How to Teach Your Child to Properly Care for Their BJJ Rash Guard

Introducing your child to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just about the techniques on the mat; it also involves instilling responsibility for their gear. BJJ rash guards, in particular, require proper care to ensure they remain comfortable and effective during training. Here's a guide on how to teach your child to properly care for their BJJ rash guard.

1. Understand the Importance of Care:

Start by explaining to your child why it's crucial to take care of their BJJ rash guard. Help them understand that proper care ensures the longevity of the gear, maintains hygiene, and contributes to a comfortable training experience.

2. Remove Promptly After Training:

Emphasize the importance of removing the rash guard promptly after each training session. Leaving it on for an extended period allows sweat, bacteria, and odors to linger, potentially causing damage to the fabric and affecting hygiene.

3. Rinse Immediately:

Teach your child to rinse their rash guard with cold water as soon as possible after training. This helps to remove sweat and bacteria before they have a chance to settle into the fabric.

4. Avoid Leaving in a Damp State:

Instruct your child never to leave their damp rash guard in a bag or crumpled up. Dampness can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold, affecting both the fabric and their health.

5. Separate from Other Clothing:

Teach your child to separate their BJJ rash guard from other clothing when placing it in the laundry. This helps to prevent color bleeding and potential damage from zippers or buttons on other garments.

6. Use Mild Detergent:

When washing the rash guard, emphasize the use of mild detergent. Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric and compromise its moisture-wicking properties. Make sure your child knows the importance of choosing a detergent suitable for activewear.

7. Avoid Fabric Softeners:

Explain that fabric softeners can leave residues that impact the rash guard's moisture-wicking abilities. Encourage your child to skip the fabric softener and opt for a clean, straightforward wash.

8. Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle:

Instruct your child to machine wash their BJJ rash guard on a gentle cycle. This minimizes wear and tear on the fabric and stitching, ensuring the longevity of the gear.

9. Hang to Dry:

Teach your child the significance of hanging their rash guard to air dry. Using a dryer can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric over time. Hanging it allows for proper ventilation and maintains its shape.

10. Store Properly:

Show your child how to store their BJJ rash guard properly. Folding it neatly or hanging it in a well-ventilated area helps prevent wrinkles and ensures it's ready for the next training session.

11. Regular Inspections:

Encourage your child to inspect their rash guard regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose stitching or fading. Identifying issues early allows for prompt repairs or replacement.

12. Lead by Example:

Finally, lead by example. Show your child that you also take care of your training gear, reinforcing the importance of responsible ownership.

By instilling these habits in your child, you empower them to take ownership of their BJJ rash guard and instill a sense of discipline that extends beyond the mat. Proper care not only ensures the longevity of the gear but also teaches valuable life skills that go hand in hand with the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.