training in japan - with disabilities

[hideyoshi74]

Hi,

I have a rare birth defect which has left me without most of my abdominal muscles (odd, I know).

I am mobile. That is to say, I can walk, run, jump and use my arms and legs pretty much like everyone else, although I'm probably a step slower due to the awkward center of gravity.

However, I have concerns.

1) There are certain things I cannot do: sit-ups, push-ups, chin-ups, throws, or falls. Are these required at any stage in training, and if so, would a sensei be accommodating of someone with such limitations?

2) A tad worried about the shinai strikes. I know it says that the occasional bruise is all one has to worry about, but without abdominal muscles, perhaps it could be of greater concern in my case. My main question is, are bruises in the sternum and abdomen common, even with the body armor? I'd probably get a flac jacket (as used in American football) just to be safe. My gut feeling is that with a flac jacket, I'd be okay, but I was wondering if it is common to feel pain in the body even when wearing the armor.

Should I forget kendo?

[Neil Gendzwill]

We don't do any of those exercises in our club. There are no throws or falls in kendo, although occasionally you might get knocked down. Most kendo sensei are extremely accomodating of disabilities or injuries. If you're training in Japan, there are lots of clubs so if the first one you find doesn't seem too accomodating, you can probably find another. The only bruises you might worry about on your torso are on the side, under the armpit, from missed doh attacks. The ones that make contact with the doh or tare don't bruise - they mostly aren't even felt at all.

[Paikea]

Obviously, you should talk with a doctor and sensei at your prospective dojo first. That being said, yes you get bruised in the arms and sides fairly often and yes there are times when it hurts a bit. I have seen times when a mune-tsuki put a couple of guys off of practice for a week or two. You are probably right in that some kind of protective vest would help prevent serious damage.

As far as forgetting Kendo goes - heck no. If you think you can do it, you probably will.

[fighting mochi]

i have polio, and it affected all four limbs of my body. i did practice in japan and my sensei was very accommodating in that they knew i wasn't going to be 100% in being able to do proper waza. ashi sabaki work was interesting. at first, we explored what i was capable of doing and worked from there. i can't run, nor can i do rapid strikes. i know you are not suppose to use your shinaii as crutch to help you up. it's a definte no no but there times my knees won't legs won't let me without assistance and he said it was ok for me to use it as i need it.i enjoyed it while i stayed in japan. i'm sure most senseis will understaand as long as you let them know ahead of time of your situation. be careful though, if you're working out with children, my sensei pointed to me and made an example of what kendo spirit should be . after that, i couldn't slack off (not that i did) and had to workout even harder.
but if you played football you should have no problems, but check with your doctor first just make sure.

[hideyoshi74]

Thanks for the responses thus far.

I fully expect to get bruised in places where my body is exposed. What I need to know is if the abdominal area (i.e. the kidneys, spleen, etc) are exposed in kendo. And, are the shinai strikes capable of bruising you through the protected areas - I suppose it's possible, but is it common?

I'll almost surely wear a flac jacket regardless, just to be on the safe side. I think your advice about consulting a doctor is well stated, and I'll have to do that at some point if I have any reservations at all after consulting with a sensei.

Again, thanks for the responses so far.

[ratdeau]

What I need to know is if the abdominal area (i.e. the kidneys, spleen, etc) are exposed in kendo. And, are the shinai strikes capable of bruising you through the protected areas - I suppose it's possible, but is it common?

I've never been bruised nor touched by a shinai in theses areas . The bogu protect quite well. I think that having good material help. I like "heavy" bamboo do it absorb the shocks better than my light plastic do. You could also go for a custom made tare with a larger belt. The question is perhaps with taiatari contact. It's not pushup but quite.