Grapple Guard Soap: A Founder’s Story
Grapple Guard was born out of a personal battle with a stubborn staph infection that left me sidelined from the mats. What started as a small, uncomfortable bump quickly grew to the size of a softball on my leg. Embarrassed and concerned about the potential health risks, I sought medical help, but the experience left a lasting impact on me. It made me realize how critical proper hygiene is for combat athletes, not just to stay healthy, but to stay on the mats and in the sport we love.
When I looked for a high-quality soap to add to my post-training ritual, I was disappointed by what the market had to offer. Most products weren’t tailored to the specific needs of combat athletes, and the quality was far below what I was looking for. I wanted something natural, organic, and effective at keeping my skin safe, something that didn’t just cleanse, but protected.
The early days of developing Grapple Guard were challenging. We struggled to find top-quality ingredients at a cost that made sense, but we quickly realized that compromising on quality wasn’t an option. We committed to sourcing premium ingredients, even if it meant spending more. This is reflected in our formula, which goes beyond the typical tea tree oil solution. We incorporated neem oil and rosemary, ingredients you won’t find in many other products, to create a soap that’s as unique as it is effective.
Jeffrey and North in Vancouver BC
As a grappler myself, I know how important it is to maximize time on the mat. Life has enough interruptions without adding skin issues into the mix. Grapple Guard was created to help grapplers like me spend more time training and less time worrying about infections or irritations that could keep us from the sport and community we love. As a father of two boys, I also understand how precious time is. Balancing family life with training and running a business is no easy task, and Grapple Guard is my way of ensuring that neither myself nor other athletes have to sacrifice training time due to preventable skin issues.
I couldn’t have brought this vision to life without my incredible team. My business partner, Josh, is a genius with formulations, running our lab in Los Angeles. He’s the mastermind behind our product’s unique and effective formulation. And then there’s Tony, a black belt in BJJ and our head of sales. With his experience in running large hotels and his talent for organization, Tony ensures that our operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Grapple Guard isn’t just another soap, it’s a crucial part of your training routine. The time you spend on the mat is precious, and our products are designed to help you protect that time. We back up our commitment with our “Wash or Toss” guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with our soap, return it within 90 days for a full refund. And with free shipping on orders over $30 and same or next-day delivery, we make sure you get what you need, when you need it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding Grapple Guard’s product line. We’re working on a bar soap, wipes, mat cleaner, and equipment wash, all designed with the same care and commitment to quality that you’ve come to expect from us. Our goal is to sponsor top-level athletes and become a household name in the combat sports industry, offering solutions that help every athlete stay safe and healthy.
Grapple Guard was created by grapplers, for grapplers, and we’re here to help you protect your skin so you can stay on the mat and continue doing what you love, while balancing all the other important aspects of life, like family.
North and Jeffrey 2023
Jeffrey and Tony at Grapplers Escape 2024
In-Depth
The Grapple Guard Difference
At Grapple Guard, our enthusiasm for combat sports and the relentless devotion of grappling athletes drives us. As a company rooted in this community, we understand the value of sustaining ideal cleanliness and staying healthy amidst the vigorous demands of training and competition. That is why we joyfully offer an antimicrobial and anti-fungal body wash crafted to satisfy the exclusive needs of grapplers. What really sets us apart from the competition is our real love for combat sports. We live and breathe this lifestyle, and our product demonstrates that. We merge our know-how in hygiene and combat sports to create a victorious formula that not only helps fight bacteria and fungi but also nourishes and shields the skin.
Why All Natural?
We are committed to using all-natural ingredients for several reasons. Firstly, natural ingredients are inherently gentle and nourishing for the skin. They are less likely to cause irritation or adverse reactions, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, natural ingredients often possess inherent therapeutic properties that can enhance the effectiveness of a product. For instance, plant extracts and essential oils offer numerous skin benefits, such as hydration, antioxidant protection, and soothing properties. Furthermore, using all-natural ingredients aligns with Grapple Guard's dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and harsh additives, Grapple Guard reduces its ecological footprint and minimizes potential harm to ecosystems.
No Harmful Ingredients
At Grapple Guard, the well-being of our customers is at the forefront of everything we do. That's why our body wash is meticulously formulated without any harmful ingredients. We firmly believe that the key to achieving optimal hygiene shouldn't come at the cost of compromising your health. Our dedication to using only safe and non-toxic ingredients ensures that our body wash not only helps to combat bacteria and fungi but also nurtures and cares for your skin. We prioritize transparency in our product development, thoroughly researching and selecting ingredients that are gentle, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. With Grapple Guard, you can trust that our body wash provides the highest level of cleanliness without any harmful additives, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your performance and well-being.
About Grapple Guard
We love grappling!
Jiu Jitsu, BJJ, Judo, Gi, no Gi, MMA, catch wrestling, etc. We love it all. We also love to be able to train as often as possible and we don’t want to lose time on the mat.
Most seasoned practitioners know all too well that fungal infection is a concern when practicing grappling sports because the close contact with your training partners and the matt that occurs during training can increase the risk of spreading bacteria.
Infections can cause a range of symptoms, from minor skin infections such as boils and impetigo to more serious infections such as blood poisoning and pneumonia. In some cases, staph infections can become severe and even life-threatening.
This is why we decided to make “Grapple Guard Body Wash”.
By using Grapple Guard Body Wash after each training session, practitioners can help protect against staph infections and other skin irritations. Additionally, the invigorating scent of tea tree and rosemary oil will leave the skin feeling refreshed and clean.
Grapple Guard Body Wash is made with all-natural ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making it safe for daily use. It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainable ingredients.