The Real Reason Jiu Jitsu Injuries Go Undiagnosed

Jiu jitsu injuries, MMA injuries, ACL tears, elbow injuries, pec tears, and recovery mistakes are more common than you think. As an orthopedic surgeon and BJJ black belt, I see where athletes go wrong.

In this episode of the Dr. Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Steven Mora, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who has spent over a decade treating combat athletes.

We break down the real patterns behind injuries in jiu jitsu and MMA, including what “cauliflower elbow” actually is, why pec tears are often missed or underestimated, and how small decisions like not tapping early can lead to long-term damage.

We also talk about the biggest mistakes athletes make in recovery, why timelines like “3 months” don’t always apply, and how to approach rehab like you would prepare for competition.

If you train, coach, or treat athletes, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Combat Athletes Get Injured Differently
02:00 – The Insurance and Access Problem for Athletes
02:48 – What Is “Cauliflower Elbow”?
03:49 – Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
05:39 – The Real Cost of Not Tapping Early
07:24 – Why “Partial” Pec Tears Are a Big Problem
09:00 – When It’s Too Late… and What Can Still Be Done
14:29 – Surgery, Recovery, and the Athlete Mindset
18:01 – Why Recovery Timelines Are Often Wrong