Brave1 Posted March 28, 2003 Share Posted March 28, 2003 Hi, I'm new to this site. What I wish to ask is if martial arts can be used as a form of physiotherapy for the disabled? I myself was born with mild cerebral palsy. The tendons in my legs are tighter than usual, meaning that I can't sit on the ground or kick any higher than knee level without losing my balance. In addition, I can't move my right wrist, and my lower spine is slightly curved. I've always been interested in the Martial Arts, and I want to do something that will both improve my physical condition and teach me how to defend myself. What style would you guys recommend I practice? Do you know any teacher in the Brisbane, Australia area who would be willing to take a student with my circumstances? Thankyou greatly in advance for you help. The impossible must always be considered among possibilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave1 Posted March 28, 2003 Author Share Posted March 28, 2003 Oh, if it helps, I am 5'7", 20 y.o. and weigh 75kg. The impossible must always be considered among possibilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted March 28, 2003 Share Posted March 28, 2003 Welcome here in the FORUMS, Brave1 I think any martial art would do you good. You won't be comepeting or something and it's important to improve your moves. I'm sure MA would help in this and I admire your courage. You should shop around in your area to see if there are instructors who would help you in fulfilling your dream. It a hard work what you intend doing, and some fear they couldn't handle the situation. I'm certain some would be glad to take the chance. It's important to find a sensei who's a great person and willing to help. You'll have to work hard, because MA is indeed hard, but with dedication you'll find the results AMAZING. I hope you'll make it. Let's hear what the others have to say I wish you all the luck and I'm waiting forward to hearing how you progress World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kchenault Posted March 28, 2003 Share Posted March 28, 2003 While I agree it could be good for you, check with your doctor to see if there are limitations to what your body can handle due to your CP. Wouldn't want to push yourself to the point of injury doing basic techniques because your body simply can't handle it. I wish you the best in your quest. Pilsung! Ken ChenaultTFT - It does a body good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hermanchauw Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Of course it can. Not therapy as in the normal sense of the word, but preventive therapy. Any kind of exercise is some form of preventive therapy. No ginga, no capoeiraNo berimbau, no capoeiraNo roda, no capoeira Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaiFightsMS Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Very definately. And as stretching is part of the routine of martial arts training you will find that your flexiblitlity will slowly improve. I would look into shorin ryu if I were you. The stances are higher than some other styles. When I first began karate training I started in shorin ryu. The instructor told me that "we take students with the abilities they have and go from there". By the way I have multiple sclerosis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 High stances in Shorin Ryu? Great. It would be easier for him to perform the techniques. The low stances aren't recomended I guess, so Shotokan is out of the question. Let's hope he'll find a good instructor World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobz Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 As is Goju :\ Rule #1: Play the game to the limit. Damn the consequences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radok Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 I'm in Shorin-ryu, and while we have the low stances, high stances are the prefered method. Also, we do stretches, which would help you alot. If you can't laugh at yourself, there's no point. No point in what, you might ask? there's just no point.Many people seem to take Karate to get a Black Belt, rather than getting a Black Belt to learn Karate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaiFightsMS Posted March 29, 2003 Share Posted March 29, 2003 Another benefit of the repetitive drills is that the patterned movements actually help to reduce muscle spasticity. It is also possible to learn to harness any jerky movements to add speed and power to blocks and strikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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