The Benefits of Learning to Fall Both On and Off the Mat (Tatami)

Falling—no one likes it, but we all do it. In Judo, falling is part of the journey. Whether you’re in training or navigating the world outside the dojo, the ability to fall correctly can make all the difference between a simple stumble and a serious injury. In Judo, learning to fall properly isn’t just a skill for the mat—it’s a life skill. Let’s dive into why learning to fall both on the mat (tatami) and off the mat is crucial for your safety and well-being.

Training in ukemi makes taking throws like this routine.

The Basics of Ukemi (Falling) in Judo 

In Judo, Ukemi is the art of falling safely. As a Uke (the one receiving the throw), your job isn’t just to make the Tori’s throw look good—it’s to fall in a way that protects your body and ensures you don’t get hurt in the process. Ukemi is learned through practice, repetition, and feeling the throws, allowing you to absorb the impact properly and distribute the force evenly across your body.

Whether you’re learning to fall forward, backward, or sideways, Ukemi teaches you how to relax during a fall, rolling with the impact rather than fighting it. The more you practice Ukemi, the better you’ll get at protecting yourself from injuries, both on and off the mat.

On the Mat: Why Ukemi Is Vital

On the mat, falling is an essential skill in Judo. You’re learning to fall from throws that can range from gentle to forceful, but no matter how hard the throw, Ukemi helps you land safely. Why is this important?

1. Preventing Injury
   First and foremost, learning to fall safely prevents injury. A lot of beginners in Judo are nervous about falling, but once you get comfortable with Ukemi, you’ll be able to absorb the fall without putting unnecessary strain on your body. Without Ukemi, you risk putting stress on your joints—particularly the shoulders, wrists, and neck—which can lead to sprains, strains, or even fractures.

2. Learning Control
   Ukemi also teaches you how to control your body in space. The more you practice falling, the better you get at reading your body’s position and adjusting to maintain balance. This not only improves your Judo game but also makes you more aware of your body in other physical activities.

3. Mental Confidence
   Trusting your falls builds mental confidence. When you know that you can fall safely, you’re less likely to hesitate or panic during a throw. This mental shift makes it easier to be thrown, because you’re not afraid of the impact. You can focus on improving your technique without the distraction of worrying about getting hurt.

Off the Mat: The Benefits of Ukemi in Everyday Life

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Off the mat, the ability to fall safely is just as important—maybe even more so. Life doesn’t have soft mats everywhere (unfortunately!), and accidents happen. Whether you’re walking down the stairs, slipping on ice, or tripping over an uneven sidewalk, the ability to fall without injuring yourself can make all the difference.

Let me tell you a quick story:

This past December, while picking up my daughter from daycare during one of those days when snow and ice seem to have taken over the sidewalks, I found myself in a bit of a fall scenario. The sidewalk had shifted a bit over the year, and as I was walking down the stoop onto the walkway, I turned around to say “have a great day” to the daycare provider who waved. Well, as I turned and waved, my foot butted right against the shifted concrete. The momentum of my movement did the rest, and I fell.

But here’s the thing: I knew how to fall. In that split second when my balance shifted, I didn’t panic—I went into instinct mode and executed a proper side Judo fall. It worked perfectly. My daughter, seeing me hit the snow, asked, “Daddy, why you being silly?” And I laughed, replying, “Daddy is testing his falling skills on the snow!” We both laughed about it.

Later, I even asked the daycare provider if the Ring doorbell had caught the fall, but sadly, it wasn’t recorded. Still, I realized how important Ukemi is outside the dojo. If I hadn’t known how to fall, I might have instinctively thrown my arm out to catch myself—which could have led to a serious shoulder injury or worse. Ukemi saved me.

What Happens if We Don’t Know How to Fall?

If you skip the process of learning to fall, you’re putting your body at risk. The potential consequences are real:

• Shoulder Injuries: When you reach your arm out instinctively to catch yourself, it can lead to shoulder sprains, dislocations, or even fractures, especially if you fall from a height.

