Hey there Martial Planet, i'v'e got a question about Tai Chi. I want to get my Father back into Martial arts, into Tai Chi to be exact. He is 52 years old, and has a blackbelt in kajukenbo under Dennis Sabala, however, he's got a broken back. Now, he isn't paralyzed, he can still walk, move, etc, it just hurts him alot. He has surgery to where he has a metal plate holding his spine together. Martial arts is his passion, and it was taken away from him when he broke his back, i want to know from some experienced people, would Tai Chi help him? Would he be able to do Tai Chi? I ask because i have read that Tai Chi helps disabled and elderly people gain their mobility back. He claims it hurts for hi mto stand for a minute or half a minute, but would Tai Chi Help him? Thanks, -Dan
I was told once by a couple of instructors (of the same class) that they've had disabled people (some paralysed from the waist down) do tai chi from a chair and it has still helped their mobility. Whether you apply salt to this is up to you, I'm not sure what to believe, but what I'm getting at is some people believe (or at least claim) that tai chi could possibly help someone in your father's position (and sorry to hear about that btw) Dan (yes, another one)
The short answer to your question is that while there are no guarantees, Tai Chi's practices and principles neatly align with modern therapeutic rehabilitation practices, and may help your father immensely. Well known Tai Chi teacher Bruce Frantzis had his back broken in an auto accident in the early 80's and his knowledge of chi gung and tai chi played a vital role in his rehabilitation. He has written several books and teaches publicly on a seminar circuit in the U.S. and Europe. His book, "The Power of Internal Martial Arts" would likely provide both information and inspiration for your dad. Good Luck to you and to him as he moves through what sounds like a difficult but navigable stretch on the road of life. .
If you can just repeat the ending move of the 108 Chang/Yang Taiji "close stance", you will get the most benefit of your "Taiji for health training". If you can inhale when your arms pass over your head, exhale when your arms drop next to your legs, inhale when your palms raise up, and exhale when your palm drop down, you can save Qi into you Dantien (if you believe in Qi). I have taught this single move to many old people (include my father/mother in law), they all love it. http://johnswang.com/Taiji_ending.wmv
Well, my dad's had his back broken for 30 years, but in his prime when he was around 18-20 he was a force to be reckoned with as a full contact fighter fighting in tournaments. An unfortunate accident made him break his back. I spoke to a Tai Chi teacher who was at my dojo the other day for a promotional, and he said he would be able to help my dad, so thats why i just wanted to get some other opinions about it.
You will have to very, very careful in choosing a proper TC teacher. Some teachers may underestimate your dad's condition, and may do him more harm than good. With an understanding teacher, TC will certainly help, in conjunction with other exercises (as advised by certified spinal specialists). Expect some improvements, but certainly not miracles. A simple tip for your dad: if a particular Tai Chi move hurts, then stop doing that particular move. I wish your dad the best of luck, K.
Slightly different advice.. If anything hurts....dont stop doing it. Instead, do it in a gentler manner and gradually up the intensity and see how it goes. "To your measure" is a good maxim. Best of luck to your Father.
You're talking about someone with a metal plate holding his spine together, so I'd be reluctant to recommend anything like adding intensity. However, I'm not a spine specialist, so what the heck would I know? Chill92, don't believe anyone on this forum, or any internet forum for that matter. It's too easy for people to sit behind a computer and sound like they know what they're talking about. K.
You took this out of context..or maybe I didnt explain clearly enough for you. I repeat...If it hurts, do it more gently. If it is OK doing it more gently, gradually and carefully (over time) incrementally increase the movement. Always taking care to listen and respond to your body. I teach a couple of people with limited abilities. They thrive by following the above rule.
Dude, you are the last person to talk looking at the threads you have started on tcc. TCC sounds perfect for the OP's dad. Form and pushing hands is great low impact exercise and free style pushing hands is just about the safest most saleable "live" training in the MA. When I started training there was a guy in class who had crushed three vertebrae. He had them fused together in the end so a large section of his back was a solid mass......didn’t give him any problems.
The OP didn't give that much background about his dad's condition (for instance, did a specialist say that it was OK for him to do gentle exercise?). At any rate, I'm glad to hear that some of you on MAP have had experience teaching people with disabilities, and are in a position to give valuable input to the OP. I stand by my opinion that internet forums aren't the best places for seeking important advice. K.
