How Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Avoid and Cure Injuries

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an age-old martial art that uses techniques of grappling and ground fighting for self defense. Like all other martial arts, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be strenuous and risky. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are vulnerable to various injuries. They must be aware of all potential injuries and must try to avoid them.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes can face minor injuries like bruises, sprains and wounds. Sprains are superficial and usually affect the spine and legs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes can also suffer from dislocations and fractures. Dislocations have usually been observed in areas like shoulders, toes and knees. Fractures are likely to happen in bones in the pelvic area, thighs and ankles. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are also vulnerable to some life threatening injuries in the skull and spine.

However, these injuries can be avoided. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes must wear necessary safety gear. They can wear chest guards to prevent their ribs and chest muscles. Foot pads and shin guards can be used to prevent the shin muscles from injury during compression locks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes can also use hand pads to prevent injury in the fingers and palms. Athletes can also use head gear and mouthpieces to prevent any serious head and jaw injuries. Athletes can also use athletic pads and groin pads. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes must also ensure that they do not practice on uneven or soft surface to avoid injuries.

In case a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete gets hurt, he must get immediate medical attention. Minor injuries like bruises and sprains can be treated with basic first-aid and heal fast. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches must be trained in providing first aid. Immediate first aid can prevent an injured athlete’s condition from deteriorating. However, injuries in vital parts like skull and spine need proper medical attention. Sometimes, seemingly superficial swelling in the jaw can turn out to be a skull injury, which can be fatal if left untreated. If the athlete gets hurt in any of the vital parts of the body, he must be taken to the doctor immediately.

How Can a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athlete Monitor Vitamin Intake

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes have to complement their rigorous exercise sessions with a balanced diet to get results. Their diet must contain a balance of all nutrients. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes tend to choose high-protein diet as they believe that it would help them develop muscle mass. Due to this they may end up ignoring vegetables and fruits that are the primary source for vitamins. Though, vitamins are not known as performance enhancers, their deficiency can lead to muscle damage and impair an athlete’s performance.  Most common vitamin deficiencies found among athletes are the B-complex vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. Antioxidants are required to handle the stress developed on muscles due to exercise.

The first step to avoid this damage is monitoring the vitamin intake of the body. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete could be consuming fewer vitamins than required if he is trying to lose weight by cutting his diet. Unhealthy eating habits like eating junk food, fried snacks and processed foods can also lead to vitamin deficiency. Consuming less than four to five servings of fruits and vegetables can also lead to vitamin deficiency. Athletes who smoke and drink excessively are also at the risk of vitamin deficiency. Athletes who suffer from pernicious anemia can also be suffering from vitamin deficiency due to reduced absorption of vitamins in their body. If an athlete suspects vitamin deficiency due to any of these reasons, he should consult a nutritionist to get a proper analysis of his nutrient consumption.

If a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete is diagnosed with vitamin deficiency, he can rectify it by making necessary amendments in his diet. He should avoid following a diet plan that provides special emphasis on any specific nutrient. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete can consult a nutritionist to get a diet chart for himself. He must also include five to six servings of fruits and vegetables in his daily diet. Energy drinks, rich in vitamins, can also help in replenishing the body with vitamins.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete can also take vitamin supplements to make up for a deficiency. However, the supplement must add vitamins within the Recommended daily Allowances (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) level.