Martial Arts Over 40, 50, and Beyond!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Martial arts over the age of 40 or 50 can be a challenge. But a little advice from Sifu Matt Ember should help you keep fighting till you drop! :)
►For the full podcast interview with Sifu Matt Ember, click here: www.senseiando.com/matt-ember-...
►Also, check out my online video course, MARTIAL ARTS OVER 50!
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Here are some quick tips from Sifu Matt...
Accept where you are in life. Training like you're still a teenager will only lead to trouble. Use your time and energy wisely.
Embrace the pain. Some injuries will never heal... that's just part of the journey. Deal with it.
Focus on maintaining rather than seeking gains. Aging is a war of attrition. Train to keep what you have, not what you don't have.
Mix up your training routine. Spare your joints excessive overuse by using your body in a variety of ways.
Limit impact. An aging body doesn't recover like it once did. Be wary of jolting your joints.
Beware of fad diets. Trends come and go... and always will. Listen to your body and you'll know what's good for you.
Do what feels good. No, not cocaine... do what feels good AND is good for you.
Life is short... make your own magic! :)
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Keep fighting for a happy life! :)
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.
#martialarts #over40 #over50 - กีฬา
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I started Shotokan karate at age 70 with the goal of maintaining fitness at the highest possible level while maintaining health. After the first year, I find I can move freely, my balance is greatly improved, my strength is up, my weight is down to my army standards, I wear clothes in sizes from my 20s, and I feel nearly as good as I did in my 30s. Society keeps sending us messages that we old folks are inevitable doomed to an existence of weakness and fragility. I refuse to listen!
You rock, sir! Happy training to you!
I started martial arts when I was 45 and earned my black belt at age 54. I try not to look at my age or even care that much about rank. Personal improvement and self defense are my objectives.
Well done, Victoria! Keep punching! :)
I totally agree.
Well good for me I’m only 16
You've got a good head start... use it! :D
@Victoria Dean: Which martial art do you train?
Im 71 and still train in karate and love it
Excellent, sir! Keep it up! 👍🏼
WoW
Great Sir. Your grandchildren must be proud of you.
I'm 49 and still beast myself every day. I just don't heavy spar as often as I used too. I certainly don't miss the injuries and broken bones. I think fitness is a state of mind.
"Fitness is a state of mind"... I like that, John!
Thank you Sirs for a great video. I just turned 54 this past week and I will be testing for my yellow belt in TKD in 2 weeks, yes I said yellow belt. Better late to the party than never I guess. Pain and frustration are just part and parcel to long term training no matter what your discipline is. I used to powerlift now I do martial arts, they both hurt! The take away for me is to compromise and modify so that you can train at your highest level for as long as possible without major injury.
You’ve got wisdom on your side, Kelly! Congratulations on making it this far… and blessings for the journey to come! 🙏🏻
Hi Kelly. Just go for it and give everything you've got. What you wrote is very recognisable. Frustration might pop up when you notice that the move you have in your mind doesn't come out that fluently :-) I keep a small log book where I sometimes write down the good moments. "Today was very good, I learnt this or that.. I felt great". In those moments of frustration, when I am back home and wondering why I ever started Karate a few years ago, I read my small notebook. And it helps. Tomorrow is another training day - or next week :-) I think it's great that you started. Good luck with your test. You will be fine. Greetings from Belgium. Francis, 51 years young :-)
You're awesome. I'm 49 and just started 11months ago. Krav. I love it.
If you read the above, i just turned 57 and I work a tedious and demanding factory job. It takes so much out of me that some days I want to give up altogether and just be fat and sedentary like others my age. But there is no pressure to be young, just to be the best I can be at this time of life. To everything, there is a season......
Thank you Sensei Ando for the awesome lesson.
Congratulations Kelly. Keep going...soon the aches will turn into muscles to help you in your martial art journey. OSS!
As a chap who will be 65 next week, I found sensible encouragement from your dialogue. If I can, I have set myself the goal of attaining a black belt level of ability in JKD by the time I am 70. My yellow belt grading will be in December and I will let you know how things go.
Thanks for the cheerful postings.
I love how you think, George! I can already tell you’re going to make it. Keep me posted! 👊🏼
You are amazing. :-)
Where do you train? I thought there were no belts in JKD.
Hi George, I'm 63 today with 5 years training in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. I'm a blue belt, intermediate student; still have a lot to learn. I'm the oldest guy at the Costa Rica Shaolin Temple. Most students are from 20 to 30 years old. I enjoy Aldo's videos and good humor. Just to let you know you are not alone!
Thanks Sensei for this great video!! Im 49 starting TKD ITF. Of course we are not 10 or 20 but spirit is always young and that is the most important thing!! Good Luck George and Im so happy to know Im not alone and for sure we will enjoy the journey more than kids !!!!!!
I am a 68yr old martial artist still benefiting from my training and still young enough to put into practice much of what sensei Ando has to teach us!
You’re a great role model, my friend! 👍🏼
I trained in many martial arts and worked my way through the ranks in each one. Since 1996 in fact. I earned my shodan at 45 but with hundreds of hours of training behind me. I took over instruction of our kids and tiny tigers.
