Tempted to train martial arts(BJJ) again, but am conflicted... (gym, training)

[vanguard103]

Before the pandemic, I was trying some BJJ classes, and definitely loved it. Good gym atmosphere, plenty of interesting techniques and something I felt like adding to Karate which I was also trying at the time. but then the lockdowns started...


At least where I am in California right now, martial arts gyms seem to be opening again along with movie theaters and restaurants. My old place I used to go to seems to be operating as usual. I'm finishing training to be an EMT, and after doing the national test and getting my license I'll be moving to another area where there is a 911 service I want to work for. Unlike IFT(inter-facility transport) which is transporting between hospitals and care homes/dialysis centers/etc, 911 services is where the stuff of trauma and interventions comes into play. And with it exposure to potentially dangerous situations, as it's more common for EMS personnel to be attacked.


With this in mind, I have wondered about training again. I knew I'd look into Karate since that could be socially distanced to an extent, but at least some BJJ classes are still going on too. While part of me misses training like all of us do, another part of me wonders that having some self defense training might be useful in case **** hits the fan. To be clear, I know EMS responders aren't cops, and in training it is constantly said to vacate an unsafe scene, but as you can see from the link, **** happens.


But, especially if I'm going to be a healthcare worker, I don't want to set a bad example or even risking any patients I encounter who are immunocompromised, but if a physical altercation does occur, basic grappling skills seem useful while still not trying to actively cause harm. Being attacked isn't too big a concern, but also may not be something I want to dismiss entirely. Thoughts?


https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles...0all%20workers.

[Oceanside_M]

Do it if you're interested in it as a hobby. I wouldn't try justifying it for your line of work even if you do run the slim chance of needing it while working or while dealing with patients. With that line of thinking, it might subconsciously run the risk of encouraging you to react in a certain way that could incur a lawsuit. I'm not saying this is what will happen but it's just better keeping your hobby or martial arts discipline separate from your work in the event something goes seriously wrong. Don't mix the two.

I've also been interested in taking up martial arts also in the past year or so but I recently moved and am still getting used to my neighbourhood when Covid hit. I think there should be classes available online also if you're very interested and not open to going to one in person. I haven't looked this up because I've been so busy lately but I'm interested too.

[Lital_The_Best]

Do what you want and what you think is best.


But I'll leave you with this: There's NO social distancing if you get into a real fight.

[Glokta]

I'm missing grappling aswell, but I've got a baby & his grandparents are covering childcare so zero chance of me raising the risk.

I figure 6-9 months before it's safe to start again isn't that much time & then it'll be back

If your looking for a replacement in the short term I'd recommend bouldering. It reminds me more of "solo bjj" then anything else I've tried the same problem solving with your body and technique but up against a wall rather then opponeny. The grip strength is massively transferable to bjj as is the balance, flexiablity and upper body strength.

[k350]

I been out of it since this whole virus thing start, brown belt, hoping for a black belt by next summer, well, that is not happening, lol.

As far as your question, I would not really put your own life on hold, I mean if you yourself want to take precautions about the virus, that is cool, but I would not do so due to your position, I mean even getting the flu is a risk and you can give it to your patients, and as we all know, the flu does kill thousands a year as well, and the vaccines are not all that effective any given year.