Ip Man branch
August 31, 2010 11:39 AM Subscribe
I have decided to Wing Chun tonight.
Just had my first informal instruction. I have decided on the Ip Man branch (no jokes please) thing is I have a bad right knee (just age and cart wear)
should this be a determing factor to be taught? Instuctor says no. I say maybe. Also provide any good links to Wing Chun. (compare to what i have thus found)
Just had my first informal instruction. I have decided on the Ip Man branch (no jokes please) thing is I have a bad right knee (just age and cart wear)
should this be a determing factor to be taught? Instuctor says no. I say maybe. Also provide any good links to Wing Chun. (compare to what i have thus found)
Best answer: 2nd what hermitosis said- especially that if your instructor is aware of your knee situation, he/ she will be able to anticipate anything that might cause it trouble, and tailor the teaching around it. Martial arts instructors definitely have to think about this sort of thing all the time, and they are experts at body mechanics- just make sure the instructor knows some of the specifics (eg any limitations on mobility, anything that might cause you pain).
I'd suspect that training will help to strengthen and reinforce the sinews and tendons around your knee, if anything.
Oh, and of course, never force yourself to do anything you're not entirely comfortable with. No need to be macho or anything like that! The great sage doesn't glorify in his/ her great and glorious sagacity, after all. Which is lucky, cos that means we don't have to, either.
posted by Philby at 10:22 PM on August 31, 2010
I'd suspect that training will help to strengthen and reinforce the sinews and tendons around your knee, if anything.
Oh, and of course, never force yourself to do anything you're not entirely comfortable with. No need to be macho or anything like that! The great sage doesn't glorify in his/ her great and glorious sagacity, after all. Which is lucky, cos that means we don't have to, either.
posted by Philby at 10:22 PM on August 31, 2010
Best answer: I teach martial arts, and I agree with the above posters. There are a lot of injuries that can be safely trained through (at least to some degree) provided that at least 3 conditions are met:
1) The instructor knows about the injury.
2) You pay attention to the knee and don't do anything that irritates it.
3) You are working with a partner who can train in a controlled fashion.
Of course, no athletic endeavor can be 100% safe. But as long as you can meet those three 'pre-reqs' go for it! If something you are doing is bothering your knee, tell your coach so that they can a)correct your movement if it is incorrect or b)modify the movement to suit your kneeds (ha!) or c) understand and give you permission to sit out, rather than believe you are a lazy bum.
posted by HighTechUnderpants at 10:42 AM on September 1, 2010
1) The instructor knows about the injury.
2) You pay attention to the knee and don't do anything that irritates it.
3) You are working with a partner who can train in a controlled fashion.
Of course, no athletic endeavor can be 100% safe. But as long as you can meet those three 'pre-reqs' go for it! If something you are doing is bothering your knee, tell your coach so that they can a)correct your movement if it is incorrect or b)modify the movement to suit your kneeds (ha!) or c) understand and give you permission to sit out, rather than believe you are a lazy bum.
posted by HighTechUnderpants at 10:42 AM on September 1, 2010
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The standard kick for Wing Chun is a straight front kick, which is not intense for the knee, though there is obvs. a lot of flexing of it. But operating at the threshold of your ability should not interfere with your ability to train.
In class, your knee is going to be safe from attacks. In real life that front-kick you are practicing would be administered straight to the opponent's knee, but naturally they don't practice it that way in classes. Other than accidents such as falling or twisting -- which could happen while doing anything athletic -- I can't imagine you'd face any risks.
Also, if there is ever anything you can't do or think you shouldn't, your instructor (if he/she is a good one) will have ZERO problem with this, and may suggest an alternate activity. Any other response to a situational misgiving like this is a big red flag that you are in the wrong place.
posted by hermitosis at 11:47 AM on August 31, 2010 [1 favorite]