More than 18 million people have limited mobility due to circumstances like accidents, aging, and disease. This may cause them to be hesitant about exercise in general but especially martial arts, which tend to be associated with people with higher than average mobility. But this is not the whole story. Martial arts can be accessible for everyone, when approaches are changed and considerations given. These practices can actually be highly beneficial to those who are elderly or those who have limited mobility for other reasons. Martial arts and particularly Chinese Martial Arts with its components of meditation, qigong and traditional dynamic tension exercises have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, strength, range of motion, and other facets of health. With all these benefits, why not give martial arts a try?
Improving Core Strength To Boost Mobility
Taking up martial arts is not only possible for individuals with limited mobility, it’s highly beneficial. Martial arts improves things like core strength and balance even for those who use wheelchairs. They also give you confidence that you can defend yourself in a perilous situation.
Supporting Mind and Body
For those who have may also have learning disabilities, they improve self-esteem and coordination, as well as intellectual functioning. These benefits extend to everyone. Individuals who are visually impaired can even enjoy activities like judo up to the Paralympic level and reap the many benefits of the sport. Individuals with limited mobility from aging can also enjoy multiple health benefits from martial arts including maintenance of muscle mass, coordination, and cardio.
Even individuals with asthma can enjoy and benefit from martial arts. To help keep track of your body and the health benefits of martial arts, wearing technology that senses your movement and environment is beneficial. All the wonderful health improvements and benefits associated with martial arts can also be enjoyed by those with limited mobility, with some considerations.
Beginning Your Adventure
Beginning martial arts as an individual with limited mobility is mostly a matter of finding the right fit. Finding the right style comes first. For individuals with a lack of leg mobility, Tae Kwon Do which focuses on kicks might not be the best bet; Jiu Jitsu which focuses on grappling or wrestling-type moves might be a better idea. Judo is known for being a good fit for many visually impaired people. There are many testimonies of people in wheel chairs being able to experience great success with karate. It is also important to find a place where individuals with limited mobility can experience “adaptive martial arts” which involves teachers who know how to adapt their martial art to meet an individual’s particular needs. These are all things to consider when searching for a studio or dojo to attend.
Martial arts is associated with balance, focus, coordination, and cardiovascular health. These benefits are not confined solely to one type of people but can be experienced and enjoyed by all. With the right considerations and finding a place that is the right fit for you, you can achieve these health benefits and derive great enjoyment from these sports and practices. Limited mobility does not limit your success and happiness in the field of martial arts.
