Step up the training

This year I have planned to increase the CMD training to include higher intensity to develop skill and exposure to clinching and ground work.

On one hand I'm excited about going back to doing some ground striking (been some time), on the other, I am conspicuously aware of the increased injury risks faced by all participants so I will be cautiously adding levels a layer at a time.

Some of my concerns include:
Smaller gloves, more techniques, more variables usually mean that : more injuries.

Just the other night we had our first splitter, a cut just below the eyebrow, during one of our clinch training sessions. Happened quickly, no pain, no and one noticed until the blood started coming out. Fortunately it was a minor laceration and was not deep but it still cost him a week off training and 3 stitches. Perhaps this is the preface of the shape to come or an omen to what the remaining 10 months has in store for us this year.










Participation requirements:

1. Be a good training partner. Noticed that I said, "training". Even during sparring, it is sparring and not a life-or-death fight, not a contest for the world championship title and certainly not war or a battle of any kind (well, except an internal one). It is not war or anything else but a sport. Keep things in perspective and don't make it personal. It's just a game.
2. Be properly and safely equipped. Gym rules: no gear? = no sparring. Simple as that.
3. Understand and look after your training tools. KEEP THEM CLEAN and in usable condition. The threat of microbial infection is just as dangerous (if not more) than getting a cut or concussion.
4. Gloves and mouth guards are required. Know the difference between competition gloves (less padding) and training gloves (more padding).
5. Headguards will help to prevent accidental injuries from head butts and cuts from accidental elbows.
6. Groin guards; need I say more?
7. Shin pads will help to reduce the impact on your partner, allowing them to continue training longer with you.
8. Do not go 100% full force or speed unless instructed. Do not change the rules of sparring unless indicated.
9. Do not feel obligated to spar when you are distracted, tired or not feeling confident. These usually lead to injuries which could have been simply prevented by sitting out one or two rounds. Resist the temptation or coercing by team mates to go "another round" when you know you shouldn't.
   
10. Respect your training partner at all times. He or she is putting their safety in your hands as much as you are in theirs. Don't suddenly decide to "step up" the training without getting everyone's acceptance first. It's not a one way street.
    

Remember, this is not the next UFC tryouts but to make training a little more varied, fun and realistic. See you on the mats.