Hygiene Rules

The non-negotiable hygiene rules for training at GJJ.

Skin Infections

This is the one rule with zero flexibility.

If you train with a known contagious skin infection, you will be instantly banned. No warnings, no second chances.

This includes ringworm, staph, cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, and anything similar. If something looks off, stay home and get it checked. If you need time off for treatment, we will pause your membership at no charge.

If you have a chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, just let a coach know so we can note that it’s not contagious. No big deal.

Before Class

Shower if you’ve been sweating (working out, yard work, etc.). Don’t come in already funky.
Deodorant. Wear it. Skip the cologne and perfume though; strong scents are just as rough as body odor in close quarters.
Brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Free mouthwash is available in the bathroom.
Trim your fingernails and toenails. File them smooth. Long or jagged nails scratch and cut people.
Remove all jewelry, piercings, and necklaces. They injure training partners and destroy our mats.
Remove makeup before class. It stains clothing and mats.

We keep deodorant, Defense wipes, and mouthwash at the gym. If you need something, just ask.

Gear and Clothing

Wash everything after every use. If you wore it, even for just a minute, it’s dirty. That includes your belt if you train in the gi.

If your gear smells off, ask for a loaner. We have them specifically for this. It happens to everyone and it is not a stigma as long as you change when you notice (or when someone tells you).

If you want to get serious about keeping your training clothes fresh, check out our Stink Prevention Manual. It covers detergent choices, washing routines, and how to rescue gear that’s gone funky (some detergents do a bad job of preventing odor rebloom).

On the Mats

No shoes or flip flops on the mat. Ever.
Wear flip flops, socks, or shoes everywhere off the mats. Especially the bathroom. Never walk into the bathroom barefoot.
Keep your feet clean. Dirty feet make a dirty mat, and a dirty mat affects everyone. You don’t have to use the foot cleaning tub, but your feet need to be clean when you step on.
No food or drinks on the mat (water is fine).

After Class

Shower as soon as you can. This is the single best thing you can do to prevent skin infections. Regular soap works. If you want extra protection, wash with zinc pyrithione (anti-dandruff shampoo) before soaping up; it kills the fungus-among-us (ringworm is a fungus).

If you can’t shower right away, grab a Defense wipe from the gym. They’re free and in the bathroom. They’re not a substitute for a shower, but they help bridge the gap.