Likely Injuries in Judo

**BKR** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 9:29pm

Originally Posted by philmgriffin

it's hard to pinpoint what has done the most damage to my knees over the years, I tend to think it was all the football I played in my youth that did most of the damage.

However that said I was doing randori with a heavy set (fat) Brown belt when I attempted Yoko Sutemi Waza

he pulled back and landed with his kneecap on the side of my knee and within a minute I had a swelling on my knee the size of a small child.
After 3 weeks of rest and elevation I still have a pressure bandage over the injury and it has yet to return to normal. (I'm assured that it will make a full recovery)

Do not ever, ever, I repeat EVER post that video again, or any others from that supposed judo black belt.

Thank you.

Ben

**BKR** · Posted On: 8/01/2011 9:37pm

Originally Posted by ghosttraingray

Thanks for the replies.

Perhaps it's worthwhile to lift weights for a while and build muscle for protective purposes before going out for judo classes, then? I'd also do this in tandem with running to build stamina and strengthen my body some more.

Cheers.

Don't let all the horror stories stop you from trying Judo. Take it slow, do not go into full on randori at first (in a well instructed setting, that won't happen anyway).

If you are doing what is generally termed "recreational" Judo, you should be fine. There is always a possibility of injury to your fingers/hands/wrists/arms regardless, it's a contact activity.

Ben

**Tsurumakii** · Posted On: 8/24/2011 8:45am

Several people have mentioned collarbone fractures -- when you're thrown forward such as by seoinage in particular, resist the temptation to put your hand straight out in front of you down on the mat.
Elbows, of course. And over the long term, knees and shoulders. Donn Draeger did a whole load of different MA's but always said that judo was hardest on the body. In fact he called judo "the great crippler." He was very tough, lots of weight training, but also very flexible, something he emphasized for injury prevention.

**Res Judicata** · Posted On: 8/24/2011 10:27am

Originally Posted by BKR

Do not ever, ever, I repeat EVER post that video again, or any others from that supposed judo black belt.

Thank you.

Ben

Damn, that's wretched. His videos are universally terrible. I pity his students. Even the Israeli Ninjas do it better:

Uki waza, done properly, is the first set in this video

Op: Judo is awesome, but its not for wimps.

**Gezere** · Posted On: 8/24/2011 10:49am

Uki waza used to be one of my main throws for BJJ. Never did it that beautifully but it was effective. Now I find I rely more on kososto gari/gake, kouchigari, and Uchimata.

**Sorekara** · Posted On: 8/24/2011 5:07pm

Originally Posted by Res Judicata

Op: Judo is awesome, but its not for wimps.

This is all that needs said.

**doofaloofa** · Posted On: 9/24/2011 3:24am

Just got Mallet Finger on my L ring finger from judo training :[
This is where the tendon that straightens the tip of the finger has ruptured and fails to straighten all the way.
It wasn't sore, but 6 weeks in a splint!!! 6 weeks out of action (Plus 6 hours in A&E, but thats another story!)

**mikaeldimitri** · Posted On: 10/02/2011 5:32pm

Judo is tough! The common skeletal injuries are broken fingers or toes. You are going to get sprains, bruises and strains.

**Carrera26** · Posted On: 11/18/2011 1:45pm

Originally Posted by Tom Kagan

A little known provision in the proposed IJF rule changes is the requirements for 3rd Dan will mandate a certified letter from an orthopedist providing proof of reconstructive knee surgery.

Hell yeah, so my 2 ACL surgeries should be good for at least a Yondan right?
Toe/finger sprains aren't uncommon, fractured a toe myself.

There are 3 primary causes of injuries in Judo:

1 - Ego
2 - Forcing/reaching for what isn't there (works closely with above)
3 - White Belts

Learn your ukemi (both sides!), don't worry about getting thrown, don't force what you don't have (cause of my ACL injury), and keep a close eye on that big new guy who hasn't been around long enough to learn 1, 2 and 3.

**doofaloofa** · Posted On: 11/18/2011 2:22pm

Originally Posted by Carrera26

Hell yeah, so my 2 ACL surgeries should be good for at least a Yondan right?
Toe/finger sprains aren't uncommon, fractured a toe myself.

There are 3 primary causes of injuries in Judo:

1 - Ego
2 - Forcing/reaching for what isn't there (works closely with above)
3 - White Belts

Learn your ukemi (both sides!), don't worry about getting thrown, don't force what you don't have (cause of my ACL injury), and keep a close eye on that big new guy who hasn't been around long enough to learn 1, 2 and 3.

Good advice

Funnily enough my mallet finger (now repaired thank god) was gained playing a warm up game with the junior class!