• Neck Strain: Improper falls often lead to whiplash or strain on the neck muscles, which can be painful and debilitating.

• Wrist and Ankle Sprains: Falling incorrectly often results in wrist sprains or ankle twists because we try to stop the fall using our arms or legs. Not knowing how to fall correctly leaves you vulnerable to these common injuries.

If we don’t know how to fall, the consequences can range from minor discomfort to long-term injury. The key to reducing the risk is practicing proper Ukemi—so when life throws you a curveball (literally), you can stay safe and keep moving forward.

The Real-World Impact: Falling in Self-Defense Situations

Here’s something people don’t always consider: knowing how to fall properly doesn’t just save you from everyday trips and slips—it can save you in a self-defense situation.

Picture this: you’re caught off-guard, and an attacker tries to tackle or push you. If you know how to fall and recover, you can quickly roll to your feet or even transition into a more favorable position, escaping or reasserting control of the situation.

In real life, whether you’re trying to flee danger or transition into another defensive move, falling and getting up is critical. Think of it like a hidden skill that improves your recovery time, making you faster and more agile in situations where you need to protect yourself.

How to Learn Ukemi Like a Pro

If you’re not already practicing Ukemi, now’s the time to start. Here are a few tips to make your falls better, both on and off the mat:

1. Stay Relaxed: The more tense you are, the harder you’ll land. Relax your body, especially your arms and legs. Ukemi is all about going with the flow, not fighting the fall.

2. Practice Regularly: The best way to get better at falling is to practice falling! Practice different types of falls: forward, backward, side-to-side. The more you do it, the more comfortable it will become.

3. Don’t Skip the Rolls: Forward rolls and backward rolls are a great way to learn how to fall and roll without taking a direct impact. These rolls allow you to distribute your weight evenly and maintain control as you hit the ground.

4. Take Small Risks: Try stepping out of your comfort zone. Practice falls in different environments (but safely, of course!) to simulate real-life situations where you might trip or lose balance.

The Takeaway: Why Learning to Fall Is a Game Changer

Learning to fall both on and off the mat isn’t just a Judo skill—it’s a life skill. Ukemi helps you prevent injuries, builds confidence, and teaches you how to stay safe when accidents happen. Whether you’re practicing throws in the dojo or navigating your day-to-day life, falling safely can save you from serious injuries and boost your overall coordination and balance.

So, the next time you’re on the mat or just walking down the street, remember: it’s not about avoiding falls—it’s about learning how to fall safely. Practice Ukemi, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way, both on and off the tatami.

Your Turn:

Has learning to fall ever saved you from a serious injury outside of the dojo? Share your stories with us! Whether it’s tripping on the sidewalk, catching yourself from a nasty stumble, or recovering from a self-defense situation, we want to hear how Ukemi has helped you in the real world.

Graduate Student Judoka ends Absence with Promotion!

Left to Right - Sensei Formaro, Jaehyeok, Sensei Suhr

One of the constants in Judo is diversity.  From the numerous variations on each technique, to the variations in strategy and style, to the judoka themselves, practicing judo is an exploration of diversity.  Despite that, it’s often easy to forget that diversity also manifest in each person’s path of progression. 

Jaehyeok’s (Jae for short) journey with judo has been eccentric.  He first came to the Des Moines Judo Academy in early 2024, progressing through “gokyu” or orange belt.  Unfortunately, at that time Jae’s situation led him to returning to school for graduate studies at ISU.   While he was fortunate to be able to practice with the ISU judo club, Jae chose to continue to attend classes at our dojo, and delay promotion until he could do so at his home dojo.  While this choice may have delayed his promotion, it finally came on Monday, June 9th, 2025, when he was promoted to “yonkyu” or green belt.

