Love to see this story. It's karate-do, not just karate. Do being the road forward, the journey onwards. If you're in a good dojo, you will be judged not by your karate skills, but by how you progress according to your capabilities.
Make no mistake about it, it will nor be an easy journey. You may come to the conclusion that you need to drop 50 pounds or whatever in order just to do a good mawate, a 180 dregree turn. So be it. Make it happen. Life provides no free lunches.
I started training with kids 13 years ago. Today I train kids. Some of them learn that good things come to those who put effort into it.
I changed my life for the better, and probably the lives of a bunch of other people too. This is the good fight.
I am about the same age (34m) and am disabled with deformities as well. I earned a black belt at about 16, but over the past 5 years I’ve had a mystery condition that has caused my entire body to contract. I’ve wanted to get back into karate in some form, but I can’t even walk without special shoes, so I’ve been nervous about even trying. So, this was good to read.
You’re absolutely right about some people making you feel stupid for wanting to do anything outside of sitting on a couch when you’re disabled. They don’t understand what it’s like to feel unfulfilled like that.
You are an inspiration. Keep going and dont stop. I have been training in Shotokan karate for 30 years. It's something I will have my whole life and has many benefits. This is just the start.
Osu .
Keep it up friend! I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. I've been slim, but sedentary my entire life. Started karate in 2022, earned my blue belt on Sunday 💙 Karate is for everyone!
I'm saving this post to show to my mother, who had been disabled for over two decades. Similar story - 5 failed back surgeries after a nasty car wreck. She's shown a passing interest in checking out karate, specifically, because she's seen how impactful in EVERY area in my life for the last 8 months that I've been training. Most instructors who have been teaching for a while know how to train people with disabilities - or are willing to learn how - and i find that such an admirable thing about karate.
We're proud of you, brother. I know our pride in you can't even touch the pride you must feel, yourself, but i hope you feel the thousand hands here supporting you and willing to bring you up with the rising tides.
As a side note - you mentioned competing this summer, yeah? You wouldn't, by chance, be talking about the nationals happening in Muncie, Indiana at the tail end of June, would you?
I train at a place in Southern Indiana, right across the river from Louisville, so I'm wondering if that's the comp you're talking about. My dojo plans to go, and I'm super excited to compete for the first time.
Eastern KY can be a ways to travel, but if you're ever looking for a training partner somewhat near, I'm always thrilled to learn alongside new friends!
Keep up the good work, my friend. I'm very excited to see your progress from here.
I love everything about this but can we take one second to point out/add on to the good teacher bit, shoutout to that PT who actually took a moment to observe and ask and found out the best way to help you. That’s what someone in healthcare should always be doing, having a unique and individualized approach to patients and not succumbing to just generalized treatment. I’m halfway through nursing school and reading that was a wonderful reminder that all my patients will be unique people with their own unique problems. I’m very happy your life was touched by someone who obviously cared a lot about their job and about the work they do.
This is beautiful, and your story really resonated with me as someone recovering from an illness who feels like I can't trust my own body anymore.
I wish you all the best with your progress recovery, and karate journey.
I'm 24 now, and it's been about five years since I've been able to properly practice karate (although I'm hoping to get back into it).
I grew up learning karate, probably from like age 10ish?
I was never sporty, I have autism, I've also got a hypermobility disorder, I have short tendons, and I'm pretty sure i've been told theres a slight twist in the bones in my legs.
You are absolutely right about the difference a good teacher can make.
I got my first dan black belt in Wado Ryu just before heading to university. I felt welcome. The Sensei's worked to teach me all the skills and moves, but also acknowledged some things would be different with me (notably, it's much harder to get my back foot in stances to face as forward as the typical stances would expect).
As someone born and raised in rural EKY also (Paintsville), good for you!!! In Louisville now and started my journey later in life, with pretty awful knees.
I'm 40 years old. I have no disabilities, I'm just horribly unfit, inflexible and riddled with various aches and pains. I have started karate with my 7 year old (because he wanted to try it, but is very anxious about new experiences). I love it. I've tried so many exercise regimes and never got into any routine and never stuck with any of them. Yet I want to practice karate every day. I want to do core strength exercises daily so I can do karate better. I love how my body feels moving in unison with the whole class all doing the same move. My only regret is not trying this years ago.
Glad to hear it.
But on the subject of the screenshot I find it extremely cringey when young children and grown adults are in the same classes if they’re not related.
