41 yr old beg w/ previous meniscal injury. Seeking wisdom.

[fishnaked]

After more than 30 yrs of wanting to learn a Martial Art, I have finally started at 41. I have chosen Shotokan Karate due to being good friends with a Shotokan teacher....that and it fits my budget. I have had one lesson.

My friend/teacher is aware that I had knee surgery 6 yrs ago and said we can work around it. He is also in his high 50's so can sympathize w/ my age. I am healthy, still athletic, fast, flexible and agile. Working towards a simple self-reliant life, I'm still worried about my knee though. I can not afford to become prematurely crippled. And with 25% of my meniscus removed, my chances of developing arthritis in that knee have significantly increased...not taking undue stress into account...like Karate, perhaps.?..?

Is there anyone out there in a similar situation of knee injury and or age that can offer their experiences in the Martial Arts? All advise/wisdom/experience welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks!

[Harlan]

Yep. Practically the same boat actually. The key word is 'modify'. Can't do front kicks full strength in that leg...then don't. Can't do horse stanse with toes turned in? Then don't.

Started Goju ryu karate at 46, with previous torn meniscus (2) in one knee. An old injury from a decade earlier. Arthritis now, just from life, not karate, and it's actually much worse in the uninjured knee.

As long as you are not overweight, and doing exercise that keep the supporting muscles of the knee strong, you should simply modify your practice. It's something everyone has to deal with as they age, and if they want to continue, they have to practice being smart about it. Sounds like you have a seasoned, and accomodating teacher, so no reason not to.

[WireFrame]

Sensible training should help strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Your friend will have sensible expectations of what you will or will not be able to do and as he said you can train very hard in Shotokan while still working around an injury like that.

[fishnaked]

Thanks for the replies, you two. We'll see what becomes of this.

[BDPulver]

Well i'm proof that no matter the injury, age or restrictions. As long as you know your limitations and push yourself you can achieve what you are after.

I've been doing martial arts since 8, and isshinryu since 14. In that time I've trained with a broken ankle (due to racing mtn bikes), dislocated shoulder (from rock climbing) and broken fingers and toes which is from sparring.

I've had back surgery done. High blood pressure which runs on with my parents also but able to control. Knee injuries from running as well.

I'll be 40 this sept but I dont let that stop me. Its what I love to do. So yeah, as long as you know your own limitations you can do whatever you also want.

[GeoGiant]

As someone with past knee issues I feel the need to jump in here. Research your injury online, someone out there has had the same problem. Talk with a sports doc to find out what to do and what to avoid. For me, I told the doc what i wanted to do and how i wanted to do it. He suggested a 6 week program that allowed to get my knees ready for training. also he told me how to identify when I was over-working something vs. straining something. The key is to push it but know exactly when to back off.

Remember that ice, heat, and ibuprofen are your friends! After each workout I would take 2 ibuprofen and ice then heat. This made a world of difference.

[fishnaked]

Thanks for the additional replies, guys. I have started riding my bike again. I also stretch often and perform Qigong daily. I'm excited.....