You may be thinking or have asked yourself “How long can one
practice martial arts.” I would say it
can depend on the art form and style, but in general you can practice for many
years. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of
Shotokan Karate, established Shotokan with the belief that “It is important
that karate can be practiced by the young and old, men and women
alike." One of our founders, Bob
Rainie, practiced well into his 80s. You
can find videos on the web of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba practicing well into
his late 70s. So, yes, you can train for many, many years. What I will say is how you train, your focus,
and your techniques will most likely change over time.
I have been studying martial arts now for over 24
years. And for me, the last several
years of practicing this art form is much different than when I started. Some of the difference is based on my
knowledge of the art form and some of it is based on the aging factor. In some areas my physical skills are
definitely better and more effective and in some cases, especially my kicks due
to the arthritis in my hips, I have had to adjust them to be effective and I do
not perform the same way I did as a blue belt.
The description of the life of the forms from the Hyung
Reference page on the Han Moo Kwan Association website is a good representation
of how the forms change but has represented for me how my techniques have
changed for me as well over the years:
The
Han Moo Kwan Association Tae Kwon Do classic forms follow a "life". The first five (known as the Kibon series)
reflect early youth; simply figuring out how to move, walk, and learn about
your body. The next set coincides with young adult; quick, flashy, more
oriented toward speed and flexibility. As one moves into the upper-level forms,
one finds them relating to the wisdom of adult life; they teach force, energy,
and intensity. The last set (known as
the Mepojan series) brings students to their elder years, where movements are a
bit more conservative, with a lot more focus on energy.
As I have gotten older my techniques (in basics, hyung,
sparring and self-defense) have definitely become more conservative, focusing
more on the energy aspect. I also look for the more efficient ways to throw the
technique; the least amount of motion, the least amount of extra movement so I
do not waste energy. I move more with
purpose and not move just for movement’s sake.
My techniques are more refined and precise. I have also learned to adjust my tactics for
what my body can tolerate on any given day.
I am more aware of what techniques I am confidence to use on a given day
and ones I would stay away from.
You can still be very effective as you age, but you need to
recognize when things change and adjust.
I also believe that since Han Moo Kwan integrates the energy aspects you
can practice this art form and be very effective for a very long time (Bob
Rainie still hit like a truck in his 70s and early 80s).
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly
“It does not matter
how slowly you go as long as you do not stop” ~ Confucius (551–479 BC) was a
Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn
Period of Chinese history