As a kyu belt, I placed in tournament but never stood out. When I taught forms,I improved. As I trained the kids, my sparring improved. There's something to be said about an aggressive 10 year old facing his sensei. Their animals.
I gave up on blocking and countering then discovered angling and distancing. This helped and I was winning.
Unfortunately,life gets in the way of personal goals.
Life gets in the way of living, right? :) It sounds like you always find a way to keep going... good for you! Happy training!
Excellent interview. Thank you. I am 51 next month and after 2 years of Shotokan Karate am one belt away from brown.
Things do hurt a bit and low stances are particularly difficult but I do whatever is asked to best of my ability.
I think the most important thing for me is that I really enjoy training and pushing myself.
I see many people my age give up doing anything physical. Me, I'm growing older disgracefully and going out fighting😃
My only regret is not doing martial arts 30 years ago.
There are so many benefits to this sport that I thing many people sadly never get to experience.
Keep em videos coming..
Yes, Rowland... go out fighting! 😁💪🏻 Maybe you’ll inspire someone to join you along the way.
Great video for us older folk who are still active
Your sifu is in great shape for pushing 60... and you too at about 50
Rock on gentlemen
I'm 55, female, 20 years ago I suffered a prolapsed disc and was very unhealthy, 3 years ago I started lifting weights at the gym, a month ago I started kickboxing, I absolutely love it and I've never been fitter in my life, I love listening to everything Ando has to say, it's so inspiring 👏👏 and yes, you can put your back out picking up the newspaper 👍
Way to go, Julie! I believe we all take turns inspiring each other, so thanks for taking your turn! Keep fighting!😁
If you are over 45 and in any kind of shape you are going to have a great time in tournaments. Most of your opponents will be overweight messes who can’t kick above their shins.
HA! :D
That was probably meant as joking statement of reality, But it makes me feel pretty good. I train in MMA and I do alright. But fighting a 20 y/o. It’s so hard to keep up. So finding some other 50 y/o guys in worst shape might be a fun change.
Doug S. MIZ Missouri Fighting the 80 year-olds is even more fun! ;)
Ando Mierzwa jeez no respect for your elders xd
Tournaments based on age group?
If you like to dance - dance, if you like to run - run, if you like to do martial art's do martial arts. Lovely stuff. Thanks for the vid. Currently raising a beer here in the UK to you guys after a hard class on 40+ year old bones :)
Cheers to you, too! 🍻
I wish I could give this more than one thumbs-up - really great, sensible advice. As a late-comer to martial arts, and also having bad knees, I really identify with Sifu's advice. I started when I was 48 (about 9 years ago) and am WAYYYY stronger and healthier now than I ever was in my life. When you find a physical activity that really clicks, it makes it easier to adopt other healthy habits as well.
Good point, RoseAnne! When you change something, even something small, you start on a new course. Before you know it, you’re someplace very different! Keep up the good work! 🙏🏻
I wish you could give it more than one thumbs up too! :)
I am 58 year old in white yellow belt now, pain but I love it
Good for you! Keep going!
I think putting the idea of age on the table while training it brings you the injury and tiredness because your brain will signal warning to your organs that they are not strong enough to cope this activity.
In sport just continue with a believe that you are improving (that's the reality).
Specially martial arts as you get older you get more experience then stronger (your soul is the power ).
Your soul is the power! Thanks for that!
Great info! It's easy to forget these things when you are surrounded most of the time with younger people in class. Thanks for posting this one Ando!
That's true! Seek out your peers and older practitioners for the real scoop! :)
I love surprising these youngsters, though. They're like " What the *%#$%." How do you do that? I'm 49. Just started self defense last year and totally love it!!!
That' was nice to see Sifu Matt again. Ye,s it is hard to keep our muscles when we get old, and even harder to start building some!!
But we gotta try, right? 😄
New subscriber here...these are great videos...well done Sir. 👍🏻
I’m 55 and just started Martial Arts training 2 months ago...more boxing and kickboxing right now but that’s enough! Training 2-4 hours a week while continuing my training the bootcamp style workouts 2-3 hours a week. Time management is my biggest battle with taking on this new journey in life. I started this to learn more about myself, improve and to get some additional/different physical activity. It’s quickly turning to a huge thirst for knowledge and training.
I have stayed active and athletic my entire life so my body is well used....I’m usually sore but not injured 😁 there is a huge difference but being 55 does mean it takes longer to recover.
Right now I am learning so much with techniques I had zero clue about with boxing and kickboxing and I absolutely love it. The mental side is refreshing, the physical side is wonderful and just getting another dose of confidence makes me stand taller and feel better...it’s hard to explain but maybe there is no need and everyone feels it and why did I wait so long to start!?!? 😎
Thanks for the informative videos for the mental side of self defense and beginner vids....they have all hit home with me. Looking forward to learning from your other videos. 👍🏻
Hi Don! Nice to meet you, sir. Yes, it sounds like you've caught the martial arts bug for sure. Sadly, there is no cure... you just have to keep being awesome. Happy training!
Thank you for your advice really gives a great perspective.
Glad you found it useful! Thanks for the comment!
