Presentation and advices

[fetuso]

Hi guys! I'm new in this forum.
I've been practicing western boxing for some years. Last year I got serious problems to my elbow (like a bad form tennis elbow) and had to quit. For a time I couldn't even use my right arm. Now it seems it's getting allright again, so I'm thinking to restart. However, I'm seriously thinking about BJJ, instead than boxing, because I'm afraid to damage my elbow again and I lack ground skills, which are covered by BJJ. I would appreciate if somebody who knows could tell me if BJJ is safer for that kind of elbow problems.

Thank you.

[bWsWwrestler]

Um sorry but no it probably isn't much safer. You do use your arms quite a bit and you have to be quick with the movements. Also if you get caught in an armbar, americana, kimura, any type of move that inflicts damage on the elbow or even shoulder could damage it.

[Tant01]

Greetings and welcome!

Hi guys! I'm new in this forum.
I've been practicing western boxing for some years. Last year I got serious problems to my elbow (like a bad form tennis elbow) and had to quit. For a time I couldn't even use my right arm. Now it seems it's getting allright again, so I'm thinking to restart. However, I'm seriously thinking about BJJ, instead than boxing, because I'm afraid to damage my elbow again and I lack ground skills, which are covered by BJJ. I would appreciate if somebody who knows could tell me if BJJ is safer for that kind of elbow problems.

Thank you.

Welcome aboard. I'm sure you will find a great diversity of opinions here but ultimately the decision is yours. My advise would be to ask your doctor!



If your joint pain (dysfunction) is caused by rapid acceleration, deceleration and impact stress (PUNCHING) you may find value in the "gentle" art.

While there is potential risk for injury to your joints... the twisting, crushing and hyper extending techniques of BJJ (judo) are less stressful than hitting the heavy bag. (in MY humble opinion)

It is functionally a submission game. The sooner you learn to "TAP OUT" the easier and less painful it will be.

Ask if you can observe a few classes or get a couple of free "introduction" lessons and try it out. Make sure you explain your joint issues with your instructors and training partners.

Have fun and let us know what you decide.

[fetuso]

Welcome aboard. I'm sure you will find a great diversity of opinions here but ultimately the decision is yours. My advise would be to ask your doctor!



If your joint pain (dysfunction) is caused by rapid acceleration, deceleration and impact stress (PUNCHING) you may find value in the "gentle" art.

While there is potential risk for injury to your joints... the twisting, crushing and hyper extending techniques of BJJ (judo) are less stressful than hitting the heavy bag. (in MY humble opinion)

It is functionally a submission game. The sooner you learn to "TAP OUT" the easier and less painful it will be.

Ask if you can observe a few classes or get a couple of free "introduction" lessons and try it out. Make sure you explain your joint issues with your instructors and training partners.

Have fun and let us know what you decide.

Thank u for the recommendation! I was thinking in the same lines, but I wanted some expert advice before starting. I'm quite trilled to start BJJ. Besides, my ground game is non-existent, so that's an issue I need to fix.

[sapatiero]

The main culprit of elbow problems in my experience is not tapping to armbars early enough, and this happens a lot at beginner level.

If your arm is straightened with an armbar, tap quickly, don't try to tough it out. And if you're clinching your wrist/gi to delay an armbar, and you feel the armbar will snap on when you let go, then there's no shame in verbally tapping rather than releasing and having a bad elbow for 6 weeks.

On the bright side, a damaged elbow really improves your defence, as you tend to keep it tucked into your side more.

Good luck with BJJ, you won't regret the decision.

[Adept]

Um sorry but no it probably isn't much safer. You do use your arms quite a bit and you have to be quick with the movements. Also if you get caught in an armbar, americana, kimura, any type of move that inflicts damage on the elbow or even shoulder could damage it.

He can wear elbow pads. That'll protect him!

[cakegirl]

Go for it. Just be sensible, and "tap early and tap often" - there is no shame in tapping well before a submission is on. I've had a bunch of joint problems in my time, and I've been known to tap a LONG time before a submission's on - if the attack is on a joint I've got a problem with, and I know that the full extension would hurt, and trying to spaz my way out of it would also hurt, I'm quite happy to tap and just start again on the knees!