Knees related questions

[workshop]

Hey guys,

I have been doing martial arts for a couple of year mostly Kickboxing and Kyokushin Karate. A couple of my friends who do jiu jitsu showed me a couple of techniques and i start to find a real interest in the sport. The only problem i have is with my knees. I've had various injuries over the years doing various sports and when i throw a triangle choke, for example, i can really feel that my knee is at its bending limit. Is there anything you can do to give your knees an easier time, for example by streching or something of the like? or am i doomed to avoiding the techniques that ask a lot of streching on my knees?

Thanks for your help

Rick

[Ari Bolden]

Rick:

It's hard to say. Have you had your knees looked at? Have you torn them? ACL/MCL problems? Surgery?

It's a common problem in jj, especially people who have bad knees. Some techniques do put a strain on the knee joint (if the joint is weak).

Streatching does help, so does suppliments like Glucosamine for joint repair and health. However, if you do have a chronic problem with the knee, you may have to avoid those techniques.

I have found over the years that you have to play to your advantages in jj. If you find that something doesn't work, there are so many other techniques you can use in JJ! That's the beauty of it.

I have some injuries that limit my mobility and do "flare" up from time to time. As a matter of fact, I hate being on my knees (hence the reason I start grappling on my butt most of the time).

Good luck!
Ari

[workshop]

I've had my left knee looked at in the past, and its ligament inflammation so nothing is damaged inside. I also do take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements for my joints.

About the stretching, are there any particular stretching exercice that would be good for the knees (note that i have seen your solo drill stretching video).

Lastly, out of curiosity, i was wondering where your gym was located?

Thanks for your time,

Rick

[Ari Bolden]

Rick:

There are a few knee drills you can do. Its all about getting your body use to the moves (going in cold sometimes is tough for the knees).

At the beginning of class, I'm pretty stiff but near the end I am all gumby like. Just takes time for the body to warm up.

My gym is located in Victoria BC Canada. Available for seminars (wink).

cheers buddy!
Ari