Thinking about starting with Martial Arts....

[Stew]

Yeah, how about a little about me, I am 23, 6 feet tall, 212 pounds (I used to be 260 though, so i am a lot better there), I have confidence issues and am quite shy, I am not really in the best f shape either :D Anyways, I am interested in getting into martial arts to better myself and improve my confidence, one big question though, I have pretty bad vision, it impacts almost everything I do and I am wondering how it would effect studying the arts? I am eventually having lasik surgery for that, but not now and don't really want to wait to get started.

Thanks, Brian

[Zabuza]

go you idiot! haha j/k well if your iffy about joining martial arts with bad vision just go to the gym for a while atleast you can gain muscle while waiting for surgery, if you want you migh try some grappling since you can grapple without to much problem with bad eye vision

[Kof_Andy]

If your interested in taking the art, then I recommend starting right away. Martial Art will definitly get you in shape, you dont have to worry about that much. Theres all kinds of people who practice martial art, and I seen many with disability. I had a student who practice TKD with me, and he had 1 arms only, but I tell you his sparring ability is amazing even with 1 hand blocking. So Im sure a little vison problem is not going to stop you from learning the art.

[HitNRun]

Sign up for classes now. Waiting to feel better before going to the doctor makes about as much sense as waiting for whatever before starting exercise. Now is a good time to start, you could make it your New Years resolution.

No one will expect you to be an expert on your first night at your chosen martial art. Do as much in your class as you can but don't worry that anyone will think less of you if you can't do alot.

Actually, experienced martial artists will respect newcommers who try, who put in effort. It will not be easy for you. They (the others in your gym) will help you as long as you are willing to do your part. I have seen people get into terrific shape by doing TKD. However, exercise has to be complemented with proper eating and no cheating.

Set up a long term goal. Then set up a number of short term goals. Work on each short term goal and before you know it you will make your long term goal.

Good Luck

Tom

[WhiteWizard]

There really shouldn't be any problems with your eyesight this is an area where i have a lot of knowledge as i'm partially sighted it sometimes makes things a little harder but hey you need a challenge in life.

As for the other stuff fitness will come with training

[WhiteWizard]

If you want to ask any questions feel free

[David]

A kung fu bro of mine had very poor vision and trained happily for two years before he got lasered. No reason not to start now.

Rgds,
David

[quartermaster]

hmm i have fairly poor vision, well within the driving standards, but quite poor.
count yourself lucky you can have lasering done to your eyes and afford it.
i might as well be a one-eyed man, for all the use my left eye has and that can never be lasered (wrong type of deformity), but i have no real problems training. as a matter of fact i might go so far as to say that not having great focus on the world without my glasses has helped me to develop my peripheral vision which was once terrible.

[zun]

You need to watch Zatoichi - the blind samurai.

[kerling]

Go train .. you cant realy see anything anyway you will notice things but not see them as .. he viggled his toe he's gonna kick me. Get good sport glasses there are a lot of people who train with glasses in my dojo and they don't seem to be a problem for them.

You could become a evil master.

If you train hard you will get more flexible and more agile. But I'm not shure your shape "external" will be much better. But you will stop feeling like your weight is a problem because you learn how to move your body and know it's limits.

Regards Kerling