Since opening in 2019, the staff at Bayshore BJJ has always paid great attention to, taken great pride in its sanitation processes.
On top of the daily disinfecting, and multiple mat cleanings throughout each day, added investments have been made including the installation of UV air sanitizers in our ductwork, multiple dehumidifiers at work at all time, and the purchase of an industrial mat cleaner ($4000), and the use of 4 separate mops (two for the mats, one for the bathrooms, and one for the general flooring) . With all of this being said, while Bayshore BJJ is doing everything THEY can do to keep the premesis clean, all of our visitors must also do their part.
Hygiene is of paramount importance for individuals engaged in the rigorous and close-contact sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Maintaining proper hygiene not only ensures the health and safety of your teammates and yourself, but also contributes significantly to the overall experience of training.
Besides just not wanting to be known as “the smelly guy,” one of the most critical reasons proper BJJ hygiene REQUIRED is preventing the spread of skin ailments, which can easily be transmitted in the grappling environment. Skin infections like ringworm, staph infections, and impetigo are not uncommon in some BJJ circles, and their prevention should be a top priority for every practitioner.
- First and foremost, practitioners should always keep their gear clean. This includes washing your gi (BJJ uniform), rash guards, spats, and any braces/sleeves after every training session. Sweat-soaked gear can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, making it crucial to wash and disinfect them regularly. If you are taking striking classes, your striking gear should be disinfected after each use. Pick yourself up a spray can of Lysol.
- Personal cleanliness is equally vital. Before stepping onto the mats, make sure to take a thorough shower, using antibacterial soap if possible. This not only removes any pre-existing bacteria from your skin but also prevents the spread of germs to your training partners. As soon as your training session is over, you should always take another thorough shower.
- Keep your nails short and clean. Long or jagged nails can easily scratch your training partners, creating open wounds that are susceptible to infection. Regularly trimmed and clean nails can help avoid unnecessary skin ailments. Invest in a pair of clippers and an emory board to smooth out the edges after you’ve clipped them.
- No shoes on the mats, no bare feet off the mats (especially in the bathroom). Anything can get tracked into even the cleanest academy on the bottom of somebody’s shoes. As long as this rule is strictly adhered to, there should be no issue. Pick up a pair of slides, and keep them in a separate compartment of your gym bag from your other training gear.
- If your gear stinks, TOSS IT. Once a rash guard or gi has been infected with a “funk” its nearly impossible to save it. It will always smell that way, and when you wear it, SO WILL YOU. To prevent this from happening, wash your gear as soon as you can after training in it (don’t let the funk sit and take residence). Also, buying new gear is refreshing. If you’re training in years old gear, it’s probably time to upgrade.
- Lastly, always be vigilant and inspect your skin for any signs of rashes, cuts, or unusual marks. If you notice anything suspicious (a bump, a dry patch, redness, etc), consult a healthcare professional immediately. It’s important to be cautious and take prompt action not only for our own health and comfort, but also to prevent the spread of skin ailments within our BJJ community. If you have, or even think you might have a skin issue, DO NOT STEP ON THE MAT.
In conclusion, maintaining proper hygiene in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not only a matter of personal health but also a responsibility to your fellow practitioners and teammates. If you are breaking these rules at Bayshore BJJ, or any other reputable gym for that matter, we’ll let you know. By following these hygiene tips and being proactive in preventing the spread of skin ailments, we can all continue to enjoy the benefits of our academy and this martial art in general while keeping ourselves and others safe from infections.
Bayshore BJJ is Monmouth County’s Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Martial Arts headquarters. With classes in BJJ, NOGI BJJ, wrestling, and striking (kick boxing) for kids, teens, and adults of all ages, and a warm family atmosphere, its no surprise that members of the Hazlet, Holmdel, Middletown, Union Beach, Keyport, Aberdeen, and Matawan communities all rave about this place!