Roll Hard. Clean Up Right.
You left it all on the mat, and that's the point. But what happens in the next 20 minutes after class can make a real difference for your skin, your training partners, and your gear. Here's a simple, no-overthinking-required hygiene routine built specifically for grapplers.
Step 1: Get Clean As Soon As Possible
The single most important habit you can build is getting clean fast. Don't stick around for an hour chatting in your gi or nogi kit before you've cleaned up. Aim to address your skin within 15 to 30 minutes of finishing practice.
Many gyms don't have showers on-site, and that's okay. That's exactly where Aegis Mist comes in. Designed for immediate post-training use, it's formulated to handle the aftermath of a hard session right there in the locker room or parking lot. Keep it in your bag so it's ready the moment you step off the mat.
Step 2: Use the Right Soap When You Get Home
Once you're back at a shower, reach for a soap that's designed to cut through the kind of buildup that comes with combat sports training. Look for products that are tough on grime, have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, but are still gentle on your skin. Harsh, overly stripping soaps can dry you out and compromise your skin barrier over time.
Our Combat Soaps collection is stocked with options specifically formulated for athletes who train hard and need a soap that keeps up. A thorough lather covering your neck, ears, hairline, arms, and torso goes a long way.
Step 3: Wash Your Gear After Every Session
Your skin isn't the only thing that needs attention after training. Your gi, rash guard, shorts, and spats should go straight into the laundry after every session. No exceptions. Leaving sweaty gear in a bag overnight is a fast track to bacterial growth, unpleasant smells and skin irritation. If you can't wash right away, air everything out fully before stuffing it back in your gym bag.
A few extra tips:
- Wash your gi inside-out in cold or warm water to protect the fabric
- Avoid fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce breathability
- Air-dry your belt and gi when possible to extend their life
- Nogi kit should be air dried, or if necessary for time constraints, run through the dryer at no or the lowest heat setting. Using large delicates bags (lingerie bags) will help extend the life as well.
Step 4: Moisturize
Training and frequent washing can take a toll on your skin's moisture barrier. A simple, fragrance-free moisturizer applied after your shower helps keep your skin healthy and resilient. Pay attention to your hands, forearms, and shins, which are high-contact areas that tend to take the most wear.
Build the Habit, Not Just the Kit
The best hygiene routine is one you actually stick to. Keep your soap, mist, and a clean change of clothes packed in your bag so there's never a reason to skip the post-training cleanup. Your skin, your teammates, and your longevity on the mat will thank you.
Browse our full Combat Soaps collection and grab an Aegis Mist for your bag, built for grapplers who take their training and their hygiene seriously.
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