And we may not say anything, but don’t think that means we’re not smelling anything.

When it comes to full contact sports though, it’s not just about the smell. There’s a level of personal safety involve too—your own as well as your training partner’s. When we talk about grappling sports and martial arts, about rolling around sweaty with other people, we’re talking about things like ring-worm, impetigo, MRSA—all kinds of nasty stuff you wouldn’t want crawling around your skin. 

But training in a grappling art doesn’t have to be gross! There are just three key points to consider to keep you safe, whether you’re new or not.

1. Wash yourself. 

Shower. Period. And ASAP. Change after class, go home, and shower. Or shower at the academy. Or jump in a lake and scrub up. Whatever you want to do. Just get clean. 

2. Wash your mats.

Watch to see that your academy’s mats are being mopped every day. It’s important to know that your training area is being cleaned as diligently as you’re cleaning yourself. The two kind of go hand in hand.

3. Wash your gear.

Your uniform, your rashguard, your gi. Even if you don’t think you sweat enough, wash it. Give your wrestling shoes a quick disinfectant spray once in a while, try sticking newspaper rolls in them to absorb some sweat. It’s important to know that the things we wear are as clean as our training areas and our selves. The three kind of go hand, hand and…hand.

When we all keep ourselves, our training areas, and our gear clean—then rolling around sweaty with other people doesn’t have to be dirty. And although nothing can keep us completely safe, keeping these three guidelines in mind is a leap in the right direction.