In June 2025, Ben Askren, former MMA star and Olympic wrestler, was rushed to a Wisconsin hospital with severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. His condition worsened rapidly—he was placed on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for nearly 45 days in critical condition.
By June 24, Askren underwent a double lung transplant, a last-resort procedure that saved his life. During his hospitalization, his heart stopped four times, each for nearly 20 seconds. By July, he had lost almost 50 pounds, dropping to 147 lbs—his lowest weight since adolescence.
Despite the physical toll, Askren remains resilient. His case is a stark reminder that infections—even in world-class athletes—can strike without warning, especially in high-contact environments like gyms and dojos.
👉 Support Ben Askren’s recovery: Help Hope Live Campaign
What Went Wrong?
Staph infections often originate from skin-to-skin contact, shared equipment, or improper hygiene routines. In gyms where mats are used for grappling, wrestling, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—exactly the environments Askren spent his life in—bacteria can linger long after a session ends.
Askren’s ordeal illustrates how critical it is to take hygiene seriously—not only for performance but for your safety.
Why Hygiene Matters at the Gym
We’ve always promoted discipline beyond techniques—how you treat your body, your teammates, and your training space is part of your martial journey. Clean habits are part of martial arts ethics.
Why Shower Before Training?
1. Reduce Germ Spread
Showering before class limits the bacteria you bring from the outside world. Especially after work, school, or errands, your skin carries contaminants that transfer to mats and gear.
2. Mental Preparation
Cleansing before class clears the mind, boosts your energy, and gets you focused. Many athletes report feeling more confident and composed after a quick rinse.
Why Shower After Training?
1. Eliminate Bacteria and Sweat
Training covers you in sweat, grime, and whatever is left on the mats. A thorough shower removes harmful microbes and reduces your chances of developing skin or respiratory infections.
2. Improve Recovery
Warm showers relax muscles and help circulation, improving post-training recovery. It’s more than comfort—it’s performance maintenance.
3. Respect Your Teammates
Your training partners notice your habits. Coming to the mat clean and leaving without bringing germs home is a sign of mutual respect.
The podcast talks about what happened here
The Role of Defense Soap
Athlas Training Team, we strongly recommend and sell Defense Soap—a clinically proven soap used by athletes around the world to protect against MRSA, staph, ringworm, and fungal infections. It’s infused with natural essential oils like tea tree and eucalyptus, known for their antimicrobial properties.
Why Use Defense Soap?
Kills bacteria, fungus, and viruses without harsh chemicals
Safe for daily use, even on sensitive skin
Designed specifically for combat sports athletes
We stock Defense Soap at the front desk. Ask a coach or staff member after class if you’d like to purchase—it’s a small investment that could prevent a serious health issue.
What Ben Askren’s Story Teaches Us
Ben Askren’s infection was not caused by poor fitness, lack of talent, or overtraining. It was likely the result of a microscopic bacteria entering his system—something that could happen to anyone in a gym.
If an elite MMA athlete can end up in a fight for his life, so can any of us. That’s why we reinforce hygiene protocols at Athlas Training Team every day.
Gym Hygiene Checklist: What You Should Do
✅ Before Training
Shower before class, especially if coming from outdoors or work
Wear clean gear (rashguards, gloves, uniforms, mouthguards)
Apply Defense Soap or similar products to high-risk areas
✅ After Training
Shower immediately with antibacterial or Defense Soap
Scrub armpits, feet, groin, and back—focus on sweat zones
Dry completely, especially between toes and underarms
Wash clothes and gear after each use—never reuse without cleaning
✅ Extra Best Practices
Bring your own towel and flip-flops for shower use
Sanitize mats and equipment before and after use
Avoid training with open cuts, rashes, or unexplained skin spots
Report any skin infections early to avoid spreading them
Support the Ben Askren Recovery Campaign
Ben’s story is not over. He’s still recovering, and his family faces significant medical expenses related to the lung transplant, medications, and rehab. If Ben or his story has ever inspired you, now is your chance to give back.
👉 Donate here – Help Hope Live Campaign for Ben Askren
Every donation, no matter how small, helps.
Final Message from Athlas Training Team
More than Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai. We teach responsibility, community, and self-awareness. Ben Askren’s fight reminds us that real warriors protect their health first.
Showering before and after training is not an option—it’s a duty.
Using tools like Defense Soap is not a luxury—it’s prevention.
Your health protects your performance, your teammates, and your future.
Train Clean. Stay Safe. Be Strong.
— Athlas Training Team
