. Certain things can damage them, so if you want to get the most out of your martial arts mats investment, follow these tips to make them last as long as possible.
Buy the Right Mats
Getting the most out of your martial arts mats starts before you even install them. Different mats are ideal for different styles of training and martial arts disciplines. We can help you find the right mats for your training - follow this quick guide for some tips or contact the Zebra sales team to have your questions answered.Make Sure They Are Installed Properly
Not many things can ruin new mats more than improper installation. Zebra Mats are easy to install, but you must follow the proper instructions to do so. Improper installation can lead to everything from mold growth to mat damage. If you are planning on installing the mats yourself, follow these instructions to get it right the first time. Remember that installing mats on a floor that is not properly prepared is not only dangerous for your mats, it also makes them dangerous to train on. Always install mats on a clean, level subfloor.Clean Them Regularly
Maintenance for your mats is absolutely essential. Proper cleaning after use will greatly extend their lifespan, as sweat and other bodily fluids can degrade and stain the outer materials if left for long periods. It's best practice to quickly clean away sweat after use and also deep clean the mats with a gym scrubber regularly. Cleaning instructions for Zebra Mats can be found here. It's also important to use the right type of cleaner that is approved by the manufacturer. For approved cleaning products that can be used on Zebra Mats, shop at our online store.Avoid Weights
Heavy weights can damage mats if they are dropped or slammed down onto them. Weight training is better left for rubber flooring as the weights can puncture the vinyl covering on martial arts mats. Some light fitness equipment (medicine balls, slam balls, rounded kettle bells, and sand weights) is okay to use on martial arts mats.Keep the Shoes Off Them
We know that most gyms will heavily frown upon wearing shoes on mats, but it's important to reiterate that sneakers can carry dirt and debris with them, which will soil your mats. They can also scuff the mats, which will cause permanent damage that is not covered by standard manufacturers warranties. If you have any other questions on how to take care of your Zebra Mats, refer to our resources section, our FAQ page, or contact us today.The 4 Most Popular Martial Arts Home Gym Designs
Designing your own home gym space can be very rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to build a training space that is unique to you, the type of martial arts you practice, and the goals you want to accomplish. But where do you begin? How do you know the right way to layout a home gym space? Some of it depends on the space you are using in your home, but it's mostly up to how you train. Your home gym space should be a reflection of your martial arts discipline. Find some inspiration in these common home gym designs.
5 Things to Know About Zebra Product Shipping
Ordering martial arts mats, especially in bulk for a facility, is not like purchasing something at a normal online retailer. These items are large, bulky, and heavy, measuring about 2 meters x 1 meter (39.375" x 78.75"), or about 21.5 square feet. Depending on the thickness of the mat you order (1", 1.5", or 2"), each mat will weigh anywhere from 30lbs to nearly 60lbs. Other Zebra training products, like heavy bags and wall pads, are also just as bulky and heavy to ship. As a result, most of these items need to be sent via freight. The long and short of it is, these items cannot be simply placed into a box and sent via USPS small parcel. At Zebra, we want the process of renovating or building your gym to be as transparent and easy as possible. We want you to know how and when your products are sent, and when you can expect them. This is vital as you may be contracting out help for installation or other services, or have set an opening date for your facility. Our order and shipping processes are straightforward, but they are different than what most people are used to. That's why we are here to clear up any questions you have. You can always contact our Customer Support line with any questions, (or email or chat us) but here's a quick Zebra shipping guide to help you understand what that process is like.
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Building a Home Gym
Building a home gym may seem like a large undertaking, but it's actually a lot more doable than most people imagine. Even if you are a novice student of martial arts, building your own home gym won't take long. It also doesn't require any extensive skills or knowledge; you don't have to be a professional to build out the space or install the products. Are you just getting started on researching what you need for a home gym? You're not alone. A lot of people have done what you are about to do, and a lot more are already in the process. Over the years, we've been asked a lot of questions about getting started putting together a martial arts home gym. These are the most common questions and some quick answers. Your home gym building process starts now.
