Trainin with a cochlear implant

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[Chocolateuke]

Hey all, I just started to train again about 2 weeks ago. I got a cochlear implant over the summer. My hearing has GREATLY improved and I am VERY happy with it. There is one problem, well two. I have to take the external stuff off so it doens't break, and when I fall incorrectly or hard my head rings like mad. You see a Cochlear implant is well an tranmitting coil implanted into my cochlea in my ears. I have external and internal stuff.

Anyways, I am trying to improve my Ukemi so I dont hit my head on the mat if I take a really really hard fall, but if I hit the mat hard regardless of head hitting mat or not I hear ringing. Anyone here have peers or students who train in Aikido with a Cochlear implant? Any tips? Would Aikido be to risky for my implant? My doctor said as long as I dont hit my head really hard against anything I should be fine.

I hope you all are having as much training as I am, its a blast! Train on!

[jxa127]

Dallas,

While I don't have any experience with your particular question, I do have some experience with having to modify my training due to injury.

The bottom line is that you can and should ask your partner to throw you slowly so you have time to set up the fall. At the same time, work with your instructor to learn how to keep from hitting your head.

It should only be a matter of a few months before you'll feel more confident and comfortable with your ukemi. :D

Regards,

-Drew

[Ron Tisdale]

Tuck your chin so that it is touching your chest whenever you do a back break fall. The more you tuck, the less chance of your head snapping back and hitting the mat (feels like whiplash, don't it :))

Congrats on the implant, and good luck.

Ron

[lt-rentaroo]

Yes, congratulations on your new and improved hearing!

Dallas -

I'm relatively new to the area, not far from where you're at (I'm near Lompoc) and would like to stop by your dojo and train occasionally. I know where the dojo is (I think), but I'm not sure what days/times classes are held. Your help is much appreciated, Thanks!!

[Chocolateuke]

My "dojo" is at the hans christan Park in Solvang on the lawn across the subway (the sandwich place!). Just go on HWY 246 towards Buellton, and when you hit Solvang keep going till you see a lawn area! We train there on Tues from 5:30- 7. we are still looking for a Indoor dojo space.

Have fun!

[jxa127]

Dallas,

I just re-read my previous post and, geez, do I sound patronizing or what? Sorry about that.

In any event my only point was that whenever I have to protect a portion of my anatomy due to injury or surgery or whatever, I ask my partner to go slowly so that I can really concentrate on doing my falls properly. :D

Regards,

-Drew

[JJF]

Hey Dallas!

Completely off topic: I never realised, that you live in 'Little Denmark'. Does it mean anything to you, or is it just another town in the middle of the US ?

Oh and one more thing: Maybe you should consult the doctor that fitted the implant. He probably has an opinion on the matter.

[lt-rentaroo]

Thank you for the info!! Hopefully I'll get some time soon and will be able to stop by for a visit.

[Chocolateuke]

My doctor said I should be able to train as long as I don't hit my head hard against anything.

Solvang= a lot of tourist who want to see what Denmark might look like without the really long flight :P. We just had our Danish days festivle last week, it was great fun. A lot of Jappanesse come to visit.