BJJ hygiene refers to the practices and habits that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners should follow to maintain cleanliness, prevent infections, and promote a safe and healthy training environment. Since BJJ involves close physical contact, good hygiene is crucial for the well-being of all participants.
Here are some key aspects of BJJ hygiene:
- Personal Cleanliness:
- Shower Before and After Training: It's important to shower before training to remove any dirt, sweat, and bacteria from your body. Showering after training helps to remove sweat and bacteria that may have accumulated during the session.
- Trimmed Nails: Fingernails and toenails should be kept short to prevent scratching or injuring training partners.
- Clean Gi (Uniform) and Gear: Always wear a clean gi and wash it after every session. Other gear, like rash guards, spats, and belts, should also be cleaned regularly.
- Footwear: Wear sandals or flip-flops when walking around the gym outside of the mats to avoid bringing dirt or bacteria onto the mats.
- Mat Cleanliness:
- Regular Mat Cleaning: Mats should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of infections like ringworm, staph, or other skin conditions.
- No Shoes on Mats: Shoes should never be worn on the mats to keep them free from dirt and germs.
- Report Any Skin Infections: If you have a skin infection or notice a suspicious rash, it's essential to report it and avoid training until cleared by a doctor to prevent spreading it to others.
- Health Considerations:
- Stay Home if Sick: If you're feeling unwell or have an infection, it’s best to skip training until you’re better to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Proper Wound Care: Cover any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof bandage before training to protect them from infection and to prevent them from coming into contact with others.
- Respect for Training Partners:
- Avoid Strong Scents: Strong perfumes, colognes, or body odors can be unpleasant for training partners. Maintain neutral body hygiene.
- No Sharing of Personal Items: Items like towels, water bottles, and mouthguards should not be shared to prevent the spread of germs.
Maintaining good hygiene is not just about personal health, but also about showing respect for your training partners and the training environment.
