How do I prevent cauliflower ear?

The only reliable way to prevent cauliflower ear in BJJ is wearing wrestling headgear during training. Focus protection during high-risk activities: drilling takedowns, playing positions where your head gets trapped (triangles, guillotines, head-and-arm chokes), and any wrestling-heavy sessions. If your ear swells despite precautions, act immediately: drain the blood with a syringe (have a doctor do this), apply firm compression with magnets or a compression bandage, and ice the area. Keep compression on for several days - this is critical to prevent the blood from re-pooling. Repeat drainage may be needed. The window to treat is short: once blood hardens into scar tissue (usually within 7-10 days), the damage is permanent. Some people never get cauliflower ear despite years of training; others get it quickly. Genetics and ear shape play a role.