As with any sport, it is possible to be injured during the practice of martial arts. While precautions are taken to minimize the risk of injury, the reality is that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a contact sport. You should expect and prepare for the common injuries you might see with a sport of that nature. While many of these injuries are minor, preparing ahead of time can help minimize your time away from the mats and get you back in fighting shape sooner. Here’s a closer look! If you’re looking for jiu jitsu classes in Raleigh, call Gracie Raleligh today!

What Are The Most Common Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Injuries?

The most common injuries you can expect during your jiu-jitsu training and sparring are as follows.

• Bruises – Bruising is a sign that you are training hard and learning to wrestle well. Little can be done to help heal a bruise, but many jiu-jitsu practitioners think of their bruises as badges of honor.
• Overall Soreness – A good workout will leave you feeling the aftereffects the next day, however, if you experience extreme soreness, take time to rest and recover. Putting yourself at risk for an injury because you are overdoing it is silly. Remember to rest, ice, compress, and elevate (RICE) to reduce swelling in injured areas.
• Scratches – When preparing to wrestle, take a moment to look at your fingernails. Any sharp or jagged edges on your nails should get filed down or trimmed before you begin to spar. Not only does this help keep your partner from getting scratched up but it is also a sign of respect for yourself and them.
• Dislocations – While these are rare, dislocations do happen. In this instance it is important to remain calm and seek medical attention. Seeing a doctor doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s important to look after your well-being and ensure that everything pops back into its proper place.
• Groin Injuries – Proper protective gear can save you from the painful and uncomfortable groin injuries that can occur during sparring.
• Bloody Lip – Mouthguards are one of the most important pieces of protective gear you can have in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Not only do these guards protect your teeth, but they also help keep your lip from breaking open against your teeth when you take a knee or elbow to the face.

Proper safety gear is essential in a contact sport like Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Here are some of the items you may want to consider having in your gym bag:

• Wraps – One of the most inexpensive, yet valuable, things you can have in your bag is a set of wraps for boxing drills. Even if you are unfamiliar with how to wrap them, have some on hand. Your coach or another student can teach you how to wrap your hands to protect them.
• Groin Protection Cup – Ask any experienced practitioner and they will tell you, don’t spar without one.
• Mouthguards – Having one professionally fitted by your dentist helps ensure a good fit but is not necessary. An inexpensive store bought guard will still offer protection.
• Wrestling Shoes – These can help protect you from stepping on your own feet on the mats. While this may sound impossible, this type of injury happens more often than you think.
• Earguards – Your ears are made of delicate tissues which can scar over time and form what is known as cauliflower ear.

If you’d like to read more about common MMA injuries, visit our next post.

Affordable Jiu Jitsu Classes in Raleigh, NC

Gracie Raleigh specializes in jiu jitsu, muay thai, kickboxing and self defense and our classes are for anyone who wants to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle in the new year. What you learn in our martial arts and jiu jitsu classes in Raleigh will also translate into helping you fight the daily battles of your life, such as weight loss, stress reduction, relationship problems, and self-confidence issues.

We even offer free classes for beginners. You can feel confident before you commit with Gracie Raleigh. We also have martial arts classes for kids if you have a child that’s interested in learning more about martial arts. There are no contracts for children. If you have any questions about our 2017 specials, please call. We’ll be happy to answer them.