Here are things you can actually say to someone if they smell bad in BJJ.
This is a quick read but I had to get it off my chest… Happy Friday and safe training this weekend! Hygiene rules of the gym are as follows. Wash your GI, Clip your nails and wear sandals in the bathroom so you don't drag bacteria onto the mat!
If you’ve been training Jiu Jitsu for a significant amount of time, chances are you’ve run into your fair share of training partners that smell a little… funky. In our day to day lives, we tend to keep comments about how other people smell to ourselves, but should that change when we’re on the mat? What should we do? What should we say? How should we say it? Do we have the professor do it for us?
As adults participating in a contact sport, the hygiene of every individual on the mat becomes a concern for the group as a whole. At first a funky smelling Gi or rashguard might be something that we can joke about, but it has the potential to be more than an assault on our senses. Poorly washed and stinky athletic wear can harbor all sorts of pathogens such as ringworm and staph, both of which can take a dedicated Jiu Jitsu practitioner off the mat and straight to a hospital if the necessary steps aren’t taken care of. Again, a stinky Gi or rash guard isn’t just the wearer’s problem, it’s an issue for everyone that even touches the mat afterwards.
As adults, we need to be able to have these conversations with our training partners.
No matter how uncomfortable it can get, a Jiu Jitsu academy should be a place where honest conversations are had. If one of your training partners is coming in with a gi/rash guard that he never washes, then it should be your responsibility to bring it up to them. Alternatively, if you want to preserve your anonymity, you should be able to notify the owner of the academy and they should set them straight, no harm no foul.
6 things you can say to someone if they smell bad in BJJ.
"Hey dude, can I be straight forward with you? Maybe you diddn't notice because we are all super busy but you kind of smell a little bit"
I think the polite and straight forward approach should set the pace with letting someone know what is happening.
"Hey, no offense brother/sister I noticed you have a bit of an odor. Do you have any cologne?"
Good hygiene is crucial in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as it involves close physical contact with others. Sweating and being in close proximity can lead to unpleasant body odor, so it's essential to address this issue if someone smells bad.
"Do you have any extra deodorant or body wipes? I forgot to bring mine and could use it after training."
Asking for supplies can be a subtle way to hint that someone needs to freshen up. It also shows that you are willing to help them out without directly pointing out their body odor.
"I've noticed that you've been wearing the same training gear for a few sessions now. It might be time to wash them to get rid of any bacteria and odors."
Sometimes, people may not realize that their training gear needs to be washed regularly. Kindly reminding them in a non-judgmental way can prevent unpleasant smells.
"Have you tried using an anti-bacterial soap or body wash before training? It can help prevent body odor."
Offering a solution rather than just pointing out the problem can be more helpful. Suggesting products that can combat bacteria and sweat can be a good way to address the issue.
"I don't mean to be rude, but I think you might have stepped in something on the mats. Maybe check the bottom of your shoes?"
This approach can be used if the body odor is particularly strong and noticeable. It may not be their fault, but pointing out that there could be something on their shoes can redirect the attention from their personal hygiene.
"Let's take a quick break and grab some water. It's important to stay hydrated during training, and it can also help with body odor."
Suggesting a break and offering water can be a subtle way to let someone know they need to freshen up without directly mentioning their body odor. Plus, staying hydrated can help reduce sweat and keep odors at bay.
Overall, addressing body odor in BJJ requires tact and sensitivity. It's important to remember that everyone has their own hygiene practices and sensitivities, so it's best to approach the topic with care and understanding. By using these phrases, you can help maintain a pleasant training environment for everyone involved. So, always be mindful of your own hygiene and be respectful when addressing the issue with others. Happy rolling!
Train safe, Train Often (and smell nice)
Matthew Tropp | BJJ Report
Info@bjjreport.com