Judo Mats vs XPE Roll Flooring: Choosing the Right Martial Arts Flooring for Your Gym in Singapore
When setting up a martial arts space, the right flooring directly affects athlete safety, training performance, and long-term durability. In Singapore, the two most popular options are Judo Mats (Tatami Mats) and XPE Roll Flooring, each serving different martial arts styles and impact profiles. This guide breaks down which flooring fits which discipline, the ideal thickness, durability expectations, maintenance needs, and how to choose the best solution for your training space.
1. Understanding the Two Main Types of Martial Arts Flooring
Judo Mats (Tatami Mats)
Built for high-impact throws, takedowns, and groundwork
Traditionally used in Judo, BJJ, Aikido, MMA grappling zones
Typically 40mm–50mm thick
Made of high-density foam core with a tatami-textured vinyl surface
Prioritises shock absorption and fall protection
XPE Roll Mats
High-density cross-linked polyethylene (XPE) foam
Lightweight, seamless appearance, and quick installation
Ideal for striking arts, drills, cardio classes, and multi-purpose martial arts studios
Commonly 20mm–30mm thickness
Firmer than EVA, slightly softer than traditional tatami mats
Great for Taekwondo, Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai drills, Fitness classes
2. Which Martial Art Needs Which Flooring? (Recommended Configurations)
Judo / Aikido
Recommended: 40mm–50mm Judo Tatami Mats
Why: These sports rely heavily on throws and breakfalls. Thick tatami mats reduce injury risk and meet dojo standards.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Recommended: 40mm Judo Mats for high-intensity rolling
Alternative: XPE Roll (25mm–30mm) for hobby gyms or hybrid areas
Why: Judo mats provide superior cushioning for takedowns and heavy grappling.
MMA
Recommended: Combination setup
Grappling Zone – 40mm Judo Mats
Striking Zone – 20mm–30mm XPE Roll
Why: MMA blends stand-up and ground fighting; two surfaces maximise both safety and stability.
Muay Thai / Kickboxing
Recommended: 20mm–25mm XPE Roll Mats
Why: Firmer footing is required for kicks, pivots, and bag training without sinking into soft mats.
Taekwondo / Karate
Recommended: 20mm puzzle mats or 20–25mm XPE roll
Why: Lighter movements, fast footwork, and non-grappling strikes pair better with a firmer surface.
Fitness & Conditioning Zones
Recommended: 20mm XPE Rolls
Why: Easy to clean, lightweight, and supportive for general drills and workouts.
3. Key Differences: Judo Mats vs XPE Roll
Shock Absorption
Judo Mats: Maximum impact protection for throws
XPE Roll: Moderate shock absorption suitable for stand-up and light grappling
Firmness
Judo Mats: Softer, cushioned feel
XPE Roll: Firmer, better for striking arts
Durability
Judo Mats: Vinyl tatami top resists tearing and friction burns
XPE Roll: Highly durable foam, but not ideal for high-impact slams
Installation
Judo Mats: Piece-by-piece, easy to reposition
XPE Roll: Fast rollout installation, seamless look
4. Recommended Thickness by Use Case
40mm–50mm: Judo, Aikido, BJJ, high-impact grappling
25mm–30mm: MMA hybrid use, light grappling, striking + grappling mix
20mm–25mm: Taekwondo, Karate, Kickboxing, fitness
10mm–15mm: Only for warm-up areas or temporary mats
5. Material Comparison & Why XPE Is Popular
XPE is slightly superior to EVA
Better density
More durable under repeated impact
Less compression over time
Firmer feel ideal for striking arts
Tatami vinyl surface on Judo mats prevents friction burns and provides grip for gi and no-gi training.
6. Maintenance Guide for Martial Arts Flooring
Daily Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum dust, chalk, and hair
Wipe with mild disinfectant (non-abrasive)
Weekly Maintenance
Check seams and edges for lifting
Mop using diluted cleaning solution safe for foam/vinyl
Monthly Maintenance
Allow mats to air out under sunlight if removable
Inspect for dents, wear marks, or compression spots
What to Avoid
Harsh chemicals
High-pressure water
Dragging equipment across the mats
Using heavy weights directly on tatami or XPE surfaces
7. Which Flooring Should Your Gym Use?
Choose Judo Mats if:
Your training involves frequent throws
You run grappling-heavy classes
Athlete safety during takedowns is the top priority
Choose XPE Roll Mats if:
You run striking arts or fitness-based classes
You want fast installation and a seamless look
Budget and versatility are important
You need a firmer, more responsive surface
Choose a Hybrid Setup if:
You run MMA or multi-discipline training
You want the best of both worlds:
Soft tatami zone for grappling
Firm XPE zone for striking
Conclusion
Choosing the right martial arts flooring depends on your training style, intensity, and safety requirements. At GymFlooring.sg, we supply and install both Judo Tatami Mats and XPE Roll Mats to suit all disciplines—from Judo to BJJ, MMA, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai.
Whether you are building a dojo, upgrading a studio, or outfitting a multi-purpose martial arts gym, we can recommend the best thickness, material, and configuration for long-term performance and safety.
