Best ways to recover from Injuries that keep you from training

If you do any type of marital arts, you're going to get injured. Actually, if you do anything that involves moving your body you risk the possibility of getting injured. The good thing is that our bodies were built to fix themselves. They want to get better even when we are hurt. So if you don't want to get hurt or don't want to risk getting hurt you should stay on your couch and not move... But then you face all the other health problems from lack of exercise, so you might as well get out and move. 

I've found jiu-jitsu to be my most favorite form of exercise, but injuries will happen. The best thing we can do is to keep moving even after we get injured. The worst thing we can do is to stop moving. My example below will be more specific to jiu-jitsu, but for those doing other sports or activities should get the picture. 

Let's say you injure your shoulder or your elbow. Should you go and do 1,000 push ups? Probably not. But what you can do is 1,000 squats. You can come to training, warm up,  and replace all upper body exercises with a lower body exercise. After the warm up you can find a place to watch technique being taught. Sometimes watching technique and not actually doing it can give you an alternate perspective on training and the art of technique. You might find yourself with a higher level of understanding when you get back on the mat to train full time. Incorporate some stretching while you watch the technique. It might be the only time you get to work on your Jean Claude VanDam Splits... The list goes on. So avoid falling into the trap of not training when you suffer from an injury.

One of the most important elements of getting better and working towards a goal is consistency. When you suffer from an injury your immediate goals might be hard to attain, but there are many other things that support your journey towards achieving that goal. Here is a short list of a few things that you can do if you get injured and are unable to fully participate in a jiu-jitsu class. 

1) Exercise the non injured body part

2) Watch Technique

3) Watch Rolling

4) Stretch

5) Socialize

6) Visualize

7) Ask questions about the technique of the day

8) Watch the upper belts train 

9) Help your instructor around the dojo

10) ________________

Injuries are always going to be a part of a healthy training curriculum. The important element to consider is how you will continue with your training if that injury keeps you from training like you would on a regular basis. Be consistent! You will find success! 

Eliot Kelly

EDH Jiu-Jitsu

916.595.4064