Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice for a friend who suffers from restricted growth and curvature of the spine, along with ongoing problems with her joints. 1) Would martial arts be appropriate for this person? 2) If so which one? 3) Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance.
http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33235 that thread says it all. if a gentleman with so serious a muscular problem can attain black sash status, I think your friend will find MA quite enjoyable with the proper instructor.
Thanks for that. Any other thoughts about the spinal curvature though, I'd be concerned about the effects that the stances and movements of many martial arts could have on this. Any thoughts?
Will probably require adjustments. But any good instructor should do that. I know one of my ex's classmates has muscular dystrophy and does Tang Soo Do. Consult the physician, of course, but a good instructor will only ask that your friend do their best. The moves may not be pretty, perfect, or textbook, but as long as your friend is accomplishing something, that's the important part. S/he will need ot learn within the constraints of her/his handicap, and that's really what this boils down to...