i practise BJJ and i have a job as a top executive saler in Paris.
Unfortun ately i do not go as often as i want to BJJ because sometimes after a training my face is all scratched by the gi (for exemple when someone try to choke me with the gi, it leave mark on my face).
when i roll with a spazz, from time to time, he can cercle my head with his arm and just block like that and i have to take off my jead of this position leavin mark on my face.
does some of you have the same problem?
what do you do to reduce the risk?
are the wrestling cask a good option?
I can not afford to go to work with fighting scratch on my face...
I have exactly the same situation, exec job and BJJ. I don't see it as a problem though. I have turned up to client meetings with split lips and black eyes, I just explain why. Lets face it, people who play rugby at the weekend come in with far worse.
You might try the mask they make for wrestlers that have a broken nose. I don't remeber the name but it covers your face and is usually held on by headgear.
Musashi is correct. Being an exec means that your meetings involve people with whom you work. Sales is calling on other companies, asking for their business. Their impressions are much different.
I am an account director, my role involves managing both internal staff and clients (this involves selling in new business). It just adds some colour to your character that you have a hobby slightly more interesting than golf.
edit p.s. It is also useful when it comes to negotiating price!
I usually just judge my audience before I tell them. If it's people that I think would be cool about BJJ/MT then I tell them. If not, I basically make up some stupid humorous excuse. This works for people you don't see often or regularly. Some people still consider this sport pretty barbaric and would be turned off by this.
try and bring the subject of your art up to your customer and guage what they think of it. There is a possibility they could be a fan and not have a problem.
I had to go out into the field a couple time the past couple months. I had scratches on my face, a little black spot on my eye that made me look like I had eye liner. The lady I was working with HATES mma, boxing, any combat sport. HOwever, she was very cool with me. And now asks how my training is going.
Improve your guard and stay on top. :) Vaseline is the best way to go. You don't have to put a ton of it. What also work is liquid SunBlock. The skin absorbs it better than vaseline but you are still a little greasy to the touch.
I am also an exec and I had to explain a few times to my clients (mostly defense aerospace) what the strangulation marks on my neck were. Usually they are cool w/ it.