A good BJJ gym bag should help you arrive prepared, leave clean and keep sweaty equipment separate from everything else in your life.
A bad BJJ gym bag is a mobile ecosystem containing an old banana, seventeen strips of used finger tape and a rashguard you thought you lost in February.
Use this BJJ gym-bag hygiene checklist to pack smarter.
Clean Training Equipment
Pack the correct equipment for the session:
For gi training
- Clean gi jacket.
- Clean gi trousers.
- Belt.
- Rashguard, when required.
- Clean underwear.
For no-gi training
- Clean rashguard.
- Clean grappling shorts.
- Spats or compression shorts.
- Clean underwear.
Every item that touches your body or the mat should be freshly washed.
Post-Training Clothing
Pack a complete change of clean clothing:
- Underwear.
- Shirt.
- Shorts or trousers.
- Socks.
- Footwear.
After showering, never put your wet training clothes back on.
Shower and Skincare Products
Your post-BJJ toiletries should include:
- Body cleanser.
- Shampoo when needed.
- Face wash.
- Recovery cream or moisturiser.
- Deodorant.
- Recovery balm for dry, intact skin.
- Clean towel.
- Comb or brush where needed.
The simple GRIP setup
- GRIP Post-Roll Facewash for facial cleansing.
- GRIP Post-Roll Recovery Creme after washing.
- GRIP Deodorant on clean, dry skin.
- GRIP Recovery Balm for rough, dry areas of intact skin.
Store liquids and creams in a waterproof toiletry pouch.
Sandals or Shower Shoes
Pack washable slides or sandals.
Wear them:
- In the changing room.
- In public showers.
- In bathrooms.
- Around shared wet areas.
Athletes are advised to wear sandals in public locker rooms and showers and avoid sharing athletic equipment.
Keep outdoor shoes away from the training mat.
Clean Towel
Use a freshly washed towel for every session.
Do not repeatedly return a damp towel to your gym bag. Launder towels after each use and dry them completely.
A small separate face towel may also be useful.
Wound-Care Basics
A practical BJJ hygiene kit should contain:
- Adhesive dressings in multiple sizes.
- Sterile gauze.
- Athletic tape.
- Disposable gloves.
- A small sealable rubbish bag.
These items help you respond to minor scratches or abrasions. They are not a substitute for professional medical care.
Do not train when an open wound cannot be securely covered.
Nail and Grooming Kit
Include:
- Nail clippers.
- Nail file.
- Hair ties.
- Spare contact-lens supplies where relevant.
Trim nails at home whenever possible. The file is useful for repairing an unexpected sharp edge without creating a pile of nail clippings in the changing room.
Mouthguard and Protective Equipment
Pack:
- Clean mouthguard.
- Ventilated mouthguard case.
- Clean knee sleeves.
- Ankle braces.
- Ear guards.
- Any required protective equipment.
Clean and dry reusable items after each session according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Hydration and Nutrition
Bring:
- A clean water bottle.
- Electrolytes when appropriate.
- A post-training snack when needed.
Wash your bottle regularly, including the lid, mouthpiece and seals.
Do not allow yesterday’s protein shake to become tomorrow’s biology project.
Wet Bag for Dirty Clothing
A washable wet bag keeps sweaty equipment separate from clean items.
Place used:
- Gi.
- Rashguard.
- Shorts.
- Spats.
- Underwear.
- Socks.
- Towel.
inside the wet bag immediately after training.
Remove everything as soon as you get home.
Small Cleaning Items
Useful extras include:
- Hand sanitiser for situations where soap is temporarily unavailable.
- Tissues.
- Disinfecting wipes suitable for relevant hard personal items.
- Spare sealable bags.
- A small rubbish bag.
Hand sanitiser does not replace a proper shower or washing visibly dirty hands with soap and water.
What Not to Keep in Your BJJ Bag
Remove:
- Used finger tape.
- Damp towels.
- Unwashed clothing.
- Open food.
- Leaking toiletries.
- Expired dressings.
- Dirty mouthguards.
- Forgotten shaker bottles.
- Mystery socks.
- Anything that has begun developing political opinions.
After-Class Gym-Bag Routine
When you return home:
- Empty the wet bag.
- Wash all used clothing and towels.
- Dry every item completely.
- Clean the mouthguard.
- Air out braces and protective equipment.
- Wipe the bag when needed.
- Leave compartments open.
- Restock toiletries and dressings.
- Repack clean equipment only when the bag is dry.
Printable BJJ Gym-Bag Checklist
Training
- Clean gi or no-gi kit.
- Belt.
- Clean underwear.
- Protective equipment.
Shower
- Towel.
- Sandals.
- Body cleanser.
- Shampoo.
- Face wash.
- Recovery cream.
- Deodorant.
- Recovery balm.
Hygiene and safety
- Dressings.
- Gauze.
- Tape.
- Gloves.
- Nail file.
- Hair ties.
- Wet bag.
Recovery
- Water bottle.
- Snack.
- Clean change of clothes.
A well-packed BJJ bag creates fewer excuses.
You train, shower, change, separate dirty equipment and move on with your life—without spreading the scent of open mat into your car, home or relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toiletries should I take to BJJ?
Bring body cleanser, facial cleanser, moisturiser, deodorant, a clean towel and shower sandals.
Should I bring a clean change of clothes?
Yes. Change out of sweaty training clothing after showering.
How often should I clean my BJJ bag?
Air it after every session and clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean it immediately after spills or strong odour.
Where should I put my wet gi?
Use a separate washable wet bag, then remove and wash the gi as soon as you get home.
Should I keep first-aid supplies in my bag?
Basic dressings, gauze and tape are useful for minor issues, although your academy should also have an appropriate first-aid kit.