I'm going to be visiting a doctor soon about my knees. I don't know what's wrong with them exactly, but I might just have to switch arts. I'm just thinking about this, because I don't know what's going to happen. Just a plan in case I have to stop, or switch to arts that are easier on my knees for a few years or so. My question is: Is BJJ/Judo easier on the knees than a striking art with kicking? How much easier is it? What are your experiences with it? What about boxing (I haven't boxed in ages...)? I was planning on joining this school that teaches BJJ/Judo, or the local boxing gym where I can take BJJ and Boxing together (I don't know how my knees will like boxing, or if my Martial arts are the reason I've have problems lately for that matter). Thanks.
READER2007-11-03T05:40:52Z
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One thing you want to keep in mind is that BJJ uses leg locks also which could do serious harm your knees. And its not just the locks. You use your legs when your on back or in a guard. Your legs will be put in awkward angles all the time. just something to keep in mind. Good luck. Heal up quickly!
At the beginning of the question I thought you were a practicant of Judo.
Actually Judo is supposed to be hard on the articulations, so I thought your knee problem was from Judo you see, in Judo you need your legs a lot to lift, and when you fall your legs get hit on the carpet.
Judo would be harder on your knees than a striking art. BJJ doesn't use much throws and you don't lift any weights when you are on the ground. So I guess its safer.
As vengeance said, many martial arts forms require some pressure on the knee. I do Muay Thai, and i have a lot of pressure on my knees. Boxing is a lot of standing up, unlike BJJ which is a lot of grappling but still uses the knee here and there for flexing during grapples. No matter what your knee will be involved in some way, so go ahead ask your doctor see what he says.
Well it matters what the doctors say. All Martial Arts sports such as kickboxing, boxing, judo, etc.... need you to put some pressure on your knees.
(Actually almost all sports in general)
Judo consists of many types of sweeps and falls and how to fall. You will have to be able to flip/lift a person and that puts pressure on your knees.
Just talk to you doctor and find out...ask him detailed questions and don't be shy to ask "stupid" or weird questions...it's your life you should life it to the fullest.