Although there are many different brands and distributors, the majority of karate mats come in one of two varieties. Puzzle mats are square pads that link together at the edges like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Floor mats are longer swatches of a slightly thicker pad that link together along the sides with Velcro. Using either is the same in most important ways: assemble them, use them carefully and wipe them down when you're done.
Step 1
Assemble your mats when they arrive. For puzzle mats, lay the first square in one corner and connect additional squares in lines. Assembling in another order will make it difficult to square up the later pieces. For floor mats, lay them side by side and slip the Velcro tab of one mat beneath the Velcro-less edge of the mat next to it.
Step 2
Use your mats in class, paying attention to the thickness when choosing activities. Puzzle mats are usually thinner and harder than floor mats, so they are not suitable for techniques that throw or slam a partner to the ground. Some stand-up martial arts do poorly on floor mats because the feet sink into the surface -- deep enough to snag a toe.
Step 3
Wipe down your mats at the end of each day using a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon or warm water. This will eliminate, or at least reduce, the "sweaty feet" smell that karate mats tend to accumulate.
Step 4
Dry the mats with a towel after you've wiped them down. This will lengthen the lifespan of your mats by avoiding letting the bleach soak into the surface overnight.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use other cleaning solutions, including specially formulated mat cleaners, if you prefer. Bleach is simply the least expensive and easiest to find.
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Society for Kenpo Studies; Beaverton, Ore
- Guidelines for Cleaning Mats
Member Comments