Where Should I Build a Home Gym?
Depending on the layout of your home, you will either have a lot or only a few spaces that will make for a suitable home gym space. In general, these are the most common areas where people will build out their training space:- The garage
- The basement
- A spare bedroom
- An attic
- Four season porch
- An extra space in a larger area (e.g. living room, etc.)
What Mats Do I Need for My Home Gym?
The mats are the most important part of your home gym. For most people, this is where a majority of the training will take place. Choosing the right type of mat, their surface, and the thickness will make all the difference in your training. Zebra offers three thicknesses of martial arts mats to choose from:- 1"
- 1.5"
- 2"
- Smooth
- Tatami
Are Wall Pads Necessary for Home Gyms?
Wall pads are not necessary for a home gym space, but they are highly recommended. Whether your home gym space is in an unfinished area like a basement or a finished area like a spare room, wall padding will help protect you and the walls they are attached to. Hitting a concrete wall while training is not going to be pretty and, while hitting a surface covered in drywall is likely to hurt less, you'll be replacing a whole lot of drywall in your home gym space if it's left unprotected. Do yourself, and your home, a favor and invest in good quality wall pads for your gym space.Is there anything else you need for your home gym? From heavy bags and racks to cleaning supplies, fitness equipment, and everything in between, Zebra is your go-to source for pro-level home gym training equipment.
5 Training Products That'll Take Your Home Gym to the Next Level
Looking to carve out a space in your home to build your own personal training space? Struggling to take your home gym training to the next level? Whether you practice boxing, general fitness, MMA, or any grappling or striking martial arts, having the right training products for your home gym makes all the difference. The best part about having your own home gym is the ability to make it anything you want. Want to focus on groundwork? You can make a grappling-oriented space. Prefer to work on punching combinations? You can make a space that is geared towards bag training. No matter what you want your home gym to be, there are certain products your home gym just can't do without. Here are the top categories of products you should be looking to add to your home gym space.
How to Rest and Reset at the End of the Year
By Elisabeth Clay Everyone talks about the hard camps and the dieting"and how hard and stressful it is"but I don't think enough people talk about how hard it can be (at least for me) to take intentional time o". How lazy you can feel, and how much anxietycanyou have when you don't have a hard ridged schedule?Now, when I'm saying time o", I don't even meannot training. I just mean intentionally not training as hard or possibly as much.I mean lettingyourselfrelax a little, gettingsome mental and physical rest.
Taking a Break
I had decided before Worlds that after I wasn't going to fight until at least February. I had things to move so I would train after I moved my stuff (maybe a week taken o"). But even after getting back to training, the feeling that I wasn't training as hard or as much or didn't have a competition gave me anxiety. I had to talk myself through it. This is something I know I need because I spent many years never giving myself this. I would train on Christmas Day, on thanksgiving, all the time, 7 days a week. I would basically train every day the whole year unless I was competing. I would even train the day I would fly back in after a seven hour flight. Exhausted, I still made myself train. It worked, but it drained me. I'm learning to give myself a little break, even ifit gives me anxiety.I know on the other side I will come out stronger and healthier. Iwill be able topush even further. I suppose I am trying to think of it likethis: you can't give from an empty glass. I can't give my best in training or in competitions, seminars or anything if I don't give myself a chance to recharge or "refill" that glass.For Those Starting Out
For anyone just starting out, I suggest you do this:learn it earlier rather then later. Now that doesn't mean "oh I'm tired, so I won't train."You need to train a lot and train hard. But at the end of the year, the end of the season,giveyourself a few weeks so you can hit the new year even harder.Take this time to heal old or new injuries, dophysical therapy, do the things you put o" during the year because you are training or competing or traveling so much. Get it all done now so that when the next year is here you can take it on full force without other things getting in the way. Trust me,starting a season or year hurt isn't the way to do it because you wouldn't take the time o" to let yourself rest and heal. This is what I have done manyof the last 10 years. I would only take offwhen forced to.Training Through Pain
