OldRookie Posted January 24, 2003 Posted January 24, 2003 Well-I have finally decided to get my feet wet at a CTF tourney in Little Rock,Ar next month. My stances still need fine tuning on my forms but I am really looking foreward to sparring. I am {{{groan..}}} 43 now & just curious how many of my fellow "Mature" MA still spar in tournaments..? *1st Dan Oct 2004*"Progress lies not enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.""It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them."
John G Posted January 24, 2003 Posted January 24, 2003 I compete at both club and state championships. At first, the thought of sparring black belts half ones age (I'm 43 in March) is somewhat daunting. After the first round you think to yourself that a trip to the psychiatrist for some electrical shock therapy is in order (that's of course if you don't die in the next round). Seriously, I have a ball and enjoy the natural high one gets when the controlled adrenaline kicks in and the fear factor goes. It's a shame that more people in their late thirties forward don't give it a bash. It looks a lot worse than it really is. The oldest person I have ever spared with (noticed I didn't say against) in a state tournament was a 34 y/o 4th Dan last year, needless to say, I didn't win. Enjoy your upcoming tournament, and fly the flag for us 40+ members. Oh yeah, make sure you have adequate heath insurance cover, if not make sure your life insurance policy is paid up. All the best at the tourney. John G Jarrett III Dan, ITF Taekwon-Do
KickChick Posted January 24, 2003 Posted January 24, 2003 Hey Good Luck to you on getting "those feet wet"! It is really great experience and like John said, there is nothing like the "rush" you feel. An older student at our school (about 40 or so) had his first tournament experience last year in sparring. He dislocated his arm from his shoulder socket by hyperextending one of his punches and continued throughout the match with his arm just wagging about. He didn't hear the sideline coach or anything or even felt the pain from the dislocation. That is how much of a rush it is! Be careful and listen to your coaches! I would love to get back into competition. The tournaments that our school usually enters are open tournaments and usually sparated into age category with "over 40" being the senior division or at one tourney this category was called "executive" .... go figure! But being over 40 and also female ... this made entrants to this particular division slim to even non-existent! How would you like to pay the tournamet fee and just be handed a trophy because there is no one in your division to spar! Heck I wouldn't mind sparring a younger female .... in fact I would relish the chance!! Let us know how you place! ... and best o' luck!!!
aes Posted January 25, 2003 Posted January 25, 2003 I plan on starting tournement sparring starting this summer. I just turned 40. Yes I figure I am getting a bit old and could stand to have more experience but am eager to learn Kumite along with katas. 43 Years oldBlue Belt (7th Kyu) Shorin-ryuRoberts Karate
Karateka_latino Posted January 25, 2003 Posted January 25, 2003 i Don't think i'll spar in tournaments After 40. Just keep sparring in the Dojo for training. well who knows maybe if i still have the "Eye of the Tiger" I'll Do it. lol
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