MA for when were old & grey

TKD SC

Hi guys,

Just a thought going around in my mind the other day. Not sure what my own opinion really is on this.
Does anybody think of what MA they would be practising when they're much older? Say 50 / 60 / 70+
Or if some MA's are more suitable than others for when you're older?

I know there is always instructing etc etc which is always good, but I'm just talking about actual practise here. Now I would think straight away of Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Hsing-I, Aikido, Ju Jutsu as ones that might suit better into old age. I've seen some boxers and kickboxers who while great instructors really can't do all that much anymore. Then again, I've also seen a boxer in his late 50's (my father-in-law to be!) who I wouldn't want to mess with!!

Also, some TKD instructors I know are into their 50's and excellent, certainly more flexible than 99% of the 20 year olds in the class!

Maybe healthy living and lots of stretching is a key & more beneficial?

I just know that I struggle as it is in my late 20's with certain things, so God know what I'll be like when I'm 70!
Maybe just do what you do, and when you cant do it anymore, then take up something like Tai Chi or whatever interests you at that stage in your life...but is it too late then?

Anyway, just a few thoughts, if anyone has anything to add? Or if there are guys who are 50+ out there who could tell us their wisdom?!

Thanks,

Simon

columok

Aikido can do awful things to the joints and back. All of those ukemi. (Whether you're doing them right or not)

cavedave

Didn't willy nelson get his TKD blackbelt last year? that has to be a good sign.

There are some sports you seem to be able to do at a good level into fairly old age. There are climbers of retirement age who do el cap for instance. Many of the martial arts you become and instructor which means you do not do as much or certainly do not take as much throwing about.

pma-ire

i don't see why you can't still be doing tkd (or whatever art anyone is doing) when your older and less mobile?

it just depends on what you are doing tkd for now and what other aspects you enjoy.

i've seen many a good guy give it all up cause they could'int spar anymore, or had bad knee, or bad back etc...

complete waist of talent and i don't mean just teaching either. while that can be a major part of your life by the time you reach that stage. you must keep working on parts of your training that you can do so that you can develop and adapt to your changing body.

yomchi

Also, some TKD instructors I know are into their 50's and excellent, certainly more flexible than 99% of the 20 year olds in the class

Aiden Walsh being a prime example here

kravist

To answer this query, we can best use the catchphrase "Use it or lose it!"
Whatever MA one might choose, it should be great for flexibility, fitness etc regardless of age!!!

bigwoodenspoon

Think this is a really good post, i think/hope that the factors which determine weather or not people can still train n practise their martial arts depends on how smart they're training now! Obviously it depends on injuries people might pick up in fights etc...but hopefully people wont and if they're sparring hard but smart with little damage being done to themselves or their sparring partners, theirs no reason i think why we cant all still be kickin ass well into our 70's!

Roper

Jon wrote:

Aiden Walsh being a prime example here

The jockey?

yomchi

Roper wrote:

The jockey?

tut tut and to think you came from Taekwon-Do back ground

TKD SC

Jon wrote:

Aiden Walsh being a prime example here

Yes. Was thinking of Brendan O'Toole & Val Douglas. Annoyingly flexible!!

I think an MA that keeps u supple & flexible is definetely vital. I'd hate to be one of those hunched up old men who can't tie their shoe laces! Then again, maybe I'd be just happy to be alive at that stage! There's so many things that can go wrong with old age, that MA may be the least of your concerns. Still, ignoring all that, and as wooden spoon says, we're still kicking a$$ into our 70's!

Was Willy Nelson's BB not an honorary one? I could be wrong...A BB in keeping high maybe!!

I think if you do x MA, then maybe Tai Chi is a good add-on to do also when you're older, even more as a health regime than a MA. Get the Chi energy working, like Yoda! Or Yoga maybe? I know my mother did that for a while and found herself feeling more flexible.

Keep the comments coming!!

yomchi

Both O'Toole and Val Douglas are other good examples. Not forgetting Liam Dandy of the RITA.
But the prize has to go to Eugene Humesky who I trained with in the states - 84 years of age last week and still training everyday.

Jimkel

The chief Instructor of the KUGB (Karate union Great Britian) Andy Sherry is 64 now, He couldnt do a box splits at 50 and now he can, goes to show you can improve your body even into old age. I've had a few classes with him and he's hardcore, only a tiny man but he's fitter then me!

Roper

Nah I know who Aidan Walsh is really, my old instructor thought he was deadly.

dlofnep

shoo shiitzooo

Colm_OReilly

There's a massive emphasis in this thread on flexibility for the elderly as being of tantamount importance. While I'm not saying that flexibility isn't an issue for the elderly, I'm asking why it's heralded as the principle issue?

Is strength not important as you get older. The stronger your legs are, the more able they are to hold you up so you can stay independently mobile and active. Arm strength will help you lift the milk jug out of the fridge, get up out of a chair, open presses, do household chores, etc.

Think of a deadlift, the longer an elderly person can do this the easier it is for them to live independently and pick their dentures up off the floor.

The flip side is why is flexibility not important for younger people. Surely ma athletes need this to efficiently execute techniques? The more flexible you are the less likelihood of injury.

On an overall scale the way in which our bodies work doesn't change, only the efficiency, recover time and metabolism rate does. So the requirements are the same for a 20 year old as for a 70 year old, just that adaptations need to be added in terms of intensity/recovery for the two.

Colm
-this post is largely a result of conversations with The Shane

scuttery1

The youngest guy here is mid 40s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiHs9_K5Wro

The "gaffer", 64 years young and still swinging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81xAaa4dCc4&mode=related&search=

Cacoy Canete, 87 years old
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf2jovaaEpQ

TKD SC

Colm_OReilly wrote:

There's a massive emphasis in this thread on flexibility for the elderly as being of tantamount importance. While I'm not saying that flexibility isn't an issue for the elderly, I'm asking why it's heralded as the principle issue?

Is strength not important as you get older.

Think of a deadlift, the longer an elderly person can do this the easier it is for them to live independently and pick their dentures up off the floor.


On an overall scale the way in which our bodies work doesn't change, only the efficiency, recover time and metabolism rate does. So the requirements are the same for a 20 year old as for a 70 year old, just that adaptations need to be added in terms of intensity/recovery for the two.

Good point. Diet would also be crucial really - not letting yourself go and getting a big beer belly, closed veins etc etc.

crossfit.com do emphasize what you're saying re adapt for intensity etc.

Also, aerobic, eg., walking your dog on the beach every day (I can't wait for retirement!!).

Suppose, I was thinking of it from a "what MA" point of view as opposed to health / fitness in general in old(er) age...

But it's all good to think about...

MaeveD

columok wrote:

Aikido can do awful things to the joints and back. All of those ukemi. (Whether you're doing them right or not)

12 years later and I'm still in one piece ... all depends on where & who you train with. I have nasty arthritis in one wrist..but that was from a bad teacher. We have all ages in our club, we've recently had two guys 60+ join who had never done anything physical before and they love it.

Aikido and BJJ till I'm 80....I hope!!!

Scuttery1... you consider 40 year olds at 'auld fellas' :eek: :eek: :eek: