You’ve been at work all day and now you’re heading to your evening BJJ class. Your body is exhausted, your mind is foggy and that aggressive blue belt is looming. What you need is an energy boost specifically designed for the demands of grappling.
Gold BJJ’s Pre Roll claims to be that – but does it deliver? In this breakdown we’ll go through the ingredients, benefits and real user experiences to see if it lives up to the hype. Many users have made it their go to for steady energy and focus during training sessions especially during high intensity activities.
Gold BJJ’s Pre Roll helps you perform better by boosting your physical performance during workouts. We’ll also compare it to our own pre-workout supplement, FightMax, to help you decide which one is better for your martial arts journey.
Table of Contents
What is Gold BJJ Pre Roll?
Gold BJJ is a well known brand in the BJJ community, they’re primarily known for their gis, rash guards and other training gear since 2016. With over 250,000 customers and a strong following on social media they’ve expanded their product line to include supplements specifically designed for BJJ practitioners.
Pre Roll is marketed as “the first pre-workout supplement designed for martial artists”. Unlike traditional pre-workouts made for weightlifters, Gold BJJ positions Pre Roll as a formula created to meet the energy, focus and endurance demands of jiu-jitsu training. Each container has 30 servings of acai berry flavor powder, 5 calories and 1g of carbs per serving. Pre Roll is also free from artificial sweeteners like aspartame, a clean and healthy formula.
The main selling point is Pre Roll’s promise of balanced energy without the jitters or crash that comes with traditional pre-workouts. It’s designed to help you stay focused and energized throughout an entire BJJ class including the sparring rounds that usually comes at the end of class when your energy is depleted.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s go through the supplement facts to see what’s actually in Gold BJJ Pre Roll and how these ingredients can benefit BJJ athletes:
Gold BJJ Pre Roll is designed to give you clean energy without the jitters, a smooth and sustained energy boost that enhances focus and performance during high intensity workouts.Also mixes well and can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of water used, makes it a great option for fitness enthusiasts.
L-Arginine AKG (3000mg)
L-Arginine is an amino acid that converts to nitric oxide in the body which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. This increased circulation may deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles during high intensity training. 3000mg is a substantial dose and will likely produce noticeable effects for most users. For BJJ practitioners this could mean better endurance during long rounds as many users have noticed and improved recovery between rounds.
Betaine Anhydrous (1200mg)
Betaine is added to support strength and power output. Research suggests it may help improve muscle endurance and power production. 1200mg is within the effective range based on clinical studies. For BJJ this could mean maintaining explosive movements even towards the end of training sessions. Users love the improved muscle endurance during training sessions.
Focus Blend (1050mg)
This blend contains Taurine and L-Theanine, two compounds that work together to promote calm focus. Taurine supports cognitive function during stress while L-Theanine (found in green tea) promotes alertness without jitters. This combination is perfect for BJJ where mental clarity and stress management is key to executing techniques under pressure. Also helps users perform better during training by enhancing physical performance.
Energy Blend (350mg)
- Caffeine (100mg) – About one cup of coffee, a moderate dose that gives energy without overstimulation
- Guayusa (Ilex guayusa)(leaf)(100mg) – Natural source of caffeine and antioxidants
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii)(root)(75mg) – Adaptogen that may help with energy and stamina
- Guarana Seed Extract (75mg) – Natural caffeine source that provides sustained release
This blend gives a multi-staged energy release rather than the immediate jolt and crash of higher-caffeine pre-workouts. 100mg of caffeine is low compared to many pre-workouts that have 200-300mg per serving. Also the energy blend allows the product to be consumed smoothly.
Coconut Electrolyte Blend (300mg)
Contains Coconut Water, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Magnesium Aspartate. These electrolytes support hydration and muscle function during high intensity training which is common in BJJ.
Antioxidant Berry Blend (250mg)
A blend of berries and fruit powders including Pomegranate, Beet, Raspberry, Acai Berry and many others. These provide antioxidants that may help combat exercise induced oxidative stress and support recovery. The antioxidant blend also has a natural berry flavor, a balanced taste without artificial sweetness.
From an ingredient perspective Pre Roll takes a thoughtful approach by using moderate doses of performance enhancing compounds and not excessive stimulants. The formula is designed for the specific needs of BJJ training—sustained energy, mental focus and endurance—not the explosive power of weightlifting pre-workouts.
Benefits for BJJ Athletes
BJJ requires a different energy approach than other sports. A typical BJJ class structure is warmup, technique drilling and then sparring rounds when you need the most energy—often 30-60 minutes into the class. This is where Pre Roll differentiates itself. It provides long lasting clean energy so you have sustained energy without jitters or crashes throughout your training sessions.
Sustained Energy Without Jitters
The moderate caffeine (100mg) combined with natural energy sources like guarana and guayusa gives an energy boost without the intense jitters that can interfere with technique execution. This is crucial for BJJ where fine motor skills and technique matters more than raw power. Also the energy boost is subtle, a consistent and gentle experience that helps you stay focused during workouts.
