Uechi-Ryu.com

A while back I posted a story about a high-ranking student who - training alone - tried to learn a kama form from video. This learning experience was attempted with freshly sharpened, fully bladed kama. One thing led to another, and a hand got cut off. Thanks to some quick emergency work and the right referral, the best possible surgeon for such a procedure at Medical College of Virginia intervened and reattached the limb.

Lessons from a Martial Moron

Recently I had a chance to visit the student. The good news... things are proceeding well. The thumb and all fingers work, albeit weakly. Feeling is working its way back up the hand, but still is only at the level of the palm heel. But still... the progress has been remarkable. Undoubtedly the training beforehand and the determination after the fact has helped a lot.

More surgeries will be needed to manage adhesions, etc. But that's all to keep the momentum going forward.

Meanwhile, we still have a practicing martial artist.

- Bill

How is his attitude and moral holding up? Determination has a way of waning or transforming into dispair as the long-haul wears on.

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Glenn

You never really know... But so far so good. I haven't seen any external signs of PTSD or losing hope.

*I* wouldn't be doing as well.

- Bill

That's great to hear, Bill! Thanks for the update.

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Life begins & ends cold, naked & covered in crap.

When I was 17 I tripped and put my hand through a storm door, severing my ulnar nerve (and some other useful things). It took almost a year to finish healing. At 32 my hand is basically fine, but there's a certain patch of altered sensation (pins and needles) and certain motions with my fingers are impossible (the finger wagging motion). Not sure how that compares to your student's, but everyone is different anyhow.

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- Justin Powell

I'm glad your student is recovering.

I had a friend who did the same 40 years age. A mess but he recovered.

I've only shared kama with senion students and make all aware of the danger. Not that I can do them any longer.

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Victor Smith
bushi no te isshinryu