Introduction

Hygiene in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) isn’t just about looking good or smelling nice – it’s essential for everyone’s health and safety on the mats. When we train, we’re in close contact with our training partners, sharing space, sweat, and sometimes skin-to-skin contact. Good BJJ hygiene helps prevent the spread of skin infections, protects our teammates, and keeps the gym a comfortable, welcoming environment.

This article covers the basics of BJJ hygiene and Jiu-Jitsu hygiene for anyone training in this intense martial art. From washing your gi to post-training showers, we’ll cover essential practices to keep you clean, healthy, and respectful of others.

Importance of hygiene in BJJ

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hygiene is non-negotiable. The close-contact nature of the sport means that bacteria, fungi, and other germs can easily transfer from one person to another. Practicing good hygiene isn’t just a personal choice – it’s a responsibility to keep your training partners and gym safe.

One of the main reasons hygiene is so critical in BJJ is the risk of infections. Skin infections like ringworm, staph, and even MRSA are real concerns in grappling sports. These infections can spread quickly and affect the whole gym if proper hygiene isn’t practiced. Regular hygiene habits, such as washing yourself and your gear, prevent these issues, keeping everyone healthy and focused on training.

Good hygiene also shows respect. When you take the time to clean up and take care of your gear, it shows you respect both yourself and your training partners. It creates a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and ready to learn.

BJJ hygiene etiquette

BJJ hygiene etiquette is all about maintaining a clean, healthy, and respectful environment for everyone involved. Practicing proper hygiene isn’t just about personal cleanliness; it helps ensure that everyone at the gym can train safely without unnecessary health risks.

Here are some essential points of etiquette to keep in mind:

• Wash your feet before class:
  If you don’t have time for a full shower, at least rinse your feet. Many gyms have a foot-washing station or restroom for a quick rinse.
• Wear fresh, clean gear:
  Arrive in a freshly washed gi, rash guard, and shorts. Bacteria can build up fast, so wash everything after every session.
• Trim nails regularly:
  Keep both fingernails and toenails short to avoid scratching training partners. Long nails can cause cuts and spread bacteria more easily.
• Cover any cuts or scrapes:
  Use a bandage or athletic tape to cover any open cuts. This reduces the risk of infection and protects your training partners.
• Avoid jewelry:
  Remove all jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches. Jewelry can catch on fabric, cause injuries, and get damaged during training.
• Use deodorant, skip perfume:
  Deodorant helps keep things fresh, but avoid heavy perfumes or colognes, as scents can be overpowering in close-contact settings.
• Wear flip-flops off the mat:
  Always put on flip-flops or sandals when stepping off the mat. This keeps dirt and bacteria from spreading back onto the mats.
• Bring a spare rash guard:
  For long sessions, having an extra rash guard or shirt to change into can reduce sweat and bacteria buildup.
• Shower right after training:
  If possible, shower right after class to wash away sweat and bacteria. If a shower isn’t available immediately, use antibacterial wipes on key areas (feet, hands, and face).
• Respect mat rules:
  Never step on the mats with shoes. Mats are a shared space, and keeping them clean is everyone’s responsibility.
• Take care of your mouthguard:
  Rinse and store your mouthguard in a clean case after each use. Keeping it clean prevents bacteria buildup.
• Air out your gym bag:
  Gym bags can collect bacteria over time. Avoid tossing dirty clothes straight into the bag and air it out regularly.

BJJ hygiene etiquette is really about showing respect and consideration for everyone in the gym. When you stick to these habits, you’re helping to maintain a clean, safe training environment that everyone appreciates, whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned black belt.

Personal hygiene: preparing for class

Personal hygiene in BJJ starts before you even hit the mats. Preparing for class with basic cleanliness habits is one of the simplest ways to keep everyone healthy and safe. Showering before training can be a smart move, as it removes any sweat, dirt, or oils that can linger on the skin and potentially transfer to others during close-contact drills.

When it comes to keeping fresh, deodorant is a must. Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes, though many people are sensitive to strong scents, and in the tight quarters of a BJJ gym, subtle is best. Lastly, be sure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed. In a grappling sport like BJJ, long nails can accidentally scratch or cut training partners, which increases the risk of infections. A quick trim before class is a thoughtful way to respect everyone’s safety.

