Can I Practise Martial Arts While Wearing Glasses?

Many individuals with nearsightedness or visual impairments wonder if they can still participate in martial arts while wearing their glasses. The answer is yes, but with certain considerations to ensure both personal safety and the safety of others.

Importance of Safety

Wearing glasses during martial arts training poses a potential risk to you and others in the class. Glasses can break during the intense physical activities involved, leading to potential injuries. Given this, many martial arts schools recommend the use of protective eyewear or goggles designed specifically for sports.

Considerations Based on Martial Arts Type

The suitability of wearing glasses varies depending on the type of martial art you practice. Martial arts that involve a high amount of contact, such as boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA), may be less suitable for wearing glasses. Conversely, martial arts like tai chi or certain forms of karate might be more accommodating to those wearing glasses.

Alternatives to Glasses

If glasses are not a practical option for you, there are several alternatives that can help you continue your training:

Sports goggles: These are designed to be more durable and can fit over your glasses or be worn alone. Prescription safety glasses: These provide protection while enabling you to see clearly.

Consulting with Instructors

Discussing your vision needs with your instructor can be crucial. They may have specific recommendations based on the martial art you practice and the training environment. Instructors often have experience with various adaptations and can offer guidance to help you perform at your best.

Training Adjustments

Even with protective eyewear, you should be prepared to adapt your training style. This includes maintaining a safe distance from others and being aware of your surroundings to minimize the risk of damage to your glasses. Additionally, focus on using physical contact and sense rather than vision during grappling techniques.

Adaptability in Combat Sports

As noted by several martial artists, vision is not always crucial in grappling. The sense of feeling is often more important and can provide quicker, more accurate information. In some cases, excessive visual information can be distracting and may even hinder performance by engaging the conscious mind.

Some aspects of fighting are better handled by the subconscious mind, reducing the impact of imagination, especially fear. This adaptability allows individuals, even those with visual impairments, to excel in martial arts.

It is worth noting that there are blind competitors in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. Many martial arts have adjusted to accommodate visually impaired individuals, with separate divisions in tournaments and training environments tailored to their needs.

With the right gear and adjustments, martial artists with visual limitations can still enjoy the practice and benefits of martial arts. The key is to focus on safety, adaptability, and utilizing other senses to enhance your performance.