As practitioners of grappling and BJJ, we are all aware of the close physical contact inherent in our sport. Therefore, maintaining excellent personal hygiene is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also a sign of respect towards our fellow practitioners on the mat.
**Nail Care:** Please ensure your nails (both fingers and toes) are kept clean and trimmed short. Long nails can unintentionally cause scratches or cuts, which can lead to unnecessary injuries and potential infections. This is particularly important given the close contact nature of our sport. Before coming to each session, please make sure to take a few minutes to check and take care of your nails.
**Removal of Jewellery:** For your safety and that of your training partners, it's important to remove all forms of jewellery before stepping on the mat. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and any other forms of body jewellery. These items can cause injury or damage during the course of rolling and can also get lost or damaged themselves.
**General Hygiene:** Regular showers, use of deodorant, and clean training gear are a must. Always arrive in clean gi or no-gi apparel. If you're training multiple times in a day, consider bringing a spare set of clothes. No one likes to roll with someone who is not maintaining their cleanliness - it's about mutual respect. Please always wear shoes or flip flops when you're off the mat. Don't walk barefoot in the corridor and then step back onto the mat.
**Skin Health:** Keep an eye on your skin. If you notice any unusual spots, rashes, or wounds, please seek medical advice immediately. Skin infections can spread quickly in a gym environment, so it's essential to act quickly and responsibly.
**Safety:** Beyond hygiene, safety is another significant aspect of our training. Always communicate with your training partner about any existing injuries or concerns you might have. If you’re close to the wall please reset your position and turn your head to the middle. If it is really busy on the mat, please avoid wrestling and be aware about your surrounding. Remember, the goal is for all of us to improve together, and that can only happen if we all return to the mat healthy day by day.
We all need to take to ensure the comfort and cleanliness of our shared training environment.
the school appreciates your understanding as we work together to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for everyone.
**Avoid Sitting on Unrolled Mats:** It was noticed that sweat tends to seep into the unrolled parts of the mat where we sit, which can lead to unpleasant odours and potential hygiene issues. To prevent this, please avoid sitting on the unrolled sections of the mat. We want to ensure that everything that goes into the foam is kept to a minimum.
**Ventilation and Dehumidification:** We are aware that some of our dojo's ventilation could be improved. To address this, dojo's without air-conditioning will have a large dehumidifier in the room going forward. This should help to keep the atmosphere comfortable and mitigate the build-up of moisture from sweat.
**Bring a Towel:** If possible, please bring a small towel with you to each session. By wiping down our self between rounds and during our time on the mat, we can collectively reduce the amount of sweat left on the floor. This not only makes cleaning easier but also contributes to a more pleasant training environment for everyone.
**Disinfection:** Rest assured, the Mat is disinfected by antiseptic which kills bacteria and it’s safe for skin after every session. However, we each play a part in maintaining cleanliness. Let's all make an effort to leave the place in good condition. If we could pick up water bottles, tapes, and other items, that would be a huge help.
By maintaining these hygiene practices and keeping safety in mind, we can ensure a healthy, respectful, and comfortable environment for everyone to learn, grow, and enjoy their time on the mat.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. Let's continue to look out for one another and uphold the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect that make our sport such a rewarding discipline.
