Dyspraxic Adults

Hey guys, just wanted to ask for some advice,

(First of all I don't know if any of you have all these symptoms, you might because Dyspraxia symptoms tend to be similar, like people that also have Dyslexia.)

To begin with, I've never done any serious amount of exercise or martial art in a strict timetable, the majority of my life has seen computers to be my main hobby and talent, and now having completed my foundation degree in "Interactive Media Development" at the age of 21 I'm starting to realise that I don't want this anymore. I don't want to be a computer guy because I can't do anything else, but I not only have Dyspraxia, I'm flat footed and have poor leg ligaments making me walk like a penguin and causes slight discomfort/pain when I try and point my feet forward.

Now, I'm going to a Tai Chi class on Friday to see what it's like, because I want to get into a martial art which is almost completely harmless to get my body used to moving, I also basically want to get my body/mind healthy and fit again so I can think straight, get rid of my loneliness/depression/anxiety and over-all be a peaceful and laid back person. But, due to the poor ligaments in my legs and flat feet, I don't know if it's capable to do and I don't know if this will handicap me from doing a martial art like Tai Chi.

What do you guys think?

Hi Jdeadevil

You writing this is like painting a mirror image of me 9 years ago. I was pretty much feeling how you felt and I too have the same problems.I remember older people calling me penguin in school due to the way i walk and people finding it strange about my flat feet.

First of all you won't be 'handicapped' doing martial arts. I started just after uni after i gave it up as a young teen due to having a bad teacher. I found a great teacher who taught Wing Chun at the time and in the end you always go at your own pace. For the last 8 years I have been doing martial arts on and off. When i did my first grading for wing chun i came top of the class because of my dyspraxia. My determination and my commitment made me stand out. Yes i still have very frustrating days when i have learned a move and gotten very good at it and then next minute my body won't allow me to complete the sequence properly and i feel like a beginner all over again.

I'm sure you (just like me) when you're interested you go all out. Every club i have started (cos i have moved areas quite a lot) is difficult at first. It's hard to make friends and know where those boundaries are (I usually get too excited and too into the topic of martial arts that i get carried away and don't shut up)

Martial arts that i have done are Wing Chun, Karate (as a kid) Muay Thai, Dog Brothers Martial Arts (stick fighting) and now studying MMA. I'm not a high level in any of them due to having to quit and start up again at new clubs but I actually think it's helped my dyspraxia more because it has made me get used to talking to new social groups, worked on my fine and general motor skills and allowed me to become happier within myself just from the workout.

Key thing to remember is just take it one day at a time. You'll get really good without knowing it and yes there will be days when you beat yourself up because you can't do a simple procedure. Stick with it.

Hope this helps