Hello, youngsters (of the martial arts age),I totally agree that Martial Arts is very beneficial to those with Cystic Fibrosis. The excercise involved creates endurance for the lungs, the activity creates a sweat, which detoxes the body (but you have to replenish your isotonics), and it also increases the activity of the digestive tract, decreasing digestion complications (like stomach aches).I had experienced Karate (Tae Kwon Do), Judo, Aikido, and am currently a 4th degree in Iaido (Swordsmanship).Karate has both advantages and disadvantages, though if Kenpo Karate is what I think it is, it combines Karate with similar techniques found in Aikido, but the word, "Kenpo" can be found for several different styles, so it' origin could be from either China, Korea, or Japan.In Japan (where I'm living), there is a style called "Shorenji Kenpo", which is a style that monks used for self defense, and combined Karate and Aikido techniques, but their philosophy was not to kill (They're Priests).The Advantage to Karate, is excercise, and to an extent, self-defence, yet self-discipline is more accurate. Unless you are training on how to use weapons to your advantage, Karate alone needs body strength to make a punch or kick become effective.Judo has an advantage to the fact that it's a sport, and that hitting the mat (Tatami) is similar to getting your P.D. (Postural Drainage) done automatically. The disadvantage, is if you were serious in becoming a Judo-ka, body strength would also be a necessity.After spending time with those martial arts, I've found Aikido to be the most fit. I have lower body strength, but little upper body strength, and found it easier to use the opponents strength to my advantage. Like Judo, it gives an automatic P.D. session, while also including the excercise for the lungs, etc.However, I'm not knocking anything about Karate. As mentioned, I practiced it, too. So, for those of you who are contemplating on joining a martial art, I highly recommend that anyone with CF who wishes to practice the martial arts to do so, based on their own body strength and ability. If one does not have so much muscle, Aikido would be more benefical. If one has little lung involvement and good body strength, Karate would also be beneficial.As my opinion on weapons, I would recommend any weapon (the bo, for example) that a person could easily attain on the street if attacked be their most proficient weapon. The "Sai" is interesting, but not practical, it's illegal to carry in the states.One caution, whatever martial art, if it's contact, you have to be concerned about injury. I was injured in something else, but it was serious enough that I couldn't continue the art I loved (Until I get the money for surgery) because of it.One last thing, because the word "-do" is at the end of most every martial art, it means "the way", therefore indicates a lifelong commitment (or a long term hobby).I hope this is helpful for everyone, and any comments are truely welcome.