Injury is woven into the fabric of martial arts. It’s so common that, in many circles, scars, torn muscles, and worn-down joints become a badge of honor — even a point of pride. The reality, however, is that most martial artists continue to train while severely injured, pushing past pain as though it were just another opponent. These injuries rarely appear out of nowhere; they’re the inevitable result of years spent forcing the body into submission, trading long-term health for short-term progress. The culture often glorifies hard work, sacrifice, and suffering while neglecting recovery, prevention, and self-care. Over time, each untreated injury becomes another tick of the clock, marking the body’s slow breakdown. Yet within this struggle lies the heart of martial arts: the relentless drive to keep moving forward, even as the body reminds us of the cost.
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