Great video. I'll be 57 next month. Besides being a martial artists, I'm also a triathlete. Yup. Everything hurts everyday...lol
HA! A martial artist AND a triathlete... you, sir, are a glutton for punishment! Keep it up! :)
antonio pabon
I get that! When I ask myself why I run, bike, stretch, do martial arts, play tennis, and strength train with weights, machines, and bodyweight every week as hard as I am able to, my answer is "Because I can." I imagine you can relate to that.
like that song from onerepublic says..."everything that kills me...makes me feel alive"...lol
antonio pabon Yes!!
Happy I came across your video Ando! I'm 52 ; started training TKD 4 yrs ago (blew my ACL 2 yrs in so lost 6 months), and now that I've reached Red Belt, everything takes 2x the effort. Watching this vid really put things in perspective. It's informative & motivating to hear you both discuss the topic of martial arts and aging. Our school is a fighting school; we spar a lot. I enjoy it very much but in the last year or so, I find myself sparring for shorter lengths of time or passing on it as to not get hurt - which is happening more often. Man does it mess with my head! I feel like I'm wimping out! But I digress. Like you two said, do what you can do. LOL, doesn't help that my 12yr son (looks 15!), who just got his Black Belt, and my 10yr daughter, who is working on getting her's this year, are my biggest motivators. They're so fast now I've quit trying to keep up! Great vid, cheers! Looking forward to watching more of your vids.
You’re a great dad it only for getting your kids involved in martial arts, but for getting in there with them! 👍🏼 Sorry for your frustrations along the way, but that quality time is priceless. I would suggest taking a look around for another school or art that might match up with your current capabilities, but no way I want to break up the family! Keep fighting, sir!👊🏼
Ando being in my forties training can be tough especially when most the class are teens! Sometimes I feel like I don't belong I have good days and of course the getting hurt days but I've stuck to it for nearly two years excepting my limitations doing my best and its all because of your words of wisdom it's what keeps me going back to class thankyou
Thanks for even a small amount of credit, but that’s really all you! You’re a fighter! 👊🏼
Great video with sound advice, thank you! I also think 'miles on the clock' is another important factor to consider. You see some Olympic and top pro level athletes who wear out their bodies by their 30s. You should consider your body to be like a car as well. Feed it good fuel and know that every mile you drive is another mile on the clock. So don't speed too often and don't wreck the clutch or engine! Otherwise you may burn out a lot sooner than your 50s or 60s.
THIS!!! This guy is amazing and personal and REAL!!!
Very happy to hear that. Thank you for the comment! 🙏🏻
Great and very honest interview. I will watch this again in the coming days to let it sink in.
It took me around 2 years to realize and accept that I am not the young guy anymore who is able "to run through a wall".
Only two years! I know some people who have been denying their age for decades! 😄
LOL. a bit more than 2 years combined with 3 different doctors. Changed doctor when he told me I should stop karate and do something else. One of them mentionned: "you would be surprised how much other nice sports there are left for you". Really?! Okay! Where 's the exit? I will let myself out Doc, don't bother. :-) My actual doctor (knees) told me: do what you want to do (avoid this or that movement) but take sufficient rest and listen to your body, be honest to yourself if you have to slow down. It was around the time you posted a video on this topic, nice timing that was.
Glad you found a sensible doctor! Keep fighting! 👊🏼😁
Im 52 now and i love martial arts.
I started martial arts in 2004 doing various styles over the years but sadly the clubs i belonged to closed down or moved away which left me with no training so i looked on line and saw a course on kali arnis its a complete course and i removed the stick fighting kept empty hands and knives and gradually started to create my own style which was beneficial for me and i now feel better being my own teacher and my mind and body feels way much better than it did in any dojo and my fighting skills have improved 100 percent..
Good job finding a way to keep going!
Wow. What a wonderful honest interview. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
I think there is something to be said for the aging martial artist. There is a reason the training has refined as much as it has over the years. Those who are training into their later years don't have the strength, energy and motivation to exert massive amounts of energy for minimal gains. They are seeking to exert minimal effort for maximal gains. This leads to modification of method training technique and strategy. Aging and injury require one to reflect on the true reasons one gets into the martial arts in the first place. The most common being self defense, self protection and self empowerment. The training leads one to challenge the pains for gains mentality of the youth and trade it in for principles for prosperity. The pains for gains mindset goes completely against the principle of self protection. If you're destroying your self to learn how to protect yourself then what's the point?
I agree with every word of that, Julian. Thank you!! 👍🏼👍🏼
I'm 63. Thanks for the video!
Awesome. Happy training!👍🏼
Thanks so much for this particular video! This has been my struggle as well as an aging long time martial artist hobbyist. I relate well to this predicament of wanting to continue to grow as my body keeps placing new limits, very frustrating! I suffer from chronic moderate neck, back & hip pain. I find at my age (late 50's) STRETCHING is beyond important!!! Doesn't have to be deep at all, I've worked out a 25-30 min routine I do every night while I hang out watching some TV with the Mrs., stand up & floor combined, kept very simple but have to get your butt off the couch though! I recently explained to someone who asked me how best to deal with chronic pain, I use the same phrase as Sifu Matt did on the video (about fell out of my chair when he said it), "you have to learn to EMBRACE the pain". Sounds strange but so true! The more you focus on chronic pain the more it hurts and wears on you. If medical options for pain treatment been exhausted but you remain structurally sound you must accept this as part of your future life and adapt your training "honestly" and appropriately. Nice clip guys, love your "topic" type videos like this, technique videos get old after a while. APPRECIATE YOU GUYS! (age 58, 5'10" 140 lbs).
