Interest in martial arts is increasing. So are concussions.

Concussion injuries in martial arts disciplines requiring emergency care are increasing, rising sharply since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and most often occur in practice or a class rather than formal competition, a new University of Florida Health study shows.

Although the trend might be related to increased participation in the sport, the study suggests that coaches and participants, from children to elite athletes, should guard against safety complacency outside of competitive matches, said Heather Vincent, Ph.D., the study’s senior author and director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center.

The hike in concussions is seen mostly among younger boys and teens. However, concussions in girls have also increased since the pandemic, according to the study, published in the journal Injury.

“What really concerned us is that after the year 2020, when people started coming back into the arena or sport facility, the injury rate skyrocketed,” Vincent said, speculating that rusty technique and overexuberance contributed to the increase. The rise is also potentially tied to an upswing in engagement with the sport.