Injuries in Novice Male Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

Abstract

Sports, especially combat sports, carry an inherent risk of injuries compared with purely exercise-based physical activities. Reports
on combat sports injuries mainly focus on injuries obtained during competition, and the incidence may not be as severe when done recreationally. Jiu Jitsu is a unique martial art style that emphasizes on takedowns, throws, joint locks, and choke holds to immobilize, control, or submit an attacker. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the common injuries in recreational, novice Jiu Jitsu practitioners. A descriptive epidemiology using a self-inventory of injuries was utilized in this study. The subjects participated in 32 twice-per-week, one-hour No-gi Jiu Jitsu lessons spanning a total of 17 weeks. There was a 77% incidence of injuries among the participants. Those injured had an average of 3.9 injuries each. The data revealed that, of all reported injuries,
abrasions, wounds/cuts, and strains occurred most frequently while the anatomical regions at risk the most were the feet and knees. Despite the high incidence of injuries, they were all considered to be minor, acute injuries with none requiring serious medical attention or causing the participants to discontinue the course. The recreational practice of Jiu Jitsu is generally safe with an inherent risk for minor injuries that can be further managed with good coaching and personal protective equipment.