Staying Healthy While Training in Morocco
Health tips for BJJ practitioners visiting Morocco, covering food safety, hydration, and common issues.
Train Hard, Stay Healthy
A stomach bug or dehydration can derail your training trip. Follow these guidelines to stay on the mats.
Food Safety
Safe choices:
- Cooked foods served hot
- Fruits you can peel yourself
- Bottled water (check the seal)
- Restaurant tagines and grilled meats
- Fresh bread from bakeries
Approach with caution:
- Tap water (use bottled for drinking and brushing teeth)
- Raw salads in budget restaurants
- Street food (choose busy vendors with high turnover)
- Ice in drinks
- Cut fruit from street vendors
Hydration
Morocco is hotter and drier than you expect:
- Drink 3-4 liters daily when training
- Add electrolytes, especially in summer
- Avoid excessive caffeine
- Moroccan mint tea is hydrating (despite caffeine)
- Watch for signs of dehydration: dark urine, headaches
Common Issues
Traveler's diarrhea:
- Usually passes in 24-48 hours
- Stay hydrated with oral rehydration salts
- Imodium for symptom relief
- See a doctor if fever or blood present
Skin infections:
- Shower immediately after training
- Don't share towels or rashguards
- Check for ringworm, staph symptoms daily
- Bring antifungal cream from home
Heat exhaustion:
- Train during cooler hours (morning, evening)
- Take breaks, don't push through dizziness
- Seek air conditioning if overheating
Medical Kit
Pack:
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antifungal cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Athletic tape
- Pain relievers
- Any personal medications (in original packaging)
Finding Medical Care
- Pharmacies are abundant and pharmacists can advise
- Private clinics offer faster service than public hospitals
- Travel insurance is essential - keep documents accessible
- Major cities have English/French-speaking doctors
Note: Information in this guide is provided for reference only. Conditions may change - verify details with academies and local sources before your trip.
FAQ
Is tap water safe while training BJJ in Morocco?
Many visitors stick to bottled water for the first week to avoid stomach issues that would keep them off the mats. Hydrate aggressively — Marrakech heat and hard rolling both dehydrate quickly.
What food precautions matter for athletes in Morocco?
Eat at busy, reputable spots; peel fruit; avoid raw salads from street stalls if your stomach is sensitive. Prioritize protein and carbs on training days, but do not experiment with heavy new foods before hard rounds.
How do I prevent skin infections while visiting multiple gyms?
Shower immediately after training, wash gear daily, and bring antifungal soap. Do not train with open wounds — Moroccan humidity and close contact make mat hygiene non-negotiable.
When was this health guide last updated?
May 2026. Medical and food-safety advice is general — consult a clinician for personal health conditions before intensive training blocks.