Brazilian Jiujitsu is a beautiful art form, a complex dance of leverage, technique, and willpower. It’s also an incredibly intimate activity, involving prolonged close contact, sweat, and sometimes, a little blood. While the bonds forged on the mat are strong, so too can be the spread of unwanted skin infections if proper hygiene isn’t a priority.
Good hygiene isn’t just about personal cleanliness; it’s a fundamental act of respect for your training partners, your instructors, and the entire academy. Neglecting it puts everyone at risk, leading to frustrating and potentially painful conditions like ringworm, staph, impetigo, and even MRSA. Don’t be “that guy” (or gal) everyone avoids. Embrace these essential hygiene habits and roll clean, roll safe.
Before You Step On The Mat: The Pre-Roll Ritual
Your hygiene efforts begin long before your first warm-up drill.
The Pre-Training Rinse: A quick shower before training, especially if you’re coming from work or another activity, can wash away surface dirt, oils, and bacteria, giving you a cleaner start. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Clean Gi/No-Gi Attire: This is non-negotiable. Your gi or no-gi attire must be freshly washed for every single training session. Even if it “doesn’t smell bad,” it’s teeming with bacteria from your last roll. Invest in enough gis or rashguards to get you through your training week without having to re-wear anything, or otherwise wash your gear nightly.
Nails: Short and Sweet: Long fingernails and toenails are a hazard. They can scratch training partners, rip gis, and harbor a shocking amount of dirt and bacteria. Keep them trimmed short and filed smooth. This isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about preventing injury.
Cover Your Wounds: If you have any open cuts, scrapes, or existing skin irritations, they must be thoroughly cleaned and securely covered with athletic tape or a bandage. Better yet, if you suspect a skin infection, stay home! Your academy will understand, and your partners will thank you.
During The Roll: Being Mindful On The Mat
While your primary focus should be on your technique, a few hygienic considerations can prevent issues during training.
Manage Bleeds Immediately: Accidents happen. If you get a cut and start bleeding, inform your instructor immediately. Step off the mat, clean and cover the wound, and ensure any blood on the mat is thoroughly disinfected.
Hands Off Your Face (And Mouth): Resist the urge to wipe sweat from your face with your bare hands, especially if you’ve been grappling. If you must, use the sleeve of your gi or your rashguard. Never put your hands in your mouth or touch your face directly after touching the mats or a training partner.
Cough And Sneeze Etiquette: If you need to cough or sneeze, turn your head away from your training partner and the mat, ideally into your arm or gi sleeve. However, as a general practice, if you’re feeling unwell, consider resting that day.
After The Roll: The Post-Training Cleanse
This is arguably the most critical phase of jiujitsu hygiene.
The Immediate Shower: As soon as you get home or have access to a shower, get in. Don’t wait. Use a good soap, preferably one with antibacterial properties if you’re prone to skin issues. Lather up thoroughly, paying special attention to areas that were in direct contact with your training partners (arms, neck, face, torso).
Wash Your Gear – Immediately: Do not let your gi or no-gi attire fester in your gym bag. The longer it sits, the more bacteria will multiply. Wash it as soon as possible after training, ideally on a hot cycle with a good detergent. For gis, consider adding white vinegar to the wash to combat odors and bacteria.
Don’t Re-Wear Anything: This cannot be stressed enough. Gi, rashguard, spats, underwear – everything needs to be washed after every training session.
Separate Your Dirty Gear: Keep a dedicated laundry bag for your used gi and training clothes. This prevents cross-contamination with your clean clothes.
Inspect Your Skin: Make it a habit to quickly check your skin for any suspicious rashes, red spots, or unusual bumps after showering. Early detection of potential infections can prevent them from spreading and becoming more severe. If you see something, consult a doctor and alert your academy.
No Excuses: Making Hygiene A Priority
“I’m too tired,” “My gi isn’t that dirty,” “It’s just a little rash.” These are common refrains that ultimately put everyone at risk. Jiujitsu is a demanding sport, but personal hygiene is part of the discipline. It reflects your commitment not just to yourself, but to the health and safety of your entire training community.
Roll Responsibly, Roll Respectfully
Good personal hygiene in jiujitsu is a testament to your professionalism, your respect for the art, and your care for your training partners. By adopting these habits, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re contributing to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable training environment for everyone. So, next time you step on the mats, remember: roll clean, roll safe, and set an example for others. Your academy and your skin will thank you.
Does your gym have a resident smelly guy/gal(maybe it’s you?)? Call them out in the comments below! Let this article be their wakeup call! And, as always, thank you for grappling!
