Martial Arts and people with disablities

[Saz]

I'm posting this because I need some advice on how to teach some self defence to a friend of mine who is physically disabled (cerebral palsy) The other night she was attacked by some d**k in a nightlub, and want me to help teach her some self defence in case it happens again. Kicks are pretty much out of the question, apart from maybe very low kicks, and she only has full use of one arm.
Does anyone here have any ideas about what I can show her, or have any experience in this field? I'd be really grateful for any advice

Osu

Sarah

[Chazz]

Thats a hard question cause as we keep sayin' everyone is different. You said low kicks right? Stomping the toes, kicks to the knees and anckles, and shin scrapes (the edge of her foot down his shin) works well. Simple thinkgs such as her using her knee to parts to his body. Keys can be used as blades. Simple things can be the best of all.

If you dont mind me asking, how was she attacked?

-Chazz

[waya]

It's extremely difficult to put together a program for somone who is disabled, but I feel it's also more than worth the effort. I think Tracy Crocker (ninjabumon) would be a good person to ask and hope he sees the post since he has experience in that area. I have seen his student in action, he's quite capable of defending himself beyond where I thought possible. One thing I would keep in mind is that the wheelchair (assuming your friend uses one) can also be an extremely effective defense tool. If she doesn't, then I would suggest stressing making use of her environment to defend herself, as well as what Chazz has already stated. Looking helpless to lure the attacker is a good tactic once she is confident with her own skills.

Rob

[Cooler]

Teach her to scream if she is attacked she has to draw attention to herself most attackers dont like this.

Go for the attackers eyes and stick your nails right in there, bite his/her nose off.

Basically get down and dirty.

Cooler

[waya]

I agree,
It is hard to seriously contemplate doing that kind of harm to another person before you have had to. But the question remains to everyone, disabled or not, is their well being worth your life or safety? I don't believe it is. Just make sure whatever you teach her, she knows it is real and not something that's just "flashy".

Rob

[Chazz]

Yeah tell her to be MEAN. Go for anything that will save her. Tell her not to wait till what she might think is a better time for her to get away, cause there might not be one.

[ninjabumon]

Hi,
Regardless of all we say and all we know about Martial Arts, if you don't have a disability, you honestly cannot understand how they feel. I have had to spend countless hours working with a friend of mine named Billy Sullivan. He also has CP. Billy will be in a major martial arts publication soon talking about just this thing. What a disabled person can do with Martial Arts. I invite you Kyokushin Girl to send me a private e-mail. We can E-mail as well as speak with you privately on the phone about these matters. Billy has also elected to speak with your friend as well as yourself. Billy also has a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psy. He really, honestly can help you out. Maybe, I can too. My E-mail address is Ninjabumon@aol.com. My name is Tracy Crocker. I am a Shidoshi (5th Dan)in the Bujinkan. Billy Sullivan is a 5th Kyu and has been studying Ninpo Taijutsu for over 10 years. Give us a chance to help you. You have to take the first step.

Country Ninja,
Tracy Crocker

[Andy Murray]

This, people is what this site is about. Regardless of our differences, we all work together to help others.

Tracy gets a gold star.

[waya]

Andy you ought to work with him in person lol

Believe me, between him and Papa-san you walk away with a new outlook on things (and a few bumps hahahaha).

Rob

[Andy Murray]

Any particular reason Rob?

[waya]

The way they explain things... You actually feel what is supposed to happen.... Everything is done realistically, and they both have alot of experience with how the applications, as well as the mind should really work. It's more than just being shown a physical technique, you actually learn the why, and the mental aspect of doing it right and making everything flow naturally instead of being a jerky, thought out motion.

[Andy Murray]

Is it that this is the first time you have been taught like this, or just that they are so exceptional?

[waya]

I have been taught that way before, but they were really exceptional as well

[Andy Murray]

Then let's have some articles Tracy. Input, we need Input!

[Chazz]

Yeah please do

[shadowknight]

Hi folks, I am Billy T. Sullivan (shadowknight). Tracy Crocker's (ninjabumon) student Yep,I'm the guy with the disability who Tracy mentioned.My advice to you Kyokushin Girl? Pressure points,anatomical w eaknesses! Without having met your friend, I can only give basic advice. You say she only has use of one arm? Try working with block/strikes using the same arm. For example. And this is assuming she can walk, The opponent comes in w/standard punch, defender: outside blockw/forearm, step in,claw to the eyes/or punch to the throat. She can also trap/grapple w/the arm as well. Look at simple ways to take the attacker down. Eyes. ears, throat/neck are all good areas to attack. From a grab, peel the thumb away and pull it down and break it off! The thumb is the weakest part of the hand. The idea is to control the opponent, so he'll stop hitting you and take him out if necessary. You and your friend will have to look at standard techniques and ADAPT them to her needs. This is going to be a slow and experimental process. You both must be patient and committed. I wish you both the best. If you need help brainstorming, my email is billymacfionn@webtv.net. I will be glad to help.
With Truth and Honor, Billy T.Sullivan

[Cooler]

:) Welcome to the boards Billy look forward to more input from yourself.

