Phalanx was founded by Chris Martinez with a bold vision: no-gi gear could be better. At the time, jiu-jitsu apparel was stiff, heavy, and restrictive—built for MMA, but never designed for the fluid movement of no-gi grappling. The industry was stuck in the past.

Rather than accepting the status quo, Chris took matters into his own hands. With no formal background in design or manufacturing, he bought a sewing machine, studied YouTube tutorials, and began deconstructing gear—analyzing every material, seam, cut, and fabric choice. Through relentless trial and error, Phalanx engineered lighter, more mobile, and more durable designs that allowed grapplers to move freely, without restriction.

At the time, the idea of lightweight, high-performance no-gi gear was unheard of. Even jiu-jitsu legends doubted that no-gi athletes would move away from thick, traditional fabrics. But Phalanx saw the future before anyone else. As no-gi evolved, we evolved with it—pushing the sport forward, one innovation at a time.

Phalanx wasn't just about making gear—it was about supporting the athletes who redefined the sport. When Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) launched in 2014, it changed the game. The lights. The stage. The winner-take-all format. No-Gi had its countercultural moment, and Phalanx was there, backing the athletes who made history: Richie Martinez, Geo Martinez, Nathan Orchard, and Gordon Ryan.

From ADCC dominance to EBI highlights, Phalanx became the most recognized brand in no-gi jiu-jitsu—worn by champions, designed for the future.

Phalanx is more than just gear—it's the evolution of no-gi performance. Every piece of Phalanx gear is crafted with precision-engineered fabrics, athlete-driven feedback, and groundbreaking design.

• We develop our own custom patterns to ensure elite fit, mobility, and function
• We rigorously test every piece with world-class athletes before it ever hits production
• We source premium fabrics and never cut corners—because in a world full of cheap gear, quality is the revolution

Our commitment to constant innovation means that Phalanx athletes always have the best gear on the mat—whether they're rolling in the gym or competing on the world’s biggest stages.

Jiu-jitsu isn't just a sport—it's a lifestyle, a brotherhood, and a culture. Phalanx is more than a brand; it's a movement. We believe in the power of community. That's why Phalanx gives back—because jiu-jitsu takes care of its own.

Since day one, we've reinvested in the jiu-jitsu community by donating thousands of pieces of gear, supporting athletes, funding academies, and assisting first responders, military personnel, and those in need.

• Thousands of pieces of gear donated every year to those who love the art but can't afford fresh gear.
• Military, police, fire, EMS, and healthcare workers—if you serve, Phalanx supports you. The brand has outfitted U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, Navy SEAL Teams, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, SWAT teams, police departments and sheriff's offices nationwide.
• Gym rebuilds and donations—when a gym's mats were falling apart, Phalanx stepped in. When 10th Planet Long Beach burned down in 2020, Phalanx contributed to its revival.
• Special campaigns—from autism awareness to supporting families in need, Phalanx stands with the community. We believe that success isn’t just about winning titles—it’s about lifting others up along the way.

We believe that success isn't just about winning titles—it's about lifting others up along the way.

We're not just innovating performance gear—we're giving athletes and teams the power to create their own. Phalanx Custom Gear allows academies, teams, and brands to design custom rash guards, shorts, spats, and apparel tailored to their identity. Whether you're a gym looking to outfit your students or an athlete seeking a unique look, we bring your vision to life with elite-level craftsmanship and performance materials.

No-Gi jiu-jitsu is bigger than ever, and Phalanx continues to lead the way. Our commitment to innovation, performance, and community remains unwavering.

With every new product, every breakthrough in material technology, and every athlete who trusts Phalanx on the biggest stages—we push the limits of what’s possible.

Our mission remains the same: build the best no-gi gear on the planet and strengthen the community that makes this sport great.

This is more than a brand.

This is Phalanx Army.

The future of no-gi jiu-jitsu starts here.