Martial arts after 40

[Sohan]

Anyone out there have any glaring changes to their style, technique, or training regimen once they entered their 40s?

Not really. Takes a little longer to recover, and I have to watch my diet a bit more closely, but overall I train harder today at age 40 than I did in my teens.

With respect,

Sohan

[baronbvp]

Good for you, cnada, you should train after 40! I actually enjoy it more now than I did when I was younger. I gained confidence and knowingness, while losing the need to prove myself to myself. (Well, maybe not every speck of it. )

[Sohan]

Good for you, you should! I actually enjoy it more now than I did when I was younger. I gained confidence and knowingness, while losing the need to prove myself to myself. (Well, maybe not every speck of it. )

Baron, I think I decided a long time ago that I had nothing to prove to anyone else, but I will never feel I have nothing to prove to myself.

As far as enjoying training more than in the past, I certainly do, because I now understand more completely why I am doing it, and with the rest of my age group falling apart around me, it's nice to see that it works.

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

As far as enjoying training more than in the past, I certainly do, because I now understand more completely why I am doing it, and with the rest of my age group falling apart around me, it's nice to see that it works.

With respect,

Sohan

I am hoping that I can be one of the guys around that doesn't fall apart as well. I want so bad to keep on going.

[baronbvp]

Great point, Sohan. I certainly love to challenge myself and continue to learn and grow, but by this point in my life I have proved myself enough to even myself. Even though I will likely never be a black belt, I am comfortable with who I am and what I can do; and with who I am not, and what I cannot do. I think we are saying the same thing in a semantically different way.

I can still train fairly hard, even if my six pack hides now in a blanket of warmth. I enjoy working out, walking in the forest with my wife, playing football and soccer with my kids, and being in a good dojo.

I love the arts enough that even if I couldn't train, it makes me happy to think about and to help others if I can. It's one reason I like these forums and the voices I respect that reside here.

This is fun!

[baronbvp]

Me too, Bushido Man. So far, the ones I see who are still going are the ones who want to and are eager to put in the work. Even if you only work out or exercise once or twice a week, and keep your hand in the martial arts game somewhat, it pays huge dividends.

I am all about learning, which is why I am taking a three-month KB class followed by a three-month BJJ class, instead of joining a single-style dojo. I will also take ballroom dancing with my wife. Hopefully we can keep the martial out of that art.

[patusai]

I am well over 40 and still train. There is karate for young men and karate for old men. The difference is in the way you train. After 40 and especially after 50 you start to realize that you are not 18 anymore. Once you get over the shock it is not too bad

[Sohan]

....Even though I will likely never be a black belt...

Never say never. Your road to a black belt in Shorin Ryu is not determined by your talent or athleticism, but your persistence and dogged determination not to quit. The black belts in our system were simply the ones who didn't give up and quit when the going got tough.

Kind of like boot camp, but a lot longer and with better sleeping arrangements.

With respect,

Sohan

[baronbvp]

Thank you, kind friend. Dogged and determined I am. In any one place for very long, not so much. If I ever get back to the Northwest, I will rejoin my old dojo or find an even better one. Until then, my eyes are open and I'll train where I can. And keep the Motrin close by.

[ninjanurse]

Hit 45 today! Plan on running a half-marathon this year and double the size of my school. Will also be working on my 4th degree. I find keeping moving is the best way to fight off the aches and pains of years of training...any down-time and my joints let me know!