Thank you for all the kind words, sir! I hope everyone who sees your comment is inspired to create their own daily routine, too! Happy to know you! 🙏🏻
I started martial arts late in life, in my 40’s. I’m now 61. My biggest challenge is to find instructors with an understanding of the difference between teaching teenagers and people over 50.
That can be quite a challenge! 😄 Just stay on your path and work at your own pace…. maybe they’ll learn something from you.
I started kickboxing at 49 and I am now 50 and will be grading for my blue belt in 5 weeks time. I have learnt a lot about my self (body and spirit) and in the process I have made lots of new friends and lost 2 1/2 stone :) I have had a few 'injuries'... torn hamstrings, blisters, rotator cuff problem but I have continued top train with these and just adjusted what I could do while I was injured :D I love it and have no plans to stop!!
Awesome, Adrian! I hope everyone reads that and feels inspired to keep fighting, too!
Just a quick update, I passed my grading with flying colours :D I am now a blue belt
Just a bit of an update:
I took part in the ICO British Kickboxing Championships at the weekend and managed to grab 3rd place in my 'points' category :) I have now been selected to represent England in the ICO Kickboxing World Championships
Great topic, I was just going to put the same topic on my channel and did a quick search. And low and behold Sensei Ando already covered it. Excellent video gentlemen. I’m also in my 40s but have switched over to weapon base system to preserve what I have too. Also teaching and giving back to the community...Great tips on the video
Weapons make a lot of sense as we get older for sure. Glad to hear you’re teaching-keep it up! Now, please make that video! 👍🏼
Could you please do a video on your martial arts journey kind of like your martial arts timeline. I think it would be a cool video.
Thanks
Cool idea! Thanks for being interested. Even my wife doesn't ask! :)
Thank you very much gentleman!! I'm 41 and have been training off and on since I was in my early teens. This gave me a boost to keep at it! I see a lot of Older instructors and practitioners in Japan, and notice that their stances are more shallow, their warmups are more thorough, and their technique is FLAWLESS. That is the key I think. perfect practise at every age, and practicing to out ability with a heavy ego check!
Awesome. Keep kicking!
Great video. I am 50. Did 20 years of weight training then quit that in 2009 and started Karate again in 2008. Recently have a first dan black belt and plan on training for the rest of my life. Love love love training. I feel like I am in great shape. Not too much slippage from 35 years old. More aches and pains in the morning but after an hour or so they go away.
Congrats on the belt! Happy training!👍🏼
Ando Mierzwa Thank you. Training is well worth the effort.
Very nice. I wouldn't be doing martial arts now if I didn't have guardianship of my grandson. But I love it. He keeps me alive now more than he knows. That 30 year gap in martial arts in hard but still good. Ando keep the videos coming!
Working out with your grandson? You are awesome! Keep it going! 👍🏼👍🏼
I was looking forward to hearing more on Internal vs. External training methodologies in relation to longevity. Hope you guys get back to that. Now that I'm almost 42, its really only now that I've started to understand what Internal training looks like. Those Systema guys are on to something. Great video
Absolutely! As I get older, it’s not what I do, but how I do it that matters. Thank you for the comment!
Thank you for this video. I've been feeling my age. Especially around the lot younger students in my class. I dread sparring days and quit going for a while.
Christopher Zito Hey Christopher I'm hearing you. If felt a little awkward walking into a dojo at the age of 51 and seeing the next youngest member was some 15 years younger (also noting his massive 126kg frame and lightning reflexes). This video was a great reminder to me that there will always be differences in the dojo, be it; age, size, speed, knowledge...whatever the attribute. I've found over the past 5 years is that if you train to the best of 'your' ability those younger than you will look up to you as a mentor just because you're prepared to stay in the game. The last training session I had was the best ever. I spoke with a 16 year old student for an hour about career opportunities and didn't break a sweat! He shook my hand and said it was one of the most inspirational conversations he'd ever had. Christopher you don't have to win every time to be a winner!
I can't help but think of how relevant this is, as I ice my knee.
Great as always!
Ever think about, with consideration to this topic, getting together with someone who has a Bak Mei background? I would think that such a style might cater to those of us who find themselves in the occasionally uncomfortable position of no longer being 18.
I wish I knew a Bak Mei student! Although I learn from anyone older practicing any style! Happy icing! :)
Thank you!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Have just started wearing the white belt again at the ripe age of 42 after a long gap (have taken up Sankukai karate 27 years after I quit Shotokan, to complement the T'ai Chi and Qigong I've practised in the interim). Great video, definitely feel like I'm on the cusp of age creeping in, so some great points to bear in mind as I start training again after years off :)
Welcome back to the grind, sir! :D
This guy is amazing on the dot 👏 🙌 thank you both. 😊
I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for this! There are countless TH-cam vids about martial arts technique, how to kick harder, how to punch faster and all that. But there is almost NOTHING on between training recovery and long term body maintenance. I just turned 38 so the days when I could go all out and not expect to feel anything in the morning are fading away. I'm getting to the stage where stretches, recovery routines, and changing my workout schedule and the way I work out are a must if I don't want to be a walking knot of pain. It's wonderful to see another martial arts enthusiast who knows how important this is and put something up directly talking about it.
