Get to know SportShield

SportShield is dedicated to safeguarding contact sport athletes against skin infections. Our product is already being used by South Africa's top MMA and BJJ athletes, but we got our start when SportShield's founder, Caity, began looking for better hygiene solutions after contracting a serious staph infection.

She learned about the efficacy of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), the active ingredient in our SkinSpray, to combat pathogens without damaging skin's natural integrity while living and training in the UK. The SportShield team is now bringing the best in hygiene technology to the South African contact sport space.

Our people

Caity Graaf | Doctoral Researcher & Martial Artist

Outside of her work as a researcher, Caity is an avid martial artist and long time member at Pride Fighting Academy in Cape Town training Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA. Caity started SportShield after being diagnosed with an immune disorder that threatened to stop her training. As someone who is at high-risk of contracting serious infections on the mats, she uses SportShield every training session to protect herself from pathogens.

Konnor Benthien | Pro BJJ Athlete & Head Coach at Southside Grappling Studio

Konnor is a competitive, lifelong martial artist and BJJ purple belt under Chris Steenkamp and Martino Da Silva. Bringing a sharp technical mind to his training, Konnor joined the SportShield team recognizing the importance of bringing improved hygiene technology to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in South Africa. Konnor uses SportShield to safeguard his skin in training, coaching, and competition.

Testimonials

South Africa's top MMA and BJJ athletes and gyms are already using SportShield. See what they have to say:

Cameron Pritchard | Pro MMA Athlete, BJJ Blackbelt, and Head Coach & Owner at Yokai MMA

"No matter how clean your mats are, there's no changing that people carry germs. As a gym owner and athlete, I use SportShield's spray to prevent myself from contracting serious skin infections, as well as to protect my members, creating a safe training space for everyone that visits Yokai. Practicing good hygiene is crucial to keep the sport safe. SportShield adds a valuable layer of preventative protection for hobbyists and pros."

Tumelo Manyamala | Pro MMA Athlete & undisputed EFC Flyweight Champion

"Keeping to my training and coaching schedule is essential to my career as a pro athlete. SportShield helps me and my training partners stay infection-free and on the mats. Using the product is quick and easy, and is now an integral part of my training ritual and general hygiene practice."

Be a part of our story

We're looking to build a culture of clean in South African contact sport. Whether you're a gym or an athlete with a passion for hygiene, we need your help to keep mats safe.

Skin Safety Ambassadors

If you're a dedicated hobbyist, competitor, or personal trainer with a social media presence, we'll give you a bottle of SkinSpray to try for free in exchange for a short video testimonial (if you love the product!)

Learn more

Gym Hygiene Partner

Gyms can earn money while keeping their members safer by re-selling SportShield. New partners are eligible to receive 2 skin safety posters to hang in change rooms and 3 bottles of SkinSpray for free.