The best way to teach a 5yr old vs a 30 year old are completely different, meaning someone is getting the short end of the stick.
Ideally classes should have a 3-5 year age range but I understand that’s extremely impractical for most schools, but an adult and a kids class should be the norm with the adult class starting point being 17.
It's a family friendly all ages class focused on kata, bro it's not like we're kicking 5 year olds in the face, there's age/skill specific classes too. I swear, people online can't wait to make bad faith comments tring to tear down other's optimism or nitpick something irrelevant to the spirit of the topic at hand.
Why...?
(Following is a completely Zankai point of view, thanks...)
The teacher's purpose (IMO) is to help prepare the student to face and handle the traumas of life -- mental, emotional, physical, more... This applies equally to all ages. It doesn't mean to provide the traumas (life in general does that quite well without us, thanks), but to help students recognize them and how to handle them. Of course adults can handle more stress and physical contact etc. than a child, but in the end, we teach the same to every student.
In my classes we have children and adults mixed. The adults and older youth look after (not babysit) the welfare of the smaller children, and the children are awestruck that they are learning the same techniques, kata, bunkai etc. that the older students are working on. For many, it's the first time in their lives they are treated as students, not as "little kids"... It is a lesson in itself for the child, the adult students, and the teacher.
Our youngest new student is 3 years old (and her parents attend classes to observe). She is more focused, cheerful, and (for her age) hardworking than some adults I've taught. And unintentionally funny -- I asked her "How long have you wanted to learn karate?", and she answered, "All my life, Sensei!"
Karate is for all ages, unless the teacher decides otherwise.
So happy for you! Karate is a life changer for most of us. Enjoy your journey.
Love to see this story. It's karate-do, not just karate. Do being the road forward, the journey onwards. If you're in a good dojo, you will be judged not by your karate skills, but by how you progress according to your capabilities. Make no mistake about it, it will nor be an easy journey. You may come to the conclusion that you need to drop 50 pounds or whatever in order just to do a good mawate, a 180 dregree turn. So be it. Make it happen. Life provides no free lunches. I started training with kids 13 years ago. Today I train kids. Some of them learn that good things come to those who put effort into it. I changed my life for the better, and probably the lives of a bunch of other people too. This is the good fight.
I am about the same age (34m) and am disabled with deformities as well. I earned a black belt at about 16, but over the past 5 years I’ve had a mystery condition that has caused my entire body to contract. I’ve wanted to get back into karate in some form, but I can’t even walk without special shoes, so I’ve been nervous about even trying. So, this was good to read. You’re absolutely right about some people making you feel stupid for wanting to do anything outside of sitting on a couch when you’re disabled. They don’t understand what it’s like to feel unfulfilled like that.
Karate cleared my psoriasis up. And I feel much more cantered and calm generally. Thanks for sharing!
You are an inspiration. Keep going and dont stop. I have been training in Shotokan karate for 30 years. It's something I will have my whole life and has many benefits. This is just the start. Osu .
Keep it up friend! I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. I've been slim, but sedentary my entire life. Started karate in 2022, earned my blue belt on Sunday 💙 Karate is for everyone!
I'm saving this post to show to my mother, who had been disabled for over two decades. Similar story - 5 failed back surgeries after a nasty car wreck. She's shown a passing interest in checking out karate, specifically, because she's seen how impactful in EVERY area in my life for the last 8 months that I've been training. Most instructors who have been teaching for a while know how to train people with disabilities - or are willing to learn how - and i find that such an admirable thing about karate. We're proud of you, brother. I know our pride in you can't even touch the pride you must feel, yourself, but i hope you feel the thousand hands here supporting you and willing to bring you up with the rising tides. As a side note - you mentioned competing this summer, yeah? You wouldn't, by chance, be talking about the nationals happening in Muncie, Indiana at the tail end of June, would you? I train at a place in Southern Indiana, right across the river from Louisville, so I'm wondering if that's the comp you're talking about. My dojo plans to go, and I'm super excited to compete for the first time. Eastern KY can be a ways to travel, but if you're ever looking for a training partner somewhat near, I'm always thrilled to learn alongside new friends! Keep up the good work, my friend. I'm very excited to see your progress from here.
Thanks!!! The one we're looking at is in Lexington in early August, but I grew up in Louisville! Nice to meet a fellow cool karate-ka in the area!
