Beginners BJJ Equipment List

Update 11/21/13: Click here to find my updated blog and blog post on BJJ Gear.
What equipment do I need to buy for bjj?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? As someone brand new to BJJ I thought I'd share my findings.

Here's my list of stuff that I want to start out:
1. BJJ Gi - Needed. If you don't already have one provided from your class or you want a new one there are a lot of great BJJ Gi's out there. I bought a Vulkan BJJ Gi.
2. Ear Guard - I am doing BJJ recreationally. While I respect people with cauliflower ear it's not for me. I have to be presentable at work and my wife and kids won't be happy if I get it. For others with similar concerns I recommend ear guards.
3. Mouth Guards - This is similar to the reason for getting ear guards. I once got my lip cut open playing basketball and it cost me $900 for the emergency room costs even with insurance. I don't want that to happen again.
4. Cup/Groin Protector - I'm enjoying BJJ as a sport and as personal defense. However, call me what you may, I don't think it's necessary to risk get kicked in the nuts while I'm learning. I've already done it to others and have had it happen to myself in only 2 classes. It's time to get a cup. I went with the Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Flex Cup.
5. Compression - Consider it "Rash Guard 2.0" believe me after seeing it on serious pro athletes in other sports and MMA fighters this stuff really works. I work in the sporting goods industry and used it in my triathlon training, it works. If you can afford it go out and get it. I recommend a long sleeve top and long tights or 3/4 tights.

I added links to everything so you can just click on the link to buy.

Guides:
MyBJJ.com Guides - a great resource for people wondering more about BJJ. There are a lot of equipment guides.
BJJ Gi- Buying Guide for BJJ Gi's at BJJSports.com
Kids Jiu Jitsu Gis - I was thinking about getting my kids into BJJ as well. Here's a link to a large selection of Kids BJJ gis.