I think I broke my fall...

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[Lyle Bogin]

I seem to have a bit of an aikido problem...I cannot breakfall. I don't mean that I don't know how, or that I am afraid, or that I don't like them, or that "my dojo doesn't do it that way," etc. They are fun and dynamic, regardless of whether or not they are necessary. I mean that when I do it weakens my joints for days after, so if I want to stay sharp, I must forbid myself from breakfalling.

I've made several failed attempts at adjusting my falls. Doing more falls to improve my ability and overall strength didn't do it. And it is something that has slowly crept up on me, pushing against my attempts to correct myself and keep going.

So I feel a bit trapped. The worst is when my dojo mates are flying about...I can hear the call of the wild! Everyone around me is considerate, so they only real problem is my own inner voice.

I'm still waiting for the gong to ring on this one though.

It's very frustrating. Anyone else have to give up the gift of flight?

[DonMagee]

Maybe you should see a doctor?

I can't say I've ever had a problem of sore joints from falling. Bruises sure.

[Ron Tisdale]

That really stinks. I love taking ukemi, and had to give it up for a while due to a neck issue. I don't know what to tell you...have you tried chondriten/etc. to help the joints? That's what I use to help my knees and neck.

Best,
Ron (GNC TriFlex is the brand I use, seems to help some)

[Michael Hackett]

I agree with Ron about the Tri-Flex from GNC. It has really helped my knees which used to always be sore. Worked for me.

[Janet Rosen]

I don't know what you mean by "weakens your joints" as opposed to pain but perhaps because of the body genetics/chemistry you were born with your ligaments/tendons are a bit slack compared to the "norm" and don't give the support you would like - not enough to be "double jointed" but enough to allow excess joint movement on landings.
A good sports med doc or sports oriented PT could help figure this out. This is not something supplements would help, but strength training for the supporting muscles might make a big difference.

[batemanb]

That really stinks. I love taking ukemi, and had to give it up for a while due to a neck issue. I don't know what to tell you...have you tried chondriten/etc. to help the joints? That's what I use to help my knees and neck.

Best,
Ron (GNC TriFlex is the brand I use, seems to help some)

Hi Ron,

I've used glucosamine for joint issues, but when I was researching it a few years back I came across an article suggesting that glucosamine with chondroitin shouldn't be used by males. The reason being that it contains something that prostate cancer contains. The article stated taking chondroitin could increase the male risk of getting prostate cancer, or if they already had it, could boost the cancer.

Needless to say, I opted to take glucosamine without chondroitin.
I'm not wanting to scare monger or anything but a point worth noting.

rgds
Bryan

[Janet Rosen]

The studies done on glucosame/chontroiten are specifically for osteoarthritis, that is pain due to the loss of the cartilage at the end of bones.
The original poster didn't give any indication that he has a diagnosis of, or any risk factors for (age, prior trauma), arthritis. I would love to hear back from him something more specific about what he means by weakening his joints!

[Ron Tisdale]

YIKES! Thanks Bryan, I think I'll look into that!

Best,
Ron (may be changing my supplement....:()

[JAMJTX]

You should also avoid Glucosamine if you you are allergic to shellfish.

It started working great for my knees so my wife took it and had a really bad reaction. That's when we found out about the shell fish connection