I have trained with breaks and tears, when bruised, battered, and exhausted, and I still pushed hard through it. As time has continued, my injuries and stress have accumulated. I think I saw so many people use every excuse not to train, and still call themselves "athletes," that I over compensated to the other extreme. I think planned time for rest, recovery, and reassessment as necessary, but I am thinking at this point the difference is planning as opposed to making excuses when I'm tired or just not in the mood to train.What I'll Do This Year
This year I planned time down. I still train jiu jitsu twice a day, but it is different. It is not about the grind. It is more about movement. My lifting and side conditioning has taken the focus of rehabilitation. I will focus on physical therapy exercises, swimming, and things that I don't necessarily like doing but help reset my body. The mental aspect has to be the hardest. I tell myself daily that I must reset to be more. That the constant push is not sustainable for my body. That I am not lazy, but being smart. Thank goodness for a great support team that keeps me focused on this fact and that rest is a healthy part of an athletes lifestyle. It is working. At this point my focus is shifting to long term sustainability for a career. Learn to schedule rest and rehab in your regiment. May you find your balance in your path as I am trying to find it in mine. Happy New Year to you all and see you on the mats in 2022. Find your lion or lioness!Everything You Need to Know About Tatami Mats
Whether used for martial arts training or yoga practice, tatami mats are a great surface option for your facility. These high-quality mats are comfortable, provide stability and excellent surface grip, and, most importantly, will protect you and your students while you train. Zebra Mats and Yoga Tiles are available in both tatami and smooth surfaces, but what exactly is tatami? And what are tatami mats? Is tatami the right training surface your facility? Before you make a purchasing decision on your martial arts mats or yoga tiles, learn more about this type of flooring. What is Tatami?
4 Things Every Martial Arts Home Gym Needs
Winter weather hampering your gym routine? Looking to stay at home and train on your own or with a friend? You'll need a solid home gym setup. Training from home can be a great way to stay in shape if you can't (or don't want to) hit your neighborhood martial arts or fitness facility. First, you'll need a place to train (see this guide to choosing a room in your home to create a home gym). Now that you have a room selected, you'll need to fill it with all the right stuff! Not sure what you need for your martial arts home gym? Here are four things no home gym can go without.
How Yoga Tiles Provide Multiple forms of Insulation
Choosing a yoga flooring optionopens up a lot of options. Choosing the best optiondepends on what you are trying to achieve with your yoga studio. Are you looking for a comfortable surface to practice on? Are you looking to lower your heating and utility bills? Do you want a quiet place to practice? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, foam yoga tiles might be the right option for you.
Yoga TilesInsulate Against Sound
Yoga studios need to be silent and comforting. Loud noises are a disturbance that extend beyond even the walls of the practice area. You want aquietplace for your students to practice, and it's also importantto be mindful of your neighbors.In cities, where units are close to and often located on top of one another, it's important to dampen sounds so as not to disturb others. Ifyou'veever stood in an empty room,you'llknow that they are loud. Even the smallestof sound will echo all over the place. This is because sound is a form of energy. Without anything present in the room to absorb that energy, it feels louder to us and lingers in the room for longer periods of time.Itisn'tuntil a room isfurnishedthat this sound begins to dampen. For a yoga studio, this means installing a type ofyogaflooringthatnot only absorbs sound but also provides:- Safety
- Comfort
- Cleanliness
Yoga TilesInsulate Against the Cold
As with sound,empty rooms are also colder. This is because air heats up and loses heat quickly. However, when objects are added to a room, they help maintain temperatures by retaining heat more efficiently. The same goes for flooring, the better your yoga flooring is at retaining heat, the warmer and more energy efficient your studio space will be. This is especially useful for hot yoga studios who are looking to maintain atemperature and reduce utility costs. Foam yoga tiles not only help retain heat better than other styles of flooring, they also will not warp or buckle under those high temperatures and humidity (like wood flooring).Whether you are looking for sound or heat insulation, foam yoga tiles are the best yoga flooring option!
