Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a strong and growing presence in Vancouver. From early morning classes in Mount Pleasant to late-night sessions in Burnaby and the North Shore, the local Jiu Jitsu community continues to expand — bringing together practitioners who value discipline, movement, and personal growth.
But as the sport grows, so does the need for gear that truly supports the practice.
Not just performance gear — but apparel that respects the art itself.
Why Jiu Jitsu Gear Matters More Than People Think
Jiu Jitsu is unique among martial arts. It relies on sensitivity, timing, and control rather than brute force. What you wear on the mat plays a bigger role than many realize.
Poorly designed rash guards and shorts can distract you during training. Rough seams, restrictive cuts, and low-quality fabrics break focus and interfere with movement — especially during longer sessions.
For many practitioners, especially those sensitive to texture or overstimulation, comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.
The right Jiu Jitsu gear should feel natural — almost unnoticed — allowing you to stay present and focused.
The Vancouver Jiu Jitsu Community Deserves Better Gear
Vancouver’s Jiu Jitsu scene is diverse, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the art. It’s a community that values longevity, technical growth, and balance — both on and off the mat.
Yet much of the available gear still reflects an aggressive, overdesigned aesthetic borrowed from MMA culture. Loud graphics and harsh materials don’t always align with how many practitioners actually experience Jiu Jitsu.
That disconnect is what inspired the creation of The Gentle Art Collective.
Introducing The Gentle Art Collective
The Gentle Art Collective is a Vancouver-based brand rooted in the philosophy of Jiu Jitsu.
Founded by practitioner Damien Kiely, the brand was created to offer an alternative — apparel designed with restraint, intention, and comfort at its core. As someone who is neurodivergent, Damien experienced firsthand how fabric texture, seams, and visual noise could become barriers during training.
Jiu Jitsu offered structure, clarity, and flow. The apparel needed to do the same.
Every piece we design is guided by three principles:
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Discipline — purposeful construction and performance
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Restraint — minimal design that removes distraction
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Comfort — thoughtful fabrics that support sensitivity and movement
Jiu Jitsu Gear Designed for Presence and Control
Our rash guards, shorts, and lifestyle pieces are built for practitioners who approach Jiu Jitsu as an art form.
Whether you’re training no-gi in Vancouver, preparing for competition, or simply spending time in the community, our gear is designed to support:
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Freedom of movement
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Long training sessions without irritation
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A calm, focused mindset on the mat
We believe the best gear doesn’t demand attention — it supports the work quietly.
Supporting the Local Vancouver Jiu Jitsu Scene
As a brand rooted in Vancouver, supporting the local Jiu Jitsu community matters to us. We believe in building relationships with practitioners, gyms, and coaches who share a respect for the art and its values.
This blog will continue to explore:
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Training culture in Vancouver
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Thoughtful approaches to Jiu Jitsu gear
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The relationship between movement, mindset, and apparel
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How intentional design can improve training experience
Looking Ahead
This is the beginning of The Gentle Art Collective.
Our goal is not to follow trends, but to build something lasting — apparel that grows with your practice and supports you through every phase of your Jiu Jitsu journey.
If you’re looking for Jiu Jitsu gear in Vancouver that values discipline, comfort, and intention, you’re in the right place.