Martial Arts Training and Injury Prevention

The rising popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) events has also produced a heightened awareness and participation in martial sports and traditional combative arts. The MMA events have spawned a new generation of athletes who train hard to perfect their striking, grappling, wrestling, and submission skills.

Just by watching MMA events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), International Fight League (IFL), and Pride Fighting Championship — one would instinctively think that many of the fighters get seriously hurt or injured. Just like any sports or fitness endeavor, there are many risks of injury in martial arts training and competition. But contrary to common belief, the risk of acquiring injuries in martial arts is actually lower compared to other contact sports like boxing, basketball, football, rugby, soccer, and other high-impact activities.

Of course, regardless of the type or nature of sports that one is involved in, it is necessary to avoid injuries. Getting injured might entail not only the discomforts of pain and immobility, it would also come with the financial cost of buying expensive or even cheap medicines for treatment.

Shown below are some of the most common sports injuries among athletes and some sports injury prevention tips:

Sprains – Ankle sprains are very common among athletes who train and compete in basketball, running, and martial arts. Many ankle sprains occur when an athlete runs on hard and uneven, or overly soft flooring like gymnastics mats or mats with gaps between them. Other causes of ankle sprains are improper weight distribution while kicking and improper execution of kicks. To help avoid ankle sprains, martial arts practitioners should train on even surfaces, make sure to stand in proper stance, and execute kicks and other techniques in the correct form to avoid injuries.

Jammed Fingers and Toes – Most of the time, this injury occurs due to improper throwing of kicks or punches, hitting a bag or pad, or blocking. These injuries can be prevented by properly executing techniques like kicks and punches. In addition to preventing injuries, proper execution is also essential in enhancing the effectiveness of techniques.

Head injuries – A concussion or an injury that may cause a transient loss of brain function is a serious injury that can occur in training or competition. Wearing a properly fitting and high quality helmet and mouthguard is essential in lessening the development of this kind of injury. A helmet alone is not enough because the jaw must be properly aligned and protected as well.

Torn Muscles – This condition can be developed by performing stretches that are intended to increase elasticity and flexibility. However, many instructors use outmoded methods of stretching that push their students past their limits of flexibility. This practice may heighten the risks of developing muscle tears. One way of to prevent this is by performing gradual stretches and avoiding bouncing while stretching. Stretching to the point of tension in the muscles and not to the point of pain should also be remembered while engaging in flexibility training.