7starmarc
Green Belt
Pain, bruises, thumps, bumps, these are all part of the experience that it is to train MA. As one instructor I had used to say "We bleed in here so we don't bleed out there."
Having said that, if a person truly has their "bell rung", they need to be watched carefully. In many cases, having one's "bell rung" is a common description for a mild concussion. If a person has a spaced look in their eyes, difficulty finding their bearings, etc. they should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. They should not return to the contact activities until they have been cleared by a physician or comparable expert. A person does not have to loose consciousness completely or for an extended period to be considered to have had a concussion. Also, if they return to contact activities and have another blow of significant force, they are at risk for further neurological damage or even death from second impact syndrome. To make things worst, having had a concussion may reduce their reaction time or concentration to the point that they are impaired in protecting themselves and at increased risk for additional injury.
We all want to learn how to accept pain, injury and fight on, but in a training environment, we also have to learn when to stop to avoid further damage.
There are many different algorithms for return to contact sports activities after a concussion. No one really knows the limits, but it is best to follow at least one of them for safety and liability. If an instructor encourages a student with signs of a concussion to "fight on", they could be held liable for ensuing secondary injuries.
Having said that, if a person truly has their "bell rung", they need to be watched carefully. In many cases, having one's "bell rung" is a common description for a mild concussion. If a person has a spaced look in their eyes, difficulty finding their bearings, etc. they should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. They should not return to the contact activities until they have been cleared by a physician or comparable expert. A person does not have to loose consciousness completely or for an extended period to be considered to have had a concussion. Also, if they return to contact activities and have another blow of significant force, they are at risk for further neurological damage or even death from second impact syndrome. To make things worst, having had a concussion may reduce their reaction time or concentration to the point that they are impaired in protecting themselves and at increased risk for additional injury.
We all want to learn how to accept pain, injury and fight on, but in a training environment, we also have to learn when to stop to avoid further damage.
There are many different algorithms for return to contact sports activities after a concussion. No one really knows the limits, but it is best to follow at least one of them for safety and liability. If an instructor encourages a student with signs of a concussion to "fight on", they could be held liable for ensuing secondary injuries.