Bitter Sweet Injuries
Injuries happen. Now, that may not be an earth shattering revelation, but it is something you have to keep in mind when you’re practicing any martial art. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or your budding next generation martial arts superstar, the last thing you probably want is a visit to the emergency room. (That’s just my assumption, YMMV.)
The most frequent martial arts injuries you’re likely to encounter vary from minor sprains, cuts and bruises, muscle strains, and maybe a broken bone or two. Luckily most of these can be treated initially by a competent instructor with a good first aid kit. Occasionally, something a little more serious can happen like a dislocated joint, a fractured rib, or maybe a concussion. Obviously, those will need to be handled by a medical professional. Before you reach that point, though, make sure you’ve taken the proper precautions and used a little common sense along the way.
Sometimes experience is the best teacher, but in case you don’t have time for that, below are some tips you’ll want to keep in mind from the moment you step on the mat to the final bow of the day.
- Know your body and your boundaries
The best person to know you is you, so when you ask yourself something about yourself, it’s best to tell yourself the truth. Do you know for sure that you’re ready to begin practicing those butterfly kicks and one handed backsprings on day one? If you answered ‘yes’ and you know full well that you get winded rolling yourself off the sofa, then you might need a second opinion. In general, it might be a good idea to get a physical to know that you’re going to be in it for the long haul. - A little preparation goes a long way
A good warm-up will help to loosen up those parts of your body that are going to be taking the most punishment. Your instructor will probably have a routine to help you out from the start, so learn it. You’ll want to stretch those muscles and get some oxygen moving through your body. As you progress, you’ll learn more about which warm-ups are the most beneficial even when you’re no longer the noobie. Going from zero to sixty every time isn’t a good idea for your car, so it probably isn’t for you either. - Use your equipment, but use your head first
Equipment is good, but common sense is better. Sparring gloves, shin guards and headgear all serve a useful purpose, but can only go so far. Your hands and feet are probably going to be your primary striking weapons. Unless you have a good layer of bubble wrap under your protective gear, you’re probably still gonna feel the effects of Newton’s third law…for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. What you hit is hitting you back just as much. So use your safety gear, but using it with forethought makes it so much more effective. - Listen to your teacher, that’s what they’re there for
So you’ve read all the articles you could find and watched all the YouTube videos in your playlist. That’s a pretty good start. Watching is one thing, but doing is what counts. Your sensei or instructor has been ‘doing’ a lot longer than you, so it is in your best interest to listen when it comes to injuries. They’ve seen it, felt it and know what to expect. If that crackling noise you heard coming from your ankle wasn’t enough of a deterrent, you might double check with your instructor before getting back out there. - Be flexible
Both physically and with your technique. It is said that you should be like water. Water flows with its surroundings. As a student, you want to go with the flow. Whether it’s being open to new lessons from your instructor or doing a forward roll guided by your practice partner, don’t meet every challenge like a brick wall. A brick wall only has one option when enough force is applied…to crumble. You don’t want your femur to be that brick wall. - Be rigid
Okay, hear me out. Yes, flexible is great, but loose can be trouble. You always want to make sure that your extremities are well protected and not easily exposed to injury. Keep your fingers in formation and watch any part of your body that may be too loose and can be knocked out of place. From your jaw to your legs, you want to know where everything is at all times and not offer it to take a beating. Also, if you have long hair, a little rigid styling might help, as well as get you in front of a fashion trend. - Mind your surroundings
Know how much room you have and make sure it’s a safe environment. Are you practicing your bo staff forms next to a stack of chairs by the main entrance? That is something you might want to reconsider. Your instructor is there to teach, but with only two eyes, it might be a good idea for you to know what’s going on around you as well. - Take a break
Martial arts can be great fun, but as with any good thing, you don’t want too much. Your forms get better with practice, but your joints get better with a little rest. Repetitive stress is also something you want to avoid. It’s great that you want to get your grappling hold just right, but don’t wait for soft tissue inflammation before you change it up a little. Also, if you’re into an exceptionally active martial art, taking a break from practice every now and again could do you some good. Might I suggest a hydration break?
Physical injuries are a part of life, but safety and appropriate precautions should be a part of the martial artist’s lifestyle. You want to enjoy what you’re doing, and injuries don’t help that situation. So, approach each practice and each exhibition with plenty of awareness and a good attitude, and you’ll enjoy yourself for years to come.