FIGHT    HEALTH

Thre are so many benefits from participating in combat Sports. But, like any sports there are risk factors to consider. Whether amateur or professional, training to get fit or training to compete, the risk of injury is always present. There are many ways to incur injuries but it is best to be prepared for the unexpected. Injuries depend on the sport and the individual. Some styles like Muay Thai or boxing focus more on striking where punches and or kicks are often thrown while other styles are more grappling, choking, holding, and take-downs such as wrestling and Jui Jitsu. MMA, on the other hand, combines fighting styles and may sustain injuries during stand-up and or while on the ground. And because of this unique quality about MMA, exploring what some of the most general types of injuries are in this sport may also help other combat sports participants gain awareness of the possible injuries they could encounter.

 

In a 2016 clinical review in the "Sports Health" suggests that majority of the injuries for MMA athletes are sustained during training. But in most scientific studies on injuries in MMA, they mainly look at injuries sustained during a competition. Thus, more in-depth research must be conducted and compiled in the future. More importantly however, this review found that a "striking-predominant disciplines such as boxing, karate, Muay Thai, and taekwondo have high rates of head and facial injuries whereas submission-predominant disciplines such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and wrestling have high rates of joint injuries" (Jansen, Maciel, Petrigliano, Rodriguez, & Brooks, p.64).  And as mentioned above, both striking and submissions are evident in MMA. This is important to know because most people joining a Combat Sports gym are training to get in shape and or learning the technicalities of the sport. However, they also need to consider a few other things like acquiring the right type of gear and equipment for those possible injuries. Also, having a plan on what to do if and when injuries occur and  knowing the location of the first aid kit. It is vital as well to inquire the establishment if the trainers , instructors, or someone in the building has the tools, knowledge and proper certifications such as CPR to deal with these potential injuries.

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WRITTEN BY: WILLAM BALLARAN