Is Judo Dangerous? The Risks and Dangers Of Practicing Judo

For those who may be new to the world of martial arts, you may be wondering about the risks that come with participating in certain sports. While the most common injuries that occur in these kinds of sports aren’t too severe, it’s important to note the risks. But are sports like Judo dangerous? 

It’s important to note that Judo is one of the more dangerous sports when it comes to potential injuries on the mat. While injuries that occur in all forms of martial arts are similar, they are more likely to happen in Judo. 

This does not mean that you should not practice judo. When taught properly serious injuries are not necessarily more common than in many other sports. Japan has gotten a lot of flack in recent years due to the injuries reported in their schools.

This however has a lot to do due to the poor practices of the instructors. When done in a safe environment and with a good Sensei your risk of injury drops dramatically. France for example is one of the leading countries in judo but does not have the same amount of injuries.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the risks that come with practicing Judo, the rich history of this sport, and what beginners should know. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep on reading. 

What Is The Risk Of Injury In Judo

As we stated above, Judo is one of the more dangerous martial arts practices compared to many others. While the most common injuries within these sports are minor, such as sprains and pulled muscles, more serious injuries have happened within Judo.

It’s important to note that when it comes to young people practicing Judo, safety should be at the top of everyone’s radar, including instructors and coaches. To avoid any risks that may come from practicing Judo, instructors should look out for students’ well-being during both matches and practices.

A good Sensei will take the time to teach their students how to practice judo in the safest way possible. You should learn how to fall and how to protect yourself before you are getting thrown around in class. This way you are less likely to get hurt from a judo throw. 

After all, the goal of judo is to throw your opponent onto the ground. That said, you are going to take on some risk when practicing judo. You can greatly reduce your risks by learning judo at a reputable dojo with a quality instructor.

Below, we’ll explore how Japan came under fire by exposing its young students to unethical treatment while practicing Judo. 

Dealing With The Reported Judo Injuries In Japan

As we stated earlier, Judo is popular in many different areas of the world. At the same time, countries such as France and the U.S have not reported the same catastrophic injuries among students learning Judo as they have in Japan. 

While concussions have been common, there are no reports in these areas, such as traumatic brain injuries or death, which is important to note. Unfortunately, this is not the case for those in Japan, as they have been commonly under fire in recent years. 

Why Are There So Many Judo Injuries In Japan

In the past 30 years, Japan has reported over 118 deaths among students participating in Judo under school supervision, with over 300 students ending up permanently disabled. But it’s important to note that the sport itself is not entirely to blame, and it comes down to the lack of ethical coaching practices.

Many of these cases reported coaches pushing certain students too hard, which can become lethal if students have already suffered a head injury and are encouraged by their coaches to keep going. 

While Judo is a very contact-based sport, instructors must prioritize the safety and well-being of their students to stay safe. Once again, it’s important to remember that students can easily stay safe and avoid Judo’s risks if instructors ensure that their students stay safe during both practices and matches. 

Aside from the more serious things that could occur in Judo, more common injuries include sprains and pulled muscles. While more extreme injuries could happen, it’s important to note with the correct approach and training; you’ll likely be able to stay safe on the mat. 

At the end of the day, you are taking a physical risk when getting involved with just about any sport. So there are no guarantees that you will not get injured on the mat, you can take some precautions by selecting a great instructor and dojo.

Is Judo Dangerous For Kids?

Judo poses the same risks for kids that it does for adults. If you want to enroll your child in judo this can be a great thing for them.

However, judo can pose a risk of injury for kids. This is mostly due to a lack of safety precautions at particular dojos.

That said, most of the risks can be minimized by finding a great dojo to train at. Make sure the Sensei puts the safety of the kids above all else. When you have a good teacher the dangers of judo are greatly minimized.

I will personally enroll my son in Judo when he is old enough to start. I’m just going to make sure that he is under the supervision of a great judo teacher.

Judo Safety Equipment and Gear

Thankfully, you won’t have to purchase expensive footwear in Judo, seeing how all competitors perform barefoot. There are, however, other pieces of equipment you may want to invest in, such as knee pads, wrist pads, and a mouth guard if they would make you feel more comfortable.

Some people will also wear headgear as well to help protect against cauliflower ear. 

Another piece of equipment you may want to think about investing in is a quality sports bag, as well as a handful of high-quality and comfortable t-shirts you can wear under your Gi.

Taking the time to consider what you might need on the mat will help you succeed at Judo in no time.

In Summary

Now you have a better understanding of whether Judo is dangerous or not. While Judo is a more risky form of martial arts compared to others, with the proper training and gear, you should be able to stay safe and protected while on the mat. 

We also went over the history of Judo and the beliefs that are ingrained within this practice. We then listed all the necessary gear you’ll need to be successful in Judo.