If you’ve spent any amount of time training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), you already know it’s one of the most rewarding martial arts around. Rolling with your teammates, pushing your limits, and building skill on the mats is an amazing experience. But there’s one part of BJJ nobody really loves to talk about—skin infections.
Yeah, we’re talking about ringworm and staph. Both are common in gyms, and if you’re not careful, they can take you out of training for weeks. The good news? With a little bit of effort and some smart habits, you can protect yourself, your teammates, and keep the mats a safe place for everyone.
This article is going to break down everything you need to know about hygiene in the BJJ gym. We’ll cover what ringworm and staph actually are, why they spread so easily in martial arts, and most importantly, how to prevent them. Whether you’re brand new to jiu jitsu or a seasoned purple belt, this is the kind of info every grappler should know.
Let’s be real—BJJ is a close-contact sport. You’re literally rolling around on the ground with other sweaty humans multiple times a week. That combination of skin-to-skin contact, sweat, and mats makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
When one person slacks on hygiene, it’s not just their problem. Skin infections spread fast in training environments. That’s why every gym worth training at should make hygiene a top priority.
Good hygiene isn’t just about looking clean. It’s about protecting your teammates, showing respect for the people you train with, and keeping your gym culture healthy and safe.
First, let’s clear something up: ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. It’s actually a fungal infection. The “ring” part comes from the circular rash it often creates. It can show up anywhere on the body—arms, legs, back, chest, and even the scalp.
Red, circular rash with a raised border
Itching or burning sensation
Sometimes flaky or scaly skin
Ringworm is contagious, and it spreads through skin contact, shared gear, or dirty mats. That means if someone trains with ringworm, they’re almost guaranteed to spread it to others.
Staph is short for Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that lives on the skin. Most of the time, it’s harmless. But if it gets into cuts, scrapes, or open wounds, it can cause infections.
Staph can be mild or serious. Mild cases might just look like pimples or boils, but more severe cases can require antibiotics or even hospital treatment. MRSA, a resistant form of staph, is particularly dangerous.
Red, swollen bumps or boils
Pus-filled areas
Pain and tenderness
Sometimes fever or chills if it spreads
In a contact sport like BJJ, staph is a big concern. One untreated infection can easily spread to others if proper hygiene isn’t followed.
You might be wondering: why does BJJ get hit with these issues so often? Here’s why:
Skin-to-skin contact: Rolling means you’re in constant contact with partners. If someone has an infection, it’s easy to pass it on.
Shared mats and gear: Everyone trains on the same surface. If mats aren’t cleaned properly, they become a hot spot for bacteria and fungi.
Small cuts and scrapes: Grapplers often get mat burns, scratches, or small cuts. These open doors for bacteria like staph.
Sweat: A sweaty environment speeds up the spread of germs.
High frequency of training: People train several times a week, which means more opportunities for germs to spread quickly.
It’s not about being dirty—it’s about the environment. That’s why prevention is so important.
The best defense against these infections is a good offense. Here’s what every grappler should be doing:
Don’t wait around after practice. The faster you wash off sweat, dirt, and germs, the better. Use a good antibacterial soap or body wash designed for athletes. Pay special attention to areas where skin infections are common: armpits, groin, feet, and anywhere your gi or rash guard rubbed against your skin.
This one’s non-negotiable. Never wear the same gi or rash guard two days in a row without washing it. Sweat-soaked gear is a breeding ground for bacteria. Toss your gear in the wash after every class, and don’t forget your belt—yes, that needs washing too.
Long fingernails and toenails can scratch training partners, creating open wounds where bacteria can enter. Trim them regularly and keep them smooth.
If you’ve got a cut, scrape, or mat burn, clean it well and cover it with a bandage before training. Exposed wounds are basically an invitation for staph.
This might be the hardest one for passionate grapplers, but it’s also the most important. If you notice a suspicious rash or bump, sit out until you’ve seen a doctor. Training with an infection puts the whole gym at risk.
Don’t share towels, water bottles, or personal items. That’s an easy way to spread germs.
Always wear shoes or flip-flops off the mat.
Never walk barefoot in the bathroom and then back onto the mats.
Help keep the mats clean by wiping them down after class if your gym asks.
Not all gyms take cleanliness equally seriously. A good gym should:
Clean mats daily (preferably after every class).
Provide hand sanitizer or wipes.
Enforce rules about not training with infections.
Encourage members to speak up about hygiene issues.
Knowing what to look for can save you from bigger problems. If you see something unusual on your skin, take it seriously.
Ringworm: Circular red rash, often itchy.
Staph: Painful red bumps, sometimes filled with pus.
Don’t brush it off as just a pimple or scratch. If you’re not sure, get checked by a doctor. Better safe than sorry.
If you do end up with an infection, here’s what usually happens:
Ringworm: Treated with antifungal creams or oral medication, depending on severity.
Staph: Treated with antibiotics. Serious cases (like MRSA) may require stronger medical treatment.
The key is early detection. The sooner you start treatment, the faster you’ll heal and the less chance you’ll spread it to others.
Preventing infections isn’t just about personal responsibility—it’s about creating a gym culture that values hygiene. Coaches and students alike need to be on the same page.
A gym that’s serious about hygiene will:
Educate members on prevention.
Make cleaning supplies accessible.
Hold people accountable for showing up with dirty gear.
Encourage open conversations about health issues without judgment.
When everyone buys into this mindset, the risk of infections drops dramatically.
If your child trains BJJ, hygiene is even more important. Kids don’t always notice small rashes or remember to wash their gear. Parents should help by:
Checking their child’s skin regularly.
Making sure uniforms are washed after every class.
Reminding them to shower right after training.
Talking openly about why hygiene matters in sports.
The last thing you want is for your child to sit out weeks of training because of an easily preventable infection.
You can do everything right personally, but if your gym doesn’t take hygiene seriously, you’re still at risk. That’s why choosing the right gym makes all the difference.
If you’re in Madison, Wisconsin, for example, Pirate BJJ is Madison’s premier BJJ gym that puts hygiene and safety at the top of its priorities. They offer kids and adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in a clean, welcoming environment. The first week is free, so you can check it out, get a feel for the training, and see firsthand how seriously they take cleanliness.
Training in a gym that values both skill and safety ensures you can focus on what matters most—learning, improving, and enjoying the art of jiu jitsu.
Here’s the thing: not every gym balances skill development with a strong commitment to safety. That’s where Pirate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu shines. By combining expert instruction with a clean, friendly atmosphere, they make sure every student—kids and adults alike—gets the best possible training experience without unnecessary risks.
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking for a new training home, finding a gym like this gives you peace of mind. You’ll know your coaches and teammates are as invested in your health as they are in your progress.
BJJ is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a community, and for many people, a second family. Keeping that family safe means taking hygiene seriously.
Ringworm and staph might sound scary, but they’re both preventable with the right habits:
Shower after training.
Wash your gear every time.
Cover cuts.
Don’t train when you’re sick or infected.
Train in a gym that puts hygiene first.
When everyone works together to keep the mats clean and safe, the whole community benefits. You’ll train more, progress faster, and spend less time sidelined by preventable issues.
So take care of yourself, respect your teammates, and remember—good hygiene is part of good jiu jitsu.
And if you’re in Madison looking for a place that gets this balance right, go check out Pirate BJJ. The first week is free, and it might just be the start of your jiu jitsu journey in the cleanest, friendliest environment possible.
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