Post-training hygiene practices

After a hard training session, a solid post-class hygiene routine is key. Do you need to shower after BJJ? The answer is a big yes. Showering immediately after class is the best way to wash away sweat, bacteria, and any other germs picked up during training. It helps protect not just you but also your household and friends by reducing the chances of carrying bacteria or fungi from the mats.

Using antibacterial soap, especially on high-contact areas like the feet, hands, and face, is a great idea for preventing skin infections. Many BJJ practitioners also find it helpful to keep flip-flops or sandals in their gym bags to wear in shared showers and locker rooms, which helps prevent picking up bacteria from shared spaces. Post-training showers are quick, easy, and make a big difference in staying clean and infection-free.

Gear hygiene: keeping your gi and gear clean

One of the most important parts of BJJ hygiene is gear cleanliness. How often should you wash your BJJ gi? After every session. Sweating on the mats can leave your gi covered in bacteria, and wearing it again without washing can lead to unpleasant smells and even health risks for you and your training partners.

Washing your gi regularly prevents bacteria buildup and keeps it looking fresh. Hang-drying or tumble-drying on low heat can help preserve its fabric and fit. Other essentials, like rash guards, belts, and mouthguards, should also be kept clean. Rash guards can be washed after every session along with your gi, while mouthguards should be rinsed and stored in a clean container. A clean belt, while often overlooked, helps reduce bacterial transfer, especially given how frequently it’s handled during training.

Taking care of your gear is simple but essential for good BJJ hygiene. Clean, fresh gear is comfortable, smells better, and most importantly keeps you and your training partners safer on the mats.

Preventing skin infections in BJJ

Skin infections can be a common concern in BJJ, but with the right practices, they’re also preventable. One of the most effective ways to prevent skin infections in BJJ is through consistent hygiene. Showering immediately after class, as mentioned, is essential, as is washing all gear thoroughly. However, there are a few more specific steps you can take to stay protected.

Keeping an eye on your skin is important. Any unusual rashes, red spots, or small cuts should be treated and covered before training. If you notice something that seems off, consider taking a day off to check with a doctor. Common BJJ-related skin infections include ringworm, staph, and MRSA, which can spread through cuts or abrasions. Practicing “cover-and-clean” is key. Keep any wounds covered with bandages and change them if they become exposed or wet during training.

Using antibacterial or antifungal wipes on exposed skin areas after class, if you’re unable to shower immediately, can also be helpful. It’s a quick way to reduce bacterial spread until you can do a full wash. Preventing infections is all about being aware, staying clean, and addressing skin issues early to keep yourself and others safe.

Mat hygiene and respecting the training environment

While personal cleanliness is vital, mat hygiene is equally important. The training mats are where everyone comes into contact, making it a shared responsibility to keep them clean. Following basic mat etiquette is one of the best ways to keep germs off the mats and minimize bacteria in the gym.

One of the main rules for mat hygiene is avoiding shoes on the mats. Walking on the mats with shoes can track dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants onto the surface where everyone trains. Many gyms also have specific mat cleaning protocols, such as disinfecting the mats before and after class. As a member, respecting these practices keeps the training area safe and clean for everyone. If you see any noticeable dirt or items left on the mats, picking them up or alerting gym staff can help maintain a safe environment.

If you notice that a training partner’s hygiene is lacking, approach the situation respectfully, or consider mentioning it to an instructor. Maintaining a clean environment is a team effort, and small contributions from everyone keep the gym a welcoming place.

Conclusion

Good hygiene in BJJ is more than a habit; it’s a way to show respect for yourself, your teammates, and the gym. Practicing personal hygiene, from showering and wearing clean gear to keeping your nails trimmed, creates a healthier, safer training environment. Taking care of your BJJ hygiene by washing your gi and showering after each session not only protects you from infections but also helps the entire gym community.

With these simple steps, anyone can build effective hygiene habits that make a positive impact on the gym atmosphere. Following good hygiene practices supports everyone’s growth and keeps BJJ a clean, welcoming sport for all.