What to Do After BJJ Class: A Simple Post-Training Hygiene Routine

Grappling means close contact, shared mats, and a lot of sweat. Good hygiene protects you and everyone you train with. Here's a routine that takes a few minutes and makes a real difference.

1. Shower as soon as you can

Don't drive home and sit around in sweaty clothes. Shower at the gym or as soon as you get home. The faster sweat and mat grime come off, the better.

2. Wash everything, every time

Use soap from head to toe, including your scalp, behind your ears, your neck, and between your fingers and toes. These spots get the most mat contact and the least attention.

3. Get your gi out of the bag

A sweaty gi zipped in a bag overnight is a bad idea. Wash your gi, rash guard, and shorts after every session. Hang your belt to dry and wash it regularly too. Yes, the belt.

4. Clean your gear

Wipe down headgear, knee pads, mouthguard cases, and the inside of your gym bag regularly. Let your bag air out.

5. Check your skin

Take a quick look in the mirror. Look for new rashes, red rings, bumps, or anything that looks off. Catching things early matters.

6. Sit out when something's wrong

If you have a rash you can't explain, an open cut, or anything that might be contagious, don't train. See a doctor and get it checked. Your teammates will thank you.

7. Before class, too

Show up clean, with trimmed fingernails and toenails, a clean gi, and covered cuts. Hygiene starts before you step on the mat.

Our take on soap

We made Red Monkey Fulvic Acid Soap for exactly this routine: a simple bar with fulvic acid, shea butter, and Himalayan salt that handles body, beard, and hair in one step and fits in any gym bag. But the most important part of this routine is doing it every single time.