Tiger1962

My BB has my name, Korean characters, dan # and stripes.

Congratulations to you! I found everything you write to be SOO true !!! Speaking as a fellow middle-aged practitioner, I agree with the injury comments also. I also think that someone in our age range should not compare themselves and their efficiency to someone in their 20's. Our bodies behave and react differently and as you said we also heal at a different rate. That doesn't mean we can't kick some serious butt. Although I started my training back in my late 30's, I've progressed further than I expected and could not be more pleased. The way I see it, I've already reached beyond my intended goal, so from this point on, anything else that I achieve is gift ! LOL

Can't help you in that department but I did want to say congratulations and good luck! Sounds like it's going to be an interesting read !

hello there and welcome!

I've tricked many a sparring partner in my class just by looking at an area on them (say, their stomach) that they *thought* I was going to strike when I really intended to strike elsewhere. LOL

ouch! LMAO ! I'd come back as a guy, because then I'd make more money for the same job, can get away with stuff women can't but then, hmmm...in the words of a famous actress: "I might be missing a sensitivity chip." LMAO !! which is the lesser of two evils ?? (j/k)

Try Eosin Panther (Google it online) - several people have recommended them to me.

Yoga also helps in being flexible at martial arts. When I stopped practicing it, I noticed a decreased flexibility.

Not to get off topic here, but even in non-contact m.a. tournaments, when you do reach black belt (aka: dan level) you will see light contact permitted among the dan members - and I've seen some really go at it sometimes.

LOL

Part of that might apply in certain situations, however when discussing adults who seriously want to learn martial arts in their spare time, but also hold down a full time job, pay a mortgage or rent, their JOB MUST come first. Karate doesn't pay the bills or put a roof over one's head; that is unless you're the one owning and operating the karate school. If a student who is an ADULT and dedicated, wants to learn, is committed 100% however has specific job demands, the situation, in my opinion, should be handled differently regarding tuition than children who just show up on a whim.

Can you say "dumb" - LOL Thank goodness he got arrested !

I used to train 3 to 4 times a week regularly, but things have changed over years with regard to my job demands, personal time, health and etc., so now I tend to take it one day at a time and do what I can, when I can & whereever I can (home, school or outdoors). I don't need to add something else to the list to stress about, so that's my "routine" - LOL

Yikes, surgery is something that is an ultimate last resort to me. But I guess when you are a professional athlete like a baseball player - it's your life / mainstay, so it's mandatory.

This is helpful and good for me to know. Thanks !!!

Welcome here !

You can get callouses on your knuckles from repeated punches to a brick wall, a hard surface, etc., but you do not need callouses on your knuckles to be proficient at punching.

So, what do professional athletes do when they tear a tendon or a ligament to get back into their game? Not that I'm a professional athlete, but there's gotta be something one can do to improve that area after an injury. It's good to hear no one mentioning any side effects from those supplements.

I don't either, although I think I know why instructors make students to this. Endurance ! Having good endurance enables you to get through a long / form without becoming winded. Having good endurance enables you to get through a sparring match without sucking wind. (been there!) Having good endurance (aka - breathing) helps you stick it out there on the dojo floor. So, while I despise jumping jacks, push-ups and that kind of stuff, I know if I do it and gradually increase my reps, it can only help me in the long run with my staying power in the various parts of my curriculum that require endurance. If you can do all the fitness stuff and pass, your staying power in the martial arts stuff should improve. I would assume this is especially true for people who train and have asthma.

I do both karate and very light weight training. While information out there says to take vitamin D and/or calcium for strengthening bones, I'm curious what supplements active people take for strengthening their joints and tendons.

Pray! j/k Seriously, I'd just do anything and everything I could to disable the attacker immediately - no matter how big they are - - - a poke in the eye, a kick in the groin, bending fingers backward to break them. An uppercut to the nose.....and then RUN. No matter how big the person is or skilled, if you are quick enough to step in and poke them in the eye HARD, they can't see you and then yes, I'd run. Call me chicken, but I want to live.

These are supplements which are taken to supposedly help your joints. Does anyone here take them and if so, have you noticed a difference? If you DO NOT take these two in particular, but DO take something else, what is it ? Thanks!

Most common I've heard of is groups of young adults or teens attacking one person. I guess they feel tougher or braver in numbers.

Overcrowdedness is definitely not a problem where I train.

So, how are you folks doing 5 months later ?