Tae Kwon Do, multiple sclerosis and a knee brace?

Question

My partner and I have decided that we want to take Tae Kwon Do. Back in the 80's, I was in the Army and trained in Judo/JJ. Currently, I have multiple sclerosis and also wear a de-rotational knee brace (CTi) that keeps my knee nice and stable during cutting activities. I am ambulatory with MS.

1) Will I be able to wear my knee brace in practice (is this prohibited)?

2) Can people with MS take martial arts and progress through the belts? Are there modified classes that allow us to progress?

I want to take TKD to increase my balance and strength. I need to get through a surgery (thyroid) first but believe that by Spring I should be in gear. I am working on some flexibility now and have a couple of books on the topic.

I'm really excited and motivated (and it gives me something to shoot for after this surgery). Just wanted to hear some expertise. :)

Thanks

Yes, I can do kicks in the air.

I've taken Tai Chi before and that is just a little too slow for me. I want a little more adrenaline pumping.

Another interesting source (as I begin to answer my own question). I am open-minded and a fighter at heart.

"Martial Arts are based on very specific, logical principles. When you understand the principles of a particular martial art, such as karate, judo or aikido, then you can teach that art to others regardless of a student's ability or disability. Thus, in principle, teaching people with disabilities is no different from teaching anyone else. You just have to be a little more creative.

If a student is unable to kick, then a replacement technique that does approximately the same thing can usually be found. For example, a front kick can be replaced by a straight punch, a roundhouse kick by a roundhouse punch, a back kick by a hammerfist and so on. For people who cannot use their arms, the reverse is true. People who are paralyzed on one side need to be given one sided alternatives ..."
http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=6

Answer 1

Wow! I didn't realize that martial arts and self defense was only for the athletically gifted!

Just because you cannot perform some of the more dynamic techniques of TKD does not mean you cannot progress in that art (or any other for that matter). Kata can be modified to compensate for an individuals physical limitations. Anyone who tells you otherwise can't see past their own ego.
In sparring, instead of meeting strength with strength (like most striking arts) you will have to rely more on timing and tai sabaki (body movement) to avoid attacks and counterstrike (the best way to not be hit is to move from where you're at the instant your opponent launches an attack). You should also work on simultaneous blocking & striking (the first strike is to shock so you can follow up with a combo that your opponent has less chance of nullifying).

If you have any other specific questions or problems please feel free to contact me.
Good luck and train hard!!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

No offense, but TKD may not be for you. To participate in the art in full, one needs extreme flexibility, mobility, and muscular speed. And for legitimate belts, th test requirements really can't be tailored to the taker. Nor would the competition aspect of the art needed for belt progression likely be negated. And depending on the size and type of brace, it may fail to comply with competition equipment standards. Not to mention the near impossibility of competing in TKD with a knee that requires bracing. In fact, with any sort of leg problem, TKD is the last art you should consider, as 70% or more of the techniques are kicks that require normal leg function.

Another art, perhaps Tai Chi, or even another activity altogether may be better for you.

Wish I could be of more help.

Answer 4

Hi... MS, like ALL other diseases are 100% curable.

You have to do a complete 720... double full circle.

Eliminate the standard American diet from your life and use only organic food, magnets, Intravenous Ozone, Chelation and Vitamin Drips... you really need to become totally aware of what MS really is.

You are already considering the exercise, but tread lightly in the beginning.

The drugs you are probably receiving, if you are being treated conventionally, are hurting you more than the disease itself.

Many foods cause and exacerbate the inflammation process and there are many foods that stop inflammation.

You need to see a REAL alternative Physician. One that is not afraid of the modalities listed above.

The pharmaceutical companies and Allopathic medicine are one of the leading causes of death in hospitals. It's the AMA's best kept secret. It is called "iatrogenesis".

Learn Internal Martial Arts, investigate all the alternative modalities available to you... and live the life you were meant to.

Answer 5

I don't know of other schools that do this; however our schools has all kinds of forms or Kata for handicap students. We also have real life self defenses as well. I we have had students with disabilities make black belt before.
We believe everyone has a personal best and the should rise to it.

Answer 6

Are you able to do kicks?

I'd recommend Tai Chi if you want to work on balance and muscle control. Strength can be gained doing something else.