At The Garden MMA, we pride ourselves on fostering a safe, clean, and respectful training environment for everyone. As we continue to grow as a community, maintaining excellent personal hygiene is essential for the health, safety, and comfort of all members. This blog outlines important hygiene practices to follow to ensure a pleasant and infection-free experience for all.
Why Hygiene Matters in Martial Arts
Martial arts training involves close contact, making hygiene critical not only for your health but also for the well-being of your training partners. Proper hygiene helps prevent skin infections, reduces odors, and enhances the overall experience for everyone on the mats. Respecting these guidelines shows care for both your training partners and our shared space.
Hygiene Guidelines for Training
1. Shower Before and After Class
- Before Class: Arrive freshly showered to start your session clean and ready to train.
- After Class: Shower immediately after training to remove sweat and bacteria. If showering right away isn’t possible, use the free Defense wipes provided at the gym to clean your entire body. This will keep you infection-free until you can shower at home.
2. Wear Fresh, Clean Clothes
- Training clothes, including uniforms, rash guards, and any other attire, must be freshly washed before each class.
- After training, wash your gear immediately to ensure it’s ready for your next session.
3. Always Wear a Rash Guard
- A rash guard protects your skin and reduces the risk of infections. If you don’t have one, a basic athletic or cotton shirt is acceptable until you can purchase a rash guard.
4. Keep Feet Clean
- If your feet touch the floor outside the mats, such as in the locker room or restroom, please use the Defense wipes to clean them before stepping onto the mats. This helps maintain a clean training environment.
5. Trim Your Nails
- Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean. Long nails can accidentally scratch or injure your training partners, increasing the risk of infections.
6. Smokers: Be Mindful
- If you smoke, please avoid doing so immediately before class.
- If you must smoke, we ask that you shower and brush your teeth before coming to train. This ensures a more pleasant experience for your training partners.
Why These Steps Matter
These hygiene practices are not about targeting individuals; they’re about creating a clean, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone. As a community, we share a responsibility to maintain the integrity and safety of our training space.
By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure that The Garden MMA remains a place where everyone can train comfortably and confidently.
Need Assistance?
If you need help finding affordable rash guards or hygiene supplies, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to support you in every aspect of your martial arts journey.
Thank you for your cooperation and for being part of The Garden MMA community. Let’s continue to grow together, both on and off the mats!
The Garden MMA
"Better to be a warrior in the garden than a gardener at war."
Maintaining Hygiene in Martial Arts: A Guide for The Garden MMA Members