I was just curious what people everyone here thought about disabled fighters, such as someone who is missing a limb? The reason I ask this is because I have seen articles and people who are martial artist but are disabled in one way or another. Do you think they are as capable as someone who isn’t disabled? The other reason I ask this is the other night on the local Fox news here in Phoenix they were talking about a NHB fighter here in Phoenix who competes in The Rage in the Cage event and is missing a leg. Though the event he fights in is referred to as Cage wrestling, basically grappling without strikes. My next question is how would you feel about fighting a so-called disabled fighter. I am not one to discredit people or thier style nor do I get into flaming wars, so please don’t take this wrong, I am just curious about your opinions. Oh, by the way this guy who competes in the cage wrestling here at the Rage in the Cage event beat a guy who wasn’t disabled.
I would probably subconsciously hold back whether or not I wanted to, but that’s my weakness, not at all theirs, and it’s something I need to work on minimizing.
I even do it when I’m outclassed by the person. Ex. (here comes this story again 
) I was drilling BJJ with a guy that had a shoulder injury and he used only one arm. He was a purple belt (I just started) and I still made an effort to not put any pressure on his bad arm. The outcome would have been the same one arm or two (me in a tight triangle choke), but I was still too chivalrous to take advantage of the situation (maybe Ryu can relate 
).
I do try to treat everyone the same, but I wouldn’t be too upset with myself if I didn’t blast everyone in the face full force, regardless of age, gender, experience, etc., and say “Hey, I’m an equal opportunity martial artist.”
On the other hand though, I am making the effort to treat everyone equally, so I just want to make sure I don’t have to play by someone else’s double standard. Because then, that person is not being fair to me.
This is a good thread, and I wanted to bump it to the top .
Tigerstyle
I agree w/you as far as many people feeling like they would/ should hold back when in this situation, which makes me wonder if this is somehow how he beat the guy who was so-called disabled? Not to take anything from the guy though. I have to admit, even though I don’t like to judge other martial artist by style, stature, sex ect, I was at first thought thinking “yeah right, this guy can’t be serious!”. But then I kinda felt a great respect for the guy for going in the ring and giving it a shot. Not to mention the way he fought was kinda unique. He didn’t just stand there hopping around, he stood on the leg which was missing, which by the way was only missing around the knee joint and had his good leg bent underneath him. Which caused the other fighter to have to lean down to grapple w/him. Kinda strange but I give props to the guy. I guess according to the news report he wants to compete in all out NHB fighting.
Also Tigerstyle brings up a good question. How do you feel you would approach a fight against someone like this? Would you hold back? And do you think this guy has any advantages over you? Interested in hearing everyones thoughts.
This is my take on it. If he steps into the ring, he doesnt want anyone holding back, if he does he shouldnt be there.
I would treat him as an opponent who was not disabled. If I won, then I won fair and square, if he won, then he won fair and square.
the deal is this, whether anyone wants to admit it o tnot a man who is missing a limb is at a disadvantage. It doesn’t mean he cant overcome that disadvantage and be a better person, but you have to know your limitations. If the irng is not one of them, I say more power to you!
For me it is the same with anyone, male female, disabled or not. If you want to fight, on the street or in the ring, then you have signed the waiver allowing me to do my best!
The reason I first got involved in MA was due to an nearly crippling injury on my leg. After that I spean some years in European Fencing , impoving my skills with my hands and putting my legs to work.
I can walk now, albeit with a limp (I was in a wheelchair for about a year, this was years aog). Some days are pretty good ,others are complete throwbacks to earlier times ( a few months ago , I couldn’t even step out of bed , my legs would take -no- weight).
In an attempt (unbelivably stupid) to force my legs to work I took TKD. I won’t go further into that .. lol
So then I started 7* Mantis , much better for me.
I do pretty well. the fact that I move relativly slowly (running away, advancing) is off set by Mantis (In close anyway , so no running) and 7*'s hand-oriented moves.
I can kick like a mule, belive it or not, and I’m told my kicks hurt like the devil. That makes sence, since about half my right leg is made or surigcal steel. .. .
It’s possible for guys like that to win…but if u’re talking about major disabilities like missing legs or arms than man it’s toughhhhhhhhh. Can be done but really really tough.
I saw a one armed kickboxer win a fight by knockout on pay-tv once, about 3 years ago. It really freaked me out. Good on him though. I’ve never heard anything else about him…anyone else know who I’m talking about?
We have a black belt in our school who may have had polio (I’ve never asked) when he was a kid. I’ve fought him several times and stopped holding back after he drew blood. We’ve had some really good sessions after that. He can’t kick, but he can punch.
haven’t you ever seen the 5 deadly venoms(a.k.a. Crippled Avengers)??!!?!!? 
i think no matter what set backs you have you can do anything with a little hard work. But, yes i would feel a little awkward “freindly” sparing a disabled partner, but if it was in an official ring with…errm money, on the line i dont think id hold back at all.
Martial arts will benefit anyone, crippled or old