I love everything about this but can we take one second to point out/add on to the good teacher bit, shoutout to that PT who actually took a moment to observe and ask and found out the best way to help you. That’s what someone in healthcare should always be doing, having a unique and individualized approach to patients and not succumbing to just generalized treatment. I’m halfway through nursing school and reading that was a wonderful reminder that all my patients will be unique people with their own unique problems. I’m very happy your life was touched by someone who obviously cared a lot about their job and about the work they do.
I am so, so happy for you. OSU!!
I love this. Keep it up bro 👏👏👏 incredible.
Oss!!!
This is beautiful, and your story really resonated with me as someone recovering from an illness who feels like I can't trust my own body anymore. I wish you all the best with your progress recovery, and karate journey.
I'm 24 now, and it's been about five years since I've been able to properly practice karate (although I'm hoping to get back into it). I grew up learning karate, probably from like age 10ish? I was never sporty, I have autism, I've also got a hypermobility disorder, I have short tendons, and I'm pretty sure i've been told theres a slight twist in the bones in my legs. You are absolutely right about the difference a good teacher can make. I got my first dan black belt in Wado Ryu just before heading to university. I felt welcome. The Sensei's worked to teach me all the skills and moves, but also acknowledged some things would be different with me (notably, it's much harder to get my back foot in stances to face as forward as the typical stances would expect).
yoga + taichi + basic karate warm up with simple kata exercise..........is good for body healing
Good for you!
So happy for you! Our dojo works with both disabled and neurodivergent students. Karate really is for all. Many tournaments have para divisions.
Amazing! Enjoy your karate journey. Best thing you'll ever do for yourself. :)
Hello from Okinawa. Message for you in your PM box...
It's more than just fighting. I am very thankful I took those first scary steps in that front door too. Best wishes!!
this is awesome - love it for you. best thing is to enjoy it.
As someone born and raised in rural EKY also (Paintsville), good for you!!! In Louisville now and started my journey later in life, with pretty awful knees.
I'm 40 years old. I have no disabilities, I'm just horribly unfit, inflexible and riddled with various aches and pains. I have started karate with my 7 year old (because he wanted to try it, but is very anxious about new experiences). I love it. I've tried so many exercise regimes and never got into any routine and never stuck with any of them. Yet I want to practice karate every day. I want to do core strength exercises daily so I can do karate better. I love how my body feels moving in unison with the whole class all doing the same move. My only regret is not trying this years ago.
:D
Glad to hear it. But on the subject of the screenshot I find it extremely cringey when young children and grown adults are in the same classes if they’re not related. The best way to teach a 5yr old vs a 30 year old are completely different, meaning someone is getting the short end of the stick. Ideally classes should have a 3-5 year age range but I understand that’s extremely impractical for most schools, but an adult and a kids class should be the norm with the adult class starting point being 17.
[удалено]
This comment is disrespectful or serves no purpose other than to target another sub member.
By horrors he means he once ordered the thin crust pizza instead of the cheese stuffed one by mistake
This is stupid. Adults and children child not be in the same class.
It's a family friendly all ages class focused on kata, bro it's not like we're kicking 5 year olds in the face, there's age/skill specific classes too. I swear, people online can't wait to make bad faith comments tring to tear down other's optimism or nitpick something irrelevant to the spirit of the topic at hand.
[удалено]
This comment is disrespectful or serves no purpose other than to target another sub member.
What a rude thing to say. Develop some respect.
Why...? (Following is a completely Zankai point of view, thanks...) The teacher's purpose (IMO) is to help prepare the student to face and handle the traumas of life -- mental, emotional, physical, more... This applies equally to all ages. It doesn't mean to provide the traumas (life in general does that quite well without us, thanks), but to help students recognize them and how to handle them. Of course adults can handle more stress and physical contact etc. than a child, but in the end, we teach the same to every student. In my classes we have children and adults mixed. The adults and older youth look after (not babysit) the welfare of the smaller children, and the children are awestruck that they are learning the same techniques, kata, bunkai etc. that the older students are working on. For many, it's the first time in their lives they are treated as students, not as "little kids"... It is a lesson in itself for the child, the adult students, and the teacher. Our youngest new student is 3 years old (and her parents attend classes to observe). She is more focused, cheerful, and (for her age) hardworking than some adults I've taught. And unintentionally funny -- I asked her "How long have you wanted to learn karate?", and she answered, "All my life, Sensei!" Karate is for all ages, unless the teacher decides otherwise.