Avoid These Common Mistakes When Using Tatami Mats

When it comes to flooring for martial arts — judo, jiu-jitsu, aikido and others — tatami mats are the gold standard. Their textured finish and absorbing design are perfect for training and competition. But to get the most out of your Tatami mats — and for safety and longevity — it’s worth the time to avoid some of the common mistakes that practitioners and gym owners make. Here at Benza Sports Martial Arts Supplies Store, we’ve put together this guide for you to ensure you are getting the most out of your investment.

1. Skipping Regular Cleaning and Disinfection

Tatami mats are both porous and abrasive, which in turn allows them to hold sweat, dirt, and bacteria. If you don’t wash it continuously, it could produce a foul smell, hygiene problems and skin infections.

Tip: Wipe down mats with a disinfectant safe for foam or vinyl surfaces after each workout.

2. Improper Storage

Tatami mats should not be leaned up against anything, as they should be stored flat or evenly stacked. Keeping them on their sides or in moist environments will warp them, damage the sides, or cause them to grow mold.

Tip: Keep your mats in a dry and well-ventilated place. Lay portable mats flat when you can.

3. Not Securing Mats Together

Tatami mats that are not interlocked and are not taped down can potentially cause gaps or slats to appear in your mat system, and during your training!—and that is a serious safety concern when grappling and throwing on the mats.

Tip: Employ mat tape or Velcro systems to keep your mats in place. For more permanent installations, think frame systems or mat borders.

4. Wearing Shoes on the Mats

Shoes can damage the mat surface and track in dirt and debris, causing the mat to wear prematurely.

Tip: Enforce a no-shoe policy in your training area and set aside an area to remove shoes before walking on the mats.

5. Placing Mats on Uneven or Slippery Floors

Tatami mats require a flat and stable base. Allowing them to slide around on slick or uneven surfaces creates the potential for slippage and the fear of falls.

Pro tip: Make sure the floor underneath is level and dry. Choose to add one further to give additional no-slip comfort.

6. Using the Wrong Mat for Your Martial Art

All Tatami mats are not equal. Some are more focused on standing throws (such as judo), and some lean more towards groundwork (like BJJ).

Tip: Select mats with the appropriate thickness, density and surface grip for the martial art in which you are practicing. We at Benza Sports can assist you in finding the perfect size.

7. Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions

There are care and installation instructions for every brand of Tatami mat. They may void warranties and degrade mat performance if ignored.

Tip: Always consult the instruction manual or product sheet that comes with your mats — or your supplier, if you don’t have those in hand — for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Tatami Reveal Mats & Padding Tatami New! If you can steer clear of the pitfalls discussed herein, you’ll not only safeguard your investment, but the safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of your training space as well.

Looking for premium-grade Tatami mats? Shop our inventory at Benza Sports Martial Arts Supplies Store — because seconds now make a world of difference.