What's your advice?

**drummingman** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 2:22am

I've really been looking into the best martial art for me. I'm a pro musician, that is my career. I have severe tendonitis in both wrists and acute lower back pain (I threw my back out somehow last summer).

I've wanted to do martial arts for the vast majority of my life. First for self defense. Second for fitness and health. But I've been very hesitant in the last 15 years since developing these body problems out of fear of hurting myself to where it would effect my music career negatively. But the idea of doing martial arts is something I keep coming back to again and again.

So, I'm doing research to see what art would be best for me. Should I do a primarily striking art, like boxing or karate? Or should I do a primarily grappling art, such as aikido or jujutsu? I say primarily on either type of style, striking or grappling, because if I do striking I still want to add some grappling (but just enough to be proficient for ground fighting), or if I do grappling I want to do some striking for stand up fighting.

It would be great if I could find an art that would actually help my wrists and back. Would any arts fit this bill?

To be honest I've been on this quest for quite some time. But that's just because how important this is to me. It's funny, I always do keep coming back to the idea of doing martial arts (no matter how long a time period may go that I don't think about it). There has to be a reason for that.

Another thing to think about is the fact that I will be spending long amounts of time on the road touring with bands. This would either mean that I need an art I can practice solo alot or an art that I can become proficient at with only going to so many classes at a dojo/gym a year.

I hope this was the right place to post this thread. I look forward to your advice and thoughts.

**Israfel** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 4:50am

lol hate to say it man but I don't know if martial arts are the best thing to help a thrown back and tendonitis. That said, do muay thai

**Azatdawn** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 5:58am

Originally Posted by Israfel

muay thai

Sounds like a bad advice for someone with already fucked up wrists.

That being said, I'd not do any martial arts at this point.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and rest sound like the best way to deal with your tendinitis, if that is actually what you have.

**ermghoti** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 9:42am

You're not going to get proficient at any art practicing solo, and you're health problems counter-indicate contact sports. Talk to a rehab specialist about your back.

**Israfel** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 10:05am

penis fencing

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 11:22am

The combination of tendinitis in your wrists and a dodgy lower back make it difficult to recommend most martial arts that feature active resistance when sparring.

I can't think of a single grappling MA that isn't grip intensive to a large degree. Depending on the exact location and severity of your back injury, I'm reluctant to suggest any MA that has kicks as well.

Maybe boxing? You'd be looking at working the pads and bags for a year or so, concentrating on form rather than power, to minimize the risk of injury to your hands before you spar.

**wingchunx2z** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 12:10pm

Originally Posted by drummingman

I've really been looking into the best martial art for me. I'm a pro musician, that is my career. I have severe tendonitis in both wrists and acute lower back pain (I threw my back out somehow last summer).

I've wanted to do martial arts for the vast majority of my life. First for self defense. Second for fitness and health. But I've been very hesitant in the last 15 years since developing these body problems out of fear of hurting myself to where it would effect my music career negatively. But the idea of doing martial arts is something I keep coming back to again and again.

So, I'm doing research to see what art would be best for me. Should I do a primarily striking art, like boxing or karate? Or should I do a primarily grappling art, such as aikido or jujutsu? I say primarily on either type of style, striking or grappling, because if I do striking I still want to add some grappling (but just enough to be proficient for ground fighting), or if I do grappling I want to do some striking for stand up fighting.

It would be great if I could find an art that would actually help my wrists and back. Would any arts fit this bill?

To be honest I've been on this quest for quite some time. But that's just because how important this is to me. It's funny, I always do keep coming back to the idea of doing martial arts (no matter how long a time period may go that I don't think about it). There has to be a reason for that.

Another thing to think about is the fact that I will be spending long amounts of time on the road touring with bands. This would either mean that I need an art I can practice solo alot or an art that I can become proficient at with only going to so many classes at a dojo/gym a year.

I hope this was the right place to post this thread. I look forward to your advice and thoughts.

I'd reccomend looking into chinese internal martial arts. Tai Chi, Bagua, and some forms if Chi gung have been known to help people with tendon and arthritis issues.

Another benefit of this would be the internal conditioning. Building up your chi and learning to improve your flow between meridians will eventually develop into a Lohan iron body that can be used to great effect in another striking art. The 'root' or base you will develop will also help in grappling.

**DarkPhoenix** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 12:16pm

Funny that wingchunx2 came in because I was going to recommend Taiji or Baqua. If you are looking for self defense, I would suggest finding a good Krav Maga school. You will get into shape. No matter where you go, just let the instructors know of your limitations. I would also consult your physician or your physical therapist to see what they suggest, if anything. I still think taiji would be your best bet though.

**Rivington** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 12:24pm

OP, ask your doctor.

Having said that: tai chi. There's more action on the forearms than grip-fighting, and the exercises are (I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice) good for pain management, range of motion, and the like. There is also a specific focus on the tendons which some people with tendonitis may find helpful. After you're feeling better, you can work on pushing hands and the martial elements of the art.

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/22/2012 12:28pm

Originally Posted by wingchunx2z

Another benefit of this would be the internal conditioning. Building up your chi and learning to improve your flow between meridians will eventually develop into a Lohan iron body that can be used to great effect in another striking art. The 'root' or base you will develop will also help in grappling.

I'd like to point out that this paragraph contains a statement that is in direct opposition to Bullshido's core philosophy. Namely, if you want to learn how to fight, you have to spar in an alive manner. A training mindset that wingchunx2z utilizes himself.

To be clear, I have no objection to the Chinese martial arts he recommended. I object to the "building up your chi" sentence.