I spent a few years as a kid at pretty crap karate classes, but there was never any sparring or almost anything other than rote air training. I’ve been interested for some time in learning an effective combat martial art to actually defend myself, due to frequent family disputes ending violently. Unfortunately, while I’m reasonably young (late 20’s) I am also considerably disabled. I take a high daily dose of methadone to be able to walk, and still spend 1-2 days per week almost entirely in bed due to severe joint problems. There is a degree of mechanical damage but my primary limitation is due to the effects of pain. It impacts all joints, but usually 2-4 joints are giving me trouble at any point in time. I have good days where that is almost unnoticeable, and bad days where I need support to stand (wish I had a cane). I would like to find something practical I could learn that I could both practice and use as someone considerably disabled. I am 5’11” and quite lean, with little muscle or fat. I am prepared to spend time working as needed to work on that if relevant, within my physical capabilities. I just don’t want to lose any more fights to batshit crazy fat guys or morons with 2x4s. I’m aware that this will need to be an extended effort, that I would be walking in with practically zero and will face more difficulty and frustration than most people coming in off off the street. It’s worth it if I can stop some of the attacks against me and not have to wail about how ~awful~ they are kicking the shit out of a disabled person, it’s clearly apparent my family is shitty and doesn’t care.
