Getting older.

[Uechi Kid]

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar physical deterioration. I’m forty-nine and have developed arthritis in both knees and feet. The Doctor says that the two things I love to do most (karate and wakeboarding) will are not long in my future. This really sucks. I don’t feel that old, but the Doc says if I don’t modify my activities I’ll soon not be able to do anything.

[ninjanurse]

Oh can I relate!!!! I have arthritis in my knees, wrists, ankles, back...you name it. All from years of pounding bags, boards, bricks, etc. I have a good doc who understands my passions and while he is supportive he is also realistic..."You can't keep putting your hand in boiling water!" is his favorite quote . Presently I am recovering from a surgery to correct an arthritic condition in my knee just so that I can continue to snowboard and train....but I also know that I must modify my training to protect my joints, i.e., less jumping, biking instead of running, skip the heavy bags and use lighter targets, no breaking with the hands, keep it low in the half-pipe, etc. It took some convincing but I am ready to give up a few things now so that I don't have to give up other things later.

Oh ya...here's another thread on a related topic. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=19704

[Grenadier]

As always, talk with your instructor, and discuss your situation with him. Having injuries or medical conditions does not have to preclude you from martial arts entirely, and there are always alternate techniques / drills that you can perform. Any decent instructor should be willing to help you, since any such instructor would generally have a good idea that you wouldn't be expected to do certain techniques as if you were half your age.

As for your age, don't worry; there are plenty of ways to train. We even had a senior citizen in the dojo, finish his shodan exam with flying colors.

In the end, you'll still be just as good of a martial artist as the other guy half your age; it's just that instead of fighting harder, you'll learn to fight smarter.

Keep up the work, though. It's good to see middle aged folks in the dojo, and it's actually inspiring.

[Uechi Kid]

Our group is very into pressure point and joint lock fighting (thank god). This is good for us old folks; it helps us to equalize the age gap with those youngsters. My Sensei is my best friend and he understands, but I don’t want to slow down. My Dad is 84. Just five yeas ago he was running three miles a day. I wonder if I’m going to make it to 79.

I know, poor me, wha, wha. I just needed to vent a bit. Sorry.

[TangSooGuy]

I found that honestly, most doctors are idiots when it comes to martial arts.

I've seen kids and adults alike suffer from injuries, chronic and otherwise, and the doctors' advice is invariably the same: stop taking karate.

There's no reason you should have to quit doing something you love. You should be able to work with your instructor to find ways of training that won't take such a toll on you.

The training may not be the same, but you can ALWAYS work with and around your limitations in the martial arts.

[Bleeding Lion]

first of all, im no expert.

if i were in your shoes, i would not stop MAs or any current physical activities im doing if i my body can some of it. I would change them like others suggested but i would never stop. If it hurts then i slow down, if not, then i keep going. Its all about what your body tells you, as long as you're willing to listen as objectively as you can.

[AngelaG]

I've had severe rheumatoid arthritis since I was 8, I am now 25. I train 5-6 times a week currently, and although not always easy I keep my sensei informed and together we work our way around any difficulties I may have.

Starting karate is the best thing I ever did , and that is no different when taking into account my disease. I am now amongst one of the most flexible people in the adults class - not bad for someone who spent a sizable amount of time in a wheelchair as a kid.

My GP knows I do karate, but does not know I do any contact. My rheumatologist is completely in the dark. Why? Because after having arthritis for so long I know my body, and I know how to listen to it and adapt accordingly. No doctor can do that - they can only judge based on the majority or textbook cases. I know they would tell me to give it up, because they'd prefer to play it safe rather than sorry, and then I would sit at home and turn into a big, fat couch potato with nothing to keep me limber. No thanks!

Good luck with your training. Talk to your sensei and take note of what your body is telling you!

Angela

[JusticeZero]

Every doctor will tell you to stop doing that. One, they're wrong, because once you go to being a couch potato, everything goes to hell. Two, the best response I can think of to the doctor is to just tell them that quitting is not possible and ask for a referral to a specialist in sport medicine or similar who can give you advice you won't have to ignore.

[AnonymousOne]

Its not age that is your problem is just your bodies particular problems.

Many people assume that because you are a certain age that you basically cant train much anymore. That is simply not true.

I am 48 in a few months and I am fitter, faster and stronger than I have ever been. Its true I havent stopped training in 40 years but there are many case examples of people doing incredible things.

There is this guy in England who started running at age 59. A few years later he was winning 26 mile marathon championships in Europe. And we was competing against people less than half his age.

There is a case of a lady in the USA that took up running at age 60 and now at age 75 she can run 50 mile marathons.

If you search the net you will find many incredible and inspiring stories

[hajimekyu]

I was at a workshop recently and noticed that one of our masters had some sort of brace on both legs.As he led us through the forms his upper body techinques were outstanding.He simply didn't use a lot of lower body techniques as far as kicks or knee strikes.Even his star steps didn't come up much.But his understanding of the forms was flawless.He didn't let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves doing.He simply changed his personal style to compensate.I'd love to get another opportunity to study with him just to get a better understanding of how he makes it all work.