Can You Install Martial Arts Mats Over Carpet?
The ideal subsurface formartial arts matsinstallation is concrete, but you can also install them on top of wood or tile subfloors. However, not everytraining space has this type offlooringavailable. If, for some reason, your home or gym has carpeting installed, you can install martial arts mats on top of them.
4 Things That Can Damage Your Martial Arts Mats
The martial artsmats you choose for your facility are more than an awesome place to train. They are an investment for your business that you will want to keep in great shape for as long as possible. Not only will keeping your training mats in great shape extend their lifespan, getting you the most out of the money you spend on them, they will also keep your students happy and safe while training. You don't want your facility looking run down after only a few years' time. What's the best wayto avoid damaging your mats?
Elisabeth Clay Reacts to Winning her First Black Belt World Title
By Elisabeth Clay After winning the IBJJF 2021 No Gi Worlds, I wanted to talk about it. This is my first black belt world title, while as a colored belt I won Gi and NoGi Worlds multiple times, having a black belt world title is di"erent. Its the first one I can just say I have a world title, without needing to say as a "blank belt". For me its a huge accomplishment, while it is just hopefully the first of many, its a very big deal. This is a goal I've worked my childhood and adolescence for, skipping so many things, missed family events and gatherings. I am really happy (not sure happy is even the right word). Maybe it's more that I feel like I am reaching the places I want to be at, like it is now beginning to be really worth the sacrifices. I would be lying to say that I was totally happy. Getting silver in the absolute was definitely a let down to an otherwise spectacular day. I think I have finally reached the point that no matter what, the part of me that fights for perfection, not just "winning," will always be a bit disappointed in my performance. But I am learning to celebrate what I did right, go back to fix the rest, then come again another day. The fans, particularly my little fans, just make everything better. When they are happy, it is hard to stay disappointed with anything.
New Experiences
This World's was a new experience for me in many ways, not only was it my first as a black belt, but my brother was there as a juvenile blue belt and I was coaching him. In fact, his last match in the absolutes (which he won) caused me to have to RUN across the arena to make my match in weight. I did not even have time to transition thinking from coaching him to me fighting. Years ago I would have probably lost my match, but I managed to pull it out even if it was not the performance I would/could have given if only focused on me. Another first was having family, the last couple of tournaments is the first time I have been able to not feel pressured with family present. Call me weird, but I never wanted to disappoint my family, so having them with me has been di���cult. Although my family was/is not the type to get disappointed at all, they support and love me no matter what.I just did not want the pressure. Now, it was great to have them there. I was finally ready. The next new thing for THIS Worlds was having my boyfriend beside me competing the same day and time. I was as nervous for him as for me, maybe even more.When All is Said and Done
I think what I am trying to get is"when all is said and done, I now feel like I have the job of jiu jitsu. I have gotten to the point that I am truly that professional. It is what I do, who I am, and where I always want to stay. From here on out whether I am a black belt competing (which I plan to do for many many more years), a professorwhocoaches,teachesor givesseminars or camps, this has become my world. It isn't just where I am trying to get to;I have earned my spot in this world of professionals. Yes, I am certain I will make many more mistakes. I will learn and grow every day and bust my tail to be better. I will always try to represent the good sportsmanship that has become known with jiu jitsu practitioners and make those around me proud. I am ecstatic to be a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as anathlete and teacher. Thank you to those great professors who came before me and lead the way. The sport would not be here for me without you. Thank you again to my professors,Osvaldo Queixinho Moizinho and Samir Chantre,for all of the support in preparing and being there by my side.Thank you to my boyfriend for coaching me and being with me until the end.Andof coursethank you tomy sponsors. Icould not be here without them all. Become your lion or lioness!Choosing the Right Martial Arts Home Gym Mats
Thinking of setting up the perfect home gym for MMA or martial arts training? Zebra has everything you need to build your dream home gym! With our products, you can train at home on the best mats the market has to offer, and ourversatile productsmake sure you get the most out of your investment. Zebra'sAt Home line of martial arts productsaremade fromprofessional gradematerials,are ofoutstanding quality, and implementleading mat technology. They allow youto outfit your home to train like a pro.Needhelp choosing atype ofmat for your home? You'll find some specs below for the products we offer.
