Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Sporting ASKickers martial arts for AS sufferers

Hey guys, I would like to know your opinion on doing martial arts with our disease. To me it's a great way of increasing mobility and the stretching itself seems to be beneficial. The only downside i can think of is that you have to be careful about high impact moves. What is your take on it ? Do you do any martial arts (if yes, what kind of martial arts ?).

I used to practice karate for 6 years, then i stopped and now I'm thinking about getting back to martial arts again, but this time kyokushin karate or kickbox. I dont want my disease to limit my life except for diet

Looking forward to answers

I know it is impossible for me. 2 months ago i had a massage and it still hurts.

But ofcourse everyone is a different story. If disease activity is low and you are sure that your bones are strong enough, then why not.

I would suggest aikido though. Less impact. Safer. And very aesthetic, like a real art compared to other martial arts.

Kickbox is very tough and impact oriented, dont you think? bones hitting etc

I feel OK now, basically I want to improve flexibility and some forms of martial arts where the kicks are used is perfect seems to me.

Yes I agree, that kickbox can be tough, but I wouldn't compete and sparings are not taken that seriously, but I see what you mean. I will think about it.

Maybe karate again would be a good choise.

If you are not going to compete, it makes sense.

But if flexibility is the only aim and not that bc you have special interest in martial arts, why not consider streching classes like yoga-lates?

I love martial arts, but the fact, that flexibility plays huge role in it makes me want to do it even more

Sounds like you have a good handle on it already. I used to do TKD, and it is helpful.

For me, I have to be sure to warm up well and slowly, and it helps to practice in a warm room. As long as I stay active, it is okay. But I will stiffen greatly if I cool down too long.

Just don't get too cocky and overdo it, or you may pay for it later.

--Greg

I perform Tai Chi, have done so since my relatively recent diagnosis. Sounds like something for old ladies, which it can be, but I have found a class that is more intense then the above. Although it is definitely still towards the lighter scale in regards to impact compared to other martial arts, I find this suits my condition. Just need to find an appropriate leveled class for your goals. Definitely good for even just an adjunct martial arts.