Hygiene is extremely important in grappling, especially in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which involves close contact with other practitioners.
Why is Hygiene Important in Jiu-Jitsu?
It doesn’t matter if you train in BJJ, No-Gi, Judo, MMA, wrestling, or really any combat sport. Here are some reasons why hygiene is so important in BJJ:
- It’s just gross! Body odor is awful and no one wants to smell other people’s BO.
- Prevents the spread of germs and infections on the mats: MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and compact sports, in general, all involve close contact with other people, which increases the risk of spreading germs and infections. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands and showering regularly, can help prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- Reduces the risk of skin infections in the gym: Skin infections, such as ringworm, are common in grappling due to the close contact with other people and the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria. Practicing good hygiene, such as wearing clean clothing and washing your gear regularly, can help reduce the risk of skin infections.
- Keeps you and your training partners safe: Practicing good hygiene helps to keep you and your training partners safe by reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. This ensures that everyone can continue to train and improve their skills without the risk of getting sick or injured.
- Promotes a positive training environment: Good hygiene practices, such as showering before and after training and wearing clean clothing, help to promote a positive training environment. This ensures that everyone can train comfortably and without the distraction of unpleasant odors or uncleanliness.
Overall, hygiene is essential in jiu-jitsu to prevent the spread of germs and infections, reduce the risk of skin infections, keep you and your training partners safe, and promote a positive training environment. By practicing good hygiene habits, you can help ensure that you and your training partners can train comfortably and safely.
ALWAYS WAS YOUR BELT!
How to Spot a Bad Skin Spot?
When practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s important to be aware of any changes or issues with your skin. Here are some signs that you may have a bad skin spot:
- Redness: If you notice any redness or discoloration on your skin, this could be a sign of irritation, inflammation, or infection.
- Bumps or blisters: Bumps or blisters on your skin may be a sign of friction, irritation, or infection. These can be painful and may worsen if not treated.
- Itching or burning: If you experience itching or burning sensations on your skin, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction, infection, or other skin condition.
- Scaling or peeling: If your skin is scaling or peeling, this could be a sign of dryness, irritation, or infection.
- Drainage or pus: If you notice any drainage or pus coming from your skin, this could be a sign of infection and should be treated immediately.
- Never train with any kind of open wounds.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to take action to address the issue. Avoid training until the issue is resolved, and seek medical advice if necessary. It’s also important to take steps to prevent skin issues from developing, such as practicing good hygiene and wearing appropriate training gear.
Tips for Good Jiu-Jitsu Hygiene
Hygiene and skin care are important aspects of practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here are some tips to help you maintain good hygiene and take care of your skin while training:
- Shower before and after training: Taking a shower before training can help remove dirt and oils from your skin, and taking a shower after training can help remove sweat and bacteria that may have accumulated during training.
- Wear clean training clothes: Make sure you wear clean, washed training clothes to help prevent the spread of bacteria and odors.
- Use a clean towel: Bring a clean towel to each training session and use it to wipe away sweat and excess moisture. Avoid sharing towels with other people.
- Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed: Trim your nails regularly to prevent scratches and cuts to yourself and your training partners. Long nails are a dangerous factor when grappling.
- Don’t wear necklaces or jewelry of any type when training. This can be unsanitary as well as unsafe. The exception is a silicone ring that you can disinfect after training.
- Use antibacterial soap: Use an antibacterial soap to wash your hands and body after training to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
- If you have long hair, put it up in a bun and wash it thoroughly after training.
- Wash your training gear regularly: Wash your gi, belt, rash guard, spats, and other training gear regularly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. Even wash your gym bag or use disinfectant on it. Anyone who trains knows how quickly used rashguards will reek. Use good laundry detergent and many grapplies use a splash of white vinegar and even bleach with their white gis.
- Wear deodorant and use moisturizer: Deodorant is an easy way to help keep the bo down. Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can also be tough on your skin, especially elbows and knees, so using a moisturizer can help keep your skin healthy and prevent dryness and cracking.
- Don’t walk your bare feet off the mats. Always step on your sandals, shoes, or proper footwear. Absolutely never ever go barefoot in the bathroom or restroom. Everyone should heavily enforce the shoe policy.
- Stay home if you’re sick: If you’re feeling unwell or have a contagious condition, it’s best to stay home and avoid training until you’ve fully recovered. This helps prevent the spread of illness among your training partners. Make sure appropriate time has passed before coming back to training after viruses like the flu.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Fresh breath and much better than bad breath. Brush your teeth, use mouthwash, have a mint, or chew some gum before training.
- ALWAYS WAS YOUR BELT! Yes, even your sacred black belt.
Overall, good hygiene and skincare practices are essential for staying healthy and preventing the spread of bacteria while training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s important your instructor mentions this regularly and it’s a healthy environment for all your classmates. Things like staph infections and mrsa and spread through an unsanitary gym very quickly. Incorporating these tips into your routine can help you stay clean, comfortable, and healthy while enjoying the benefits of this martial art.
Best Jiu-Jitsu Soaps
There are many soaps that are suitable for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, but some of the best options include:
- Defense Soap: Defense Soap is a popular choice among Jiu-Jitsu practitioners because it is designed specifically for combat sports. It contains natural tea tree and eucalyptus oils, which are known for their antimicrobial properties and can help prevent skin infections.
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is an all-natural, vegan soap that is gentle on the skin and free from synthetic fragrances and preservatives. It comes in a variety of scents and can be used as a body wash or for cleaning gear.
- Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap: Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap is a popular choice among Jiu-Jitsu practitioners because it is affordable and widely available. It contains triclosan, which is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- Defense Wipe: Defense Wipe is a convenient option for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who need to clean up quickly after training. These wipes are infused with natural tea tree and eucalyptus oils and can help remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin.
Ultimately, the best soap for you will depend on your personal preferences and skin type. It’s important to choose a soap that is gentle on the skin, effective at removing dirt and bacteria, and free from any irritants or allergens that may cause skin reactions.