CREGIER@UPEI.CA (Sharon Cregier) (09/18/90)
Index Number: 10436 Properly instructed, the martial arts can enhance sensibilities and sensitivities. A popular demonstration at karate tournaments is given by one man confined to a wheelchair and another who is totally blind. One instructor tells me that it is a challenge to try to beat either. "Lay a finger on either and you are MEAT", I was told. The blind man is led into the arena by his dog, his dog is taken away, and then the man proceeds to break blocks thrown into the air. Just thought some of you might want to add to your directions and possibilities. It helps to have a very sympathetic instructor. The instructor I worked with this summer will also be teaching elderly people how to use their canes and walkers to protect themselves.
Gary.Greiner@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Greiner) (09/27/90)
Index Number: 10648 SC> Properly instructed, the martial arts can enhance sensibilities and SC> sensitivities. A popular demonstration at karate tournaments is SC> given by one man confined to a wheelchair and another who is SC> totally blind. One instructor tells me that it is a challenge to SC> try to beat either. "Lay a finger on either and you are MEAT", I SC> was told. The blind man is led into the arena by his dog, his dog SC> is taken away, and then the man proceeds to break blocks thrown SC> into the air. Sharon, not quite on the same level, but another example. A few years back at one of the regional high school wrestling tournaments the 132 lbs. weight class was won by a wrestler who had his right arm in a cast (soft cast, since hard one would not be allowed). Not only that, he was by far the best wrestler in the tournament. Naturally, he could not use his right arm, but I guess his biggest disadvantage was (would have been) ther vulnerability of the arm (if you are familiar w/high school or college wrestling, you know what I mean). Cheers, TM -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!272!21!Gary.Greiner Internet: Gary.Greiner@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.org