Jae has been a frequent competitor, representing and claiming medals across the Midwest since his earliest competitions.  He favors a highly mobile style of play and high collar grips, often using foot sweeps to set up uchi-mata, harai-goshi, or o-soto-gari.  Jae prefers to avoid newaza if possible, relying on his throws to seize victory. Outside of judo and his studies, Jae is a fitness enthusiast with an (over-)fondness for neck exercises, a love of parties and a taste for fine alcohol.

Jae is a true example of the adage “all that wander are not lost,” and we’re glad to see that, although his journey has taken him on a more meandering path, he is still progressing and moving forward.  Congratulations!

Long Training Pair Promoted Together

From Left to Right - Adisa, Jae, Sensei Formaro, Sensei Suhr, Olivia

Under the USJA ranking system, under which the Des Moines Judo Academy operates, attaining the brown belt is a momentous occasion for several reasons.  Not only does it take years of study and dedication, it also serves as the delineating line between a novice and advanced student, with most tournaments only allowing those under brown belt to compete in novice divisions.

Monday June 9th, 2025, Adisa Ganic and Olivia McBee crossed this rubicon together when they were promoted to Sankyu.  The actual testing took place over the week prior, with the ceremony being conducted on the Monday to allow for the reverence due such an occasion.  The two young women began their journey into Judo together in approximately March of 2023, when they were the first two regular students in the Monday & Wednesday classes conducted by Sensei Suhr.  For months they were the primary, if not only, students in the now popular class time.  The two have supported each other through countless hours of training, promotions, injuries, and numerous tournaments, to arrive at this point.

Olivia, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr

Olivia, normally called “Liv” keeps a busy scheduled between work, frequent trips to visit her significant other, whom is finished technical school, crafting, training, and helping teach Des Moines Judo Academy’s children’s classes.  Though its rare to see now, due to an earlier injury, Liv has cultivated a great drop tai-otoshi.  Liv shines brightest in ground where, were weeks of drills following a leg injury have resulted in masterful skill at shime-waza or “choking techniques.”  Her hadaka-jime, commonly known as the rear naked choke, is excellent.  However, her ability to work her arms past nearly any defense for “nami-juji-jime” (normal cross collar choke)  and gyaku-juji-jime (reverse cross collar choke), often before her opponent realizes they’re in danger, is a marvel of the elegant interaction of technique maximizing on a natural advantage, and desmonstration of Seiryoku Zenyo.

Adisa, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr

Adisa, keeps a similarly busy schedule, maintaining employment, continuing her education, spending time with her significant other at his school, and training.  Adisa’s work learning Sensei Parkhill’s “sticky foot” method ko-soto-gari shows, with the attack often serving as her lead in, and consistently forcing a defensive response from her opponent. She often finishes matches with her swift tai-otoshi, launching near instantly at well chosen moments, which has brought her several wins at tournament, where she has consistently brought home medals.  Lately she has been seen working on expanding her foot sweep arsenal.

An African proverb states “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  Congratulations to both young women on coming this far, and we’re excited to see how far they go!

BJJ Convert Develops Stand Up Game and Earns Promotion

From Left to Right - Sensei Chey, Johan, Sensei Rodriguez

BJJ practitioners looking to develop their takedowns are a regular sight at the Des Moines Judo Academy. Most pass through, polishing a throw or two for competition before returning to their primary art, never making it past white belt. June 5th, 2025, Yauhen split from the pack for that trend by testing for, and being promoted to, “rokkyu” or “yellow belt.”

Yauhen first joined our dojo in November of 2024, and was more than a little scared of doing “randori,” a form of sparring, upright. Since then, Yauhen has developed his “ukemi,” the skill of falling or being thrown with minimal or no injury, enough to overcome his hesitation and can be seen regularly taking on other students at the dojo on thursday nights. His favorite stand up moves thus far are O-Goshi and Sumi-Gaeshi. Yauhen continues to train on BJJ at the No Coast school twice a week. When talking about the changes Judo has made in his overall grappling game, Yauhen explained that it caused him to appreciate gi fighting over no-gi, due to the increased technicality.