Could you do a vid focused entirely on recovery and long term body maintenance (flexibility, reducing pain etc)?
38 and still going... good for you! That’s the same age that I started making changes to my training routines. I’ll probably make more videos on the topic since that’s what I deal with every day. Keep fighting, my friend! 😄
Thank you, Sir!
Thank you for watching!
I was over 40.. did 5 arts. (high ranking black belt in all of them) was still a fed bodyguard.. and all that entails.. and LOVED it- had NO issues.. until I was 41- got shot- so the put me off work to "recuperate" from nerves.. (like I had any at the time)..and i got bored- and took a job driving a tow truck- then 3 years later- still driving the tow truck-- but doing my martial arts when I wasn't at work. (until I got mashed between my truck and a 9000 pound suv- after an old lady in one of those HUGE old cadillacs hit it from behind.. and that pretty much ended that.
All these years ago-and I'm JUST NOW getting back to training-- SLOWLY- for flexibility, balance, and power-- with Tai Chi, and verious other exercises.. and accupuncture for the pain (which I do myself).. and if I can do it- I'll get close to where I was.. but I'm doing CANE-DO... :)
Just wanted to say thank you. For me this was good and seemed to be balanced and realistic. Know yourself and adjust accordingly....
I appreciate the comment, sir. Happy training to you!
A very interesting interview. Some very good points mentioned particularly the high impact training which I am still doing at 62 yrs but worry about damage. My bit of survival advice is give your body time to heal after training, regardless of age. As mentioned in this interview your body needs longer to heal when you get older and I can confirm that.
Thank you for sharing your experience here, sir. Recovery is definitely an important piece of the learning process. Happy training to you!
Awesome video with a great, honest perspective. Thank you!
Watching all the cool things that the younger students can do in my class does make me wish I started a lot sooner. Oh, well. :/
Glad you liked the video, Luka! Just work with what you've got... that's enough! :)
Good stuff sensei
Much appreciated!
fantastic interview!!! 100% common sense!!!
Glad we’re all on the same page! 🙏🏻
He said it all with , "FEEL GOOD".
I use a Jo Staff for exercise and martial arts.
At 67, I'm strong and fit..
Thanks for the tips!!!
Keep up the good work!
I got the calluses from playing guitar! And all the bruises from Kyokushin Karate. Fun fun fun for 61! ;)
Inspiring! Rock on, sir!
Excellent and common sense advice--mix your activities up!
Right! Thank you for the comment, sir!
Very good advise thx
Glad you liked it, David!
✌🏽👍🏿🙏i needed to watch this im 52 with injuries and im its humbling
Age is a brutal opponent!😄
I still train at 74yrs. Took up Astanga yoga at 69yrs. Helps my martial art practice. Use it or loose it. Balance for me is a key, in a general sense. Listening to my body is more important.
Listening in all respects is definitely a skill. Happy training, Brenda!👍🏼
I plan on training for a LONG time I want to do what I love for as long as possible 💪
Amen! 👍🏼
Thank you! I appreciate your insights! Trained three years in Wing Chun Kung Fu, took a break for a few years and been wondering if I should jump back into martial arts. I loved training and have missed it but wondered if it was too late to start up again.
Never too late! Get back in there! 😁
Great video.
One thing I've done with weight training is use calisthenics (body weight only most of the time) and even then, doing it briefly (50 minute workouts or less) & infrequently (once every four to ten days), never to failure, several sets BUT really low reps, full range of motion - and stopping whenever I feel like it, taking days off if I need to!
It's a way of training my younger self would've thought was wimpy YET I've built more muscle from training this way (and resting more between training days - leaving more time for martial arts) and had pretty much no injuries.
I'm also less inclined to fear "losing my gains". It's just silly and counterproductive to work a tired muscle / body! Training only when I'm refreshed enough is what has allowed me to experience actual gains compared to the enthusiastic over training of youth.
But thanks again for this interview-video, Ando.
By the way, all your thumbnails of your kung fu teacher make me think he looks like Mark Linn Baker from "Perfect Strangers" only your sifu is waaaaaaaay healthier-looking!
It sounds like you have found the formula for success! There is much wisdom in being "wimpy". :) Funny about Mark Linn Baker--you're the first to say that. Thanks for the comment!
I accept that comparison. Love Mark Linn Baker!
The thing is there WAS an episode of Perfect Strangers where they did karate.
But you *actually know* martial arts. The fight scenes from that episode are right here on TH-cam:
th-cam.com/video/myIJRP2v1V4/w-d-xo.html
Very interesting conversation. It's something that younger people should hear because eventfully we all get older and start to slow down and deal with nagging injuries or chronic pain. Knowing what to expect and how to manage these things is something in my experience older generations never really discussed. I think personally one of the hardest things to accept as you get older is having pain(s) that will not go away or easily re-occur from physical activity. Learning to accept you are no longer young and can easily bounce back from injury is an adjustment that takes time. Looking back I wish I was more cautious of certain physical activity I did. Most of my injuries and pain come from heavy lifting of weights and repetitive use and abuse of joints typically involving moving or lifting heavy things. How you treat your body and health when your younger will play a big part in how you physically even mentally feel later in life. I think as you age stretching and flexibility become more important and can be lost quicker if you ignore them.
