Spring has Sprung!
We might think that armbars, slams, and overhands are the most dangerous things on the mats. In some cases, they could be. However, our biggest enemy here are microscopic adversaries: ringworm, staph, impetigo, and worse.
Keeping yourself and your gear fresh and clean is not just a pleasant and polite thing to do for your training partners, it is literally a safety issue!
At the academy we absolutely do our part to keep the mats and gear clean: mats are cleaned multiple times per day and deep cleaned once per week which is about 52 times more than any other gym in the city deep cleans on an annual basis. Our shoe/foot policy, our foot bath stations, and our attention to hygiene makes us, perhaps, the cleanest gym on the East Coast if not one of the cleanest in the country. I say that without exaggeration (but to be fair, the bar is set pretty low in this industry).
With all that said, individuals have to do their part too! Here are some guidelines to help keep you and your teammates safe.
General Hygiene Practices (Applicable to all three sports):
- Shower Immediately After Training: This is the most crucial step! Shower with soap and water to wash away sweat, dirt, and bacteria/fungi picked up on the mats or equipment. Pay close attention to folds of skin (armpits, groin, between toes). Make sure to scrub vigorously as the agitation is the magic ingredient here.
- Wash Your Training Gear After Every Session:
- Gi + No GI Apparel (BJJ): Wash your gi, rashguards, and shorts after every single class. Bacteria and fungi thrive in damp, sweaty environments. Use hot water and a good quality detergent. Air drying is preferable to high heat in a dryer, which can shrink the gi. We recommend having a few gis in rotation to prevent any conflicts. Dirty gis are not permitted on the mats.
- Hand Wraps (Boxing, Muay Thai): Wash your hand wraps regularly (ideally after every few sessions, or rotate between multiple pairs). Sweat soaks into them, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Consider using a mesh laundry bag so they don’t form impossible knots.
- Mouthguards: Rinse your mouthguard with cold water and soap after each use. Allow it to air dry in a clean container.
- Headgear, Shin Guards, Elbow Pads: Wipe down the inside and outside of your protective gear with antibacterial wipes after each use. Allow them to air dry completely! It’s the moist conditions, moreso than the lack of cleaning, that causes problems. Gear is “broken” and “unusable” if it is too stinky, even if it’s structurally sound.
- Keep Your Fingernails and Toenails Short and Clean: This prevents cuts and scratches on training partners and reduces the risk of harboring dirt and bacteria under your nails. Small cuts and abrasions are an ideal entry point for dangerous microbes.
- Wash Your Hands Frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before and after training, and before eating. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t readily available. This is one of the most crucial and overlooked steps!
- Cover Cuts and Abrasions: If you have any cuts or open wounds, cover them with a bandage during training to prevent infection and protect your training partners. Inform your instructor if you have an active skin infection and stay completely off the mats until it’s resolved.
- Wear Clean Clothes to and From Training: Don’t wear your training gear outside of the gym, even before training! Yuck!
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body function properly and can aid in flushing out toxins.
Sport-Specific Considerations:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ):
- Be Extra Vigilant About Skin Infections: Due to the close physical contact and mat work, BJJ has a higher risk of skin infections like ringworm, staph, and impetigo.
- Inspect Your Skin Regularly: Check your skin for any new bumps, rashes, or lesions. If you notice anything unusual, consult a doctor immediately and refrain from training until cleared.
- Shower Thoroughly, Paying Attention to Creases: Focus on cleaning areas where skin touches skin, like the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Consider Wearing a Clean Rashguard Under Your Gi: This can provide an extra layer of protection.
Boxing and Muay Thai:
- Clean Your Gloves Regularly: While washing gloves isn’t always feasible, you can wipe the inside with antibacterial wipes and allow them to air dry completely after each use. Consider using glove deodorizers! These can be purchased online (and we occasionally have them in the pro shop). They are small inserts filled with cedar or charcoal and can help dry out the gloves.
- Be Mindful of Facial Contact (Sparring): Ensure your sparring partners are also practicing good hygiene. If you have any open cuts on your face, avoid sparring!
Hygiene in the Training Environment:
- Respect Gym Rules: Follow your gym’s hygiene protocols. It doesn’t feel good to be on the offending side of a policy — in fact, it can be embarrassing. But understand that these policies are here to keep YOU safe, too.
- Wipe Down Equipment: Please take a moment to clean any gear you’ve used. It’s appreciated, and helps foster a sense of ownership and belonging in the community as well.
- Report Potential Issues: If you notice unsanitary conditions in the gym, inform your instructor or gym management.
Ultimately, consistent and thorough hygiene practices are essential for all combat sports athletes. By making these habits a part of your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of infections, stay healthy, and train consistently! We’re not just here for a good time, we’re trying to be here for a long time, too.