Martial Arts for the Disabled: How It Can Work and Who’s Done It Before

Note: This article was written by an outsider peering into the world of martial arts for the disabled. Please send us a message if there is any information that you would like to see added.

At first glance, it may seem like a bit of an oxymoron—martial arts for the disabled. Many people assume that disability means incapability, but that’s where they’re wrong. 

The truth is that people with disabilities can do just about the same things as those who don’t. The only difference is that they may need help from tools and devices that can make things more accessible. Take people with hearing impairments, for example. Despite their disability, they can still communicate. People in wheelchairs can still drive. Those with learning disabilities can still learn.

People sometimes are a bit awkward around a person with a disability since they don’t quite know how to interact with them. In an attempt to be respectful and avoid offence, they try to do everything for them. What we forget, though, is that people adapt. Say that a person lost a leg, for example. This person then learns new skills so they can successfully go about their daily lives.

Anyway, the point is that the disabled can do just as much as the non-disabled can. So if the non-disabled can do martial arts for fun, why shouldn’t the disabled?

We always mention that BJJ is the most inclusive martial art around. There is no place for discrimination on the mats, and anyone can excel regardless of their size, age, gender etc.

Just how inclusive is it, though? Is it inclusive enough to welcome the disabled members of our community? The short answer is: yes. BJJ tries its best to make a safe space for people with all types of abilities and disabilities. In this article, we explore the world of adaptive martial arts.