I agree-young people should listen! :) Investing a little caution early on will pay off huge dividends down the road. I hope your comment helps someone! Thank you! 🙏🏻
Don't give up easily. Our bodies can regenerate if treated right. Adopting a healthy lifestyle even if late, properly exercising damaged joints instead of "letting them be", preventing advances of arthritis with proper nutrition and exercise, and above all, continuing resistance training, can extend our healthspan much longer than expected.
Love the stoic philosophy, very pragmatic.
Thank you for the comment, Contessa! 🙏🏻
Very wise advice! I trained kyokushin (full contact)after long time again. And they sparred like in the old times. I had to prove myself again and inside low kicked a brown belt who felt down. Afterwards I felt I was to much in a competition mode. If I am honoust this is not the right energy anymore. I have to be wiser with my body (I am 50). So solution is to do karate more semi contact or finding a school which is more recreative. Or finding another style but the bad thing about this ;you have to learn all katas again who are (slightly)differnt.
I’m just glad you’re still going! 😁
Awesome video
Thank you! :)
...63...used to practice Okinawan karate (Isshinryu/Gojuryu/Uechiryu...still do some kata practice), have practiced Kajukenbo, Kendo, Judo, Escrima/Kali...currently mostly do Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and Yoga. No alcohol, little meat, as little refined sugar as possible, lots of nuts, fruits, and veggies. Hope to keep practicing until I croak. Actually, there is something to the development of internal stuff...as crazy as it might seem.
Great advice! I've just turned 60 and the only thing that I would add is, rather than viewing strength training as "maintenance", we SHOULD be trying to increase (whether it's possible or not). My reason for saying this (and in my own experience) is that if we focus on maintaining, we often slip backwards (due to the mindset of, "Well, I can't get any stronger anyway") whereas by constantly trying to increase our strength we remain at the strongest we can possibly be for our age. In my own case, I can honestly say that I have never been as strong as I am now, at ANY time in my life! The trick is in understanding that our "old" bodies need longer to recuperate and therefore over-training is a much bigger problem than it used to be. I lift double HEAVY kettlebells (plus body weight stuff) three times per week, on a full-body routine and keeping the exercises to a minimum. I do ONLY basic compound exercises (multiple muscle groups per exercise) and include some pulling, pushing and squatting in every workout. I also alternate an "A" workout with a "B" workout to facilitate greater recovery. Each workout only takes about 30 minutes but it's intense! In addition to this I walk and do martial arts practice everyday. At age 60, I feel great! "Old age"? Bring it on!!! ;)
Love the advice! Thank you very much!
@@AndoMierzwa You're welcome my friend :) And a huge thanks to you for all that you do! :)
I could not agree more with you. I am 80 and I keep working out in the gym, mostly weight lifting. I have slowly come down from my best at 60, but not much. I don't think of "maintenance" but improvement. Same with my Aikido, I keep improving, learning and... having fun!!
I'm much closer to 50 than 40 and a few years out of martial arts training. But when/if this COVID environment ever normalizes, I'd love to get back into it. Videos like this are nice for setting expectations, because the region I'm in will require taking a brand new style (as no local schools are teaching Filipino styles).
Excellent! I hope you get back to training ASAP!
I've wanted to learn a martial art as long as I remember. As a teenager I observed a karate but felt so intimated by being a brown girl and the class being full of kids.. And now I'm almost 30 and am very interested in muay Thai but my body feels even older I get random aches and pains and bad knees and I'm very unfit but I still want to take the plunge and go for it within the next few years
Don’t wait, Lee! If you’re already suffering aches and pains, you may as well do something you love at the same time! I promise you, a year from now, you’ll be so proud of yourself for starting today. Go get ‘em! 👍🏼
Lee, I am 57 years old and just started Tang Soo Do Martial Arts about 3 months ago. For my next belt test I have to answer a short essay question and I want to share it with you........"What is the most important thing you have learned since you were a White Belt?
To embrace whatever comes with this new aspect/journey of my life by making personal improvement and self-defense my objectives. I am very much enjoying the challenges that the progressive steps in Tang Soo Do present. I am noticing that each day I challenge myself to regain flexibility to be able to perform at a level that I have set as a goal to achieve. I am trying extremely hard to stay within myself, perfect the challenge that has been put in front of me, and not be overly ambitious." I was very athletic in my younger years but have allowed myself to be dormant for nearly 18 years. All I can say is GO FOR IT!!!! Best of luck to you...TANG SOO!!!!
@@waynebizzle1334 Thank you for sharing, that's really motivating!
Matt is my kind of guy
👍🏼
I'm 29 and since 25 y.o. I've always feared of having long gone beyond my possibilities of becoming proficient in martial arts. This helped me too thanks.
Never too late!
Ha ha ha... "gone beyond your possibilities" ... at 25 y.o.? Your possibilities can be still there at midlife if you take good care of your body. Choose the right martial art!
I'm 42 do weights, boxing, bike riding, surf but I also keep the mind going with reading, documentaries, photography, working on projects and meditation.
