Looking for a new martial art

thefizz

I'm looking to get into a new martial art and need some suggestions.

I'm in my mid thirties and have been practicing Karate for 22 years. Unfortunately early arthritis in both hips is restricting my ability to kick and there are a lot of kicks in our Kata. So I'm thinking of trying something new that won’t put too much strain on my hips.

I’d like to try Judo but some of the throws may be too dangerous for me, I’m not too sure. I also like the idea of ground grappling but don't know much about it.

Any suggestions?

fizzynicenice

boxing?

roneythetube

go for judo - its great and ideal for the situation you are describing.
No kicks involved and throws are fine once you learn how to fall correctly.
Ground work is great fun - just like wrestling when ya were a kid! A bit of experience will serve ya very well in groundwork...try it and see.

suey71

Sorry to hear about the Hips.

Wing Tsun has about 3 kicks in its arsonal, all low.

Google it and see what you think, it might suit you.

Doug Cartel

Judo will put a lot of stress on your hips, but you could give it a try and see how it goes. One of the good things about judo is you're not expected to be able to do everything in the syllabus, instead you find which parts work for you and get good at those. I do a lot of throws that involve jumping into half splits, but you could work on some of the more subtle sweep type throws. BJJ might be do-able as well. You need a lot of hip flexibility, but not in a jarring, sudden stretch, kind of way. If that makes sense.

thefizz

Thanks for the suggestions. I did think of boxing but I'd prefer the type of combat where I get my hands on my opponent and take him down. I think Judo or grappling would be a nice compliment to my Karate knowledge.

JohnMc1

The problem with Boxing is that unless you're close to a White Collar Boxing Club most of them won't take him or anyone over a certain age [I was 29 when I came here and was told I was too old]

The problem is that you use your hips in virtually in all martial arts. Whether it be for kicking or punching [your power for your punches actually comes from your hips]

You might want to see your doctor or physiotherapist and see what they say about if you taking martial arts is a good idea or not.

Doug Cartel

Completely forgot about this. Over the age of 32 (I think) you'll need brain scans and the like before you can take part in any legitimate competition.

You could do cardio boxing though ;P

JohnMc1

Doug Cartel wrote: »

Completely forgot about this. Over the age of 32 (I think) you'll need brain scans and the like before you can take part in any legitimate competition.

You could do cardio boxing though ;P

What sport is that for?

dunkamania

BJJ or submission wrestling would most likely suit you, low impact, not sure how your arthrithis will limit you though, as hip movement is essential.

Doug Cartel

JohnMc1 wrote: »

What sport is that for?

Boxing, but that may just be for the UK, and I probably have the age wrong.

JohnMc1

Doug Cartel wrote: »

Boxing, but that may just be for the UK, and I probably have the age wrong.

That could be true here too. Hopefully someone who knows will clarify it for us.

crosstrainer1

i would check out this system
1 it weapons based covering stick,knife and empty hand an since you have past martial arts experience. you will have the understanding and Patience's to train check out dan inosanto or rick young or boob breen or micke and steve krause on you tube you wont regret it

thefizz

Lots of good recommendations but my problem is finding clubs in my area and at the moment Judo in Coolmine is looking the most likely.

I'd like to add that I'm still fairly fit and agile but my flexibility in the hips has been restricted and therefore my kicks are more difficult (and sometimes painful) to perform.

Jason Mc

If you think judo won't be tough on your joints you are sadly mistaken.

I would say BJJ is much less impact orientated

thefizz

I did say in my first post:

"I’d like to try Judo but some of the throws may be too dangerous for me, I’m not too sure"

Thats why I might try it and see how it goes.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Jason Mc wrote: »

If you think judo won't be tough on your joints you are sadly mistaken.

I would say BJJ is much less impact orientated

I'd have to agree with this.

Judo is exceptionally hard on your joints, however I'm not sure about the hips (I only know one Judoka who has had both hips replaced recently).

And because a lot of Judoka are carrying joint injuries there's little or no sympathy out on the mat when your experiencing pain

But do drop into Coolmine and explain the situation with your hips, you could also drop into Alan Martin in Ashbourne (Judo Ireland) and see what kind of Judo they're doing in his club.

Someone mentioned throw's, Judo isn't all about throws (although its a hugh part of it of course). My game center's around ashi waza (foot techniques) with only two big throw's (Harai goshi & Osoto Gari), but I'm probably 80% ashi waza.

debaroid

what about Aikido....no strain in hips???

pearsquasher

Try www.bujinkan.ie for nearest Budo Taijutsu clubs to you. Training is geared towards whatever you are capable of and allows you to protect your body so you won't strain your hips if you don't want to.

This is one aspect of "self-defence". Hell, I've seen two physically disabled people perform amazingly in this art on my last trip to Japan.

opinion guy

debaroid wrote: »

what about Aikido....no strain in hips???

Yes I was also thinking of Aikido. Long time since I've done any and to my memory it wasn't too bad on the hips but tough on the knees -but I couldn't absolutly say it was hip-friendly. Alot of the power does come from the hips thou but I guess like the judo you wouldn't know till you try. Maybe talk to an instructor or something

Doug Cartel

pearsquasher wrote: »

Hell, I've seen two physically disabled people perform amazingly in this art on my last trip to Japan.

Bujinkan is great. It allows you to use the power of your imagination to overcome any opponent.