Training on blood thinners

[drummingman]

It's been a bit since I posted. Last year I was doing Shotokan karate but I was diagnosed with a blood clot. So I had to stop. The clot has long since been gone, but, I have to be on blood thinners for life as it was my second clot.

My doc told me that I can only do a striking art. I can hit bags, pads, etc. But I can't be hit because of risk of internal bleeding that could kill me.

My question is can a person really train for self defense without contact (sparing and what not)? If so what striking art would be best?

Thanks

 

[Hyoho]

Choose an art where there is no striking. Its a big step moving from one art to another but in your case perhaps you have little choice.

 

[Reedone816]

Go grappling...
But even grappling is still prone to injuries, dislocation even...

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[drummingman]

I was told not to do a grappling art, only a striking art.

 

[Reedone816]

Then look for soft style striking if you don't mind traditional.
But generally you just inform the instructor about your condition, and ask the best way to train.

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[JowGaWolf]

You can but you have to have a trusted partner. Literally someone you can trust enough to put your life in their hands. You will still need to get an OK from your doctor because you need to know the maximum level of contact that your body can handle. The purpose is so you can stay far away from that level.

There's 2 ways you can do this. Partner shadow boxing where you use your partner in front as a visual target. The goal is not to make contact by standing as far as you need. Have your partner air punch at you and you react to what you see. You will do the same. Remember the goal isn't to hit each other. The goal is to react to what you see. This type of training requires you to be honest. If it looks like a punch would have hit you, then acknowledge it and adjust.

As you do this pay attention to your partner's movement. Try to pick up your Partner's patterns and Tale - tell signs. Even though you aren't making contact you are building useful awareness skills. You are training to get used to how punches and kicks directed to you look. Remember to stay far enough so the kicks won't hit you. Now for the contact exercise

For contact you may be able to use swimming noodles to simulate haymakers and kicks. You just need to check with your doctor to make sure. Even if you have to bring a swim noodle to hit you doctor with or he can hit himself. This will help him have a realistic feel for the force of the impact.

Beyond that I don't think you can do more. You won't be able to spar. It's not worth the risk.

 

[Thisposthuman]

I am in a similar situation, recently put om blood thinners and trying to find out the limits of acceptable training. i didnt have a clot, i was put on for other reasons...i made an appointment with a sport medicine doctor so i can get advice from someone with sports experience...without a doctor sign off, pad work is likely that limit. an extemely gentle & understanding sparring partner perhaps.

 

[drummingman]

Thank you all for the replies.

I've been told by some that one can't learn self defense without contact and sparring. But because of my situation I have to find a way.

 

[Hyoho]

Aikido

 

[Thisposthuman]

Thank you all for the replies.

I've been told by some that one can't learn self defense without contact and sparring. But because of my situation I have to find a way.

you can learn self defense you just wont be able to practice application at full speed/strength...I looked into aikido, but there is only one school intown and its forever away amd only open once a week.

 

[drummingman]

Would not Aikido still be considered grappling? And with the throws landing on my head would be bad news for a possible brain bleed.

 

[tubby]

I've been on blood thinners from the start of the year - lot of small clots in the leg due to cancer and treatments. My haematologist was aware I trained and never made any mention of issues continuing. Certainly minor scratches make a hell of a stain on white doboks though, and clexane leaves me with impressive looking bruises.

Plenty of striking style schools do not train with hard contact, many school train no contact. Ask your doctor what level of striking he considers an issue, even non contact training runs a risk of a mistimed hit.

 

[Thisposthuman]

Would not Aikido still be considered grappling? And with the throws landing on my head would be bad news for a possible brain bleed.

yea, anything is possibl. Bottom line, its up to your doctor.

 

[Hyoho]

Would not Aikido still be considered grappling? And with the throws landing on my head would be bad news for a possible brain bleed.

First thing I guess you are taught like judo is how to fall on a matt with hurting yourself. It's your choice and if you are that keen on MA/ Budo I am sure you will find a way. The arts can be more cultural rather than attack/defend. Japan does view them more as cultural activity.

 

[JowGaWolf]

Thank you all for the replies.

I've been told by some that one can't learn self defense without contact and sparring. But because of my situation I have to find a way.

You can learn self defense without contact and sparring, it just won't be as extensive there will be gaps in your understanding of how to apply some of the techniques in a real situation. To be honest anyone who has to take blood thinners should be creating their self-defense action plan based on the challenges that blood thinners create. Being on blood thinners and getting into a physical fight there hard punches are being thrown isn't the best case scenario even if that person wins.

 

[frank raud]

Try to find a sports doctor, preferably one with experience in martial arts. I had a major heart attack 10 years ago, have a stent and was on Plavix for a couple of years. After recuperating, I was able to get back on the mats. I was doing jiu jitsu at the time, with striking, throwing and grappling. Let me qualify this statement, I AM NOT A DOCTOR, but I think you would have to be hit very hard for internal bleeding to be a concern. When you cut yourself accidently with a knife or while shaving, does the blood not coagulate at all, or just slower than previously?

 

[Thisposthuman]

**for reference purpose**
i was put of eloquis blood thinner, 2 days in, i got a deep puncture wound from exposed nail on my fence...It was no different(strictly in the realm of blood loss) than any other cut or flesh wound I had ever in my life.

 

[Tony Dismukes]

Try to find a sports doctor, preferably one with experience in martial arts. I had a major heart attack 10 years ago, have a stent and was on Plavix for a couple of years. After recuperating, I was able to get back on the mats. I was doing jiu jitsu at the time, with striking, throwing and grappling. Let me qualify this statement, I AM NOT A DOCTOR, but I think you would have to be hit very hard for internal bleeding to be a concern. When you cut yourself accidently with a knife or while shaving, does the blood not coagulate at all, or just slower than previously?

Seconding this recommendation. A regular GP may have very little idea of the realistic risks involved with martial arts or other contact sports and may be you overly restrictive guidance in an effort to avoid liability. A sports medicine specialist with experience in contact sports will probably have a better idea of what is actually safe.

 

[Phobius]

Seconding this recommendation. A regular GP may have very little idea of the realistic risks involved with martial arts or other contact sports and may be you overly restrictive guidance in an effort to avoid liability. A sports medicine specialist with experience in contact sports will probably have a better idea of what is actually safe.

But do always stay away from bladed arts

 

[Dirty Dog]

You'll be fine training, if you're smart. You won't want to do heavy bag work and sparring is right out. Forms, partner drills, low-impact bag work will all be fine.

Source: 35 years in the ER and a Masters in physiology.