Martial Arts and the Older Student

I inherited my interest in martial arts from my mother.  Can you inherit something like that?  I remember being totally surprised when I learned that her favorite television show was Walker Texas Ranger, because she liked to see him “kick” the bad guys. 

 

I can even remember when my roommate and I sneaked away from our college dormitory to take Judo lessons at the YMCA.  I drifted away from it years ago, but made sure that my daughter studied Tae Kwan Do as a part of her education.

 

One part of me would love to try it again, but the other part thinks that if someone threw me on a mat I would break every bone in my body.  I was heartened by several articles featured in the Wall Street Journal that discussed how the “hard martial arts like karate, judo and others,” are attracting older students.

 

It is a far cry from the popular Tai Chi classes, with its slow, graceful, non-contact movements, that are so popular with older adults.  Still, Tae Kwan Do, karate, kung fu, judo and aikido are attracting students in the over 50 set.  The plus side is that they are excellent sports for increasing flexibility and balance.  They say that anyone can do it if they really want to.

 

The kicks may not be quite as high or as powerful as the Bruce Lee head shots, but they don’t have to be.  Many schools and instructors are tailoring programs to the older students.  Classes are becoming common at community recreation centers, YMCAs and other fitness centers.  Older enthusiasts are just as excited about earning a coveted black belt as the younger ones are.  There is something invigorating about having a goal that serves to drive you on….driving yourself above and beyond what you think you might be able to do.  The idea is to learn how to control your power and think light taps instead of knock-down drag-out blows.

 

The best thing about martial arts at this level is that it combines the physical with the mental, as you strive to get each movement just right.  The older students inspire the younger ones, and the younger students energize the older ones.  One gentleman cited in the article “Kicking From the Hip,” by Robert Johnson (Wall Street Journal, May 15-16, 2010) was recovering from a hip replacement.  When he started lessons he was walking with a cane.  After two years (about half way to a black belt) he felt he was getting around a lot better, enjoying the improved balance and no longer needed his cane.   Cardiologists feel that the hard martial arts are goof for the heart, not to mention that learning survival falls and picking yourself up off the mat is a good aerobic workout. 

 

Certainly injuries can occur but you have to use good sense too, your instructors will help you to modify the intensity of the routines.  Older people should stay within the boundaries of their physical limitations.  Techniques that focus on improved posture, coordination and body awareness can only be a positive experience.  Learning how to me mindful of your body whether you are lifting weights or sitting at a desk, will spill over into other parts of your life.

 

Comments

[Harvey Shepherd]

Learning martial arts is a good way of defending yourself. These days, you can never tell what other people's intentions are. Being able to learn martial arts can make you feel more protected. In a worst case scenario, you won't just become a helpless victim.