DIY Judo Mats?

**smillard** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 8:22am

you could try a silicone spray like the stuff used to make boots water resistant. Probably have to re apply every month or so but it might help keep the sweat and moisture at the surface, try not to have an absorbant product under your mats especially the jigsaws because moisture that gets under it will retain the moisture and you will have mold growing underneath and that is not a good thing.

**PPlate** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 8:25am

Originally Posted by smillard

you could try a silicone spray like the stuff used to make boots water resistant. Probably have to re apply every month or so but it might help keep the sweat and moisture at the surface, try not to have an absorbant product under your mats especially the jigsaws because moisture that gets under it will retain the moisture and you will have mold growing underneath and that is not a good thing.

That's a great point man! Something I haven't thought about! My floor is parquet wood, so mould will definitely be a problem! Thanks for the reminder.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 8:40am

Originally Posted by PPlate

Originally Posted by elnyka

You are not going to try judo throws in those jigsaw mats, do you?

They seem thick enough to take a takedown, as for throws, I think I'll try to go slow and see if they can take it. Any experiences to share?

Well, the thing is, I bought a whole bunch of similar jigzaw mats to create a little 4x6ft area for breakfalling (I dangerously suck at breakfalling to my left). I double-stack them; that is, one set of those mats over the other. I felt even that arrangement didn't absorb a somewhat strong impact when falling to the side.

Having said that, a takedown may be safe so long as there is care in not hitting the mats with the elbows (obviously). And I feel falling on your back (or even buttocks) is a lot safer than falling on the side, which makes your usual takedowns safer.

For throws, just be careful, and I guess it will be fine. At the BJJ school where I go (whenever I can), you can feel the concrete under the mat... freaking scary.

At the judo club where I used to go, however, they have this nice arragement: The entire floor is covered by old tires. And on top of the tires, they laid out the mats. You can still get your **** shaken, but it allows them to throw the **** out each other while minimizing the dangers when hitting the ground with your elbows, knees or head (accidents can always happen).

Have you considered using a triple layer of jigzaw mats (if cost is not too prohibited)? Also, there are aerobic mats that absorb shock very well and are about twice as tick as the jigzaw mats. They are twice as expensive though.

I'm saving enough to buy a few of those, and on top of them I plan to put the mats I already own. It'll be fucking expensive, but I think it will be worth it.

**jubei33** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 8:59am

Originally Posted by El Macho

At the judo club where I used to go, however, they have this nice arragement: The entire floor is covered by old tires. And on top of the tires, they laid out the mats.

Hey thats a good, cheap idea.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 9:05am

Originally Posted by jubei33

Hey thats a good, cheap idea.

Yep. It is, and damned clever if you ask me :) I tip off my hat to whoever came first with that idea.

**pauli** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 9:37am

whole tires, or shredded rubber from tires? edit: or something like this? http://www.judoamerica.com/helpforclubs/springmat/

also, as you start layering up jigsaw mats, actual wrestling mats become a cost effective alternative.

**PPlate** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 9:48am

Originally Posted by El Macho

For throws, just be careful, and I guess it will be fine. At the BJJ school where I go (whenever I can), you can feel the concrete under the mat... freaking scary.

Just out of curiousity, how thick are the jigsaw mats you work out on? The ones I saw are like 1 inch thick. 2 inches of those should be enough for anything I think.

They cost $50 a piece over here, and I'll probably need like 9 of them, so they are not cheap.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 11:18am

Originally Posted by pauli

whole tires, or shredded rubber from tires? edit: or something like this? http://www.judoamerica.com/helpforclubs/springmat/

also, as you start layering up jigsaw mats, actual wrestling mats become a cost effective alternative.

Yes!!! That's the setup!!! I guess this method is more common that I expected :)

Originally Posted by PPlate

Just out of curiousity, how thick are the jigsaw mats you work out on? The ones I saw are like 1 inch thick. 2 inches of those should be enough for anything I think.

They cost $50 a piece over here, and I'll probably need like 9 of them, so they are not cheap.

Oh. Mine are 5/8" thick. :eusa_doh: In that case, forget what I said. Those 1" puppies should more than give enough protection. Throw at will dude :)

ps... what brand are they? All I've seen around are 1-inchers.

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 9/28/2006 11:54am

What kind of area are you covering? A brand spanking new 10'x10'x1.25" Dollamur wrestling mat should cost you 400 bucks or so - delivery to your door included.