From a physical perspective, like all activities, Martial
Arts can be modified to meet any level of physical ability. Personally, I have vertigo so I cannot engage
in ground techniques. So, I stay on my
feet working on kicks, punches, forms, and self-defense. Erik Kondo (http://martialartistwithdisabilities.blogspot.ca/2008/07/erik-kondo.html)
has paraplegia and is a third degree black belt. He has posted several videos online about
self-defense from a wheelchair, and has also published an online resource on
the 5 D’s of self-defense (http://www.not-me.org/). Michael Sirota (http://www.sirotasalchymy.com/master.html)
runs an entire Martial Arts program for people with disabilities and structures
each program individually. With a
creative Sensei and a motivated participant, anything can be done. Tai Chi is also a Martial Art, but is
grounded in slow, sequential movements that can be done in sitting or
standing. My grandmother had Parkinson’s
Disease and practiced Tai Chi for years as a way to prevent the decline of her
balance and mobility. There are many local
chapters of Taoist Tai Chi (www.taoist.org/ontario).
Financially, like many organized sports or activities,
Martial Arts can be considered expensive.
However, as a parent, I have found Martial Arts to be less expensive
than the organized volleyball, basketball, tennis, Cheer and dance my girls
have participated in. In the world of
rehab, a one year Martial Arts Program could be easily justified on a treatment
plan. Or, if you are funding this
yourself, there are different dojos with different fee structures so calling
around can help you to find one within your budget. Our local YMCA offers Martial Arts as part of
the family membership, and a family membership at the Y has multiple benefits
for a reasonable fee. I also believe the
Y’s offer membership rates that can be geared to income. Some dojos offer Martial Arts on a monthly
basis, and others require a contract.
You can decide through speaking with different programs which option
works best for you. Also, some community
centers offer Martial Arts for very low prices, or again are geared to
income. I have also experienced Sensei’s
coming into physical education classes to demonstrate some of the skills and
techniques at no charge.
Geographically there may be barriers to finding a local
dojo, or transportation problems prevent easy access the community. Perhaps looking for videos, online resources,
books or even using video games to teach some of the skills could be
possible. Or, perhaps there is a
carpooling opportunity with another family in the same area. Explaining access issues to the Sensei at the
nearest dojo may result in some solutions.
The bottom line is that as with anything, where there is a
will, there is a way. And the benefits
of engaging in Martial Arts are so immense that taking some time to research
local opportunities and to ask questions to make this accessible to you or your
child will be well worth the effort.
No comments:
Post a Comment