I'm getting back into training BJJ in the near future, but I am right in the middle of a moderately sized tattoo project (half sleeve). I was going to resume after my last session, but I had a couple of questions that I was hoping I could get help with.
First, how long after the last session until I start training again? I don't want to take any chances with damaging it or with rolling around with what is essentially a bunch of small open wounds. MRSA is the last thing I need.
Second, after I do return, what sort of precautionary measures should I take? Obviously a long sleeved rash guard is in order, but should I put another layer under it? I was thinking that wrapping it with Aquaphor and seran wrap under the rash guard, like they do when the session is done, might give some decent protection.
Any insight? Experiences?
let your tat heal before you roll, tattoos are expensive, protect your investment. I wait until I'm scabbed up, keep it lubed with aquaphor and wear a long sleeved rash guard.
Ive got a half sleeve and I sit out at least a week after I get any work done, sometimes 2 if I sit longer than 3-4 hours just to make sure Im healed up ok and I don't wanna tear any of that skin holding my new artwork. Long sleeve rashguard for me too!
fucking dumb.
get something that hinders your jiu jitsu. that is not good. i had my tats removed so that i could get better at jits.
Empire - fucking dumb.
get something that hinders your jiu jitsu. that is not good. i had my tats removed so that i could get better at jits.
I had considered shaving my entire body and rolling in a Speedo so that I could be completely frictionless and improve my escapes, but I clearly lack your level of dedication.
jitz4u - Ive got a half sleeve and I sit out at least a week after I get any work done, sometimes 2 if I sit longer than 3-4 hours just to make sure Im healed up ok and I don't wanna tear any of that skin holding my new artwork. Long sleeve rashguard for me too!
It's my last session and it is just for the last touch of color, so it isn't anything too serious. Not a lot of surface area to do, but it needs to be done all across the tattoo. I usually heal up pretty quickly so I am thinking I would be okay after a week and a half or so, but I'll just see what happens.
Do you feel that the rash guard offers enough protection for relatively new work?
keep your ass off the mats a minimum of 2 weeks, preferably 3. ALL scabs should be completely gone before even considering rolling again, even if it takes a month. why risk fucking up something you'll have for the rest of your life?
No, a rash guard will NOT protect a fresh tattoo, let the fuckin' thing heal.
Let it heal, let it heal.. Lube, rash guard, etc. will NOT protect it from the pulling and stretching that is going to happen. I have some large pieces and basically I waited until it stopped feeling tender to the touch.
Angelo has some good advice, Aquaphor and time are all thats gonna help it heal. I wear a long sleeved rash guard all the time because the only place ive ever got ringworm was my arms, and I definately don't want it again. But i wear shorts so...
Anyways, I always wait a week, depends on how you heal. Always wait until all scabs are gone or youll likely tear it and have a weird scar that may mess up how it looks. Ive never waited more than a cpl weeks, and Ive worked standup 3 or 4 days after on bags and mitts. Theres some good info on the tatoo ground also...
Look into getting some H2O ocean foam. I have used it on my half sleeve except for one session. It helps heal faster, allows it to breath unlike most other products (aquaphor, a&d....) easy to put on, and keeps it from getting infected (which is the best part). I was able to train after about 4-5 days with no issues. And it hasn't ruined the look at all.
I don't think I would get a tat unless I was already injured and had to be off the mats for a while anyway.
I had a half sleeve done. I did them after each tournament where I'd normally rest for a week anyways. I let my tattoo heal completely (7-14 days depending on your rate of healing). I slept lots, lots of lubrication over the tattoo'd area to help it heal faster. You can do BJJ for your entire life...let the tattoo heal and you can get back right in there!
i feel your pain. i have sleeves, shins, neck, chest, full back piece, ribs. ive had to work alot of it around training bjj. my back piece will be another 30 hours so you have to get strategic with planning sessions if you wanna keep training. the correct answer is you wait until all the scab is off till you get back on the mats. the new skin will be tender after the scab, but thats an accepted downside of training with a new tattoo. for me the scabs are usually gone in a week to a week and a half. but certain parts can cling on longer like elbow, knee, etc. good luck with it.
fuck it leave the tattoo shop and get right on the mats.....
brdrchoker - fuck it leave the tattoo shop and get right on the mats.....
I'm just going to have to say no to that one.
I just finished a quarter sleeve and worried about introducing staph or something when training. I may have been overly concerned but it's still an open wound until it heals completely.
ChimairaGT -brdrchoker - fuck it leave the tattoo shop and get right on the mats.....
I'm just going to have to say no to that one.
Well I was being a smart ass. I have several (more than ten) tats and never got back on the mats till they were completely healed. The chance of infection is too great, so is the chance you will scar them.
brdrchoker -
Well I was being a smart ass.
I know. I've had 5 sessions on this one and it seems to take around a week and a half to two weeks for the scabbing and peeling to run its course. I definitely wouldn't train until that was done, plus a few days just to make sure. Scarring isn't so much my main concern as is infection. I can speak for my own bathing habits, but I've run into some people with less than desirable hygiene.