Training Tips and Tricks 1

First Aid

One of the questions hated by most coaches in BJJ is something like this; Hey coach, where's the first aid station?  I need a band aid because I cut myself at work. Or, do you have nail clippers? I need to cut my nails!

First things first. First aid stations are for first aid, not your cut or blister that you got at home or at work. If we handed out items from our first aid kit, we wouldn't have anything for a real first aid situation.
Nail clippers, hell I don't share mine purely for the fact that I don't know what fungus resides in your nails or on your skin.
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One of the main things that is needed by all Jiu Jitsu athletes is a simple first aid kit.

Now, I'm not talking about carrying something that resembles the back of an ambulance, or resides on the wall at the workplace. That's just plain ridiculous. I'm talking about something as simple as a Tupperware container with some items that will help you stay on the right side of your coach and teammates, and prepare you for any mishaps on the mat.

Item 1 - Nail Clippers
If you can scratch your own arm with your fingernails or your leg with your toenails, chances are you will inadvertently so the same to your teammates. 
Keep them trim and you won't have to share your first aid kit with someone you've cut.
Don't share them, be selfish. Heck, I am.

Item 2 - Band Aids
These come in super handy if you've just wrestled someone that resembles a wedgetail egal or a crocodile (aka has got long fingernails), or you have split the skin somehow prior to or at training.
Don't get plastic latex ones, get the tough durable material ones. They seem to work really well in conjunction with strapping tape.

Item 3 - Fixmol Tape
This stuff is amazing for wounds such as blisters or abrasions of the skin. 
When I was in the Army either out field or on operation, this stuff was used for open blisters, cuts and abrasions.
you stick it straight on a clean wound and leave it. The wound will heal naturally even though you have this tape directly on it. This tape helps reduce the bacteria from entering the wound.
Allow the tape to come away from the wound over time otherwise if you take if off, you may just take the scab off.

Item 4 - Rigid Strapping Tape
For people that know who Andrew Carey was back when he played AFL for the Roos, you would have seen his shoulders taped right up with this stuff.
Rigid strapping tape is used for taping ankles, thumbs, shoulders, the list goes on. 
What it does is help with keeping a joint stable through its normal range of motion, and eliminates any excess movement. But that's only good for about 30 or so minutes as it does stretch (not much) and it will give way.
I personally like to purchase a 1 1/2 inch - 2 inch roll as I can tear it to make my own finger tape or use it to strap parts of my body that need support.
The BEST part about this tape, is to use it if you have a band aid on. Wrap the band aid once maybe twice and your band aid will not come off.

Item 5 - Kinesiology Tape (Rock Tape)
This stuff is expensive and I don't really use much of it.
The premise behind this tape is to tape your body or limb so that as you get into a 'range of motion' it starts to become tight and in turn help you identify the limit of your current injury/restriction.
I have this tape pre cut into squares and I only use it for my elbows. There's a long story there but I acquired some injuries during my time in the military and this tape has helped me over time.
Cross fitters love the stuff, probably because of the funky colours it comes in, and maybe the odd injury here or there.
If this hasn't been prescribed by a physio or sports therapist, don't go and buy it.

Item 6 - Panadol/Disprin
I use panadol or disprin more prior to competition than training.
I might chew the prescribed amount as I find it helps take the edge off any niggling pain sensations I might already have.
It's also good if I'm starting to get a headache prior or during training as well.

Item 7 - Nasal Spray
The same stuff that's used for a cold or flu.
I use this when I'm competing. A couple of squirts up the nose and I'm good to breath through my nose just like a set of extractors on a good car.

Item 8 - Chap Stick
These are great for your lips especially if you wear a mouth guard. Taking your mouth guard in and out all the time dries your lips out. Even if you don't wear a mouth guard, this is still something that will help keep your lips moist!

Item 9 - IBJJF or AFBJJ Cards
When competing you are required to provide some form of identification. When competing at these specific tournaments keep them as a part of your first aid container with you, That way you'll never forget them.

So there you have it team, your very own first aid kit to help you for the future regardless of whether you are a competitive athlete or not.

Just remember, your cuts and abrasion (along with your nails) are yours and you should look after them yourself prior to getting on the mat. Don't be lazy and ask your coach or admin staff for stuff because really it's your problem, and if we keep handing it out then we'll never have anything for the times we need it.