Martial Arts Practitioners

[Dr. Stupid]

Hi Guys and Girls,
I haven't read the posts for a while now, and am catching up. It is interesting that there are continuing questions about practising the martial arts after valve replacements, and while on Warfarin/Coumadin (Coumaden ?).
It would be interesting to know people views on this subject, and how many members out there still continue with their training in the martial and fighting arts.
I followed shotokan karate for a year or so before my club shut, and actually won some medals for competition fighting. I now practice Jiu Jitsu and MMA (mixed martial arts fighting), and am thoroughly enjoying myself. Usually end up with a few bruises, but they soon disappear.
Looking forward to hearing your views.
Paul

[Philip]

I am 5 weeks post op and plan on returning to my Taekwondo/Hapkido Dojang the first week in July. In tournaments we mostly fight by Olympic Taekwondo rules which are full contact. My tournament fighting days are over but I hope that when I return that I can very carefully find the edge of my envelope and continue to learn and contribute. I will be very disappointed if I can not continue with the Hapkido. The most likely injury will be getting my breath knocked out on impact with the matt if I don't stick the fall. Any insight on hitting the matt this hard on Coumadin will be appreciated.
I hope you are able to safely continue your training.

Philip

[MarkU]

Being on Coumadin won't cause bruises, it will just possibly make any bruises you get somewhat more severe. It's really going to vary from individual to individual. My 76-year-old father was on Coumadin for his A-fib and bruised very, very easily the last year of his life when he was fighting cancer. I on the other hand have crashed my bike, dislocated and broken fingers in the past year and not had any significant bruising. Sure, I always wear a helmet when cycling, but I would irregardless of being on Coumadin.
I'd say try and see how it goes. If you have unacceptable bruising, then back off or quit. If not, then keep at it and enjoy your life.

[Bionic Man]

My doc who's a Marfans specialist says that I am cleared to do Karate as long as:
1) I don't do full chin-ups which would cause me to strain or full dips like we sometimes are asked to. She says push ups are fine but if it becomes difficult to switch to the knee-version push ups. (this is because of my aneurysm concerns)

2) She says that I could possibly spar with pads etc but I can't be thrown onto my back. I guess being thrown on your back can cause dissection of the aorta and should be avoided. The style of karate I do does not get into throws anyway.

My studio is very accommodating and is allowing me to rest when I need to and also is allowing me to get 1 on 1 instruction when classes are intended to be more of a workout than what I'm up for.

David Cross