Jiu-Jitsu and Hygiene: How to Stay Fresh On and Off the Mats

Jiu-Jitsu is all about discipline, respect, and technique. But let’s be honest—rolling with someone who smells like a forgotten gym bag is a whole different kind of challenge. Proper hygiene isn’t just about being considerate; it’s essential for keeping yourself and your training partners healthy. Here’s how to stay fresh before, during, and after training.

1. Shower Before and After Training

Think of your pre-training shower as a courtesy and your post-training shower as a necessity. A quick rinse before class helps remove any lingering odors, while a full scrub-down afterward eliminates sweat, bacteria, and potential skin infections like ringworm or staph. Use a high-quality soap (Stench has you covered) that deep-cleans and kills bacteria.

2. Wear a Clean Gi or Rash Guard Every Class

Re-wearing a sweaty gi or rash guard is a fast track to becoming that training partner. Bacteria thrive in damp, unwashed fabric, leading to unpleasant smells and skin infections. Make sure to wash your training gear after every session—no exceptions. If you train frequently, invest in multiple gis and rash guards so you’re never tempted to reuse one.

3. Keep Your Gym Bag Smelling Fresh

Your gym bag can quickly become a breeding ground for bad odors. Air it out after every session, and throw in a moisture-absorbing deodorizer (like charcoal bags or dryer sheets) to keep it from becoming a biohazard. Also, don’t let dirty gear sit in your bag overnight—take it out and wash it ASAP.

4. Trim Your Nails (Seriously, Do It)

Long, sharp nails can turn a friendly roll into a horror movie. Keep your nails short and clean to prevent accidental scratches, which can introduce bacteria and lead to infections. Check your fingers and toes regularly—your training partners will thank you.

5. Use Deodorant (But Skip the Cologne)

Deodorant is your best friend when training, but cologne or heavy fragrance is not. Nobody wants to inhale a mix of sweat and overpowering cologne mid-roll. Stick to a solid, long-lasting deodorant that neutralizes odor without being overwhelming.

6. Wash Your Belt, Too

There’s a weird myth that you should never wash your BJJ belt. That’s nonsense. Your belt absorbs just as much sweat and bacteria as the rest of your gear. Wash it regularly to prevent it from becoming a bacteria-infested relic of past training sessions.

7. Address Any Skin Issues Immediately

If you notice any weird bumps, rashes, or itching, don’t ignore it. Skin infections spread fast in grappling sports, and showing up to train with a contagious condition is a surefire way to get banned from the mats. Treat any issues promptly and stay off the mats until you’re fully healed.

8. Keep Your Feet Clean

Your feet touch the mats just as much as your hands, so they deserve just as much care. Wash them thoroughly after every session, and avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms to prevent picking up fungus or bacteria. A quick wipe with antibacterial wipes before stepping on the mats is a good habit, too.

9. Stay Hydrated and Eat Clean

Hygiene isn’t just about what’s on the outside—it starts from within. Drinking enough water and eating a clean diet helps your body naturally regulate odor and sweat production. Foods high in garlic and onions can make body odor stronger, so keep that in mind before an evening class.

10. Respect the Mats

At the end of the day, Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, and hygiene is just as important as technique. Keep your body, gear, and environment clean to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and your teammates.

Final Round: Smell as Good as Your Jiu-Jitsu Feels

A strong game on the mats starts with solid hygiene. Whether it’s a deep-cleaning soap, a fresh gi, or just remembering to shower, staying fresh makes training better for everyone.

Need a soap that can handle your post-training funk? Check out Stench and stay as fresh as your technique!