Slap fighting, the new combat sport based on slaps that worries doctors

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)

Fighting with big slaps to the face, if possible without wobbling. This is the astonishing concept that is enjoying some success online, particularly in the United States and England. “Slap fighting” claims to be a new combat sport, with its own athletes and its own rules. But the accumulation of blows to the face would not be very sporty.

Rules that do not include any prevention

Slap fighting seems to focus on spectacle over performance. The goal? To deliver the biggest slap possible to destabilize your competitor. They deliver bare blows, at full power and with an open hand on the cheek. Unlike boxing, no headgear is allowed and defenders cannot duck to avoid the blows. Even backing away is forbidden. Opponents are rated according to the amount of damage they inflict and how they handle the slaps themselves.

Violent and stupid? Yes. But entertainment appeals to some. On YouTube and in several countries, entertaining, adrenaline-fueled fights are being organized and spectators are asking for more.

The scientific community is alarmed

On the health side, the event is far from creating the same enthusiasm. In a warning letter published by a leading medical journal JAMA Surgery doctors concerned about this craze delivered their worrying conclusions after watching several matches.

According to their analysis of 78 fights between 56 competitors and involving 333 slaps:

• More than half of the participants showed visible signs of concussion;
• Many showed signs of movement disorders following a blow or had a blank stare;
• Some were knocked down and had difficulty getting up.

A worrying discipline, especially since several cases of accidents are now known. In 2021, Polish boxer Artur Walczak suffered a brain hemorrhage during a match in which he was knocked out and lost consciousness before dying. In March 2023, retired fighter Kortney Olson also lost consciousness several times, during and after a match. She has reportedly suffered from memory loss since then.

Injuries, concussions… This is what these slaps expose you to

These slaps delivered one after the other are not insignificant. Worse, they can cause real risks, as Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, informs us.

Concussions

“Powerful slaps can cause concussionswhich are traumatic brain injuries.” They can thus create head trauma: cerebral micro-hemorrhages, hematomas, edemas… “These injuries can have immediate and long-term effects on participants’ cognitive and physical health.”

Repeated brain injuries

Athletes suffer multiple blows to the head during a single match, which does not allow the brain to fully recover.This may increase the risk of long-term neurological disorders, including memory and concentration problems or neurodegenerative diseases.”

Loss of consciousness (KO)

Participants can lose consciousness after a particularly strong slap. This poses a risk not only during the competition, but also due to possible falls that can lead to further injuries.

Tympanic tears

Under the effect of pressure at ear level, the eardrum can tear with hemorrhage, deafness, etc.

Emotional and behavioral problems

Repeated concussions are linked to emotional disturbances such as irritability, depression and anxiety. These effects can persist long after the event. Not to mention the mental health consequences.

If you want to fight, forget about slapping. There is still time to join a fully regulated combat sports club (boxing, French boxing, martial arts, etc.).