Brian Dick

Selvage Labs Founder BJJ Black Belt

Combat sports athletes train harder, sweat more, and wear gear that’s nothing like everyday clothing. High-quality gis are woven from unusually thick cotton that traps odor deep in the fibers. Rash guards and fight pants are built from dense synthetic blends that bind to body oils and reactivate funk the moment you sweat again.

Conventional detergents and “one-size-fits-all” soaks aren’t engineered for these deep-seated problems. They’re designed for casual wear — not for athletes putting their gear through repeated, high-intensity sessions.

I started getting fed up taking gis out of rotation, and buying new gear. Even after doing “all the right things”…dumping everything in the laundry the second I got home, cleaning my gym back, and immediately drying, etc. No matter what, after a few months or years — the permafunk would emerge.

I tried Oxyclean, vinegar, laundry boosters, Reddit home brews…and boom, the second I would sweat, there was a funk.

So I did research. I figured out what causes it, and how to eliminate it. What I found explained a lot. Why soaks, detergents, and boosters, not specifically designed for our sport, always end up failing.

I spent a small fortune in various chemicals and enzymes. I made various batches. I tried it on my worst gear, gave it out to friends, and even other gyms — until I finally got the product that best serves our sport. GRPL Soak. I hope this becomes one of many products that solve our sports unique odor issues.