Introduction
As a dad who’s been actively training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and had my child involved in it as well, I understand the concerns and questions that arise when considering BJJ for our kids. BJJ offers fantastic opportunities for self-defense skills, discipline, and physical fitness, but it’s natural to worry about the potential risks and injuries that come with any contact sport. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience, along with researched insights, to help you make an informed decision and navigate the world of BJJ for your child.
How Common are Injuries in BJJ?
When it comes to injuries in BJJ, it’s crucial to strike a balance between awareness and perspective. Based on my research and discussions with fellow practitioners and coaches, here are some common injuries reported among BJJ athletes:
- Sprains and strains: These are the most prevalent injuries, often caused by rapid movements, twists, and turns during training sessions.
- Contusions: Bruises and minor impact-related injuries can occur due to accidental collisions with training partners or the mat.
- Joint dislocations: Although relatively rare, joint dislocations can happen when joint locks are applied without proper control or sensitivity.
- Fractures: While fractures are less common, they can occur during high-impact situations, such as takedowns or heavy falls.
My own injuries on the journal to purple belt
When I was a white belt, injuries were very common. Likely this occurred because of the all-too-real white belt spaz mentality, in which as untrained participators, we train and drill, and fight, at far too high an intensity.
It was unusual to not feel pain and strain in some joints. Over the holidays, when class was cancelled, my friend would remark to me about "how good it feels to not hurt".
As I continued training through blue and to purple, injuries became much less common. My most recent injury was serious though, and gave me persisting symptoms for longer than month. It happened when drilling with a very strong, 3 month old white belt who was going far far too intense, and didn’t have the knowledge to safely train at that intensity.
I got lucky, but it was a big "stinger" – or brachial nerve plexus injury. I got lucky because it came from him exploding and putting pressure on my neck.
In the worst case scenario, you can get paralyzed, as described in this case of a white belt.
My son’s experience with injuries
While he only trained for about 18-24 months (hard to get the time right with COVID cancellations), he did not have any serious injuries.
A lot of this comes down to the instructor monitoring the kids well. But I wouldn’t put it past some good luck as well, as our gym was one that had kids sparring (even if it was just simple positions, like trying to get on top) from day 1. And intensity was high.
Preventing Injuries in BJJ
As parents, our primary concern is ensuring our children’s safety. Here are some practical steps I’ve discovered that can help prevent injuries and create a safe training environment:
- Open communication with the instructors: Establishing a relationship with the BJJ instructors is crucial. Discuss your child’s goals, any concerns you have, and inquire about the instructor’s approach to safety and injury prevention. Don’t be shy to communicate concerns about weight discrepancies and partners. There are weight divisions for a reason.
- Emphasize proper technique: Encourage your child to focus on learning and practicing proper technique right from the beginning. This helps them develop body awareness, control, and reduces the risk of injury. Proper technique goes a long way to prevent injuries because you learn to use your body in a mechanically sound way.
- Choosing training partners wisely: Teach your child the importance of training with partners who prioritize safety and are mindful of their movements and intensity levels.
- Promote gradual progression: Encourage a gradual progression in training intensity and complexity. This allows your child’s body to adapt and reduces the likelihood of overuse injuries.
- Warm-up and cool-down routines: Emphasize the significance of warm-up exercises to prepare the body for training and cool-down exercises to aid recovery and prevent muscle soreness.
- Incorporate strength and conditioning exercises: Encourage your child to engage in age-appropriate strength and conditioning exercises that target the muscles and joints commonly used in BJJ. This helps build resilience and reduces the risk of injuries. This is something that has helped myself with injury prevention as well.
Comparing Injury Risks to Other Combat Sports and Physical Activities
As parents, we naturally want to compare the injury risks associated with BJJ to other activities. Here’s what my research and personal discussions have revealed:
- BJJ has a lower risk of injury compared to combat sports like wrestling, judo, and mixed martial arts. Studies have shown lower rates of head and facial injuries in BJJ.
- Intense physical activities such as football and rugby may carry a higher risk of certain injuries, such as concussions and fractures. However, it’s important to note that injury risk can vary based on individual factors and training conditions.
Identifying Dangerous Positions in BJJ
While BJJ provides a safe and controlled environment for training, there are certain positions that can pose a higher risk of injury if not approached with caution. Here are a few examples:
- Joint locks: Applying joint locks without proper control and sensitivity can result in joint sprains, dislocations, or ligament tears. Kids can have big egos which means they don’t want to lose in a match. Teach them to tap early. It took my almost training 18 months before I learned this hack.
- Chokes: Improper application of chokes can lead to loss of consciousness or neck injuries. Ensure your child understands the importance of proper technique, controlled pressure, and recognizing the limits of their training partners when they are applying a choke. Understand that chokes, though more so in adults. This article describes one such stroke after brazilian jiujitsu injury.
- Inversion and leg entanglement: Complex leg entanglements and inverted positions can potentially increase the risk of knee injuries if executed without control. Encourage your child to approach these positions with caution, learning them progressively and under proper supervision. Most clubs do not teach kids leg locks, but inversions are very common. My son was smaller for his age when he was training, and as such often would end up on the bottom position. We had many discussions about the risks of inversions on the spine.
Coaching Your Child in BJJ
Based on my experience, here are some valuable insights to guide you as a parent and coach to your child in their BJJ journey:
- Choose a reputable BJJ academy: Look for academies that prioritize safety, provide qualified instructors, and maintain a positive learning environment for kids.
- Encourage communication: Foster open lines of communication with your child about their BJJ experiences. Listen to their concerns, challenges, and successes, and be their advocate when needed.
- Support rest and recovery: Teach your child the importance of rest and recovery to prevent overuse injuries. Help them understand that breaks and periods of active recovery are essential for long-term progress.
- Lead by example: If you’re a practitioner yourself, demonstrate a healthy and responsible approach to training. Show your child the importance of warming up, tapping out, and practicing good sportsmanship.
- Promote a balanced lifestyle: BJJ should be part of a well-rounded lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, hydration, and sufficient sleep. Encourage your child to maintain balance in all aspects of their life.
Conclusion
As a parent who has experienced the world of BJJ alongside my child, I understand the concerns and desire to ensure safety and prevent injury. By taking proactive steps to prevent injuries, staying informed about the sport, and fostering open communication with instructors and our children, we can provide them with a safe and enjoyable BJJ experience. Each child is unique, and it’s important to consider their individual needs and aspirations when making decisions about their involvement in BJJ.
Disclaimer: The insights shared in this article are based on personal experiences and research. Always consult with professionals, such as BJJ instructors and healthcare providers, for personalized advice and guidance based on your child’s specific needs and circumstances.
I hope this perspective-based article provides you with valuable insights and guidance for navigating the world of BJJ for your child.