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- The secret to improving faster in Jiu Jitsu – Tenace
Technique and physique matter, but your skin is your first "gi." In contact sports, hygiene isn't just a matter of smell: it's about performance, injury prevention, and even respect for your mat partners. If you train hard and often, this guide will help you stay healthy, avoid skin infections, and extend your athletic career.
1) Why hygiene is key in contact sports
The mat is an environment where sweat, bacteria, and fungi accumulate. Every time you train, your skin is exposed to constant friction and direct contact with other players. If you don't take precautions, the risks multiply.
We're not just talking about discomfort: skin infections are one of the main reasons many fighters have to stop training for weeks. From simple fungal infections to staph infections, they can be serious if not treated promptly.
Hygiene is part of your safety and performance. Just as you wear knee pads to protect yourself on the mat, you need cleanliness habits that allow you to train safely and without infecting others.
2) Common risks due to poor hygiene (and how they manifest)
Poor hygiene in BJJ or grappling quickly takes its toll. The most common problems are:
- Fungi: athlete's foot or ringworm, very common due to heat and humidity.
- Bacterial infections: such as folliculitis or impetigo, which appear with small wounds or burns on the tatami.
- Staph: Rare but serious. Can quickly become complicated if left untreated.
- Burns and irritations: due to constant friction with the tatami or gi.
And let's not forget the most basic things: persistent odor, discomfort, and damaged skin. Training like this isn't just bad for you, it's also bad for your teammates.
3) Your daily hygiene routine (pre-workout / post-workout)
This is where the battle is won. A good pre- and post-workout routine can prevent most problems.
Before training
- Arrive clean to the mat. If you're coming home from work or sweaty, shower first.
- Wear clean clothes. The gi, rashguard, and shorts should be freshly laundered.
- Trim your nails. Scratches and scrapes are gateways for infection.
- Always wear flip-flops off the mat. Walking barefoot outside increases the risk of fungus.
- Cover wounds. Use heavy-duty bandages, and if the wound is large, it's best not to exercise.
After training
- Shower as soon as possible. Sweat shouldn't dry on your skin.
- Use antibacterial soaps specifically designed for wrestlers. Regular soap doesn't always eliminate bacteria and fungi.
- Dry yourself thoroughly. Pay special attention to your skin folds, feet, and groin.
- Remove wet clothing from the backpack. Wash immediately or hang to dry.
Remember: hydrated and well-cared-for skin lasts longer than dry and neglected skin.
4) Care of equipment and clothing
Golden rule: everything that touches the tatami is washed after each use .
- Gi/Kimono : Wash inside out at 30–40°C, using a mild detergent; avoid fabric softener (it traps odors). Air dry (avoid using a dryer if you want to avoid shrinkage). If it smells “damp,” pre-soak it with oxygen .
- Rashguards/shorts : inside out, wash bag, 30°C, gentle cycle. No fabric softener. Air dry.
- Knee/elbow pads : Rinse quickly after training; wash gently and dry thoroughly (permanent moisture is a paradise for fungus). Do not store them closed.
- Earmuffs/gloves : Clean with disinfectant spray after each session and allow to dry in a ventilated area.
- Backpack : Always empty, ventilate and clean the interior with a cloth and disinfectant 1–2 times/week.
- Towels : Individual use; wash at 60°C if possible.
To eliminate odors, you can add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the wash to help neutralize odors; and white vinegar (in the fabric softener compartment) helps remove scale.
5) Why use specialized soaps for wrestlers?
A good soap for contact sports should cleanse without damaging the skin barrier . Look for formulas:
- With natural hygienic support agents (tea tree oil, eucalyptus, thyme, activated charcoal).
- Skin- friendly pH ; no harsh sulfates, no unnecessary colorants.
- With moderate fragrance (“ultra-fragrant” tends to irritate).
This helps to:
- Reduce microbial load after training.
- Avoid dry/irritated skin (damaged skin = increased risk of infection).
- Maintain a good smell without layers of perfume that only mask it.
That's why at Tenace, we're working on a line of soaps specifically for grapplers and fighters, designed for everyday use, and we'll be launching it very soon. If you want to be the first to know, subscribe to the newsletter at the end of the post.
6) Hygiene = respect
Jiu-jitsu and grappling are contact sports, but also sports of values. Training cleanly is a form of respect for your teammates.
- Do not train if you have visible infections.
- Always wear flip-flops outside the tatami.
- Wear clean, fresh clothes.
- Talk to your teacher if you notice any skin problems: it's better to stop for a few days than to infect the whole group.
A clean fighter is a responsible fighter.
7) Your “hygiene kit”
Always carry it in your backpack; these basics will make your hygiene as much a part of your routine as your warm-up.
- Specific post-workout soap .
- Disinfectant spray for equipment (knee pads, ear muffs, gloves).
- Quick-drying towel (microfiber).
- Flip flops .
- Bandages and tape for fingers/minor abrasions.
- Barrier cream (zinc/lanolin) for friction areas if you do double sessions.
- Breathable bag for dirty clothes (and another for wet protections).
8) Quick FAQs
Does a very hot shower “kill” more germs?
The key is soap and friction . Warm water protects your skin better.
Is antibacterial always better?
Not necessarily. Overly aggressive products can damage the skin barrier. Effective yet gentle formulas are better.
Should I shave my arms/legs to “be cleaner”?
Avoid shaving just before a workout: Micro-cuts increase the risk of infection.
What do I do with tatami burns?
Clean, dry, and cover before training. If pain, drainage, or no improvement occurs: do not train and consult a doctor.
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Hygiene isn't an extra; it's part of your training plan. With healthy skin, clean equipment, and consistent habits, you train harder, get injured less, and perform better . Plus, you take care of your teammates and your academy.
At Tenace we help you make it easy:
- Coming soon: Tenace soaps for after the mat.
- Now available: knee pads , elbow pads and earmuffs for non-stop training.
👉 Follow us on Instagram @tenacesports , subscribe to the newsletter for the launch , and use code T-10 for a 10% discount on your pad order.
