A punch lands during sparring. The athlete shakes it off and keeps going. For athletes who train and compete in martial arts, injuries can happen. But when does a regular strike become too much? A sparring match could be dangerous if it’s between two inexperienced fighters or isn’t being supervised by a teacher or senior belt.
Martial arts can be a great way to exercise, learn self-defense, and build confidence and
discipline. But as training moves from practicing techniques to contact sparring and competition, the risk of injury increases. For martial artists, parents, and coaches, the challenge is knowing how to develop these skills while using proper technique, supervision, and control to reduce the risk of injury.
Not every martial artist faces the same risk or level of danger. Beginners usually train without making contact, but as athletes advance, they learn new techniques while making contact with opponents. Learning and practicing forms without actually hitting someone is very different from sparring with another person. In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that when students begin contact-based sparring, their chance of getting hurt increases. Martial arts student Andrew Johnson knows how different sparring can feel from just practicing techniques. “When you’re sparring, you have to focus because things happen really fast. You’re trying to use what you’ve learned, but you also have to stay in control so you don’t hurt your partner,” Johnson said.
Head injuries are some of the most serious injuries martial artists can face. In certain types of martial arts, athletes can be hit in the head during sparring or tournaments, which could cause concussions or other significant head injuries. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics also found that although many martial artists wear soft protective headgear, there’s no evidence that it actually reduces the risk of concussions.
“With any contact sport, a hit to the head needs to be taken seriously. If an athlete shows signs of a possible concussion, the important thing is getting them out of the activity and making sure they’re evaluated before returning,” said Collin Moore, a physician assistant who has studied sports medicine.
But the possibility of getting hurt is only one side of martial arts. Martial arts gives students a challenging way to exercise and use skills that can help in all parts of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that martial arts can improve physical fitness, including strength, balance, and flexibility. Another study by Stamenković and other researchers found that karate, judo, taekwondo, and aikido programs had positive effects on children’s physical fitness. The risk level also depends on how a student trains. Not every kind of martial arts includes contact or sparring. For example, Krav Maga focuses on self-defense, while Iaido focuses on practicing forms and doesn’t even involve fighting. Students can train by practicing forms, techniques, footwork, and working through drills without full contact. Non-contact training is a lot less risky than contact. This also allows senseis and instructors to gradually teach harder skills as students become stronger and gain experience.
Good instructors can also make a big difference in keeping students safe. “Injuries can happen in martial arts, but proper training, good technique, and supervision can greatly reduce the risk,” Kyree Howe, a martial arts instructor, said. An experienced instructor can spot poor technique, fix movements that are unsafe or could cause injury, and stop students when they become too aggressive or go too far. It’s important for students to learn control instead of just learning how to hit harder. Moore also believes that the way athletes train matters. “You can’t completely remove the risk from a contact sport, but proper technique, controlled training, and good supervision can make a big difference,” he said.
Martial arts can also teach skills that go beyond physical fitness. “Martial arts is also a great way to stay physically fit while building confidence, discipline, respect, and perseverance,” Howe said. When students practice moves over and over, that builds perseverance. When they make a mistake, it teaches them to stay focused and keep trying. As they master skills, they build confidence. Johnson has experienced some of those benefits himself. “Martial arts has made me more confident, but I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is self-control. Just because you know how to fight doesn’t mean you should,” he said. A fast punch, powerful kick, or intense sparring match will always come with some risk. But the punch that lands during sparring is only one part of martial arts. Behind it are hours of learning technique, practicing control, building strength, and knowing when to stop. Martial arts may never be risk-free, but for athletes who choose to participate, proper training, good supervision, and self-control can help them find a balance between improving their skills and staying safe.
Students participate in a martial arts class, supervised by an instructor.
Photo courtesy of Wellness Living.
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