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