Martial Arts Issues: Should I Go to Class when I'm Sick?
For the athlete or martial artist, one of the most frustrating situations one can face is when one is slightly injured or sick. Unlike a severe injury, the athlete often faces increased self-doubt about his own toughness. For example, at my Baltimore MMA gym, one of my top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors, had to undergo major shoulder surgery. There was absolutely no possible way he could practice. On the other hand, when my athletes are sick with the flu or a simple cold, they often try to come in and work out. After all, they do not want to be known as the guy who was not tough enough to train with a fever.
But is this really a good idea?
The first issue to consider is the benefit to the athlete himself.In the athlete's weakened physical condition, will another practice actually be beneficial?In addition, will the athlete's return to health be delayed by the additional training?Recovery and healing might be slowed by the additional training.
The second issue pertains to the effect of the illness / injury to the other athletes. In the case of an infectious illness such as the flu, quarantine is probably preferable simply to avoid spreading the illness to other individuals. When the athlete is suffering from an acute injury, one must consider the effect of the injured athlete on the training of the other team members – will the quality of the practice of the healthy athletes be negatively affected by having an injured athlete present?
A real-life instance of this would be in the case mentioned above of the Martial Artist who was suffering from a shoulder injury. He would often train in the Baltimore Kickboxing classes because he could kick and knee. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold pads or participate when in it was the other athlete’s turn to practice. So while he was able to gain some benefit from the class, the other individual’s practice was worsened.
At the end of the day, each injury or illness must be considered on a case-by-case basis by the coach or medical staff simply due to the large amount of variables that come into play. However, any decision must take into account the two issues listed above – namely, the effect of the illness/injury on the athlete herself and the effect of the illness/injury on the team.
Julius Park
E3 2011 Supremacy MMA Hands On Demo