A controversial image shared in the BJJFanatics community has sparked outrage among martial arts practitioners after showing a student using a bathroom facility barefoot while wearing a Venum gi uniform.
The photograph, posted by Ryan Grühn, quickly gained attention and drew heated responses from community members concerned about hygiene practices. Many expressed disgust at the thought of someone walking barefoot in a restroom before returning to training mats.
“I have hospital grade disinfectant wipes in my bag, each time I hop on the mats I clean the fuck out of my feet. Takes 20 seconds. U could eat off my foot at that point, everyone just needs to chill,” commented Eric Sun, offering his perspective on proper mat hygiene.
However, several commenters questioned the ethics of photographing someone in a restroom facility. “This is actually illegal. Like legitimately, a criminal offense. At least it is here in the US,” noted John Hinman.
Some community members suggested this was a teaching opportunity rather than cause for public shaming. “Why not talk to the White belt instead of putting him on blast on Facebook. Do better,” wrote Robert Hinna.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about gym etiquette and hygiene protocols, with Charley Herman suggesting: “I don’t get why most gyms don’t have a flat bucket with bleach/water and a doormat or whatever to step in and then on a towel when getting on the mat.”
Competition staff have apparently encountered similar situations before. According to Chris Toph Perry, who witnessed a similar incident at a tournament, “Staff member walked him straight outside.”
The image continues to circulate within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community as a reminder of proper facility etiquette and hygiene standards expected in training environments.
Previously Brazilian jiu-jitsu star Mikey Musumeci recently called out some of his fellow BJJ practitioners for having poor hygiene habits. In a video, Musumeci expressed frustration over the lack of cleanliness he has witnessed in BJJ gyms.
“I’ve been to some gyms where guys clearly haven’t showered in days. You can smell them from across the mat,” Musumeci said. “It’s nasty and completely unacceptable.”
Musumeci explained that proper hygiene needs to be a top priority for anyone training BJJ. The constant physical contact and sweat that comes with grappling means cleanliness is extra important.
“We’re rolling around with each other’s sweat and gripping each other’s gis. If someone isn’t clean, it’s incredibly disrespectful to your training partners,” he stated.
