Martial Arts for Everyone

The last class was very interesting as the only martial arts I have been part of in the past were those you see in the movies. I never knew learning to fall down could be so difficult though. Even though it was not an extensive self-defense lesson, it was enough to get a sense that those with disabilities could benefit from some martial arts training. The increased self-esteem that could be developed from these types of activities can make a big difference in the quality of life anyone could lead.

There are many different variations of martial arts, but one I found that is geared towards individuals with disabilities is “combat hapkido”. There is an International Disabled Self-Defense Association that was founded in 1996 by Master Instructor Jurgen Schmidt. His website, Defense Ability has plenty of information available and would be a great place to start for anyone interested in learning more about martial arts for the disabled. During our class time however we focused more on proper falling and basic throwing techniques.

We eventually made things more interesting by practicing our actions with our eyes closed. Unfortunately we did not have any wheelchairs available to give that a shot, but I can imagine it would not have been too pretty. Really, the eyes closed activity was not as bad as I thought. It forces you to go with your instincts as opposed to looking to make sure you hands are in the proper position. Of course we did have the added benefit of knowing that someone was going to simulate attacking us. Luckily we all came away in one piece and with a greater appreciation for the practice of martial arts.

This is something I had been in interested in learning as a kid, but never got the opportunity to do. I hope at some point in my adult life I can take it up. There are many aspects that draw me to martial arts, one being the stress reduction benefits. Learning to breathe properly and channel your inner energy (or chi as it is otherwise referred) are great tools for anyone to learn. All in all this was another eye opening class that showed me once more than just about anything can be adapted to fit the needs of everybody.

Here are a couple of links to articles I found on the topic and a link to a YouTube video on wheelchair martial arts.

How Can Martial Arts Benefit the Disabled?

Karate brings strength and joy to disabled kids

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Finally Some Internship News

I just wanted to share with everyone some exciting news I received yesterday. My long search for an internship with a disabled sports organization has finally come to an end. Yesterday I was offered an internship with the International Paralympic Committee in Bonn, Germany. Now I just have to cross my fingers for funding since it is an unpaid position, but an opportunity I would be crazy to pass up. I will be joining them for around four months from June to September. I hope to find out more soon about what I will be doing and will make sure to keep updating throughout the whole process.

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Simple Tasks While Wearing Gloves Are Not So Simple

Sorry I am a little behind on my posts. The end of the semester is coming quicker than I would like. Writing papers and working on group projects has taken a front seat lately. A couple of weeks ago in my disability sport class we kind of strayed from the sport theme and focused on some fine motor skill tasks.

Working on tactile function tasks were a lot trickier than I could have imagined. Whether it was threading some beads or shuffling cards, if you are not able to actually feel what you are touching, it is near impossible. We simulated these tasks by wearing two different sized gardening gloves. One was very small and snug while the other was too big. Obviously tasks with the smaller glove were easier since you are able to better feel what you are touching.

Some of the tasks we used were from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). This included beads and a thread, a pad, box, and pennies, as well as a deck of cards. All of these tests are intended to gauge the fine motor skills of children, but during class they served as a way for us to realize how important the sense of touch is. Without these skills it is difficult for anyone to enjoy such tasks as even tying a shoe or holding a fork and spoon.

Luckily, with practice one can develop the fine motor skills necessary for day to day living. It took me most of the class period to actually feel comfortable picking things up with the gloves on. In your mind you do not think it would be that tough. You soon realize though how much you use your hands throughout the day. I can not imagine having to try and type this right now with those gloves on. I highly doubt it would be legible and coherent. There is something to be said about a room full of seemingly able individuals struggling to put a peg in a hole.

These skills are easier to develop the younger someone is so it is important to take some time to work on a daily basis. It can make a big difference in a child’s life and enable them to have the building blocks necessary to lead as normal as possible childhood.

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