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Epilepsy and Martial Arts
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 01:41How many people mix the two?
I've been practicing martial arts for the last two years and I use it more as an outlet for socializing and relieving stress.
I mainly focus on Gracie Jiu Jitsu (I got my blue belt from Royce Gracie last weekend) and then I do a little unofficial Muay Thai so I can throw some good punches and kicks if I have to.
Eveyone I train with knows I have epilepsy and they're very sensitive to it. The instructor just says "Is there anything I need to know about what to do if you have any problems?" and "Take a break if you need to."
Some times when I'm rolling (thats what we call sparring for those who don't know) in class, I start to have auras, usually mild disorientation and then I just tap out, say my epilepsy is acting up, and then just sit for about 10 seconds and shake it off.
Part of me wants to compete in just one fight just to have to experience but knowing my luck the stress/anticipation would probably make my epilepsy act up right in the middle of it and I would have to tap out or stall until I shake it off, which I know would be stupid.
Anyone else have interests like this or at least something that the "average person" would say a person with epilepsy has no business doing?
Comments
Re: Epilepsy and Martial Arts
Submitted by nicki on Thu, 2010-11-18 - 13:18
Re: Epilepsy and Martial Arts
Submitted by rikk on Wed, 2010-11-17 - 10:28
Hi, I stopped the competition part of the art. The reasons are simple, I don't want to hurt or scare other people, I am not as good as i was before. If the people involved in the match know what is going on, the rules for "normal"people don't prohibit it, then you deceide about the risk. Tap out is something people worry about.
The seizures, and meds decreased my ability, not my desire.
I do a lot of things the average person can't do. I do things the average person thinks I should not do. Those that have concerns for safety, teach them. Those that try to control. Be smart. You know your body. Use that knowledge to determine what is ok for you. It can change from day to day. I try to have someone with me, when I do things that have a higher risk. I call them a spotter, helper, a friend. Any activity that involves exercise, and social interaction is important. That is a buy one, get one free situation.
Things I do;
Martial arts, climbing, working with power tools, spenting some time alone, travel alone, biking, and the list goes on.
For some people with seizures, there are things they should not do. Your common sense should rule the day.
Hope it helps
Hi, I stopped the competition part of the art. The reasons are simple, I don't want to hurt or scare other people, I am not as good as i was before. If the people involved in the match know what is going on, the rules for "normal"people don't prohibit it, then you deceide about the risk. Tap out is something people worry about.
The seizures, and meds decreased my ability, not my desire.
I do a lot of things the average person can't do. I do things the average person thinks I should not do. Those that have concerns for safety, teach them. Those that try to control. Be smart. You know your body. Use that knowledge to determine what is ok for you. It can change from day to day. I try to have someone with me, when I do things that have a higher risk. I call them a spotter, helper, a friend. Any activity that involves exercise, and social interaction is important. That is a buy one, get one free situation.
Things I do;
Martial arts, climbing, working with power tools, spenting some time alone, travel alone, biking, and the list goes on.
For some people with seizures, there are things they should not do. Your common sense should rule the day.
Hope it helps
Re: Epilepsy and Martial Arts
Submitted by Bharatt on Wed, 2010-11-17 - 07:23
hi Gatesy,
What you r doing is phenomenal. Learning martial arts while having epilepsy is not easy. May be your training is providing you the motivation to fight Epilepsy. I practise boxing at home sometimes. Earlier I used to train with state level boxers, but left it years ago due to work pressure (even before my epilepsy was diagnosed). now I feel sort of low coordination while throwing punches, but that doesn't matter. It helps me 4get my problems for a while n gives me strength.
Keep it up..!
hi Gatesy,
What you r doing is phenomenal. Learning martial arts while having epilepsy is not easy. May be your training is providing you the motivation to fight Epilepsy. I practise boxing at home sometimes. Earlier I used to train with state level boxers, but left it years ago due to work pressure (even before my epilepsy was diagnosed). now I feel sort of low coordination while throwing punches, but that doesn't matter. It helps me 4get my problems for a while n gives me strength.
Keep it up..!