Jocko Underground: Should Dogs Be Allowed On The Jiu Jitsu Mats? The Debate.
Jocko Podcast Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 10 min
Summary
The episode explores the contentious topic of whether dogs should be allowed on Jiu Jitsu mats, considering hygiene and safety concerns. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal and gym preferences in making this decision.
What Happened
Echo Charles and Jocko discuss opinions on allowing dogs onto Jiu Jitsu mats. Jocko shares his personal experience of a dog named Victory at the Victory gym, but it was kept downstairs and not allowed on the mats. He argues that dogs can bring dirt and bacteria onto mats, which could be problematic for hygiene.
Jocko emphasizes that Jiu Jitsu mats can be a breeding ground for infections like ringworm and staph, even in the cleanest gyms. He suggests that if a gym maintains a steady state of cleanliness, the presence of a dog might not be an issue. However, in less clean environments, a dog could exacerbate hygiene problems.
Echo Charles considers the personal nature of this decision, comparing it to allowing a dog on furniture at home. He notes that while he has a dog at home, he doesn't allow it on his mats due to concerns about hair and cleanliness.
Jocko and Echo explore the psychological aspect of interacting with mats, noting the intimate contact practitioners have with them compared to home furniture. They suggest that while personal preferences vary, hygiene concerns remain a significant factor.
The podcast acknowledges that some individuals might have traumatic experiences with dogs, making them uncomfortable with the idea of dogs on mats. Jocko and Echo stress the need for gym owners to consider their community's comfort and hygiene standards.
Ultimately, the episode highlights that finding a gym that matches one's personal preferences regarding hygiene and the presence of dogs is crucial. The conversation wraps up with a reminder that personal choice and gym culture play critical roles in this decision.
Key Insights
- Jocko believes dogs can be problematic on Jiu Jitsu mats due to hygiene concerns, as they bring dirt and bacteria that can exacerbate the spread of infections.
- Even in the cleanest gyms, infections like ringworm and staph are possible, suggesting that maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is crucial to mitigate risks.
- Echo Charles highlights the personal aspect of allowing dogs on mats, drawing parallels to home settings, where owners may allow dogs on furniture but not on mats due to closer contact.
- The decision to allow dogs on mats should consider the comfort and preferences of the gym community, acknowledging that individuals may have different levels of comfort with dogs due to past experiences.