The Most Important Martial Arts Mat Features
If you're confused by the sheer amount of information that is being thrown your way, you're not alone. Outfitting your training space with new martial arts mats is a big process. There's a lot to consider, and making the right choice is heavily based on your budget, training style, and personal preferences. Making the right choice is dependent upon what is important to you. What are you looking for in your mats? Which features are important? There are many features of high-quality martial arts mats. Here areseveralthings that are important to consider.
Being an Athlete Without Support of Family & Other Important People
By Elisabeth Clay Being in sports my whole life, especially now as an adult, thisis something I see more often than I would care to admit.There are alot of athlete's traveling and trying to make this their life whodon'thavethe support of parents. Some are worse off and haveparents who want them to go to school and get a "real" job. I see people who are currently going through it or whoseparents might support them now,butdidn'tearlier on in their careers. I see athletes who come from all over the world to the US to try to make a living doing this and run into so many problems.
Martial Arts Facility Design Mistakes You Shouldn't Make
There arefewthings more exciting than opening your first facility. That is, after you have put the work into designing and building it. This creation process, while fun andexciting in itsown right, iswrought with pitfalls. These facility design mistakes can make opening your first martial arts gym a longer and more expensive process, not to mention creating headaches, heartaches, andstress. If you want to succeed, it's important to do your research, starting with identifying and avoiding some of the more common mistakes people make when opening their first gym.
Choosing the Wrong Location
There are two aspects to this. The first is the physical location of your gym. The second is the building itself. Where your gym is located is important because itcan determine the success of your business. How closely is it located to other gyms that offer the same training? How populated is the area? Is there parking nearby? Is the location easy to see and find? Is there a chance for foot traffic to walk past and see your gym?All ofthese things will helpyou sell and market your facility to a greater audience of potential students. The second aspect, the building itself, is crucial in that the building youbuyor rent must be sizedand havea layout that is appropriate for your needs. How many students do you plan on having in each class? Do you need lockerroom space? Will you haveadditionalareas for weight training, bag training, yoga, etc.?Find a location that ticks all the right boxes for your gym, and don't settle for anything less.Choosing the Wrong Training Surface
Does your martial arts discipline focus on grappling? Is it a striking art? Do you practice mixed martial arts? The type ofmartial arts matsand other training areas you build are heavily dependent on the type of training your school offers. There are different types of mats that are suitable for different types of training. While puzzle mats may be adequate for some martial arts styles, others require more protection. The flooring you purchase is one of the most importantpartsof the facility you build, so do your research and get the best mats for your school.Forgetting to Personalize Your Facility
What makes your gym different than the others in your area? How do you differentiate your culture, your brand, and your environment? All gym owners simplylookto build a functional facility, but many forget topersonalize it and make it a place where people want to be. Don't forget to build a culture, anddefinitely don'tforget to have that culture reflected in the way you design your gym. From the facility's layout to the design and d��cor, all the way to the colorsyouchoose, you get to make your gym personal to you. More importantly, you get to make it a place where people can come together, bond, work hard together, and become a part of your growing community.How Important is a Martial Arts Training Environment?
By Elisabeth Clay I think this is something that can and does get looked over a lot. Just because there is high level training there doesn't meanthe environment isnecessarily the best. The environment you are in has a HUGE impact on how you perform and learn. You can have the highest level of training somewhere, but if its a bad environment you won't learn the same nor will you perform to your highest level. If it's a poor environment,you can struggle a lot with confidence,as well.At the same time, taking advice will be hard. If youarein a bad environment,you are probably used to the"so called advice"being more like you getting intotrouble,and any compliments will be hard to take because you never know the real compliments from back handed ones.
