Hey there! So, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an amazing martial art that can really challenge you physically. But, let's be real, it also comes with the risk of getting injured. Don't worry though, I got you covered! Here are some common injuries in BJJ and how you can avoid them:

Joint Injuries:

So, BJJ involves a lot of joint manipulation which can be tough on your shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. Ouch! You don't want to get dislocated joints, torn ligaments, or sprains, so make sure to warm up before training and use proper technique when doing joint manipulation. Oh, and don't be a hero, tap early if you feel too much pressure on a joint.

Muscle Strains: 

BJJ is all about grappling and wrestling which can result in muscle strains, especially in your neck, back, and legs. These injuries happen when you make sudden twisting or pulling movements. To avoid them, make sure to warm up properly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Stretching is also really important to help you stay flexible and prevent injury. I see guys at the gym all the time who hate stretching and skip the warmup. This is a recipe for disaster!

Concussions:

BJJ also involves throws and takedowns which can cause head injuries and concussions. Yikes! You definitely don't want to end up with memory loss or cognitive impairment. I don't see this one too much at our BJJ gym because we don't work takedowns very often so it doesn't happen as much. But it's still possible. To avoid this, make sure to use proper technique when doing throws and takedowns, and if you can, wear headgear for extra protection.

Skin Infections:

Since BJJ involves a lot of close contact with other people, you're at risk of getting skin infections like ringworm and staph infections. Gross! These infections can spread quickly in a gym or academy, so make sure to shower immediately after training and wash your gear regularly. Tea tree soap is excellent for killing all kinds of nasty bugs. If you think you have an infection, please, please, please avoid training until you're fully healed.

So, there you have it! BJJ is amazing but can be tough on your body. s. Stay healthy and keep rolling!