We look forward to more exciting developments from this man just beginning to make major headway in the Gentle Way, and anticipate watching his grappling style evolve as he becomes even more comfortable upright.

Judo Dojo Etiquette: Respect, Hygiene, Sparring, and Training Principles

Welcome to the world of Judo, where sweat meets soul and discipline checks your ego at the door. Whether you’re rocking a white belt or have stripes that could intimidate a zebra, one thing’s for sure—dojo etiquette isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s not just about mastering the art; it’s about respecting the space, the people, and the philosophy that got us here in the first place.

Let’s break it down—how to carry yourself like a Judoka and not a clueless tornado in a gi.

Bowing: More Than a Nod, It’s the Entry Fee

Bowing isn’t just a tradition. It’s your cover charge for entering a space of mutual respect. It tells the room: "I’m here to learn, not to throw people like a maniac without context."

You bow to your partner, to the space, to your coach. It's not submission; it's alignment. You're syncing your mindset with the art. That said, don’t overdo it. No need to bow mid-throw like you’re reenacting a Shakespearean tragedy.

Quick hits:

• Bow in at the start and end of class.

• Bow before randori.

• Don’t bow mid-fight like an NPC stuck in a loop.

• Eyes forward, not at the mat—respect doesn’t mean weakness.

Hygiene: Because Nobody Wants to Catch the Funk

Don’t be the smelly kid!

Wearing a clean gi isn’t just about smelling good. It’s about not being the reason someone wishes they had nose plugs taped inside their headgear.

Wash your gi. Trim your nails. Shower. No one wants to roll with human Velcro covered in funk. If you're not clean, you're disrespecting your partners. And the mat gods will judge you.

Pro tips:

• Toenails and fingernails = mini razor blades if ignored.

• Deodorant is not your enemy.

• If your gi stands up by itself, burn it.

Bonus Tip: No Shoes on the Mats

This one should go without saying—but just in case it doesn’t: shoes don’t belong on the mats. Ever. The mats are sacred ground where we train, fall, and sometimes accidentally eat floor. Dragging in dirt, germs, or dog poop residue from the parking lot is a fast track to ruining everyone’s day. If your footwear touches the street, it doesn’t touch the tatami. Flip-flops at the edge are fine. Street shoes? Absolute no-go.

Sparring Etiquette: How Not to Be "That Guy"

Here’s where a lot of new Judoka (and some veterans) mess it up. Sparring is not your audition for an action movie. You're not there to win. You're there to learn.

Match Energy

If your partner’s chill, you’re chill. If they ramp it up, match them (responsibly). It’s not a flex contest. It’s cooperative combat.

Don’t Try to Win Practice

If you’re training to be the dojo alpha, you're missing the point. Nobody gives medals for demolishing training partners. You’re either improving, helping others improve, or being a danger. Choose wisely.

Communication is King

Want to go hard? Ask. Want to keep it technical? Say so. You’re not a mind-reader and neither are they.

Avoid Injuries (Seriously)

If you hurt someone, you didn’t win—you failed. We only get one body. Protect yours and theirs.

Story Time: "Pal" and the Armbar Incident

Let’s talk about Pal. After class, we're sparring. I’m working grips and ground control—nothing nuts. Pal wasn’t vibing. He lets out a roar and goes full berserker, cranking a wild armbar like it’s Mortal Kombat. I was tapping, repositioning, doing the whole polite exit dance—and he still rips it.

Coach stops the session. The room freezes. I smile, take a deep breath, and say, “I think I’m done for the day.”

Later, Coach pulled Pal aside. Respectfully handled. Pal faded from the mat over the next few weeks. Not because of punishment—because people didn’t want to roll with a loaded cannon. No hate, just natural consequences.

Moral of the story: Don’t be the reason people flinch when your name gets called for randori.

Real Talk: Wins, Losses, and the Woo-Woo

Here’s the deal. Everyone wants to win. That’s baked into our DNA. But there’s winning... and then there’s winning at the cost of trust. The line between pushing yourself and becoming a problem is thin, and once crossed, it’s hard to uncross.

