new with "limitation"

[freshiro]

i got a heart transplant about one year ago today, and decided to take on martial arts as a form as fitness, as well as benefit from its teachings.

i am having trouble picking what type of martial art to choose, since i am somewhat limited to what i can take, considering its bye bye for me if i get a devasting strike to the chest.

i was looking into aikido, because it isnt exactly hardcore, but if anyone can recommend me any other suggestions that would be great. thanks

[Maxetai]

Tai Chi would probably also suit you.

[Nit]

Not an expert, but perhaps internal arts are better for you... Tai Chi is probably the most universal.

Also have you though about Yoga? its great for fitness and flexibility and if you can do yoga all martial arts become a lot easier to pickup from removing the physical barrier.

And yogic masters don't tend to try devistating blows to the chest, unless their breathing out that is.

Or if you really want to wave swords around you could try Iaido, which is (as far as I know) more about concentration (mushin - empty mind) and control (accuracy).

While Aikido isn't a striking art it can be very intensive (I have been told, although I haven't actually done much Aikido) can anyone qualify that statement?

[m.artist]

i do yang style tai chi and it can be very benifecial to you on a cardio level. it will definetly increase health. it also depends on what your looking for. but for you, i would recommend tai chi because of your heart. i wouldn't start something too hard just yet

[Les]

firstly, well done for getting through the op and attempting martial arts.

i do agree with the above posts but also look at training in verbal diffusion and de-escaltion, awareness. keep practising your tools moderatley at first I.E striking. punching, kicking,

i would look for the most realistic style close to me and explain to the instructor my health posistion, ant instructor worth his salt will see you ok

best wishes

Les

[freshiro]

thanks for the suggestions guys

ive read on some parts of this board that aikido is considered inferior to many other arts, can you give me a more in depth reason as to why you think this?

[jules]

try brazillian Jiu Jitsu

[bvermillion]

[QUOTE=freshiro]thanks for the suggestions guys

ive read on some parts of this board that aikido is considered inferior to many other arts, can you give me a more in depth reason as to why you think this?[/QUOT


I am not going to comment on whether is is inferior because that really doesn't matter in this situation. Most of the arts that I would reccommend are off limits because of your limitations. I would maybe reccomend a grappling style you dont have to worry about getting hit in the chest there. Internal arts would probably be best but I don't have any experience with them.

[BadgerFu57]

thanks for the suggestions guys

ive read on some parts of this board that aikido is considered inferior to many other arts, can you give me a more in depth reason as to why you think this?

Some people are just ignorant and close-minded. Aikido is supposed to be a very spiritual art.... not just about punching and kicking but on being a better person. Some schools have very rigorous programs, some are "mcdojos" that are only in it for money, some take a more spiritual approach.... If there are local schools, go check them out and ask questions. There are also a lot of good books on Aikido, perhaps check out a library or a bookstore.

You can usually make some accurate generalizations about certain arts, but remember that each school/instructor is different. Let me know what you find out....

[freshiro]

yeah, the aikido dojo in my area is owned by a respected sensei, by the name of Robert Mustard. i may look into that.

thanks a lot for the recommendations.