Hello,

I wondered if anyone could recommend a martial art that puts little pressure on knee joints, I have a history of knee injuries but enjoy training and competition. I was previously training with an amateur boxing club which was great but unfortunatly my employer wasnt happy with me going to work with black eyes so am looking for an alternative

Damn, it's irritating when your employer doesn't understand about doing a martial art/sport!

If you have problems with your knees, I guess most of the striking arts are out.

How about Aikido? That is more about using your opponants force against them and not kicking, such as karate or taekwondo.

For what it is worth, I wouldn't necessarily count out striking arts. I also have a history of knee problems (mostly from football) and the worst one stopped me from doing anything more energetic than walking for a few years. I took up karate thinking it would be "kill or cure" for my knees and I have to say the knees feel much stronger now than before.

Cheers,
Paul

Tai Chi is a good art to assist the repair of knees as it teaches you how to use them for weight transference as opposed to weight bearing. I was due a double knee replacement and this skill gave my knees another 10 years of life.

Steve Rowe wrote:
Tai Chi is a good art to assist the repair of knees as it teaches you how to use them for weight transference as opposed to weight bearing.

Steve that is a very good way to explain the pressure on the knee.
Could I ask you to elaborate on how you would feel the transference as opposed to weight bearing??
I understand what you mean when you say it but do you have any examples of movement that would give myself or any student a contrast of feeling between the bearing and transference moves??

Cheeky I know...

The knee should always be 'loose' and as your weight goes forward it should not bend the knee more. The knee should remain fixed, the thigh should spring downwards and the weight travel to the feet.

You know you've got it right when the arch of the foot spreads with the bodyweight. I know of very few martial artists with this skill.

It's also necessary to have this skill to begin work on the internal system.

dmgranth, don't let your knees dictate what martial arts you want to study. With diligent rehab and preventive exercises (strength, flexibility, agility, etc), you should be able to do any martial art. A good physical therapist or applied kinesiologist will be great help. Be discerning with PTs; most just want to get you walking and out the door. The extra time and/or cost to work with a good specialist is more than worth it. It's your body and your life after all.

Steve Rowe wrote:
Tai Chi is a good art to assist the repair of knees as it teaches you how to use them for weight transference as opposed to weight bearing. I was due a double knee replacement and this skill gave my knees another 10 years of life.

It is true that Tai Chi can help stregthen and improve the knees. However, a big caveat here. MAKE SURE you vet the instructor well. Tai Chi can be very damaging to the knees when the instructor does not correct you properly. Get someone who does know what they are doing help you vet them.

Just to say thanks to everyones advice - some very useful thoughts, I have pretty much decided a combination of Tai Chi and something more physically demanding such as Karate / kung-fu also, I would be very grateful for any advice regarding any resources for locating clubs in South London area

How does one look for a good instructor if they are in experianced?

mprowe wrote:


It is true that Tai Chi can help stregthen and improve the knees. However, a big caveat here. MAKE SURE you vet the instructor well. Tai Chi can be very damaging to the knees when the instructor does not correct you properly. Get someone who does know what they are doing help you vet them.

Good point mprowe!

dmgranth
You might find the following helpful: http://www.taichiunion.com/ - to check for registered tai chi teachers in your area.
and this website is helpful for finding local classes http://www.taichifinder.co.uk/index.php

finally, I know I'm biased, but for some classes available on Wudang tai chi (not impartial advice ) you might also like: http://www.taichichuan.co.uk/database/database.html

Hope you find what you're looking for. Good luck!

You can do both Tai Chi and Karate with Martin Gatter 6th dan Karate and International Tai Chi Instructor http://www.shikon-se.com/