Progress isn’t always a highlight reel. Sometimes your win is getting tossed less. Or sensing balance better. Or backing off before you go full gremlin. That’s still growth.

Judo gems:

• Ju = gentle. Not weak—smart.

• Kuzushi = unbalancing. That includes ego.

• Aiki = blending. Not overpowering.

Train with flow. Win with humility. Lose with curiosity. That’s the woo-woo. That’s the art.

Wrap It Up: It’s About People, Not Points

The dojo is sacred—not because of the walls, but because of the people in it. If you're not making it safer, better, and more respectful, then what are you even doing?

• Respect your partners.

• Clean your damn gi.

• Don’t try to be the dojo warlord.

• Train smart. Communicate. Be cool.

At the end of the day, nobody remembers the throw. They remember how you made them feel.

Now go be the Judoka people actually want to train with.

Your Turn:

Let’s hear from you. How do you keep the good vibes rolling and the mat monsters respectful? Got a golden rule for training etiquette? A sneaky trick to build trust with your randori crew? Or a story where someone (maybe you) totally fumbled the dojo code? Share your thoughts below—let’s turn this blog into a black belt-level conversation. Steel sharpens steel, after all.

Why Judo? How it Enhances Your Martial Arts Journey and Complements Kali & Silat

If you’re looking to dive deeper into martial arts, there’s one art that stands out as a game-changer: Judo. But why should you consider Judo as part of your martial arts journey? And how can it enhance what you already know in arts like Kali and Silat? Let’s break it down. Grab your gi, get ready, and let’s jump into this!

Why Take Judo?

Judo isn’t just about throwing people around, although let’s be honest—that’s a major part of it. At its core, Judo teaches you the principle of using your opponent’s energy and momentum against them. It’s like the ultimate game of chess where leverage, timing, and balance become your weapons of choice.

The best part? You don’t need to be the Hulk to throw people. Judo’s all about strategy. It’s not about muscle—it’s about using your opponent’s movement against them. The real fun comes when you figure out how to outwit, out-maneuver, and outsmart your opponent, all while making it look like a smooth, effortless throw.

And hey, Judo’s not just a mind game—it’s also fantastic for conditioning. Your body will get leaner, faster, and stronger. You'll build flexibility, explosive power, and a solid core. And those grueling grip fights? Totally worth it when you feel how much they improve your throws.

How Does Judo Enhance Other Martial Arts?

When you step onto the mat for Judo, you’ll start to notice some unexpected perks in your other martial arts too. The throws, the groundwork, the grip work—all of these techniques integrate seamlessly with your existing skills.

Judo is applicable without the gi

If you’re practicing Kali, Judo’s emphasis on leverage and balance is a game-changer. Think about it: you’re used to controlling distance and offense with weapons, right? But when you know how to throw and off-balance someone in the blink of an eye, it transforms the way you flow through a fight. You go from strike to takedown, and that transition? Smooth as butter.

In Silat, you’ll feel the same magic happen. Judo’s groundwork techniques (or ne-waza) will enhance your low stances, joint locks, and trapping. Ground control in Judo isn’t just about taking someone to the mat—it’s about dominating them there. So whether you’re using Silat’s quick strikes or Judo’s throws, you're stacking your game like a house of cards—perfectly balanced.

How Kali, Silat, and Judo Work Together

Now, let’s break it down even further. Kali, Silat, and Judo each bring something unique to the martial arts table. Kali gives you the skills to defend yourself at range—whether you’re dealing with sticks, knives, or just your empty hands. Control and distance are your friends, and Kali makes sure you’re always in control.

Silat takes it to a whole new level with its deceptive movement, low stances, and utilizing your environment to outsmart your opponent. Think of it as fluidity with a side of sneakiness. It’s the art of being tactical—weaving in and out of strikes with joint locks and close-quarters combat.

