Tatami Mats – 25mm & 40mm EVA Martial Arts Mats

Rubber United supplies tatami mats to dojos, martial arts academies, schools, gyms and sports clubs across South Africa. The 1 x 1 m EVA foam mats interlock like a puzzle. As a result, you can cover a training area of any size and extend or rearrange it later. We also keep stock in Johannesburg and Cape Town, so we deliver larger orders for a new dojo or club floor quickly.

You can choose between two thicknesses. The thickness determines how much impact the floor absorbs. Therefore, it is the most important choice for your discipline.

Which tatami mats suit your martial art?

Thickness	Best for	Colours (reversible)
25 mm, tatami-grain surface	Karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, kata, footwork and other standing techniques	Blue / Red, Light Grey / Dark Grey, Green / Orange
40 mm, checker surface	Judo, BJJ, jiu-jitsu, aikido, wrestling and grappling: throws, breakfalls and groundwork	Blue / Red, Black / Grey

The 25 mm tatami mats give a firm, stable surface with a tatami-grain texture. Fighters keep their grip during pivots, kicks and fast footwork. At the same time, the EVA foam still absorbs the impact of a fall.

The 40 mm tatami mats suit disciplines where athletes go to the ground. The extra thickness cushions throws, takedowns and breakfalls. In addition, the checker (block-stripe) surface gives athletes secure footing during stand-up exchanges.

Tatami mats for clubs, schools and multi-use halls

• Interlocking puzzle edges: you lay and pack away the floor quickly, without glue or tools.
• Reversible colours: use the two colours to mark a competition area, a safety border or separate training zones.
• Edging included: every mat comes with four edging strips for a straight, finished perimeter.
• Shock-absorbing EVA foam: the foam protects athletes during falls and keeps its shape with daily use.
• Easy to clean: the closed surface resists water and stains, so a damp cloth and mild soap are enough.

How many tatami mats do you need?

Each mat covers exactly 1 m². To calculate the quantity, multiply the length by the width of your training area. For example, a 6 x 8 m dojo floor needs 48 mats. You can also turn the outer row over to create a border in a second colour. Send us the size of your room or your floor plan, and we will calculate the quantity and prepare a quote.

Installation and care

First, make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level. Then start in a corner and connect the mats row by row. Finally, finish the open edges with the edging strips. Let new mats acclimatise in the room before the first training session. For daily cleaning, use a damp cloth and mild soap and avoid harsh solvents.

However, keep in mind that tatami mats are meant for martial arts and floor exercise. They do not suit areas with gym machines, racks or free weights. For weight areas, our rubber gym tiles are the better choice. For a firm, hard-wearing floor in workshops or home gyms, also take a look at our interlocking rubber mats.

Small quantities? Order online at Rubber Online

Do you only need a few mats, for example for a home training room? Then use the Buy Now button. It takes you to our webshop Rubber Online, where you can order directly. For complete club floors and larger quantities, request a quote from Rubber United.

Frequently asked questions about tatami mats

Are these traditional Japanese tatami mats?

No. These are modern EVA foam martial arts mats with a tatami-style surface. As a result, they are lighter, easier to clean and more durable than traditional straw mats.

Which tatami mats are best for BJJ and judo?

Choose the 40 mm mats, because the extra thickness absorbs the impact of throws, takedowns and breakfalls. For striking arts such as karate and taekwondo, on the other hand, 25 mm gives a firmer and more stable footing.

Can I use tatami mats at home?

Yes. The mats also work well in home training rooms, garages and play areas, as long as you do not place heavy equipment on them.

Do you supply large quantities?

Yes. We supply complete dojo and club floors and deliver across South Africa from our stock in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Please contact our team with your floor size and preferred colours.

Looking for other options? Browse our full range of EVA foam tiles or our sports and gym flooring.