Mental Focus Enhancement
Taurine and L-Theanine combination supports mental clarity and focus during rolling sessions. BJJ is often described as “physical chess” where you need to think strategically even when physically exhausted. Pre Roll’s focus blend helps you stay mentally sharp during training. Users have noticed improved focus during rolling sessions.
Endurance Support
L-Arginine may improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, potentially extending your endurance during long rolling sessions. This can be the difference between gassing out in the third round and maintaining your performance through five or six rounds. Users have noticed improved endurance during long rolling sessions.
Hydration Maintenance
The electrolyte blend helps maintain proper hydration and muscle function which is crucial during long, sweat heavy BJJ sessions where dehydration can affect performance quickly. Also this product helps users perform better during training by keeping them hydrated and energized.
Minimalist Formula
5 calories and 1g carbs, Pre Roll won’t affect your nutrition plan or weight management—an important consideration for many BJJ athletes who monitor their weight for competition classes.
Also Pre Roll is free from artificial sweeteners like aspartame making it a cleaner and healthier option for those looking for a natural supplement.
What Real Users Say: Gold BJJ Pre Roll Reviews
After analyzing many user reviews from various sources, clear patterns emerge regarding real-world experience with Pre Roll:
Energy and Focus
The consistent feedback about Pre Roll’s energy profile is that it provides a noticeable but gentle boost. One user described it as giving “a slight boost of energy to get warmed up, but not too much so it doesn’t feel like my heart is going to explode”. Many users specifically mention that they don’t get jitters and crash like they do with other pre-workouts.
Taste and Mixability
Reviews on taste are mixed. Some users like the acai berry flavor and that it’s not too sweet or artificial tasting. Others find it bitter or unpleasant, one user said “I mix it with a grape flavored BCAA and chug it because I can’t stand the taste or smell”. This suggests that taste tolerance varies greatly between users.
Digestive Comfort
A notable trend in the reviews is the lack of digestive discomfort. Multiple users mention that unlike other pre-workouts, Pre Roll doesn’t cause stomach issues or “bowel explosions” (as one user put it). This is especially important for BJJ where abdominal discomfort during training would be a big problem.
Performance Enhancement
Several users report tangible performance benefits during training. One user said it “may be the difference between escaping a submission or hitting a sweep” due to the extra energy reserve it provides. Others mention improved endurance during sparring rounds.
Value Assessment
At around $1 per serving, most users find Pre Roll reasonably priced compared to other specialized supplements. The consensus is that while not the cheapest option, the BJJ specific formula justifies the price.
Not all feedback is positive. Some more technical reviewers question the formula choices, one said “the dosages are lower than they should be” and wondered why betaine was used instead of beta-alanine (which is more commonly associated with endurance benefits).
How to Use Gold BJJ Pre Roll
Based on manufacturer recommendations and user experiences here’s how to use Pre Roll:
The product mixes well and can be adjusted for personal taste by varying the amount of water used.
Timing
For best results mix one scoop with 8-12 oz of water and consume 20-30 minutes before training. This allows the ingredients to start taking effect right when your class starts.
Dosage Considerations
While the recommended dose is one scoop, some users start with half a scoop to assess tolerance especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine or pre-workout supplements in general.
Mixing Suggestions
Due to the mixed reviews on taste consider these user recommended options:
- Mix with cold water for best flavor profile
- Mix with a flavored BCAA powder if you don’t like the taste
- Use less water for quicker consumption if you don’t like the flavor
Stacking Options
Gold BJJ recommends pairing Pre Roll with their PostRoll supplement for a complete training support system. PostRoll contains EAAs and BCAAs for recovery after training.
Gold BJJ Pre Roll vs MMA Hive FightMax Pre-Workout
Let’s compare the nutritional differences between Gold BJJ’s pre-roll supplement and our pre-workout:
| Feature | Gold BJJ Pre Roll | MMA Hive FightMax |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 8g | 10g (1 Scoop) |
| Servings Per Container | 30 | 30 |
| Calories | 5 | 5 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g | N/A |
| Caffeine Content | 100mg | 175mg |
| L-Arginine | 3000mg (L-Arginine AKG) | 1500mg (L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate) |
| Betaine Anhydrous | 1200mg | Present in Energy/Endurance/Focus Matrix (550mg blend) |
| Creatine | None | 1500mg Dicreatine Malate |
| Beta Alanine | None | 750mg |
| Focus Support | Taurine, L-Theanine (1050mg blend) | L-Taurine, L-Tyrosine (in 550mg matrix) |
| Vitamins | None | Complete B-vitamin complex (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid) |
| Minerals | Calcium (21mg), Magnesium (13mg), Sodium (15mg), Potassium (20mg) | Sodium (80mg), Potassium (75mg), Calcium (170mg), Phosphorous (120mg), Magnesium (48mg), Chromium (30mcg) |
| Additional Performance Ingredients | Guayusa, Maca, Guarana Seed Extract | Waxy Maize, L-Citrulline Malate, Glycocyamine, Glucuronolactone |
| Flavor | Acai Berry | Watermelon |
| Sweetener | Natural (Stevia) | Sucralose |
| Price Per Serving | ~$1.00 | ~$1.00 |
How does Gold BJJ Pre Roll compare to MMA Hive FightMax?