Then you’ve got Judo, the king of throws, grappling, and ground control. Judo isn’t just about standing—it’s about transitioning from standing to the ground with ease and grace (well, at least grace with a little sweat). And once you’re on the ground? You’re staying there—it’s your playground.

Now, imagine combining all three. You’ve got strikes from Kali, evasion and tactical movement from Silat, and takedowns from Judo. A complete martial artist who can adapt to any situation and finish strong—whether that’s with a strike, throw, or submission.

Des Moines Judo Academy: A Unique Opportunity

At Des Moines Judo Academy, we’re the only Judo dojo in the Des Moines area—you’d have to drive a couple of hours to the nearest one! But we’re lucky enough to also teach Kali, Silat, and Weapons right here at DSM Judo Academy. That’s a double whammy of awesomeness! This rare opportunity to train in multiple arts under one roof is something most schools don’t offer, and it’s an incredible advantage for anyone who wants a well-rounded martial arts experience.

Not every school is interested in expanding their scope to include multiple arts, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a lot of merit in schools that want to focus on one style and become masters of it. However, here at DSM Judo Academy, we’re able to bridge multiple styles to give our students a comprehensive view of martial arts. Whether you’re looking to explore Judo as a standalone discipline or integrate it with your existing Kali or Silat practice, we’ve got you covered. It's a rare opportunity, and we’re proud to offer it.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re new to martial arts or have been practicing for years, Judo adds a critical layer to your martial arts toolkit. It’s not just about throws—it’s about control, timing, and leveraging your opponent’s energy. By combining Judo with the strikes and weapon skills of Kali and the deceptive, close-quarters combat of Silat, you’re building a martial artist who can handle any challenge that comes their way.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on the mat, embrace Judo’s art of balance, and watch how it complements your entire martial arts journey. Plus, with Kali and Silat on the side? You’ll be one of the most well-rounded martial artists out there.

Your Turn:

What other martial arts do you train in besides Judo? How do you see how other arts complement Judo, or how Judo enhances the skills you already have? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation rolling! After all, we’re all here to learn and level up together.

Student Promoted to Rokkyu, Securing White Belt Record

Jason Maluilo and Sensei Suhr

Jason Maluilo first began to grace the Des Moines Judo Academy with his presence in mid-August of 2024, attending classes two to four times a week as his work schedule permitted. With the exception of period of approximately three months, Jason continuing in this fashion, chasing skills rather than promotions, and content to remain a white belt. On May 21st, 2025, after a couple weeks of ribbing by certain of his fellow students and prodding from instructors, Jason tested for the rank of “rokkyu” or "yellow belt, and passed.

A typical judoka at the Des Moines Judo Academy who trains two days a week remains a white belt for approximately two months.

Jason ended his tenure as a white belt at a couple days after nine months, almost doubling the time of the previous holders’ record of 5 months.

Jason’s silent and observant nature made him easy to overlook, making this feat possible. Despite being reserved, his uchi-mata and drop seoi-nage speak for themselves, each reflecting the intense amount of training and attention to detail they received during his tenure as a white belt. Jason is most commonly seen at Monday and Wednesday classes and Saturday open mats, though lately has been frequenting Wednesday fundamentals classes. When off the mat, Jason is a skilled dancer, which led to him developing balance and body control which assist him in his study of Judo.

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Far Travelling Pair Promoted Together

From Right to Left - Sensei Pohl, Ian Schaff, Jon Milliedge, Sensei Hilleshiem

Ian and Jon, regulars at Saturday open mats, have taken the next step on their journey into the Way of Gentleness, by being promoted to “gokyu” or orange belt. The duo normally spend several hours every Saturday developing their skills from approximately 9:30 AM until the open mat host is done the day or events demand they yield (usually around 12:40 PM), so they can work master what they learn training with each other during weekday. On May 3rd, 2025, they chose to forego training to instead demonstrate what they’ve learned in the pursuit of recognition of their hard won skills. Testing was overseen by Sensei Hilleshiem and Sensei Pohl, who determined the two passed muster, while a few stragglers looked on.

