Arthritis and Martial Arts advice needed

[warriors13]

I have been thinking about taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for along time now and was wondering if I can handle it physically. The problem is I was diagnosed with right hip arthritis a few month ago. It's not that bad and have been taking glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, flax oil and ibuprofen to ease the pain. I emailed a few bjj places, but they never responded and I don't know if it's because they are simply busy or the don't want anything to do with me. What do you guys think? Should I pursue it or take a different art? Thanks in advance!

[JaredExtreme]

E-mailing most BJJ schools will not usually get you the best results. The best way to contact a school is to call them or actually go there and chat with the instructor before a class.

As for your medical condition: I personally don't know how serious hip arthritis is but think about BJJ this way: Essentially BJJ is a form of wrestling. Yes, it's a gentler form of wrestling, but nonetheless people will be trying to get on top of you, put their knee on your belly, take you down, and so forth. If you think your body can tolerate this, then it isn't a problem. If this could seriously hurt you, you might want to look elsewhere.

I think you should call a local BJJ school, go and watch a class. If you think you can handle it, ask if the instructor offers the first class free and if he or she does come back another day and try it out. You can make your decision after that.

[SweepEm]

I'd go see a competent SPORTS orthopedic to diagnose if your hip can take the strain of BJJ.

I'm not a doctor and have no idea how bad your hip arthritis is but I'd say without much knowledge, you should not try BJJ......

I don't think most BJJ instructors are knowledgeable enough to give you the best advice for your condition

[DragonAE86]

I'd go see a competent SPORTS orthopedic to diagnose if your hip can take the strain of BJJ.

I'm not a doctor and have no idea how bad your hip arthritis is but I'd say without much knowledge, you should not try BJJ......

I don't think most BJJ instructors are knowledgeable enough to give you the best advice for your condition

I'd go with the above advice, it just ain't worth taking the risk, BJJ is rough and tough on the body, especially if the club you join train for MMA comps.

e.g. the in the 1st 2 months I started BJJ/Vale Tudo with Ze Marcello(BTT), I accidentally fractured a friends forearm in 2 places - so hardly a gentle workout.

Personally I would say no.

[doubleouch]

Good advice all around Go with the experts. The BJJ teacher can give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of stress to your body. The doctor can take that info and determine if your body can take it. Way back when I was studying TKD my instructor had to retire from teaching. He was only 36 but had something similar to what you described. The doctor told him that if he continued to train he would no longer be able to walk.

[warriors13]

Way back when I was studying TKD my instructor had to retire from teaching. He was only 36 but had something similar to what you described. The doctor told him that if he continued to train he would no longer be able to walk.

Thanks for all the advice. Even if I can do it now, It's going to be very difficult to continue it for a very long time. From what I hear, it takes years to get very good at it and that's by going all out. I really don't think my body can handle it for that long. The reason why BJJ is on top of my list is because they do alot of sparring and they are in top shape. What do you guys suggest I study then? I was thinking JKD because I get a feel for everything including grappling, standup and stick/knives. I also want to spar, get in good shape and lose about 20 pounds. Thanks everyone!

[Tom Yum]

Hey warrior, I think JKD sounds like a good investment in your MA training. I would also add taiji to improve your general health and breath control.

Folks who do taiji are vibrant. Good luck to you, sir.

[47MartialMan]

I'd go see a competent SPORTS orthopedic to diagnose if your hip can take the strain of BJJ.

I'm not a doctor and have no idea how bad your hip arthritis is but I'd say without much knowledge, you should not try BJJ......

I don't think most BJJ instructors are knowledgeable enough to give you the best advice for your condition

I agree. Even it the condition is not too serious, it will worsen.

The same for any kicking art like TKD.

Perhaps you you go with a "hand art"?

A friend of mine had a broken hip with screws or something inserted.

It gets worse in time-trust me.

[bruiser85]

I have mild arthritis in my right hip, I too am interested in learning BJJ. However, I am hesitant to sign up for any classes because I am worried that I might do further damage to my hip. Also, it seems to be the most applicable martial art when it comes to street fighting. If I am wrong or if any one knows of a maritial that be less pounding,but just has affective let me know.

Thanks

[Jujujason]

I am a physician assistant that works with a group of orthopedic surgeons in Santa Monica, CA. Additionally, I've been doing bjj off and on since 9/92. What I can say (without seeing your xrays or examining you myself) is that you will probably be able to do a lot of closed quard and half guard moves with only a little discomfort. A lot of the open guard techs might cause you more discomfort. I don't know how long you've lived with the arthritis and what your work or occupational history is, so I can't really tell you much more beyond that. Arthritis only gets worse over time and vigorous activity (usually axial weight bearing) will accelerate its developement. The only cure at this time is a hip resurfacing (better for younger, more athletic patients) or a hip replacement. The resurfacing is done through a traditional posterolateral approach and will require you to observe several hip precautions for several months afterwards (no hip flexion greater than 90 degrees and no crossing the legs) until the soft tissues surrounding the hips have healed and scarred down real well to prevent chronic dislocations. If I were to get a total hip replacement, I would get it through the newer anterior approach. Total hips are traditionally done through a posterolat approach, too. In doing so, a lot of muscle, tendons and ligaments have to be cut through to get to the hip thus necessitating the hip precautions, a longer hospital stay and recovery. The anterior approach goes between muscles in your quad and doesn't disconnect anything. For more info, do a search for The Hip and Pelvic Institute at St. John's. Hope this helps, J~

[bruiser85]

Thanks J for the information. My doctors, due the mildness of my arhtritis, want me to hold of on surgery has long has possible. I an also sure that don't want me partaking in activities such as jiu jitsu because there is chance that I might do further damage to the joint. Your right when it comes to bein able to certain moves over others. My friend takes a class and he shows me what he has learned. I notice when I get him in a close gaurd it is difficult, not neccassirly painful, but difficult for me to get a tight grip around his body. I also think that it could be beneficial to become familiar with the moves without putting too much strain on my joints. How many of my "attackers" are going to be familiar with jiu jitsu? Anyway, I would like to learn how to defend myself in a realistic and practical manner. Is jiu jitsu the only art that meets this criteria or are there others?


Thanks again

[DJColdfusion]

I started Jiu-Jitsu with 2 ruptured and 6 bulging disks in my back and my instructor encouraged me to "just do what you can".

I can only give the same advice. Don't push yourself so hard that you aggravate your current problem.

Almost 7 years after I started I still have back issues but nothing like they used to be.

Good luck