Injury Guidance: Cauliflower Ears
October 27, 2026
British Judo has published new injury guidance to help judoka, coaches and clubs better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of cauliflower ear injuries.
Cauliflower ear is a condition that can occur in contact sports such as judo, where repeated impact or trauma to the ear can cause blood to collect between the cartilage and surrounding tissue. If left untreated, this can result in permanent changes to the shape of the ear.
The newly published guidance aims to raise awareness of the condition and, importantly, highlight the need for prompt medical attention following an injury to help prevent long-term damage.
British Judo encourages all members, coaches, parents and clubs to familiarise themselves with the guidance and help promote greater awareness of ear injuries across the judo community.
By recognising the signs early and taking appropriate action, judoka can reduce the risk of permanent damage and continue to enjoy the sport safely.