Disabilities and Martial Arts

[the phoenix]

I would like your opinions on Martial Arts for someone who is wheelchair bound. I am just wondering how practical it would be as exercise.

Due to an accident 2 years ago I have been mostly confined to a chair and while I hope to be back on my feet in another year I am seeking some outlet/options for physical activities to regain my strength and reflexes.I am cleared by my Doc to do just about anything and am in full physical rehab. I just need more challenge.

to give a little history on my personal situation: on "good days" I am able to walk without much difficulty.

As of the last 3 months I have far more good days than bad.

any in site or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

The Phoenix

[The BB of C]

Go for it. I suggest Isshinryu to start.

[KarateGeorge]

I'd say go for it. A good teacher will understand what your limitations are and be able to work with them. I don't know what your injury is, but who knows, maybe getting into a physical activity like martial arts will help speed the recovery process. Best of luck!

[the phoenix]

Thanks for the encouragement !

I suffered an S1-5 crush injury from being hit in the back.

In none medical terms I have a spinal nerve injury that affects the signals to my legs and one arm. I can still walk but I fall a lot and I can't keep a grip with my right hand. Makes for lots of unexpected trips to the floor and I spill a lot of coffee!

I am excited about the prospect and in all honesty I probably would not be in this position if I had known how to defend myself.

[ninjanurse]

Several years ago our jujitsu professor had a student who was paralyzed from the waist down. He customized a curriculum that included various stretching and strengthening exercises and after several months of training he was able to stand and eventually was walking with crutches. I say go for it!

[Jay]

Do it, im not a doctor but the more you do something the more coordinated you become so im sure it would help you regain some control.

Best of Luck

[mr_obvious]

I understand where you're coming from. Those who've run across my other posts know I'm in a similar boat. I probably could've used the handle "mr_stenosis," heh, heh.

Anyway after many, many months of barely getting around with a cane, doctor visits, physical therapy, and keeping the pharmaceutical industry in business......I scratched and clawed myself into the dojo and back into pretty amazing shape.

IMHO, even if you are or remain wheelchair bound....there is a ton to learn and train just with upper body. When selecting a dojo, come in with full honesty. If they can't or don't want to accommodate your limitations, it will be apparent and you don't want train there anyway. So, ideally you'll find a place run by Sensei / Sempai who not only can work around your limitations -- but welcome the challenge.

Oh, and kudos on deciding to start your MA journey. It's never too late!

Edited December 8, 2009 by mr_obvious

[the phoenix]

I think I have found a great place to train, one of my own students recommended a place and I went to check it out today. Very positive.

I am also ( or was) a teacher of a physical sport so I have a good idea of what teaching style works for me and I think this is a good fit.

I am very excited and ready for the challenge.

p.s. Mr_obvious,Thanks and...

I will walk again...believe it )

I really appreciate all the encoragment!

[mr_obvious]

Heck yeah! Just be sure to check in from time-to-time.

There's a lot of single-digit posters on this forum... Strange how many go through the registration process, then only make like "4" posts and disappear, lol.

[joesteph]

Due to an accident 2 years ago I have been mostly confined to a chair and while I hope to be back on my feet in another year I am seeking some outlet/options for physical activities to regain my strength and reflexes. . . .

to give a little history on my personal situation: on "good days" I am able to walk without much difficulty.

When my father suffered a stroke, he had a problem with balance and coordination that required physical therapy afterwards. While in the hospital, the physical therapists were including Tai Chi in his recovery exercises. There was nothing fancy, like "The Snake Creeps Down," but he was doing certain movements that got him out of the hospital, out of physical therapy, and allowed him to be coordinated enough to drive his car around town.

I've studied Tai Chi, and you don't have to be a believer in Eastern philosophy to perform it. Frankly, you could begin with Tai Chi as an intro for your body making martial arts movements, and then decide if you'd like a more "with gusto" art.