Martial arts mats — EVA, IXPE, or Judo
EVA tatami mats (20–40 mm) are the most versatile – for karate, kickboxing, MMA, children's sections. IXPE tatami mats are denser, do not absorb sweat, ideal for BJJ and MMA. Judo tatami mats (40 mm, 180 kg/m³) are the densest, for throws and serious falls.
Types of Mats by Material
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)
Lightweight, soft foamed material. Colored plates, puzzle type or with straight edges.
- Density: 80–120 kg/m³
- Thickness: 20, 25, 30, 40 mm
- Surface: Tatami-finish (rice straw mat imitation) or smooth
- Price: 25–60 €/m² depending on thickness and density
IXPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
Closed cells, does not absorb liquids. Denser and more durable than EVA. Recommended for training halls with active training and sweating.
- Density: 130–200 kg/m³
- Thickness: 30, 40 mm
- Price: 60–120 €/m²
Judo Mats (Specialized)
Polyester shell over high-density polyurethane/EVA. Standardized size 2×1 m or 1×1 m with a volumetric anti-slip base.
- Density: 180–230 kg/m³
- Thickness: 40 mm
- Weight: 12–18 kg/plate
- Price: 90–200 €/m²
Which Mat for Which Sport
| Sport | Type | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Karate (kumite) | EVA | 25 mm |
| Karate (kata) | EVA | 20 mm |
| Kickboxing / Muay Thai | EVA or IXPE | 25–30 mm |
| MMA | IXPE | 30–40 mm |
| BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) | IXPE with tatami finish | 30–40 mm |
| Judo | Judo mat | 40 mm |
| Sambo | Judo mat | 40 mm |
| Children's section (3–10 years) | EVA | 20–25 mm |
How to Choose — 5 Criteria
- Type of falls — for throws and serious falls (judo, sambo) — mandatory 40 mm with high density.
- Sweating intensity — IXPE does not absorb, EVA with tatami finish is cleaned, but smells with a lot of sweat.
- Age of practitioners — children — softer mats; adult competitors — denser.
- Floor base — on concrete requires at least 30 mm; on a wooden floor — 20–25 mm is sufficient.
- Color zoning — for competition halls — central zone with a contrasting color.
Installation and Maintenance
- Puzzle mats — only for temporary sections up to 50 m². For permanent halls — plates with straight edges and borders.
- Anti-slip base — mandatory on smooth floors.
- Cleaning — weekly with an antibacterial solution. Especially important for IXPE and tatami finish.
- UV protection — sunlight dries out EVA, cracks appear. Keep mats away from windows.
Common Mistakes
- EVA 20 mm for judo/sambo — insufficient cushioning, risk of injury.
- IXPE without tatami finish for BJJ — too slippery when sweating.
- Puzzle mats for a competition hall — the joints tear under heavy falls.
- White/light mats in a hall with heavy sweating — stains and visible marks for days.