FightMax Pre-Workout Supplement
Elevate your MMA performance with FightMax. This supplement packs essential vitamins, minerals and caffeine in refreshing watermelon for a pre-workout boost.
FightMax has more performance-enhancing ingredients like 1500mg Dicreatine Malate and 750mg Beta Alanine that Pre Roll lacks. FightMax has more caffeine (175mg vs 100mg) and a complete B-vitamin complex. Pre Roll has more natural ingredients with no artificial sweeteners and a bigger focus blend.
Gold BJJ Pre Roll is a thoughtful pre-workout for jiu-jitsu practitioners. By focusing on sustained energy, mental focus and digestive comfort instead of extreme stimulation it addresses many of the specific challenges faced by grapplers. Not without its flaws (taste and dosing questions) it’s a good option for BJJ athletes looking for performance without the downsides of regular pre-workouts.
If you want to check out alternatives specifically designed for combat sports consider MMA Hive’s FightMax Pre-Workout for a similar option with some formulation differences that might suit your training better.
Energy System
The biggest difference is the caffeine content: FightMax has 175mg vs Pre Roll’s 100mg. FightMax is more energizing but more stimulating. FightMax also has Beta Alanine (750mg) which helps with lactic acid buffering during intense rolling sessions and gives that tingling sensation that lets you know the pre-workout is working. This ingredient is not in Pre Roll.
Strength and Power Support
FightMax has 1500mg of Dicreatine Malate which supports ATP production for explosive movements and strength. This is a big difference as Pre Roll has no creatine. While Pre Roll has more L-Arginine (3000mg vs 1500mg) FightMax has additional performance ingredients like L-Citrulline Malate which works synergistically with L-Arginine for nitric oxide production.
Nutritional Support
FightMax has comprehensive vitamin and mineral support with 100% DV of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid) and more minerals. Pre Roll takes a minimalist approach with fewer vitamins and minerals but has specialized blends like Antioxidant Berry Blend and Coconut Electrolyte Blend.
Focus and Cognitive Support
Pre Roll has 1050mg of Focus Blend (Taurine and L-Theanine) while FightMax has similar ingredients (L-Taurine and L-Tyrosine) in its 550mg Energy/Endurance/Focus Matrix. Pre Roll might have an edge for those looking for focus with less stimulation.
Formulation Philosophy
Pre Roll uses natural ingredients, Stevia as sweetener and herbal ingredients like Guayusa and Maca. FightMax takes a more sports nutrition approach with a broader spectrum of proven performance ingredients and uses Sucralose as sweetener.
Ideal User Profile
Pre Roll is for BJJ practitioners looking for gentle energy with minimal stimulation and natural ingredients. FightMax is for martial artists wanting more performance support with creatine, beta-alanine and higher caffeine for intense training.
Is Gold BJJ Pre Roll Worth It?
Pros:
- Specifically designed for BJJ’s energy demands
- Moderate caffeine won’t give you the jitters
- Focus-enhancing ingredients for technical performance
- No artificial sweeteners or colors
- Doesn’t cause digestive distress like most pre-workouts
- Reasonable price for a specialized supplement
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on taste
- Some ingredients might be underdosed according to scientific recommendations
- Limited flavor options
- Not enough energy for those used to higher stimulant pre-workouts
- No creatine and beta-alanine found in many performance pre-workouts
Who Should Consider Pre Roll?
Pre Roll is for:
- BJJ practitioners who want gentle energy without jitters
- Those who have had negative side effects from traditional pre-workouts
- Fighters who prioritize mental focus over physical stimulation
- Athletes who are monitoring calorie and carbohydrate intake
- Those who prefer natural ingredients and sweeteners
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
You might prefer an alternative like FightMax if:
- You want a pre-workout with creatine and beta-alanine
- You prefer a traditional flavor (watermelon)
- You want more comprehensive vitamin and mineral support
- You’re looking for stronger stimulation (175mg caffeine vs 100mg)
- You need more support for explosive movements and strength
Gold BJJ Pre Roll delivers on its promise: BJJ-specific energy without the negative effects of over-stimulating pre-workouts. Not perfect but better for grapplers than most generic pre-workouts.
FAQ on Gold BJJ Pre Roll Supplement
Does Gold BJJ Pre Roll have creatine?
No, Pre Roll doesn’t have creatine. If you want a pre-workout with creatine, MMA Hive’s FightMax has 1500mg of Dicreatine Malate which is often considered a more soluable form of creatine that aids in endurance.
How many servings per container?
Gold BJJ Pre Roll offers roughly 30 servings (8g per serving).
Is Gold BJJ Pre Roll for cutting weight?
With 5 calories and 1g of carbs per serving, it can be useful during a weight cut. Compatible with various nutrition plans including weight management.
Can I take Gold BJJ Pre Roll before competition?
Yes, many users take Pre Roll before competitions. 100mg of caffeine is unlikely to trigger caffeine-related testing issues in most competitions.
How does Pre Roll compare to regular coffee?
Pre Roll has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (100mg) but adds performance ingredients like L-Arginine, Betaine and electrolytes that coffee doesn’t have.
