| Martial arts are systems of offensive and | | | | |
| defensive combat movements which includes | | | | · Strains -- injury to the muscle or |
| proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other | | | | tendon. Some muscles may tear from rapid |
| combative skills. Many people often associate | | | | stops that occurs when forceful contact is |
| martial arts to violence and brutality. Even | | | | made with an opponent or object. |
| though this form of art was developed for | | | | |
| self defense, this craft is just about | | | | · Knee pain injuries -- caused by the |
| throwing punches or performing high kicks. | | | | bent-knee stance typical of most martial arts |
| Martial arts are seen as expressions of | | | | and the use of forceful kicks that can injure |
| valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a | | | | the joint if not done properly. |
| philosophy which stresses that people should | | | | |
| live in peace and harmony. Martial arts | | | | · Head injuries - head injuries can occur |
| philosophy emphasizes on the essence of | | | | during training or competition because of |
| self-control, respect for others, and | | | | heavy impacts of kicks and punches in the |
| positive perspective to strive for the best | | | | head area. Wearing high quality helmet and |
| in life. Martial arts are part of an Eastern | | | | mouth guards is advised among martial artists |
| tradition that gives emphasis on the | | | | |
| fortification of the mind, body, and spirit. | | | | · Dislocations and fractures -- |
| Its teachings emphasize that a true martial | | | | particularly of the hand, finger, foot and |
| artist must become physically, mentally, and | | | | toe. |
| emotionally strong enough to avoid fighting. | | | | |
| The many forms of martial arts include | | | | · Overuse injuries -- any part of the body |
| Karate, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, | | | | can be injured by sheer repetition of |
| Judo, Yaw-Yan, and Jiu Jitsu. | | | | movement. |
| | | | |
| Martial arts include high-energy training | | | | Martial arts training involve strenuous |
| that can improve strength, speed, | | | | movements that may put high stress on muscles |
| flexibility, and cardiovascular health. | | | | and joints. To avoid injuries, it is very |
| However, just like other sports or physical | | | | important to give special attention to |
| activities, there are injuries that can be | | | | stretching. Stretching regularly helps |
| encountered in martial arts training or | | | | maintain or increase flexibility and lower |
| competition. Quite surprisingly, the risk of | | | | the risk of injuries. In addition to |
| injury from martial arts is lower compared to | | | | stretching, martial arts training should also |
| other contact sports. A research conducted at | | | | include exercises meant to improve overall |
| George Washington University in the United | | | | conditioning and muscle training before |
| States concluded that the injury rate in | | | | undertaking any comprehensive martial arts |
| martial arts training is lower than other | | | | training. By strengthening the muscles, |
| contact sports like rugby, American football, | | | | joints, and coordination, athletes will be |
| basketball, and hockey. Most injuries | | | | able to make martial arts training safer and |
| associated with martial arts are aching limbs | | | | more injury-free. Breathing techniques are |
| and lower back pain, which are usually mild | | | | also important as part of the practice of |
| to moderate injuries. | | | | martial arts. Exhaling while contracting |
| | | | muscles and inhaling while resting the |
| Common injuries in martial arts may include: | | | | muscles may help prevent injuries. |
| | | | |
| · Skin damage -- such as cuts and bruises. | | | | By warming-up properly, breathing |
| | | | extensively, and wearing necessary equipment, |
| · Sprains -- Many sprains occur in the | | | | martial artists and athletes can avoid |
| ankles, elbows, and other joint areas. Many | | | | injuries that may hamper the progress of |
| ankle sprains develop because of improper | | | | their training and level of competitiveness. |
| weight distribution while kicking. | | | | |