Could I learnwith this?

[Zuarko]

Hi! I'm interested in training Hapkido. There's a korean teacher in my town that runs a gym and teaches hapkido, I have to go to see some example class but I've heared he is a good one.

The real problem that I find it's that I have had some back problems, I have a little scoliosis but the doctor told me some years ago that now I'm fine, but still have some degrees of scoliosis. The question is that I don't know if I can train this MA. Any of you know anything about scoliosis and Hapkido? Maybe if I tell that to the teacher he could tell me something about correct training methods?

Thanks!

[nj_howard]

Hello,

I'd advise you to speak first with your doctor. Are you being treated for scoliosis? In many cases, scoliosis is benign... all it means is that you have some degree of greater-than-normal curvature of your spine. I have some scoliosis myself, and I've been doing Hapkido for many years, and have never had any back problems.

Good luck.

[Zuarko]

Well, I'll try to speak with my doctor, I'm sure he could help me, is the best sport doctor in the area, the bad part is that I'll have to wait about two months, long queue.

Anyway, if anyone has more information or examples I'll be thank :) I began with a 30 degree scoliosis and after two years I had 15 degrees. The doctor told me that I was ok, I didn't need more treatments, and he told me to do some swimming, volleyball and basketball. Well, I've been swimming when I have been able to do and last year I've been doing Tai Chi. And I really don't feel pain on my back (only when ill or after a very heavy effort) But I know that jumping or rolling on the floor aren't a really good exercises for back, that's my real doubt, cause I know that in hapkido (like in others MA) it's usual to sparring or train with a partner and jump, fall... those kind of things, That's what makes me doubt about how good could be this MA for my back.

[JimH]

Hapkido involves alot more than jumping and rolling it also involves a lot of throws which end in a Hard three points of contact landing which even with a healthy back takes alot out of you.

Your finishes are always balance displacements,most of which affect the back and spine and most finishes are to the floor face down or back down.

You need to talk to your doctor and tell him that what you want to do has throws similar to Judo,(I use Judo as most can relate to it) and see what he thinks.

Also you can talk to your possible instructor and see if they offer alternatives to the High heavy throws,or the amount you need to do.

Many schools have reduced the amount of throwing done and some ,(like Combat hapkido), offer alternatives for those unable to make or take the Hard falls.

Good Luck ,I hope it works out for you.