Cooler

[shadowknight]

Thanks Cooler, A quick question,just 'cuz I'm curious,do you speak Gaelic?

[Cooler]

No. :)

Cooler

[waya]

Billy,
Good to see ya in here. Look forward to seeing you when I finally make it down to train more with Tracy.

Rob

[Andy Murray]

Billy,
Ghostsuit speaks Garlic! Just don't get too close!

Sadly, a very small percentage of Scotsmen speak Gaelic.

About the same proportion of Ninjas who run about on rooftops at the weekend probably.

Tracy, take that vial of poison away! You know I was only joking!

No.....no.......aaaaargh!

[shadowknight]

Yep,I know...And its really tough using a grappling hook to haul my w/chair up to the roof...LOL! btw..I asked b/c I'm traveling to the Isles one of these days.

[Andy Murray]

You will be made most welcome Billy. we have a scene for every season. Oh, and a Dram to take away the chill, should you partake! In the Summer we go Haggis hunting, though they are hard to find these days!

[shadowknight]

Go raith maith agat...I thank you most kindly. And I will gladly raise a pint w/you..ya know we celts love good fellowship.Some things never die...even in the diaspora.

[shadowknight]

P.S. Hiya Rob.
hope to see you again soon.

[Doug Tweedy]

Hey Billy,

This is Doug and Michelle from Richmond. Good to hear that you're on this board! This is my first visit here...Michelle and I were down in NC this past weekend when Thom visited with Tracy. We had a great time training. I didn't realize you were of Scottish Heritage! Michelle and I both belong to the local St. Andrews Society and do work with the Celtic Festival and Highland games....we're newbies but love it!

I have 24 years experience in MA, both as a teacher and student, but after researching the Bujinkan I decided to "start over". My wife and I now train with Tracy (Ninjabumon) for the past year, too. It is the most realistic art that I have trained in. Because it has roots in TRUE combat arts hundreads of years old (NO sporting aspects). It truly is a living art. It is SO DIFFERENT in all aspects of training and thinking...

BTW, good to hear from you Rob (waya)! It was nice meeting you and your friend at Papa-san's seminar. I am happy to hear you've been getting together with Tracy. Michelle and I hope to see you soon in NC again. Maybe you'll consider going to Tai Kai, too? It'll be a blast.

[waya]

Wish I could make Tai Kai :-(
I had a blast that weekend though. Looking forward to seein y'all down here again for sure.

Rob

[Doug Tweedy]

Good to hear from you, Rob!

I'll try to steer back onto the topic, somewhat.

I have been diabetic for about 14 years now. I don't consider myself "handicap" per se', however it has affected my body and mind in different ways at different times. I developed adhesive capsulitis in my shoulders which DRASTICALLY reduced my strength, mobility and flexibility in my arms. I am a big guy and have always been fairly strong in my upper body and this had a massive effect on me. Even after surgery and physical therapy it has been a long slow road to some sort of normallacy.

Training with Tracy has been a real eye opener. I have learned to adapt what I do and have learned to apply more "natural" motions and movements. Using my entire body rather than rely on muscle only strength. Most of us have heard this before, but still too many people "muscle" their way thru a technique...

Understand, or am I rambling too much? LOL

[shadowknight]

Hi Everyone,
Good to hear from you,Doug! What a coincidence. My undergrad was St.Andrews college in Laurinburg, NC! It seems we have quite a few things in common. I won't clutter up the board w/any more cultural stuff. If any of you want to chat further on celtic matters, contact me via private email.(billymacfionn@webtv.net) I'm sorta an amateur celtic/european history buff. So, I love to talk! LOL! I'm glad you guys found taijutsu. It is definitely one of the most adaptable arts around. I'm still using too much muscle in my technique,though.Some habits are hard to change. I'm a good example of that. And I can defintely relate to physical therapy.I've been through years of it! Keep training folks, and remember to take care of yourselves. Tell Michelle I said hello. Slan beo, Billy T.Sullivan

[ninjabumon]

Thanks everyone for you kind words. I really don't deserve them.
Country Ninja,
Tracy Crocker

[Joseki]

eveyone has some great advise but (speaking from experance) its one if not the most hardest thing to teach in the martial arts the best thing to start with is confidence and then go from there for the worst thing to do is teach lots of things that they can do, this is to much so teach one technique for 10 areas of attacks (ju jitsu is known for teaching 10 defences for one attack) and this will give her a good fondation.

[SaiMaster]

I am another handicapped martial artist. If you wish to contact me please do so.

The beginning is to try and see how close what you can do matches what you are supposed to be doing. Then break it down and see how what steps you need to take to come gradually closer and closer to the move you are trying to move.

Low kicks are excellant self defense moves. So are distractions. And an arm that cannot be used to strike or block with can be used to distract with.

Flexibiltiy and ease of movement also increase with training. Another real power can be gained by learning how to harness the power of spasticity.