can the blind still learn martial arts?

Answer 1

there's been many a case recorded in history concerning blind warriors (every japanese person knows the story of Zaitochi) so of course the blind have practised martial arts in the past so nothing would stop them from doing so in the present time. In our aikido class we've had a few people with various disabilities and each and every time they amazed me with their ability to overcome their handicap and still perform as good as the rest. I must say that we never had a blind person but I don't see why they should be unable to do martial art. I think for his fellow students it would probably be a great experience to teach them or train with them

Answer 2

Yes.....

There is no limiting factor that would preclude anyone from beginning the study of martial arts and gaining advantage and knowledge from the experience.

Martial arts training is about more than simply the physical aspect of defending oneself. There are equally powerful mental and physical journeys for the student to engage in. I have not personally had the opportunity to teach a blind student to date, though I have encountered them on the tournament scene and I have known a few blind students associated with other instructors.

The only limiting factor that should inhibit an indiviudal from advancing to higher grades or rank would be an improper attitude that cannot be corrected by the instructor i.e. lack of trust that the individual will use the knowledge, skill, and techniques provided in a suitable, appropriate, and socially acceptable manner. Otherwise, absolutely anyone can train.


Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 3

Yes-there is a blind Judo team that there was an article on in one of the trade magazines I believe that has been out there for years and competes. I have also seen blind people as well as some other types of challenged people compete in kata and weapons in a Specially Challenged division at NASKA national tournaments. They obviously can learn martial arts to some degree just like anyone else.

Answer 4

I have taught a blind students and found it both a challenging and rewarding experience for myself and the students. And yes they can and do learn the martial arts

In an wonderful Interview Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, who is the founder and Chairman of the World Seido Karate Organization made the below statement

"...karate should be for everybody, so especially in Seido we open to everybody, even mentally learning disabled people, homeless children, deaf students, blind people - there is room for everybody, even some domestic violence situation people. ..." I and most martial art instructors feel the same.


Robert Ott, a Blind Motivational Speaker and Martial Artist would be a great person to call and ask him more indeph questions .

He is an expert in teaching Self-defense and martial arts classes for blind individuals .

For more information contact :
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Take care,

Devin Willis

Answer 5

so far those long answers you have received have been ridiculously limiting. yes, you def can learn, and you can be good at all aspects, however you will have to train much harder than those who can see. martial arts is mostly internal anyway. my karate teacher used to teach me some kempo techniques, which he told me went especially well with his blind students he taught in australia. he used to give me an excersise to go through a kata and series of stances with my eyes closed so that i could try to see with my "3rd eye," something his blind students could actually do very well. i learned a lot from that.

martial arts is especially friendly to those who have disabilities; just find the way around them

Answer 6

Yes, blind people CAN learn a martial art. It's just going to be a little harder for them to learn.

Answer 7

Grappling arts like Judo and Jujitsu would suit the blind perfectly since sight is not a big factor in applying the techniques of these styles. Once they're on the ground, the sense of touch is all that's needed to perform well against the opponent.

Answer 8

Yes, it is not easy, but they can learn martial arts. Judo is one of the best for the blind.

Answer 9

YES they can. Grappling arts primarily like Judo,Hapkido, jujitsu because they can start with a grab. We have a program of sight impared kids that have been coming to us for about 2 yrs now. And they love it. It builds confidence and helps with their coordination. There is also a national judo team of blind competitors you can find out about thru the internet.

Answer 10

Maybe Wing Chun/Escrima since they both emphasize constant sticking to the opponent. Plus in both arts they constantly train blindfolded.

If your learning it for sport then Wrestling/Judo would be nice but for street fighting then no. If your blind you won't be able to tell whats around you or see if your opponent has a knife or friends. Thus taking the fight down would nullify any ability for you to bail out and run.