| Friend,
So, it's random video Friday again, and here's what I have for you...
First up, this video provides a very succinct history of MMA, and it explains why more recent rule changes have resulted in increased brain injuries among fighters:
Definitely worth watching.*
I know, I know... as a fight fan, it's easy to be conflicted about this whole brain injury thing. On the one hand, you love watching two amazing fighters battle it out in the cage or ring. But on the other hand, you really don't want to see your favorite fighters suffer as they get older.
Still, we all love a good slug-fest. Like this next clip, for example.
I saw this video when it came out, but I can watch these two guys battle it out over and over again. Both of them are machines, and watching them slug away at each other for three rounds is quite the spectacle:
Alright, last video. This one features some fighters who are definitely not in danger of suffering from chronic brain trauma... at least, not from the fights featured in these clips: https://youtu.be/VXL4Vk_J5qM
That's all folks. Have a great weekend!
Until next time,
Mike Massie MartialArtsBusinessDaily.com
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P.S. - *Why should anyone care about TBI (traumatic brain injury)? Here are a few reasons why you might want to read up on it...
Reason #1 - MMA injury stats are now getting lumped in with those from the rest of the martial arts. The result? Physicians are starting to tell parents that martial arts training is much more dangerous than other sports:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/martial-arts-can-pose-serious-dangers-for-kids/
And if you look at overall martial arts injury stats from the pre-MMA days, they were way lower. Anyone who teaches martial arts knows that most kid's martial arts programs are non-contact. But the public doesn't know enough to make that distinction.
So, you need to be educated enough to explain this to parents.
Reason #2 - There are legal considerations. If you allow your athletes to develop CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) now, you could be subject to future lawsuits as awareness of this issue spreads.
Believe me, at some point the lawyers are going to be all over this. So, it's best to educate yourself now and to take reasonable steps to protect your athletes.
Reason #3 - It sucks to have CTE. I personally know two amateur fighters who developed serious health issues after years of repeated head trauma. CTE can cause depression, memory loss, loss of motor skills, and poor impulse control... and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Look, we all love watching two tough fighters battle it out. And we all know that pro fighters understand the risks of fighting professionally. However, newbies to the sport and kids need to be protected from getting head injuries, because they rarely understand the risks and are the most likely athletes to get injured when engaging in hard sparring.
Bottom line... keep your athletes from getting TBI and CTE. | 