You’re a true Renaissance man! 👍🏼
It depends on the type of martial art. I am 80 years old and at 73 I started learning Aikido, without previous martial arts experience. My next belt will be the black belt, and I look forward to continue as long as it takes me to get it, and beyond. In all these years of Aikido I have hardly seen any of my peers getting injured. In this art, we don't fight with each other but we practice in pairs in a cooperative way. I am in good shape and I can do everything others half my age do. Thanks to a lifelong working out, I don't get injured, have no arthritis, and I can fall quite well. For people my age I strongly recommend Aikido as the most safe, fun, spiritual, motivating martial art. NOTHING like "take the pain" or "try to keep what I have". An octogenarian can still slightly improve physically and learn new ways to do things.
Thank you for sharing your testimony, sir! Happy training to you!
Very good!
Thank you very much!
I'm 53. Got my fisrt dan black belt this year and planning to continue practice Taekwondo as long as I can. This is especcialy meaningful to me because I have a disability.
You rock, Lana! Congratulations on your accomplishment and best wishes on your journey! 🙏🏻
Good advice.
Thank you!
ok. take 2, I started Tae Kwon Doe at 61 and overweight. It has really been good for me to move, remember and have fun. Everyclass, I sweat, learn and have fun. I love being around the younger set too. I am currently eligible for my black belt. I try to be smart about my moves, cross train and some of the weight is starting to come off. I do a lot of health support with my diet and mindfulness. I would recommend martial arts to anyone at anyage. What is important is working with the right studio. My kicks are higher than when I started and I am getting faster but, the 16 year olds do have more speed and more height to their kicks. However, I have been told that I am very strong!
Thank you for that dose of inspiration, ma’am! I hope someone reads your comment and signs up for a class immediately! Happy training!👍🏼👍🏼
Though not known or understood by most doctors, or by the general public, one can avail themselves of great alternative medical technologies to assist the body in healing. Aging can be very slow and gentle. One can heal and recover well, even into their 50's.
@Sensei Ando: I'm getting very close to my 26th birthday, but I've been dealing with chronic back pain for around four years now despite surgery and various other therapy as well as treatments. For a while now, I've been training at home and found that while I can't throw hooks, uppercuts, and kicks above the knee as well as Judo-style throws, and even rolling and falling as well as deep stances are out of the question. Luckily I'm still capable of elbow strikes, straight punches, and other hand strikes (palm strikes, hammer fists, etc.) and using my legs to sweep/trip my opponent. I've been looking to get back into Wing Chun because I feel that I can adjust to the stances. Sadly I don't have any Wing Chun schools in my area that teach without payment contracts, which I can't afford. I fully intend to continue martial arts training in some form or fashion until I am taken to that grand dojo in the sky so to speak. I've also looked into Systema, but given their specific routines, I'm not sure I would be able to keep up, so Wing Chun is my preference. I'm in the process of setting up a proper home dojo of sorts. (I have a double-end bag and I'm soon getting a B.O.B. Dummy in order to work on striking that I'm still capable of.) In your expert opinion, are there any resources that might help me learn some basics on my own? (Instructional DVDs, Books, specific equipment, etc.?) Thank you so much for doing all that you do and for the great videos! If you do run across this comment, I apologize for its length.
I love your fighting spirit, my friend! Respect! I would highly recommend finding a teacher of Wing Chun that you can visit... especially in the beginning. If you have to drive or take a bus, do it. Even if it's just one private lesson or one group class every month or two, at least you'll have a very clear idea of what to start practicing. Then go back for some guidance when you can. Work with what you got!
Ando Mierzwa Thank you so much for your response and I greatly appreciate your advice. I hope you are well in all things and that your life is full of success and happiness.
Ronin 6 Success and happiness to you, too! Let me know how your search goes!
Ando Mierzwa I certainly will. Thank you again Sensei :)
I'm 63. Conditioning is critical. Both aerobic and resistance training.
Yes!
Hi Ando I am turning 46 years young and getting my black belt 27 years ago in guju ryu I stopped due to life style change I have now returned back to martial arts 9 months ago and have my red belt grading on the 24th February with my son who is nearly 18 it is great to train with a friend.
That is a beautiful story, sir. Best wishes on the grading!
Ando Mierzwa hi just to let you know my son and I both passed our red belt grading and now working together and towards our green belt wish us luck and I shall keep you posted.
@@sparky_sipaintball705 AWESOME! Yes, best of luck on your next belts!
Watching this at 52 and ready to get back into it after a couple years away from classes. I agree it's a catch 22 about wearing your body out in class vs entropy and potentially worse condition that comes with lack of training. I now have bad feet and a heel pad injury that have taken a year to get to improve and reach manageable levels. Either way, i'm ready to hit and kick bags and stretch like i used to (which feels very crucial in aging well.) So I'm aware of my body and where the greatest potential lies for injuries in training. That said i'm looking for classes that are both practical for self defense and less physically jarring. So looking like fitness kickboxing instead of the muay thai i'd prefer to take. Then when i hit 60 i'll probably be looking at tai chi or yoga for same reasons
As long as you’re doing something, you’re doing great! Happy training!👍🏼
Have a look at Aikido, a martial art you can practice even in your 80s. It teaches self defense without getting injured during practice.
