Disabilities and Martial Arts

[KarateGeorge]

Awesome! I'm glad you found a place to learn martial arts. What are you going to be learning?

joesteph, your story reminds me of someone I've met through my martial arts studies, a friend of my instructor. He's studied martial arts pretty much his entire life, holding black belts in multiple styles ranging up to 7th degree for his highest and he's a physical therapist by profession who incorporates martial arts into his physical therapy sessions. I had the opportunity to train with him on a couple of occasions. It was very cool.

Edited December 8, 2009 by KarateGeorge

[the phoenix]

It is a TKD school but they also have Tai chi and yoga in the same facility so they assured me that we could mix and match something to fit my needs.

I am inspired by one of my own students who overcame very serious physical disability to learn to ride horses. He is the toughest kid I have ever seen and a constant joy.

Just today he *made* me get up and "help" him get his horse ready. I aspire to be as strong and dedicated as he is.

[KarateGeorge]

That's great! Best of luck in your martial arts training and physical recovery. Keep us posted how things progress!

[Jay]

Woo Tai Chi I love it. I actually miss practicing it haven't done so since I was 16.

Pushing hands is amazing fun im sure you will enjoy it.

TKD is a good art as well, im sure you will be kicking people in no time

[WuChildNZ]

My Sensei is in a wheelchair and he is frecken tank! here's a wee bit about him, I hope this is inspiration to those who are in a wheelchair and are seeking to do Martial Arts :

Sensei John Marrable, Godan (5th Dan)

John became interested in martial arts in the early 1970’s due to the Bruce Lee movies and “Kung Fu” series. As a paraplegic, since the age of 11 due to a fall while climbing, he felt vulnerable in various altercations whilst growing up so he was keen to learn some form of unarmed combat. He approached various martial art clubs in his area of North London, England but was told that beacuse he was in a wheelchair he “couldn’t” do it. This made John more determined and he taught himself from books and trained with friends who did kung fu.

In December 1974 John emigrated to NZ and in January 1976 he started formal training in Kyukoshinkai karate. The Club was a member of “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” whose chief instructor was Sensei Jarvis. John held the rank of 3rd kyu in Kyukoshinkai when Sensei Jarvis invited Higaonna Sensei to New Zealand which resulted in “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” being accepted into IOGKF.

One of the biggest highlights in John’s karate training was when Higaonna Sensei presented his own black belt to John at his first training visit to New Zealand. Higaonna Sensei told John that it was not a grading but an acknowledgement of John’s training spirit and determination and that he was to put the belt on his wall and look at it each day.

John was graded to Shodan in July 1980 by Higaonna Sensei at which time he told John that he could now wear “his" belt. John still has the belt and wears it on special occasions.

Higaonna Sensei has graded John at each of his gradings:

Shodan: 1980 - Dunedin, NZ

Nidan: 1983 - Spokane, USA

Sandan: 1989 - New Plymouth, NZ

Yondan: 1995 - Wellington, NZ

Godan: 2008 - Okinawa, Japan

John has been to Okinawa three times and at each occasion has been personally asked by Higaonna Sensei to do a demonstration.

John’s other sporting achievements are: 1st paraplegic in NZ to complete a full marathon. Represented NZ and Otago in paraplegic sport and is still active in wheelchair basketball.

[the phoenix]

WuchildNZ that is a great story!

This guy sounds like an amazing athlete to accomplish so much. Hats off to him!

* tinny bit of shameless self promotion*

I was on my feet ( out of the chair)

ALL DAY TODAY!!!!

[KarateGeorge]

I was on my feet ( out of the chair)

ALL DAY TODAY!!!!

Excellent!!!

[Capt Jakk]

I came across this the other day when looking for Judo clubs. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3417799

I found it to be quite inspiring and thought I would share. Really goes to show what you can do with enough willpower and determination.

May I also extend a congratulations to Phoenix for getting into the martial arts. Enjoy the journey.

[DWx]

Thats a pretty awesome story Jakk. Kudos to the guy for getting out there and dedicating himself to something.