This post is not directed at B&D - this is a general view of knee problems in karate, but I am really grateful that B&D brought the subject up as it is something i have been thinking about posting in the last few weeks.
I have knee problems, which are not a result of Karate BTW, but a problem where my right-sided lateral cartilage didn't develop correctly in childhood - apparently 3% of the population have this problem. I have had surgery to correct it, but TBH it wasn't 100% effective and I still suffer. Recently the other knee came out in sympathy - I look on it as a positive, as it takes my mind off the one I had the surgery on
It is absolutely essential that you try to move in correct alignment of your body, especially knees. You may have noticed that I spend a lot of time patrolling the kyu grade line trying to get people to: a) get their knees moving over their feet when they move forward, so that the stance transition is aligned; and b) to get the rear foot pointing forward as much as possible - even if this initially results in the heel being lifted. It is far more important to get correct stance, then you can work on getting the heel down - which is also important
If you have problems with your knees, then you really have to take care to ensure that you are NOT moving in such a way as to cause further damage. Instructors can only do so much in telling you the correct way to move, you then have to take responsibility to move that way DESPITE what others might be doing. I would far rather see someone moving correctly 3 times when others are doing 5, than see 5 incorrect moves. This is not
carte blanche to take it easy BTW
You also need to practice outside of the dojo, so that your body "knows" the correct way of moving.
hope this helps!
Lloydie
PS Docs may tell you that Karate is really bad for the knees, however, I have found that karate strengthens the muscles that stabilise my knee and so overall I find huge "knee benefit" from karate.
