EVA Foam Tatami Mats – 25mm Tatami & 40mm Checker Profiles

Create a practical martial arts floor with our 1m x 1m interlocking EVA foam mats. Choose the thickness and surface profile that match your sport and training style.

The 25mm mat has a tatami profile. It suits karate, taekwondo and martial arts training that takes place mainly from a standing position.

The 40mm mat has a checker profile. It suits judo, BJJ, jiu-jitsu, grappling, wrestling and training that includes groundwork, takedowns or throws.

Each mat has a reversible colour combination. You also receive four full edging strips with every mat.

Please note: Do not use these mats under gym machines or for training with dumbbells, barbells or other free weights.

Browse our complete EVA Foam Tiles range or explore our wider Sports & Gym Flooring range.

EVA Foam Tatami Mat Features

• 1m x 1m tile size
• 1m² coverage per mat
• Choice of 25mm or 40mm thickness
• Tatami or checker surface profile
• Interlocking puzzle edges
• Reversible colour combinations
• Four full edging strips included with every mat
• Suitable for different martial arts disciplines
• Easy to extend or change the floor layout

Choose the Right Thickness for Your Sport

Choose the mat according to the way you train. The thickness also determines the surface profile and available colours.

These products are modern EVA foam martial arts mats. They are not traditional Japanese straw tatami mats.

25mm EVA Foam Mats with Tatami Profile

Choose the 25mm mat for martial arts that focus mainly on standing movement, footwork and striking drills.

The surface has a directional tatami texture. This gives the floor the familiar finish used in many karate and taekwondo training areas.

The 25mm mat suits:

• Karate
• Taekwondo
• Standing martial arts drills
• Footwork practice
• Technique training

Available reversible colour combinations:

• Red / Blue
• Green / Orange
• Dark Grey / Light Grey

Do not place gym equipment, benches, racks or free weights on the 25mm mats.

40mm EVA Foam Mats with Checker Profile

Choose the 40mm mat when your training includes regular groundwork, takedowns or throws.

This version has a square checker-pattern surface. It does not have the directional tatami profile used on the 25mm option.

The 40mm mat suits:

• Judo
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Jiu-jitsu
• Grappling
• Wrestling
• Groundwork
• Training with takedowns or throws

Available reversible colour combinations:

• Blue / Red
• Dark Grey / Light Grey

The 40mm option is still an EVA foam martial arts mat. Do not use it under gym machines or for dumbbell, barbell or weightlifting exercises.

Reversible Colour Options

Each mat has one colour on each side. Turn the mat over to display the second colour.

You can also combine colours to create:

• Training zones
• Borders
• Marked practice areas
• Alternating floor patterns
• Separate coaching areas

Select the thickness and surface profile first. Then choose one of the colour combinations available for that option.

Not every colour combination is available in both thicknesses.

Interlocking Puzzle Edges

The puzzle-shaped edges connect each mat to the surrounding tiles.

Start in one corner of the training area. Then connect the mats row by row. Press each joint together before adding the next tile.

The interlocking format also makes it easier to extend or change the layout later.

Four Full Edging Strips Included

Each mat includes four full edging strips.

Use the strips on exposed outer sides to create a straighter finish around the training area.

You will not need every strip in the centre of a larger installation. Keep unused strips as spares or use them when you change the floor layout.

EVA Foam Tatami Mat Specifications

Compare the confirmed specifications of the 25mm and 40mm options below.

How to Install Interlocking Tatami Mats

First, clean the existing floor. Remove dust, dirt and sharp objects.

Next, check that the floor feels dry and level. An uneven base can affect the finished layout.

Then follow these steps:

1. Measure the complete training area.
2. Plan the size and colour pattern.
3. Place the first mat in the chosen starting position.
4. Line up the puzzle edge of the next mat.
5. Press the full connection together.
6. Continue one row at a time.
7. Fit the edging strips to exposed outer sides.
8. Check every connection before training.

Do not drag heavy or sharp objects across the EVA surface.

How Many Tatami Mats Do You Need?

Each mat measures 1m x 1m and covers 1m².

Measure the length and width of your training area in metres. Then multiply the two figures.

Length x width = total floor area in square metres

For example:

5m x 4m = 20m²

A 5m x 4m training area requires at least 20 mats.

