Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, or any close-contact sport, hygiene is not optional — it’s part of being a good training partner. Clean habits protect you, your teammates, and the academy itself. Poor hygiene can lead to infections, bad odors, and even serious skin conditions that spread quickly on the mats.
Here are eight essential hygiene rules every student should follow.
1. Never Walk Into the Bathroom Barefoot
Gym bathrooms are full of bacteria and fungus. Walking in barefoot and then stepping back onto the mat can spread harmful germs.
Best practice:
- Always wear sandals or flip-flops.
- If you forget yours, use the gym’s loaner sandals.
- Never step from the bathroom directly onto the mat without cleaning your feet.
2. Wash and Sanitize Your Gi and Training Clothes Every Time
Your gi, rash guard, shorts, and belt absorb sweat, bacteria, and skin cells during training. Re-wearing dirty gear spreads infections.
Golden rule:
- Wash your gear after every single class.
- Do not let it sit overnight.
- Use hot water and proper detergent when possible.
3. Shower Immediately After Training
After rolling, your body is covered with sweat, mat bacteria, and possibly other people’s germs. Waiting hours to shower increases your risk of skin infections.
What to do:
- Shower as soon as possible after class.
- Use antibacterial soap if you train frequently.
- Pay special attention to feet, face, neck, and skin folds.
4. Don’t Leave Your Gear in Your Gym Bag
Leaving sweaty clothes trapped in a bag creates a perfect environment for bacteria growth. That “funk smell” is actually bacteria multiplying.
Always:
- Remove gear immediately when you get home.
- Hang items to air out if you cannot wash right away.
- Keep your gym bag clean and dry.
5. Keep Fingernails and Toenails Trimmed
Long nails can scratch training partners, creating open wounds that can lead to infections.
Rule: If your nails can scratch skin, they are too long.
6. Cover Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Issues
Any open wound is a gateway for infection. Never train with uncovered cuts or suspicious skin spots.
Do this:
- Clean the wound.
- Cover it securely with medical tape or bandages.
- Sit out if the wound cannot be covered properly.
7. Don’t Train When You Have a Skin Infection
If you have ringworm, staph, impetigo, or any unknown rash, stay off the mats until it is treated. Training while infected spreads it to teammates.
8. Respect the Mat — Keep It Clean
The mat is shared by everyone. Good hygiene includes helping maintain a clean training environment.
That means:
- No shoes on the mat.
- No food or drinks on the mat.
- Clean your feet before stepping on.
- Help wipe mats if asked.
Final Thoughts
Gym hygiene isn’t about being picky — it’s about respect:
- Respect for your training partners.
- Respect for your academy.
- Respect for your own health.
If everyone follows these simple rules, the gym stays safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.
