Staphs infection awareness for Martial Artists

[Alan Armstrong]

I once noticed that my TKD instructor was always wearing training footwear, while the rest of us were practicing bear foot.

There was a strict hygiene policy in place for keeping toe and fingernails kept clean and trimmed; this was twenty years ago.

Now there is a bacteria called "Staphylococcus" also called "Staphs" for short.

Feet are prone to picking up bacteria from the floor. As 25% of us carry this bacteria around, catching it is becoming more easier than ever.

Cuts on feet can pick up this staphs bacteria. Not unusual for martial artists to do spinning kicks causing calices to twist off the ball of the foot causing exposure to predatory bacterias.

I'm raising this issue for martial artists to be more aware of this potentially dangerous bacteria, especially for those that train barefooted.

I personally don't train bare footed due to the MA styles that I practice. Now with potencial Staph infection dangers, foot wear for me is a must.

The dangers of catching staphs is very real. As it is usally treated with antibiotics, but some staphs are not treatable at this time.

As this is only an awareness of Staphylococcus, it is up to you to investigate how you could be infected and how to prevent yourself from it.

Remember as a martial artist you should protect yourself at all times; this includes deadly flesh eating bacterias.

[DWx]

I don't think you need to worry so much as long as the dojo floor is regularly cleaned and everyone cleans their feet. Staph bacteria live harmlessly on our skin anyway and skin is a pretty effective barrier to infection. It's only if you have cuts or open wounds that you should be particularly worried.

Shoes aren't necessary really. I would only insist if you have a pre-existing condition like athletes foot or verucca's etc. as it is better for your training partners if you wear shoes to stop the spread of infection.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/staphylococcal-infections/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[Alan Armstrong]

I don't think you need to worry so much as long as the dojo floor is regularly cleaned and everyone cleans their feet. Staph bacteria live harmlessly on our skin anyway and skin is a pretty effective barrier to infection. It's only if you have cuts or open wounds that you should be particularly worried.

Shoes aren't necessary really. I would only insist if you have a pre-existing condition like athletes foot or verucca's etc. as it is better for your training partners if you wear shoes to stop the spread of infection.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/staphylococcal-infections/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Staph infections have been traced back to hospitals; this is why health officials play down the seriousness of this highly contagious bacteria.

A close friend of mine died from a staph infection, caught while visiting my brother in hospital; she was his partner/girlfriend.

People with a low immune system are at risk, also those that have depended too much on using penicillin.

Martial artists that do MMA are at a higher risk than most Maists due to being susceptible to getting cuts and scrapes or open wounds, while training or in a bout.

Let's admit the fact that gym type locations and wrestling or grappling techniques, without strict hygiene rules or regulations are a breeding ground for bacteria.

(Most prehistoric people died at an early age due to infections)

[DWx]

Alan it sounds like you are talking about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which is different from what most people encounter on a day to day basis.

[Alan Armstrong]

Yes! MRSA. Thank you!

Please Goggle: MRSA-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS' INVISIBLE ENEMY

There are other opinions about picking up infections from makiwara boards and punching bags, that contain dried infected blood.

Again it comes down to hygiene, prevention and treatment.

Personally I have always had skin issues and have managed to treat and cure them, even when skin specialists gave up. Other skin specialists that didn't give up on me and cured me, are truly my heroes.

[Nidan Melbourne]

This is usually why cleanliness is a must among martial artists where you should be keeping a clean uniform and also be practicing good physical hygiene.

Also in part why in "Traditional" Dojo's in Japan and Okinawa they clean the dojo after every session to ensure that the training area is clean and also prevents the spread of anything unwanted.

I know at my dojo our sensei cleans the mats regularly although currently due to replace several mats due to being damaged (Corners Broken) or due to older age of usage.

Often those who have seen a Doctor will have been informed (or should have at minimum) to either change what you're wearing (i.e. add socks) or to cease until treatment can be completed.

We don't allow shoes on the mats due to the risk that the person wearing them could have walked on something that was ripe with bacteria that could be harmful to humans especially where their Immune system is damaged

[Alan Armstrong]

Very good points Nidan.

The hygiene issue could also be a discipline issue for dojos.

Militarys need to keep control of health issues with order and discipline as many soldiers can die or fall sick from unhealthy living conditions.

Good to keep in mind that there is a military aspect to martial arts, even though sports MAist might forget their MA origins.

[bushido_man96]

Military end up living together, though, and most Martial Artists do not, so I don't think the same strictness of policy would be needed.

That being said, I do wonder at times how important it is to train barefoot. In TKD, with all the kicking, it would be important to have a lightweight shoe, which they do make. However, the ones I've had in the past caused me trouble with balance, as the sole seemed a bit narrow for my liking. Then, you have to consider two aspects of training from there: sparring and breaking. You could spar with the shoes on, but they won't work well with the pads, and getting nipped by a shoe sole might not feel good. Breaking boards is done using the bones of the attacking tools (heel, ball-of-foot), and putting a shoe on with a sole would soften the tool you are striking the board with.

Some pros, some cons.

[Alan Armstrong]

Agreed that the same strictness of policy is not needed for military and Dojos. Was only pointing out the reason for discipline regarding hygine in both aspects.

All training facilities for martial artists are not standardized for cleanliness, therefore personal safety and awareness of potential health issues, should not be overlook or ignored.

[DWx]

Military end up living together, though, and most Martial Artists do not, so I don't think the same strictness of policy would be needed.

That being said, I do wonder at times how important it is to train barefoot. In TKD, with all the kicking, it would be important to have a lightweight shoe, which they do make. However, the ones I've had in the past caused me trouble with balance, as the sole seemed a bit narrow for my liking. Then, you have to consider two aspects of training from there: sparring and breaking. You could spar with the shoes on, but they won't work well with the pads, and getting nipped by a shoe sole might not feel good. Breaking boards is done using the bones of the attacking tools (heel, ball-of-foot), and putting a shoe on with a sole would soften the tool you are striking the board with.

Some pros, some cons.

Honestly I think other places we visit on a day to day basis are dirtier than the martial arts dojo. Unless you are compromised already (cuts and open wounds) it shouldn't be too much of an issue. In some parts of the world people go around barefoot outside regularly anyway.

I think learning to train in barefoot is better for the beginner as it teaches you to feel and grip the floor properly rather than relying on the grip of the shoe sole. It also enforces correct mechanics. Later on everyone should absolutely take some time to train wearing shoes. Preferably the shoes they wear on a day to day basis.

FWIW I always teach beginners to break in shoes and will train breaking in shoes myself. Helps with the psychological aspect of it.