Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we martial artists have always had cleanliness as a rule. One of the many reasons for this is that we are constantly in close contact with each other. We spread sweat, blood, and spit.
We have to take personal cleanliness seriously. It’s not just viruses we worry about. Martial arts gyms can be a breeding ground for fungal infections and even parasites. Most gyms work hard to make sure this isn’t the case.
As students, we also have responsibilities to stay clean and healthy. Below are some ideas to help you do so:
- If You Work Labor, Don’t Wear the Same Shirt You Worked In
A lot of you already know to just have a change of clothes. But sometimes, someone shows up with a shirt full of grease or pants that have mud caked in. In most gyms, this isn’t a problem, since that person will be expected to change into a gi or gym clothes. Some self defense schools allow students to wear street clothes so they understand how to fight in them. Don’t be the guy who smells like ass. Bring a change of clothes. - Carry Some Cleansing Wipes in Your Gym Bag
To some this may sound silly, to others it sounds standard. Just get some flushable wipes to hit yourself with before and maybe after class. There are even separate kinds made for facial care. Don’t flush them though. While some wipes labeled flushable are indeed so, others are not. It can be hard to tell which are degradable in a sewage environment. So it’s safer to just throw them in the bin, especially when you’re using them for a quick cleanup. - Never Wear Outside Shoes on the Mat
This might seem to be a “no doy” statement, but it does need to be said. If you wear shoes when training on mats and indoors, get some wrestling or boxing shoes. Only wear these shoes when you are training. I recommend high tops, but that’s just my preference. Otherwise, if you’re training at a dojo or kwoon where no shoes are used, you’re all good. - Clean Your Gear Regularly
Be sure to wipe down your sparring gear, training pads, and other tools that take consistent use and sweat. Make sure that your gloves can dry out. It’s not common, but occasionally, closed hand gloves like boxing gloves can grow fungus. This can be combated by wearing hand wraps and washing those. Occasionally, it is also good to wash the inside of your gloves with soap and warm water. I use a soft toothbrush to help with this. Be sure that the gloves get a chance to dry after this. Glove deodorizers can help as well, but mostly just add a nice scent. - Clean Yourself Regularly
Shower consistently. Wear deodorant. Clip your nails. If you have long hair, be sure to comb it and put it in a protective hairstyle. All of these things will help you and your partners stay healthy. - Clean Your Space Regularly
Oftentimes, in traditional martial arts spaces, this is standard. Students will help to clean the mats and equipment. In some gyms, this is less common. Don’t be surprised if an instructor has students clean the mats. That is a part of the culture. If that’s not a part of your gym’s culture, that’s okay. The employee(s) will have general cleaning duties anyway. - Talk to Your Instructor When You Have Caught Something
This could be a cold, a fever, or something like ringworm. Either way, let them know. If you still want to come to class, they may ask that you sit and observe, instead of engaging. If you have something respiratory, it’s good form to wear a mask. This is fairly common in many other countries, but isn’t a routine behavior across the board. Personally, I would like to see more of it.
With all this being said, most of this boils down to the ever present common sense. If you’re not sure about something, talk to your instructor or a student you trust. Different arts and different gyms will have different cultures of cleanliness. You can handle it as it comes to you.
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