Personal Safety
We have gone to great lengths to make our programs among the safest in the nation. It is important that all students follow the guidance of the instructor and exercise proper control when working on techniques or sparring. To further eliminate the possibility of injury, protective groin cups are mandatory for all male students during all class workouts. In addition, safety equipment is mandatory for all sparring classes.
Required safety equipment consists of approved handgear, feetgear, headgear,mouth guard, cup & protector and headgear. Optional, but not required, equipment includes: shin protectors, forearm guards, rib guard, and protective bra for female students. All of these items may be purchased through your instructor. If there are any questions concerning equipment or regulations, please talk to your instructor.
Injuries
Karate is safer than most other sports, even non-contact activities. But occasionally, injuries will happen. They are almost always accidents that could have been avoided with a little awareness.
It is important to know what it feels like to be hit or thrown. The more it happens, the more prepared you will be. We don’t wait for it to happen, but it will over the years. Recognize that injuries are part of an active lifestyle and don’t let the fear of injury keep you from learning– or more importantly– keep you from class. If injured during practice, jump right back in. Don’t go to your parents first; go to the instructor and indicate that you are hurt. In the next section are some ways to minimize the chances of injury.
It is important for spectators and parents to stay away from an injured athlete until the instructor in charge has evaluated the situation. This keeps the victim calm. Parents often make the situation worse by interfering before the seriousness of the injury has been evaluated. It is important that a student return to the class as soon as possible, if not immediately.
10 easy ways to avoid injury
- Never kick without warming up first. Always warm up before joining classes.
- Be careful of foot placement at all times, especially 0n the mats.
- Never hit opponents in anger.
- Never be unpredictable until you can control the panic you inspire in your opponent.
- Always wear a mouth guard when free sparring. Mouth guards are meant to protect your lips from your teeth.
- Protective gear is not a license to hit. Karate gear is designed to protect the feet hands and head from a fall or kick but not from deliberate contact.
- Relax and don’t be afraid. This is when you are most likely to be hurt.
- Don’t look at an injury as a negative. Use an injury for a learning experience.
- Always keep your eyes on the instructor or your opponent.
- Always use a spotter on difficult movements.
