Taekwondo

[Curtsmum]

We have just found out that Curtis may be able to do taekwondo. They was at a school fate today.I asked the leader and he said there is no contact between them it is only mastering the Technique. He seemed happy to take him on. Curtis is really excited . It feels great because he as always wanted to do karate and i tell him he cant. I feel quite emotional because i think i am getting alittle over protective. We are going on tuesday to watch and to see if he wants to do it, he may not like the shouting bit because hes not used to it but iam finally begining to reaise that he can lead a almost normal life. I just had to write it because i am so happy, first time in a while and im not worrying as much now. Paula x

 

[Ross]

I would be very cautious. That is a full contact form when it's used. Make sure this coach is keeping his word.

 

[Karlynn]

I would be very cautious. That is a full contact form when it's used. Make sure this coach is keeping his word.

If it's just the exercise, w/out the contact - GREAT! But as Ross said - make sure the coach is fully aware of Curtis' issues, so there isn't any fudging on the "no contact" plan.

 

[mntbiker]

My point of view - if he was given the go ahead for the physical activity I wouldn't worry about the contact. Make sure he wears his protective gear (yes they have chest protectors as well) and have him work with a higher belt. Make sure the instructor understands the condition and he should be happy to facilitate. I know it's not the same but when I was teaching we had a man that was mentally handicapped, very large very strong and no control, I had brown belts and higher work with him even though he was only a white belt. It worked out well.

I never enjoyed Tae Kwon Do and thought Jiu Jitsiu was much more fun but it is a high contact martial art ( I was always bruised and had 2 broken noses). I would recommend Win Chung (a form a Kung Fu) as an alternative if he doesn't like the Tae.

 

[Karlynn]

Even with chest protectors - a blow to the chest would not be good for this young man.

The "higher belts" suggestion is an excellent one. They have much more control of their movements.

 

[Curtsmum]

Thanks, i will take him to watch and have a good talk with the instructor, before we decide anything, i will also look into wing chung.Thanks for the tips Paula x

 

[Emma]

As long as it is non contact then he 'should' be fine.
He's got the exact same CHD as Chloe but without the warfarin bit yet as he still has his own valve. I would have thought the only real concern at the moment would be if he gets too tired whilst doing it? Chloe does dancing and swimming and manages fine - and if this tae kwon do is non-contact as they say then I cant see it causing too many problems. You could always ring his consultant or a CLN if you'd like reassurance from them?

Hope he enjoys it if it all goes ahead!
Love Emma
xxx

 

[Curtsmum]

Thanks again, went to watch the Tae Kwon Do, last night. There was some contact between them but not with the white belts, they wasnt always watched so i would definatly feel better if he was with a higher belt, thanks for that. It didnt seem to be that well organised, some of the children was messing around and the instructor didnt even know. I was told that i had to get a note from his doctor first before he could start. I made a mistake with the days and the one that was happy to take Curt on is tonight, so iam hoping that it is going to be a bit more organised and i will be able to have a proper chat with him, then i can get onto his consultant. Just to say thanks again for your help.