Ian, a student of jujitsu, bujinkan, and kali-silat in addition to Judo. As to be expected his “newaza” or “ground fighting” (the portion of combat that takes place after one or more of the combatants has fallen to the ground) is more developed than his “nage waza” or throwing techniques, he not only demonstrated competence with the required number of throws, but demonstrated an affinity for tai-otoshi, o-goshi, and uchi-mata. When not training, Ian enjoys tabletop roleplaying games, making mead, hunting, and spending time with his beloved dog.

Jon, a judoka with an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and wrestling background, who also cross trains in jujitsu and bujinkan, has a more robust standing game of the pair, despite Ian having a better flare for technical details. Jon also posses boundless positivity and enthusiasm, which makes long training sessions go by and the blink of an eye. While his foot sweeps won him gold and silver in the Governor’s Cup earlier this year, and even earned praise from Sensei Parkhill, Jon chose to instead show off his o-soto-gari, ippon seoi-nage, and tani-otoshi, all of which he’s been drilling endlessly since March. When off the mat, Jon spends most of his time with his family, being married and a father.

TLC for Your Judo Gi: A Little Love Goes a Long Way!

At DSM Judo Academy, we know that a well-maintained Gi isn’t just a clean uniform—it’s an essential tool for your training. Your Gi works hard for you, so it’s only fair you show it a little TLC! Here’s how you can keep your Judo Gi in top shape, so it’s ready for every throw, roll, and grapple.

Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains (No One Likes a Dirty Collar! )

Before you toss your Gi in the wash, give it some love by inspecting it for stains or tough spots, especially around the collar and armpits (where sweat loves to hang out!). If you see a stain, grab a mild stain remover or make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and voilà—ready to wash!

Step 2: Wash Separately (Your Gi Deserves a Solo Ride )

Always wash your Gi separately from other clothes. Not only will this avoid lint transfer (goodbye, fuzz!) but it also helps prevent damage to the fabric. Turn your Gi inside out to protect the fabric and patches, and use cold water to avoid shrinkage. Keep it cool—your Gi will thank you!

Step 3: Gentle Detergent (Be Kind to Your Skin & Your Gi )

Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent that’s easy on both your skin and your Gi. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners—they can weaken those tough fibers over time. We want your Gi to be as strong as your throws, not falling apart after a few washes!

Step 4: Spin Gently (No Need for a Wild Ride )

Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle—your Gi doesn’t need to go on a rollercoaster ride! Don’t overload the machine—let the jacket and pants move around with room to spare, reducing wear and tear.

Step 5: Air Dry (Sunlight Is Not Your Friend )

Say it with us: Never use the dryer! Heat from the dryer breaks down fabric fibers faster than you can say "Ippon!" Hang your Gi on a sturdy hanger or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Remember, direct sunlight may weaken the fabric and cause fading, so keep it cool and shady.

Step 6: Air Dry with Care (The Right Conditions = A Happy Gi! )

• Temperature Matters: Aim to air dry your Gi in temperatures between 50–75°F (10–24°C). This prevents moisture retention in cold weather and overheating in extreme warmth.

• Avoid Freezing Temps: If it's below 40°F (4°C), your Gi may not dry properly, leading to musty smells. Keep it indoors in a well-ventilated room in these conditions.

• Watch for Heat: Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can damage the fabric over time. If you're drying in warmer weather, hang your Gi in the shade to protect it from the sun’s harsh rays.

• Ventilation is Key: Whether inside or outside, make sure there’s good airflow around your Gi. Open a window, use a fan—anything to keep the air circulating and your Gi drying evenly.

Bonus Tip: Show Your Gi Some TLC Regularly!

Just like you take care of your body for peak performance, your Gi deserves the same care to keep it looking fresh and lasting longer. A little TLC after every training session can go a long way in making sure your Gi is always ready for the next class!