Older martial artists

[aefibird]

There is a lot said these days about child martial artists, and much debate about the 'right' age at which a child should start martial arts.

 

However, most people here agree that there is no 'upper' age limit on martial arts. It is agreed that MA's provide many physical and mental benefits, and this is why people often take up a martial art 'late in life'.

 

There are many stories around of elderly martial artists performing difficult techniques and of older martial artists who can perform amazing feats of strength and endurace.

 

So, my question is - do you have any elderly people in your MA school?What is the age of the oldest person at your club?

 

Also, do you think that the martial arts are becoming more popular amongst older people, or are they still dominated by children and youngsters?

[TangSooGuy]

I don't teach anyone all that old at the moment, but when I taught for my last instructor, I taught a guy who started when he was 70...he had some minor limitations on what he could and could not do, but he would often be able to outlast many of the younger, more out of shape beginners.

 

He was an inspiration to me and a lot of others.

 

Our grandmaster will be 68 this year, and he's in better shape than a lot of people I know who are in their twenties and thirties....and shows no signs of slowing down in his persoanl or martial arts life...

 

I think the martial arts are becoming more popular in general, and are at an all time high, but in general, while they are more accepted among older people, there is still a larger involvement among kids.

 

I have met a number of parents that express an interest, but still think they are "too old" regardless of what I tell them...

Edited November 4, 2004 by TangSooGuy

[Noob]

In my Kung Fu club the students are between age 17 - 45, although there is more of the later. You don't really see a lot of younger people due to the fact that the work outs are intense, aswell as the time it takes to get a grasp on the art itself.

 

I think that younger students tend to go for something that will educate them the quickest and possibly give them a decent workout while they're at it. Personally, I'm not entirely in it for the self-defense and fighting aspect as most "young" people are.

 

I generally see kids in TKD, Karate and Jiu-Jitsu type classes because they want to learn something and learn it fast. I'm not saying it doesn't take effort, nor am I knocking any other martial art.

[AngelaG]

I guess our oldest member is 50-odd... but I've never asked him his age... he's a lot higher grade than me

[Little Dragon]

well besides my sifu,uh there is a one guy who is around 50+,hes been taking it for 3 years he said.

[JerryLove]

So, my question is - do you have any elderly people in your MA school?What is the age of the oldest person at your club?

 

I believe Howard is 64. The youngest right now is 20.

[ramymensa]

So far I'm the oldest in our group. 26 and feeling like Moses

[kempocos]

Jack is 62 and moves like he is 22.

[Pacificshore]

The oldest person in out system started at age 70 after retirement. He's now way past that and still going strong

[steveb]

The oldest person at our school is in his mid/late 50's, he is a brown belt and started about 2 1/2 years ago. We spar often and he is quite capable.