About MA4MS
About MA4MS
Martial Arts for Multiple Sclerosis exists because adaptation matters. MS can change the body, but it does not erase the value of movement, breathing, focus, discipline, visualization, confidence, or continued learning.
David Ellinger, founder of MA4MS.
Meet David Ellinger
David Ellinger founded MA4MS in 2006 after a lifetime shaped by martial arts and years of living with symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2002, when he was 28 years old.
David began practicing martial arts at age 8. His experience includes Karate, Boxing, Capoeira, Judo, Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi, and numerous other martial arts systems studied over many years.
For nearly two decades before diagnosis, David experienced symptoms without having a clear name for what was happening. As optic neuritis affected his vision, he also trained blindfolded at times so he could experience space, movement, timing, and balance through senses beyond sight. When he was finally diagnosed, his first thought was not that life was over. His first thought was: now I know what is wrong; now I can do something about it.
A Pivotal Lesson in Movement
After years of training, David came to understand how important correct breathing truly was. At one point he asked an old friend, a Wing Chun Kung Fu Grandmaster, for advice. The answer was simple: “Do your horse.” That advice brought him back to the foundation: stance, breathing, balance, patience, and movement that can be returned to again and again.
That became one of the clearest lessons behind MA4MS. Adaptation is not surrender. Adaptation is a skill. Movement does not have to be large to be meaningful, and practice does not have to look traditional to remain valuable.
Mission
The mission of MA4MS is to provide educational resources that help people living with MS, caregivers, martial arts instructors, and supportive professionals understand how martial arts principles can be adapted in respectful, practical, inclusive, and accessible ways.
MA4MS includes people with MS at many different stages, caregivers seeking better understanding, instructors who want to adapt their systems, and supporters who believe practice should meet the person where they are.
Powered by The Edge of Eternity Networks
MA4MS is powered by The Edge of Eternity Networks, which supports the technical foundation, web presence, and long-term development of the project.
Support the MA4MS Mission
Help expand inclusive education around adaptive martial arts, movement, visualization, and MS resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded MA4MS?
MA4MS was founded by David Ellinger in 2006.
When was David Ellinger diagnosed with MS?
David Ellinger was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2002 at age 28 after many years of symptoms.
How long has David practiced martial arts?
David began martial arts at age 8 and has experience with Karate, Boxing, Capoeira, Judo, Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi, and other systems.
What does “Do your horse” mean in this context?
It refers to returning to foundational stance, breathing, balance, patience, and movement as a practical anchor for adaptation.
Who powers MA4MS?
MA4MS is powered by The Edge of Eternity Networks, which supports the project’s technical and web foundation.