Safety
How to check MMA mat and shared-equipment hygiene
Watch what happens between groups. The gym should clean shared surfaces, follow its disinfectant's instructions and let equipment dry before the next person uses it. Athletes need somewhere to wash up and a way to report a skin problem privately.
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Watch one changeover
Ask which product staff use on the mats and how long the surface must stay wet. The product label sets the contact time. A quick wipe that dries straight away may not meet it. Torn mats and split pads can be difficult to clean, so ask how damaged gear is taken out of use.
Separate used gear from clean gear
Set aside shared pads and loan gloves after use so another student does not pick them up before cleaning. Keep street and bathroom footwear off the mat. Put used wraps and a rash guard into a washable bag, then empty it when you get home.
If somebody bleeds
Stop the drill and alert a coach. Staff should secure the affected area, follow the gym's blood-cleanup procedure and use appropriate protection. Give the athlete privacy to deal with the wound and wash hands after handling contaminated items. Ask a clinician about any suspected infection before resuming contact.