Finger sprain / dislocation
MINOR · HAND · KUMITE
FREQUENCY18% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY2–4 weeksMECHANISMBlocking or grabbing gi during kumitePREVENTIONGrip & finger conditioning, correct fist formation
Ankle sprain
MODERATE · ANKLE · BOTH
FREQUENCY15% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY3–6 weeksMECHANISMPivoting on a planted foot, landing from jumpsPREVENTIONProprioception drills, ankle mobility, footwork
Contusion (bruising)
MINOR · FOREARM · KUMITE
FREQUENCY14% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY1–2 weeksMECHANISMRepeated hard blocking contactPREVENTIONForearm conditioning, controlled contact, pads
Knee ligament strain
SERIOUS · KNEE · BOTH
FREQUENCY11% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY6–12 weeksMECHANISMDeep stances, sudden direction changePREVENTIONQuad/hamstring balance, landing mechanics
Hamstring strain
MODERATE · HIP · BOTH
FREQUENCY9% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY3–8 weeksMECHANISMExplosive high kicks without warm-upPREVENTIONDynamic warm-up, eccentric loading, mobility
Nose / facial contusion
MODERATE · HEAD · KUMITE
FREQUENCY8% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY1–3 weeksMECHANISMUncontrolled jodan contactPREVENTIONDistance control, guard discipline, head movement
Shoulder impingement
MODERATE · SHOULDER · BOTH
FREQUENCY7% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY4–10 weeksMECHANISMRepetitive punching volumePREVENTIONRotator-cuff strengthening, scapular control
Lower back strain
MODERATE · BACK · BOTH
FREQUENCY7% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY2–6 weeksMECHANISMRotational power generation, poor corePREVENTIONCore stability, hip mobility, technique
Toe fracture
MODERATE · FOOT · BOTH
FREQUENCY6% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY4–6 weeksMECHANISMKicking with poor foot positionPREVENTIONFoot conditioning, correct kicking surface
Wrist sprain
MINOR · WRIST · KUMITE
FREQUENCY6% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY2–5 weeksMECHANISMMis-aligned fist on impactPREVENTIONWrist alignment drills, conditioning
Concussion
SERIOUS · HEAD · KUMITE
FREQUENCY4% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY2–4 weeks (min)MECHANISMHeavy uncontrolled head contactPREVENTIONStrict contact rules, defensive skill, stoppage
Elbow hyperextension
MODERATE · ELBOW · BOTH
FREQUENCY4% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY3–6 weeksMECHANISMOver-extending on punchesPREVENTIONAvoid locking out, controlled extension
Groin strain
MODERATE · HIP · BOTH
FREQUENCY4% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY3–8 weeksMECHANISMWide stance transitions, side kicksPREVENTIONAdductor strengthening, hip mobility
Achilles tendinopathy
SERIOUS · ANKLE · BOTH
FREQUENCY3% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY8–16 weeksMECHANISMRepetitive bouncing footwork, overloadPREVENTIONCalf eccentric loading, load management
Rib contusion / fracture
SERIOUS · BACK · KUMITE
FREQUENCY3% of recorded injuriesRECOVERY4–8 weeksMECHANISMHard chudan body contactPREVENTIONCore bracing, body conditioning, guard