As We Grow Older ...

On the one had, I feel that martial arts is the secret pill against aging. "Do martial arts and you will live a long healthy life" -- something like that.

But all of that jumping, rolling, jarring, bruising, tweaking, and locking just can't be good for the body, as we age.

Note: I just wanted to say that. Actually, I am a happy camper at 47 yrs. of age.

At some point, all of that jostling in martial arts practice ... hurts ... and it makes me sore.

And at what point, are we "over-the-hill" where the "young whippersnappers" can kick our tushies? (Hopefully, never.)

Techniques for Older Martial Artists (The Seniors)

As I get older, I shy away from the hard-blocking styles. I seek styles that rely on:

feeling

tight angles

more energy

direction of force.

I also seek systems that emphasize the practical.

Main Requisite in a Martial Arts Style for Older Artists

And of paramount importance, I look for styles that allow adjustment to the individual. We don't all need to do the same techniques.

As we grow older, we desire more efficiency, less movement. Our techniques should change to reflect this.

I have seen a few systems that seem to coddle their old folks. The venerable masters have earned respect -- but internally, you know that the old guys can't handle it anymore.

Then there are some of the progressive fighters, I have seen ... getting up there in age, who are still ... scary.

Sheesh ...

I can name at least 1/2 a dozen martial artists in their 60s, 70s, (and even early 80s) whom I wouldn't want to encounter down a dark alley.

I even know a few martial artists who are improving as the move into their upper 60s -- better than ever before.

But the key is to make the particular martial art work for you.

If your bones are more brittle, take that into consideration. If you don't have the stamina that you used to, be sure to work on maintaining and improving -- but practice techniques where the bad guy has to come to you.

Make him (or her) do the work.

And when all is said and done ... the only martial skill you really need as you grow older is to learn to fight while holding a frothy cup of hot chocolate in one hand.

Or maybe you need an efficient technique and counter....

Download my new, Free ebooklet, "Elbow Strike Counters": Free - Elbow Strike and a Practical Counter Read another article about Martial Arts for Seniors. Here, you'll a Free mini wrist locks course (with 2 free ebooklets -- that may be for the younger practitioners) Wrist Locks.