Spinal Network: The Total Wheelchair Resource Book
Barry Corbet
Price: $39.95
Excerpt

Dennis Palumbo, director of the Hakkoryu martial arts federation in Aurora, Colo, teaches a jujitsu method of self defense.  It differs slightly from the Kung-fu method of hitting focusing on a means of escape, vital pressure points on the body and arms and headlocks.  There are also self-defense tools such as Yawara sticks and twin headed  ‘dragons’ that can thwart a would be attacker if used properly.

Palumbo also recommends using a stun-gun, especially for quads. The stun-gun able to administer up to 50,000 volts in one blast, easily discourages would-be attackers. It sells for less than $100.  Additionally a product called Capiscam spray, which is made from hot peppers is available for between $10 and $20.  Capiscam is an enormous improvement over Mace - it is 10 times stronger and works on anybody.

While martial arts are mostly used for self defense, a growing community of disabled people is participating in the sport for, well sport.

The Torrey pines Kiwanis club Sandiego country has created a program in conjunction with karate a local studio, to create one of the largest disabled martial arts programs in the country.  About 70 students, 35 of them are in a wheelchair participate in the weekly classes.  Tournaments are also held; open to any martial artist of any ability.

TAG: disability, disability and society, disabled, Wheel chair wheelchairs, wheelchair