To my fellow martial artist out there especially the older ones. My advice is to get into the work of dr. John Sarno and the Mind Body Connection. I am 61 years old and I still workout with a lot of intensity. I lift weights do calisthenics, hit heavy bags and Run 3 miles twice a week. People need to understand what an actual injury is. When you Spar and get hit that can be a traumatic injury and definitely will take time to heal. Things like tendonitis, bursitis,etc these are mine body conditions even most back pain. Don't get me wrong there are times after I work out I may have some pains but they will be gone within a few days. The problem is when they become chronic and in this country we have an epidemic of chronic pain and people are getting strung out on pain meds. Anyway as an older martial artist I would highly recommend that people get into the work of dr. Sarno. Actually you don't have to be older or even a martial artist to benefit from his teachings. Train hard my brothers and sisters and enjoy the journey!
Thank you for the recommendation, sir. Happy training!👍🏼
Would love to see more content about training after 40+!
Since I’m over 50, pretty much everything I do is for 40+! 😄
I’m 44, and started Taekwando at 42 with a blue belt now. I still go beast mode with heavy weight gym training 3 times a week, Taekwando 2 times a week with a sore lower back at times. Other then that it’s pretty good so far god willing. I find stretching after Taekwando always puts ease on my back and the fact that maybe I started taking vitamins at 18, who knows.
It sounds like you’re doing great! Keep kicking, sir!
58 years strong, started in western boxing at 13. Black belts in three styles, and just started as a white belt in Hapkido. You're never to old to start.
Awesome. Happy training, David!
I'm 47 years old, started training in krav maga, main issue are my shoulder joints, especially my right rotator cuff...it sucks but I just keep going through the discomfort and pain
We all have to figure out how to make the arts fit our bodies. And the older we get, the more we have to keep figuring out! Happy training!
Great video. Most people think they are too old for many things. Age is
subjective. When a practitioner is young it is important to train for
self defence. Once the practitioner trains for many years he or she
starts to realize that this an empty goal. The bi-product of hard
training is self defence. It will always be there. The more important
thing is health, flexibility and mental well being. If people dont focus
on those things when they get old they my find themselves unable to
practice.
Wise words! Thank you for sharing them here, my friend. 🙏🏻
@@AndoMierzwa Thank you ! The Lords Blessing.
i am 68 years old and a shodan in wadoryu but havent trained for 24 years and have just started again but in shotokan. Wearing a white belt and loving the training but it takes me 2 days to recover from a session.
I’m afraid the battle with Mother Nature is one we will never win! But keep fighting anyway! 😁
Awesome, I thought I'd stayed late at 28 for my karate journey. Definitely feel my training sessions more as a 30 year old haha!
Ha! It gets harder... and better. :)
44 and just started boxing. Not to compete but to be healthy and fit
Excellent! Happy training!
What a great pair of gents. If I lived near you I'd join your school, but alas I am in England.
I’m honored by the thought, sir. Happy training! 🙏🏻
What an excellent discussion. Thank you both. I once heard the most true saying, 'if you're over 40 and you wake up in the morning and nothing hurts, you probably died in your sleep'. It made me laugh because it's so true. But as said in the interview, we have to accept where we're at. When I was young, in sparring I'd dance around like a rabid kangaroo and tire my opponent out. Now I don't really move much until my opponent comes into range, then I go all out in one explosive burst til they retreat, then I rest again til they come back.
Love that quote!😄
I would adapt my practice. Not stop it, no need for that. But taking out elements that involve hard contact, falls, or movements that are too vulnerable to the joints, is important. Otherwise it's a matter of time until you pay the price.
Having well prepared joints will make a difference as well, so some people need to adapt it a lot more than others.
Adaptation, yes! And good point about PREPARING for old age. You can start building good habits right now. Thank you, sir!
Just started doing Muay Thai at a great Academy in Toronto. I am 37, and 4 days later feel like my body has gone through a battle 😂 But I really enjoyed it other then not knowing at all how to skip rope. I also need the discipline in my life.
Awesome, Emil! The hardest part is over. Keep going!
I'm 60. I started training at 23, never stopped, even if it is just a few minutes a day. Working on basic skills is a very real thing. There's always some room for improvement in adjusting flow, balance and sensitivity. As Les Paul said somewhere around age 70, he sure as hell wasn't Les Paul at 30. He hadn't had all that practice.
Excellent quote! Thank you for the comment!
i thought Gene Wilder was dead lol
Lol, he does look like Gene Wilder
Thanks Dustin Hoffman Sifu!!!
😁
I am 57 and am going to start a martial arts program January 29th. Tired of having no energy and having to get down on one knee just to pick something off the floor. Looking to get my flexibility back, gain more strength and get more energy.
Awesome, Doug! It’s never too late to make your life better. Happy training! 👍🏼
I recently acquired a knee injury that now that I'm over 40, is taking its time to heal. While I haven't stopped training, I have had to adjust my training so as to be careful of of my knee, and it has been very frustrating. I still believe that someday my knee will be better and I'll be able to train harder. Am I kidding myself?
Not at all! As long as you're being patient, you'll give your knee a fighting chance. But even worst case scenario, we all have to make adjustments and adaptations along the way. Keep going!