Tua Tagovailoa To Learn Martial Arts In Effort To Fall Better, Avoid Head Injuries
To protect his brain, Tua Tagovailoa is turning to martial arts.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback revealed to “Up & Adams” on Friday during the Super Bowl radio debate that he will practise in judo once a week over the offseason to improve his ability to fall.
Tua Tagovailoa To Learn Martial Arts In Effort To Fall Better, Avoid Head Injuries
Recently, Tagovailoa discussed his offseason plans with Kay Adams and Nate Burleson. He will practise judo every Friday after suffering repeated head injuries in 2022 that prevented him from playing.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa tells @UpAndAdamsShow that he has a plan to take judo this offseason to learn how to fall better. Things to help him avoid head issues next season. pic.twitter.com/15uCPaz2by
— Will Manso (@WillManso) February 10, 2023
It is hoped that his martial arts training would improve his understanding of his body and teach him how to position himself to prevent damage when he falls.
“We’ve got a plan set up,” Tagovailoa said. “I’ll be doing judo on Fridays just so that I can kind of figure out understanding my body and how to fall. … Just trying to help myself.”
Tua Tagovailoa says he plans to take judo classes to learn how to fall better: https://t.co/lLJuiNaD7f
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) February 10, 2023
Slamming or throwing one’s opponent to the ground is one of the main goals of judo. Being a judoka, one must expect to frequently and severely crash into the ground. Judokas must thus learn how to reduce their danger of damage while falling. Techniques for falling are a crucial part of judo training.
In fact, Conor McGregor, a star of the UFC, claimed that a recent bicycle accident saved his life because of his judo training.
Tua Tagovailoa hopes judo will help him learn to avoid head injuries https://t.co/uSeYFsa0S2
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 11, 2023
In order to safeguard his health going ahead, Tagovailoa is likely to concentrate on these falling tactics throughout his summer workouts. During the 2022 season, Tagovailoa had three known head injuries, which required him to miss games and jeopardised both his career and mental health. He was hospitalised as a result of one of those.
The back of Tagovailoa’s head striking the ground caused each injury.
Tua Tagovailoa at #SuperBowlLVII week says he's thrilled to be a dad and that he's taking weekly Judo classes to learn how to fall better.
Interesting approach. pic.twitter.com/TAVQqukX28— Barry Cunningham (@barrycunningham) February 10, 2023
Could Tagovailoa’s judo training have prepared him to avoid striking his head on the ground in that situation? Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ coaches reportedly decided it was worthwhile to give it a go.
Last season, Tagovailoa reached a point where some feared his next head collision may be his last in the NFL. The 24-year-old quarterback, who is only three seasons into his NFL career and has a troubling injury history, will continue to live in terror going ahead.
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