Concussion in Martial Arts

The dangers of concussion in martial arts

The recent death - viewed as a probable suicide - by former wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter Sean O'Haire might definitely be a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in contact sports where head injuries may be prevalent on a more regular basis.

Here's from sports.yahoo.com:

This issue first came to light in the aftermath of the infamous scandal of Chris Benoit's horrific double murder-suicide. At the request of Christopher Nowinski, Mike Benoit allowed an autopsy to be conducted on his son's brain by the Sports Legacy Institute. The results were shocking. They found that his brain displayed large amounts of abnormal Tau proteins and concluded that he had been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease that can lead to symptoms also found in dementia, like memory loss, aggression, confusion and depression.  

Only a problem in pro wrestling?

It is possible to dismiss this as saying it was primarily wrestling that caused the majority of brain trauma, None the less, we need to be extremely aware of all forms of concussion and brain trauma in all contact sport, all the more so where children are involved.

Here is a video showing the impact effect on the brain from punches and kicks used in martial arts:

Flight of the Sumo Wrestlers

How many sumo wrestlers can you fit into a small airplane? A lot apparently. And how many sumo wrestlers can you fit into a small airplane without the machine getting too crowded?

Well, that's another riddle all together. :-)

Any how, here's a story from Bleacher Report:

Son of Rebel Leader in Trouble

U.S. Army in Liberia - Illustration photo

It appears both father and son have some issues that needs to be taken care of.

The father is a former rebel leader who is awaiting for deportation from USA to Liberia where the 62-year-old man will answer for alleged war crime charges there.

Buffalonews.com reports from Niagara Falls in New York.

The son of a former Liberian rebel leader refused a plea offer to two felonies in a domestic violence case Friday in Niagara County Court.
Mahnseah T. Boley, 32, of Hilton, decided not to plead guilty to sexual abuse and assault charges, Assistant District Attorney Lisa M. Baehre said.
Boley, a former college wrestling champion and professional mixed martial arts fighter, is the son of George E.S. Boley, who earlier this month was ordered sent back to Liberia to stand trial on war crimes charges.

Like father, like son? It may appear to be that way.

A Great Wresslin' Move

Don't know about you, but I get all warm and fuzzy when I see wrestling moves like this one pulled off in a fight :-)