One of the last things you want to keep you out of training is an injury. And the best way to deal with any athletic injury is to take steps to avoid one in the first place.
So here are a few tips on how to reduce your risk of getting an injury in martial arts:
1. Improve your joint mobility.
Martial arts is a full-body activity which means you’ll end up using almost every joint in your body – wrists, shoulders, hips, neck, and ankles. If you have limited mobility in your joints, it can increase your risk of getting injured. But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid the mats until your mobility improves. In fact, training can increase your range of motion. You will need to be careful about your movements and use good technique. And with time, your mobility will improve.
2. Never skip the warm-up.
Another way to reduce your risk of injury in martial arts is to take full advantage of the warm-up. The first five to fifteen minutes of a class will prepare your body for training. The warm-up gradually increases your heart rate and increases circulation to your muscles and joints. As a result, you’ll be able to move better and more effectively while decreasing the chance you’ll get hurt.
3. Practice body awareness and control.
Once you’ve warmed up and moved on to the drilling and sparring parts of class, practice proper technique and stay vigilant with your movements. Be aware of how you feel, as well as how your movements affect others. If something doesn’t feel right, tap. And always be in control of your body. If you lose that sense of control, not only are you putting your body at risk, but you also risk hurting your training partner.
4. Train consistently.
There are many benefits to creating a consistent training routine, and injury prevention is one of those benefits. The slow and steady progress that follows consistent training is less likely to cause an injury compared to a sporadic training pattern. Inconsistent training slows your progress and doesn’t give you a firm foundation to build upon. On the other hand, consistency allows your body to adapt and improve gradually over time and with less risk for an injury.
Believe MMA in North Plainfield offers a variety of martial arts and fitness programs to help you meet your personal goals. To learn more about what we’re currently offering, contact us today.
