JIU JITSU HYGIENE & MAT ETIQUTTE

Come to Class Clean, Every Time

Rolling around on the mats is a close-contact sport. Showing up clean is not just courteous—it protects you and everyone else.

• Shower before class if possible (especially after work or sports)
• Wear clean gear (gi or rashguard/shorts)
• Trim your nails—hands and feet
• Tie back long hair securely
• Brush your teeth or use mouthwash beforehand
• Cover any cuts or wounds with a clean bandage

Important: If you’re sick, please stay home and recover. Training while sick spreads illness quickly on the mats.

After Class: Clean Up Counts

After a good roll, hit the shower as soon as you can. Sweaty gear should go straight to the laundry–no re-wearing dirty uniforms. This prevents skin infections like ringworm and staph from spreading.

Mouthguards:

• Rinse your mouthguard before and after every class
• Store it in a ventilated case (not loose in your bag)
• Never place it on the mats, chairs/benches, or other surfaces
• Clean both the guard and the case regularly with warm water and soap

Gi and Nogi Uniforms

• Always wash your Gi, rashguard, spats, shorts, and any other gear after every session. Never re-wear unwashed gear.
• It is suggested to air-dry your uniform when possible to prevent shrinking and mildew.

Mat Rules: Shoes Off, Respect On

Our mats are sacred, its where we train, learn, and grow. Help us keep them clean and safe:

• Never walk on the mats with street shoes
• Wear flip-flops or slides to and from the mats
• Never go barefoot into the bathroom (Bring your shoes with you!)
• Wrestling shoes are allowed only if pre-approved by coaches and never worn outside

Tap Early, Tap Often: Respecting the Tap

Tapping isn’t quitting—it’s learning.
In Jiu-Jitsu, tapping is how we keep each other safe. Whether you’re drilling, rolling live, or caught in a tricky spot:

• Tap clearly and firmly on your partner or the mat with your hand or your foot
• Say “TAP” loudly if your hands and/or feet are trapped
• Tap early—injuries happen when we wait too long
• Respect the tap immediately if your partner taps
• Always train with control, not ego

Leave Your Pride at the Door

No one wins every round. The goal is to grow, not dominate. Jiu Jitsu teaches humility as much as technique. Whether you tap 10 times or land a submission, we all leave better than we came in.

• Ask questions
• Be a good partner
• Help beginners
• Don’t celebrate submissions 
• Lift each other up

A good teammate trains for their partner’s safety as much as their own.