Jiu-Jitsu hygiene is more than your goal to be the most savage fighter. Believe me, your hygiene on the mat is critical for a long training journey.
Essential Hygiene Tips for Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
I couldn’t forget that BJJ competition in which my friend James was unable to participate due to ringworm.
Yes, you heard it right: ringworm. And believe me, seeing that patch of blood on his arm made me reconsider everything about how I treated my equipment, my cleanliness, and even the gym setting.
It was a usual Tuesday evening, and I was excited for the jiu-jitsu class. I’d been honing my half-guard retention skills and was eager to put them to use.
But when I arrived at the gym, Coach was giving one of those presentations where everyone becomes silent because they know it’s important.
“Listen up, folks,” he urged. “We have ringworms in the gym. “I need everyone to step up their hygiene practices.”
Ringworm is not a worm, in case you didn’t know. It is a fungal infection. Isn’t that gross? However, it is quite frequent in grappling sports such as BJJ due to the amount of skin-to-skin contact.
My teammate James was the unfortunate person who had to take a week off. He wasn’t happy about it, nor were any of us. It served as a crucial reminder for the entire team.
That night, I made a decision: I was not going to be the one to disseminate something like that. So I began treating cleanliness like a guard pass, with no shortcuts or half-measures.
Here’s what I started doing:
1. Shower right after class.
Do not wait. As soon as you get off the mats, take a shower. Sweat, germs, and other contaminants must be removed as soon as possible. Use an antibacterial and antifungal soap to finish the task.
I’m always focused on my hands, feet, and anything else that touches the mat.
2. Wash Your Gear Every Time.
Your gear is not a magical shield. It’s a sponge for sweat and bacteria. Wash them after each session. High-heat cycles are your buddy, but make sure it’s thoroughly dry before wearing it again. Damp clothing is like a party for bacteria; don’t invite them.
3. Keep the mats clean.
James’s ringworm made me extremely conscious about mat cleanliness. I began to notice that mats were not being cleaned regularly, and I was not scared to speak up.
I now assist in cleaning them after class. It’s a collaborative endeavor that yields significant results.
4. Trim your nails.
This one is simple yet often neglected. Long nails can harm your lover, and minor wounds might lead to infection. Keep them short and tidy.
5. Eat well and stay hydrated.
Do you know how they say abs are built in the kitchen? So is healthy skin. Stay hydrated and eat meals high in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system and skin health.
6. Monitor Your Skin
Now I check my skin frequently. If I detect anything abnormal—red patches, itching, or strange spots—I stay off the mats and consult a doctor. It’s not worth jeopardizing my comrades’ safety.
Conclusion
What’s the lesson? Hygiene is Part of Training.
After that week, I began to regard hygiene as a necessary component of my routine, similar to drilling and conditioning. And you know what? The gym became cleaner, illnesses decreased, and everyone felt better about rolling.
So, if you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu, you should also take your cleanliness seriously. Your teammates will appreciate it, and you’ll avoid unpleasant conversations with Coach about why you’re sitting out for the week.
That is my story. How about you? Have you ever experienced a revelation about hygiene? Please share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it! 👊
Thanks for reading! ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ Sign up for my newsletter to get new stories as soon as I publish them.
