Skin game

What are the biggest threats to martial artists?

I've been hit quite a few times over the years. There have been a few black eyes and cut lips, but the biggest thing by far was a punch that cracked a rib. Not such a bad record for over 30 years of training.

There have been hurt toes, and lots of bruises, but nothing bad. At Jiu-Jitsu, my arms get sore sometimes after a night of repetition of a single submission technique. The feeling has always been gone in a day.

So what scares me?

Back when I was an assistant wrestling coach at the high-school level, we battled the threat constantly. A Jiu-Jitsu friend trained one night at a mma gym and was hospitalized due to the same threat. Our club is aware of the threat, and takes measures to minimize the risk.

The danger is skin infection.

Prevention is pretty easy. Mopping the mats with disinfectant regularly destroys the assorted bacteria, viruses, and forms of fungus. At wrestling, we used to wash down the mats before each and every practice. I only saw one case of fugal infection there. The kid was benched until all he was cleared by a doctor.

At our Jiu-Jitsu school, nobody has come down with anything.

My friend went to one session where the mat wasn't cared for properly, and ended up on intravenous antibiotics. Granted, this was an extreme case.

Individuals can lessen their personal risk by not wearing a uniform more than once before laundering. Problem organisms can live in the sweaty cloth. It's also a good idea to shower or wash after each session to get any beasties off the skin.

I don't think many know to fear for their skin/