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What Is Tatami Texture?

By Lisa Hobbie

Created: Jan, 2021 - Modified: Mar, 2025

Tatami is a texture that resembles a common flooring used in Japanese style rooms or Japanese homes of long ago. In martial arts, a tatami texture mat has a surface texture that resembles or mimics the look and feel of this type of flooring, which is made of thin, long strands of straw.

Why a Tatami Texture is Good for Martial Arts

A tatami surface texture is perfect for grappling, MMA, BJJ, and martial arts styles focusing on ground competition. Although traditional or cheap tatami surfaces are known for leaving skin burns, the tatami-style texture puzzle mats at Greatmats do not leave skin burns.

5 of the Best Tatami Texture Mat Options for Sale

  1. Grappling MMA Mats
  2. Home BJJ Mats
  3. Judo Jiu Jitsu Mats
  4. 1.25 inch thick Roll Out Mats
  5. 2.0 inch thick Roll Out Mats

Interlocking Tatami Texture Mats

Grappling MMA Mats Prevent Abrasions


Does Grappling MMA Mats Prevent Abrasions?

Grappling MMA Mats are super high-quality mats that are perfect for groundwork and takedowns. They are 3.28 feet by 3.28 feet and 1.5 inches thick and fit together like pieces of a puzzle. They feature the no-skin burn-designed tatami texture that is ideal to help prevent abrasions.

The mats also absorb shock from falls and tumbles in home or studio settings and have a 4-foot ASTM fall height rating. These grappling mats are firm enough for stand-up techniques, and their tight-fitting interlocks will not separate - even in the most intense scenarios. There are 4 border strips included per tile.

The mats are mold, mildew, and rot-resistant, and they are waterproof for easy cleaning and disinfecting. If a spill or excess sweat or moisture is present, wipe the mats with a dry towel and disinfect them.



2x2 Home BJJ Mats with No Burn Surface


How Thick Are Home BJJ Mats?

Home BJJ Mats are 1.5-inch thick puzzle mats that are smaller than the Grappling Mats at just 2 feet by 2 feet. While smaller, this product also offers protection from head injuries in falls of up to 4 feet and features the Greatmats’ no-burn tatami texture.

The mats provide plenty of cushioning for grappling and takedowns while being firm enough to prevent injury from sinking into softer mats during quick movements.

This product is great for all martial arts and is specifically sized for easy installation at storage in home environments.



Judu Jiu Jitsu Mats - Home Or Pro Use?


How Thick Are Home BJJ Mats?

Judo Jiu Jitsu Mats are 1.25-inch thick puzzle mats that are 1 meter by 1 meter in size. They will offer more than just a basic home practice mat, as they offer a professional quality surface for Judo, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and other groundwork and skill development. They also allow adequate firmness for training on your feet. While these mats can be used at home, they are large, 1x1 meter, so the shipping is usually quite a bit more expensive than 2x2 mats.

Featuring the burn-free tatami surface texture, this allows athletes to train longer and harder without suffering injuries. The mats provide superior shock-absorbing properties for groundwork and skill development, and they are reversible, which increases the value and reduces overall replacement costs. This is an economical alternative to the thicker grappling mats.

Tatami Texure On Roll Out Mats

1.25 Inch Thick Roll-Out Mats


How Durable Are 1.25 Inch Thick Roll Out Mats?

1.25 inch thick Roll Out Mats is a great option if you want something 6 feet wide and custom cut to any length over 18 linear feet - in either a tatami or smooth surface texture. Roll-out mats are a great flooring solution for MMA, BJJ, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and even Karate or TKD facilities.

These mats are made in the USA and are suitable for use with shoes or boots. They are super convenient, as they can be rolled out to use them and rolled up when they are no longer needed.

The vinyl top of these mats is a durable, 24 oz. the weight that is designed to endure many years of heavy use. The quality control standards used in making these mats are among the industry's most stringent.



2-Inch Thick Roll-Out Mats


How Wide Are 2 Inch Thick Roll Out Mats?

2-inch thick Roll Out Mats are 2.0 inches thick and 6 feet wide rolls that are available in tatami texture or smooth texture. You can get them in any roll length you need over 18 linear feet, and they are suitable for use with shoes, boots, or bare feet.

This particular mat is perfect for various martial arts, like MMA, BJJ, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, Karate, and Taekwondo, and also for various workouts from pilates and yoga to weight lifting. They feature a 24 oz. top vinyl material and are ASTM impact-rated, whereas the 1.25-inch thick mats are not.

Greatmats - For tatami texture mat options!

When you are ready to buy martial arts floor mats, Greatmats is your one-stop shop. With numerous tatami texture mat options available, there is a product that would suit any use, price point preference, or thickness. Select one of the products highlighted here, or, one of the many alternative products, and rest assured, you will get the best quality and service that money can buy.