Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport. We train with partners, share mat space, and depend on each other to keep the room safe, clean, and respectful.
Good hygiene is not a personal preference. It is part of being a good training partner. When everyone takes care of their body, their gear, and the mats, everyone benefits.
Come to Class Clean
Please come to class clean and ready to train.
Shower regularly, use deodorant, and make sure your hands, feet, and body are clean before stepping on the mats. If you have been working all day, sweating, or training elsewhere before class, take a few minutes to clean up first.
A clean body shows respect for your teammates.
Wear Clean Training Gear
Wash your gi, rash guard, shorts, spats, belt, and any other training gear after every class.
Do not reuse gear from a previous session, even if it has dried. Bacteria and odor can remain in the fabric and increase the risk of skin infections.
If your gear still smells strong after washing, it may need a deeper clean or it may be time to replace it.
Trim Your Nails
Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean before every class.
Long or sharp nails can scratch partners, cause cuts, and increase infection risk. This is one of the simplest and most important habits in BJJ. Parents: check your child's nails before kids' classes too.
Cover Cuts and Scrapes
Any cut, scrape, or mat burn must be cleaned and securely covered before you train.
Use a bandage, athletic tape, or covering that will stay in place during partner work. If a wound cannot be covered safely, wait until it has healed.
Open skin puts you and your training partners at greater risk.
Do Not Train When You Are Sick
If you are sick, please stay home.
Do not train with a fever, flu symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, or any illness that could spread to others. Missing one class is better than getting the room sick.
Rest, recover, and return when you are healthy.
Watch for Skin Infections
Skin infections are a serious concern in grappling.
Do not train if you have a rash, open sore, unusual redness, ring-shaped mark, swelling, pus, or anything that may be contagious. That includes possible ringworm, staph, impetigo, or similar conditions.
If you are unsure, get it checked by a medical professional before returning to the mats. Training through a contagious skin issue puts the entire room at risk.
Footwear and the Mats
No shoes on the mats. Outdoor footwear brings dirt and germs onto the training surface.
No bare feet off the mats. Wear sandals or flip-flops when you leave the mat area, including restrooms and lobby space. Put them back on before stepping onto the mats again.
Respect the Training Space
Help keep the academy clean.
Throw away garbage, keep water bottles and gear organized, and do not leave tape, tissues, or personal items around the mat area. If you spill water, wipe it up. If something needs attention, tell a coach or staff member.
The academy is a shared space. Treat it with respect.
Before You Step on the Mats
Quick checklist:
- Body is clean and ready to train
- Training gear is clean (washed after your last class)
- Nails are trimmed
- Small cuts are properly covered
- You are not sick
- You do not have a rash or other possible contagious skin issue
- Shoes stay off the mats; sandals or flip-flops off the mats
These habits are simple, but they matter. Keeping the mats clean is everyone's responsibility.
If you are new to the academy, see Your First Week at KIN for what to expect on your first visits.