The world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no stranger to controversial traditions, but ADCC veteran Dan Manasoiu is making it clear that one outdated belief needs to be put to rest: the idea that washing your belt erases your knowledge.
“Obviously, you should wash your belt,” Manasoiu stated emphatically. “This is one of the dumbest things that I’ve ever heard in Jiu-Jitsu. If you wash your belt, you lose all of your knowledge.”
For years, some practitioners have insisted that a belt should never be washed, treating it as a sacred symbol of hard-earned progress. However, Manasoiu is pushing back hard against this mindset, arguing that it’s not just irrational—it’s outright disgusting.
“It is absolutely disgusting to me that there are people which go years and years without washing a piece of fabric that gets covered in sweat and blood almost on a daily basis,” he said.
The Hygiene Crisis in BJJ
Manasoiu’s comments come at a time when hygiene standards in martial arts academies are under scrutiny. Fellow BJJ star Mikey Musumeci has also spoken out about the issue, calling attention to the lack of cleanliness in some gyms.
“I’ve been to some gyms where guys clearly haven’t showered in days. You can smell them from across the mat,” Musumeci noted. “It’s nasty and completely unacceptable.”
The issue isn’t just about odor—it’s a serious health concern. BJJ is an intensely physical sport, with constant skin-to-skin and fabric-to-skin contact. Poor hygiene practices, including unwashed belts, create a breeding ground for infections like ringworm, staph, and even MRSA.
A Call for Change
The discussion around hygiene gained additional traction following a viral photo of a BJJ student barefoot in a restroom while wearing a gi, sparking outrage across the community. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for clearer hygiene standards in training facilities.
Manasoiu didn’t hold back when addressing those who still cling to the myth of the “unwashed belt.”
“Guys, wash your freaking belt. It’s not going to get rid of your knowledge. It’s such an old-school mentality that needs to go away in Jiu-Jitsu. If you’re one of those people that doesn’t wash your belt or tells people not to wash their belt, you shouldn’t be training Jiu-Jitsu because you are a health hazard.”
The Bottom Line
Manasoiu and Musumeci are among the growing number of high-level grapplers demanding higher hygiene standards in BJJ. Their message is simple: respect your teammates, respect your gym, and most importantly—wash your belt. The days of treating dirty belts as a badge of honor are over, and those who refuse to adapt are putting their training partners at risk.