What's the Point of All This?
Your environment is HUGE in who you are not only as an athlete, but as a person. These are things that a"ect you even years after, even if you've left this environment. Now it isn't just in training either that these things e"ect you. The environment you are in at home as well plays a huge part or even the environment in your friend group, social media, etc. The things you surround yourself with play a huge factor in how you handle everything,how well you can learn, and how well youperform. These are things as athletes we need to be on top of. Even ifnot an athlete, we need to be as well, as so many aspects of life can be a"ected. Theseso called minor things,iftheythrow o" our game,can have major consequences even for years to come.Aspects of an Unhealthy or Non-ProductiveTraining Environment Ego"TooMuchEgoFromProfessor/Coach or fromTrainingPartners
This for me is a HUGE one. If there is so much ego within the gym, even from other people, you might not be in a comfortable learning environment at all. Too much ego can make you feel like you cannot make mistakes. A huge part of learning is trial and error, the comfort to be able to make mistakes and not feel belittled or threatened in any way is critical. It's important to be comfortable asking for help from your professor or training partners. This just takes in to account the drilling portion. Next is the rolling portion; if there is so much ego when it comes to rolling, not only will you not learn as much, but you are much more likely to get unnecessarily injured . This can obviously a"ect how, when, and how often you are able to compete and train.Lack ofEmphasis onRest andRecovery
If your coaches don't allow you to get the proper rest while training,this can a"ect you badly as well. Yes the grind is a part of it, and should be. You need to push for a training session several times a week, but not to the point you are running on fumes for months on end. It's totally di"erent if towards the end of your camp for a tournament you are tired, it should be like this. But after said tournament,you should be resting for a couple days so you can go and do it again for the next. Some people need a full rest day, some need to just alter the type of training activity. Knowing the di"erence for you, your body,and mind is something to have an observant and in-tune coach/professor or mentor to help you evaluate. The professor sets the pace for fostering the environment.Lack ofSupport
If your professor isn't there to help you or makes you feel stupid for asking questions or for help, this is a red flag to look for a new place to train. This isn't to say he/she doesn't tease you playfully, but he/she should make you feel comfortable enough to ask questions. The responses may not be what you want to hear, but should prepare you for whatever you are needing assistance with. You should also feel the professor/coach will be there to help walk you through solving the question. You should never feel coerced. You should feel encouragedor even pushed to be the best version of yourself. You whoever you are be you, just the best version of you.Poor Sportsmanship
Watch how the team leaders at your gym or a perspective gym treat others when they beat them. Do they trash talk? Do they degrade the losing opponent? Yes,everyone loves to win and to celebrate the accomplishment that is healthy and appropriate. Being a good sport is something that was STRONGLY emphasized in my house. Win or lose you are respectful. That sportsmanship and respect go hand in hand. This is fundamental to a good environment to flourish in. Now some people need a harder or softer environment then others, but all should have respect, good sportsmanship, and support. Many of these things I learned the hard way. As a whole though, if we eliminate training where the environment is just not healthy, then we should not have to worry much about the rest. My thoughts are will you out there. I wish everyone the gym with the environment to help them flourish to their full potential. Become your lion or lioness"Follow me on Social Media:
Instagram:ElisabethClayBJJFacebook:Elisabeth ClayYouTube:ElisabethClayBJJWebsite:LionPrideJJ.comHow to Install Rubber Flooring in Your Gym
If you're operating a martial arts, yoga, or fitness facility, you may have questions about how to install rubber flooring in your space. Zebra Fitness Rubber is available in roll-outs or puzzle tiles. The rolled rubber flooring is ideal for covering larger areas and is less expensive per square foot than puzzle tiles. Installing puzzle tiles is straight forward, but rolled rubber flooring takes a few more steps. Here's a guide on the steps needed to prepare for and install rolled rubber flooring in your gym.