Always round up to a complete tile. Add spare mats when the room has an irregular shape or when you want replacement tiles available for future use.

Not Suitable for Gym Equipment or Free Weights

These EVA foam mats are made for martial arts training. They are not designed for concentrated loads from machines, benches, racks or weight-storage equipment.

Do not use these mats for:

• Dumbbell training
• Barbell training
• Weightlifting
• Dropped weights
• Gym machines
• Weight benches
• Heavy equipment
• Weight-storage areas

For home or rubber garage gym flooring, view our Interlocking Home & Garage Gym Tiles.

Looking for EVA Foam Tiles for a Play Area?

These tatami mats focus on martial arts training.

For playrooms, classrooms, daycare centres or children’s activity areas, choose our Coloured Interlocking EVA Foam Mats & Tiles.

These coloured interlocking EVA tiles are available in 12mm and 25mm thicknesses.

EVA Foam Tatami Mats FAQ

Q1: What thickness EVA martial arts mat should I choose?

Choose 25mm for karate, taekwondo and martial arts training that takes place mainly from a standing position.

Choose 40mm for judo, BJJ, jiu-jitsu, grappling, wrestling and training that includes groundwork, takedowns or throws.

Q2: Are the 25mm mats suitable for karate?

Yes. The 25mm option has a tatami profile and suits karate, footwork and standing martial arts drills.

Q3: Are the 25mm mats suitable for taekwondo?

Yes. Choose the 25mm tatami-profile mat for taekwondo and other striking-based martial arts training.

Q4: Are the 40mm mats suitable for judo?

Yes. Choose the 40mm checker-profile mat for judo training, including groundwork, takedowns and throws.

Q5: Are the 40mm mats suitable for BJJ and jiu-jitsu?

Yes. The 40mm option suits BJJ, jiu-jitsu, grappling and regular groundwork.

Q6: What is the difference between the tatami and checker profiles?

The 25mm mat has a directional tatami texture. The 40mm mat has a square checker-pattern surface.

The surface profile depends on the thickness. The 25mm version is not available with a checker profile. The 40mm version is not available with a tatami profile.

Q7: Are these traditional Japanese tatami mats?

No. These are interlocking EVA foam mats for martial arts training.

Traditional Japanese tatami mats use different materials and serve a different purpose.

Q8: Are the mats reversible?

Yes. Each mat has a different colour on either side. Turn the mat over to display the second colour.

Q9: Does each mat include edging strips?

Yes. Each mat includes four full edging strips.

Q10: How large is each mat?

Each mat measures 1m x 1m and covers 1m².

Q11: How do I connect the mats?

Line up the puzzle-shaped edges and press them together by hand. Continue row by row until you have covered the required area.

Q12: Can I place gym equipment on these mats?

No. Do not place gym machines, benches, racks or other heavy equipment on these EVA martial arts mats.

For a home or garage gym, choose our Interlocking Home & Garage Gym Tiles.

Q13: Can I use dumbbells or barbells on these mats?

No. These mats are not suitable for dumbbells, barbells, weightlifting or dropped weights.

Use a purpose-made gym flooring product instead.

Q14: Can I use these mats in a daycare or playroom?

These mats focus on martial arts training although they would fit playrooms for children.

For playrooms, classrooms and daycare areas, also view our Coloured Interlocking EVA Foam Mats & Tiles, available in 12mm and 25mm.

Q15: Do you deliver tatami mats across South Africa?

Rubber Online supplies EVA foam tatami mats to customers throughout South Africa. You can view the available delivery options and charges during checkout.

Orders above ZAR650 will be free of delivery costs.

Q16: Do you deliver tatami mats outside South Africa?

Yes. We hold stock in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Customers outside South Africa can contact our customer service team to discuss availability, shipping options and delivery costs.

Order EVA Foam Tatami Mats Online in South Africa

Choose the thickness, surface profile and reversible colour combination that match your martial arts training.

Select the 25mm tatami profile for karate, taekwondo and standing drills. Select the 40mm checker profile for judo, BJJ, jiu-jitsu, grappling, wrestling and groundwork.

Need help choosing the right mat or calculating the required quantity? Contact Rubber Online for product assistance.