Training in a contact martial art provides you with a way to test yourself and your abilities against live competition. You will know that what you are training actually works, and you will learn to correct your technique. However, finding the right art to participate in after you reach a certain age is problematic. You need to find the art that can account for your physical limitations.
Why Train in the Martial Arts?
Martial arts keep your mind and body sharp. Training in a martial art can prepare you for a variety of sudden incidents, from defending yourself against a mugger to teaching you how to fall without injury should you slip on ice. Training in an art is also fun, provides a workout and introduces you to some great people.
Types of Martial Arts
The term "martial art" means "art of combat." Contact martial arts pit you in a one-on-one setting with another person and teach you how to defeat the opponent. There are three main types of martial arts: striking, grappling and self-defense. Striking arts focus on knocking out your opponent. Grappling arts focus on defeating opponents through chokes and joint locks. Self-defense arts teach you how to survive a sudden attack.
Understanding Your Body At 50
Training in a martial art is fun and great exercise, but you must understand the reality you face after 50. Bones decline in size and density with age, and muscles lose strength and flexibility. Understand that you will most likely be training with people younger, stronger and quicker than you are. However, a good instructor will only match you with people who will work within your limitations.
Best Striking Art for People over 50: Boxing
Boxing is often overlooked as a martial art. It is a suitable art for people over 50 because of its simplicity. There are only four punches that you need to learn: jab, cross, hook and uppercut. The key to proficiency in boxing is learning the footwork and angles of approach that are necessary to hit your opponent without being hit. Amateur practitioners wear padded gloves, head gear and groin protectors to protect against injury.
Best Grappling Art for People Over 50: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a form of self-defense created in Brazil. BJJ focuses on leverage and technique rather than speed and strength to defeat opponents. The objective is to bring your opponent down to the ground, achieve a dominant position and cause your opponent to submit through chokes or joint locks without using punches or kicks. BJJ teaches its practitioners how to deal with any position, from wrestling for a takedown to fighting off their backs.
Best Self-Defense Art for People Over 50: Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee is possibly the most famous martial artist who ever lived. He introduced the mantra of "style of no style" in the art that he created: Jeet Kune Do (JKD). Don Inosanto, Lee's friend and training partner, still trains JKD well into his seventies. Practitioners of this art learn to kick, punch and grapple, depending on which method is most appropriate for the situation. JKD is the original mixed martial art.
Making Your Decision
In order to make your decision, visit schools of each type. Most will allow you the opportunity to train for a short period of time with no obligation. Consider the type of art, quality and availability of instruction and the students themselves. You want to feel welcome and comfortable in the classes. You can expect to work hard, and you will probably feel somewhat sore after training, but it will be well worth it.
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