Taekwondo and boxing classes may not be the first methods that come to mind when thinking of ways to fight Parkinson’s.
Yet, for those attending a class in Birkenhead, martial arts are helping participants stay active and social connected.
The Parkinson’s Ninja runs multiple sessions each week which are specially designed for people living with the progressive neurological condition.
Open to all abilities, the classes provide a place of support, to meet people facing similar challenges, whilst also offering a sense of routine and self-improvement.
Parkinson’s is often associated with slowing down. However, Parkinson’s Ninja aims to challenge that perception by focusing on what their fighters can do, instead of what they can’t.
Participant Paul Williams said: “People just know tremor with Parkinson’s. It’s a lot deeper than that, its over 40 symptoms to Parkinson’s. The really big ones are things like anxiety, depression, and you really struggle with social engagement.
“People are able to come here, meet and we become a real friendship group, a support group, the exercise is the bonus.”
According to Parkinson’s UK, around 166,000 people are diagnosed with the disease across the UK. Each year there is thought to be around 28,000 people diagnosed, that works out at one every 20 minutes.
Whilst Parkinson’s currently has no cure, initiatives like Parkinson’s Ninja’s are providing a way for people to fight back and show that they can still regain confidence and enjoy life.
Click below to hear more from Parkinson’s Ninja sessions:
