Martial Attitude for Older Adults
©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2007
"I'm too old to begin training in the martial arts." or "I'll feel foolish among all those younger students." Get those thoughts out of your head right now. Age is merely a state of mind. If you begin to treat it that way you will begin to improve all aspects of your life, including your martial arts training. This article will focus on the monster called 'mind-play' and ways to neutralize it. Mind-play is that hidden demon that robs us of our ability to succeed. It lurks just out of sight, hidden in our sub-conscious mind, always ready to convince us that we can't do something. It is a master of offering reasons, or excuses, that we can easily rationalize, at the time. Conscious or unconscious analysis, after the fact, often shows us that our fears were unwarranted and another opportunity was missed.
MENTAL ATTITUDE
I must assume that you are serious about your martial arts pursuits and not just seeking a good workout. After all, martial arts is the art of fighting. You will get a superb workout but let’s not forget the essence and tradition of the training we have chosen. "I don't really want to spar." or "I really don't like to do forms (kata)." "I'm just here for a good workout." If you have this attitude, my advice to you is this, "Don't waste your time or the time of your instructors!" Perhaps you are better suited to another form of exercise. The psychological aspect of Martial Arts training can be even more daunting to middle aged practitioners than the physical aspects. It is very difficult for some individuals to accept the fact that they may not be progressing as fast as younger students. Martial arts schools often combine ages from 15 to 50 in the same classes. Although more individualistic, many older students are intimidated by the speed and strength of those in their prime.
In spite of this I expect just as much of my older students as I do from the younger ones. Sometimes even more! Older students may have more physical constraints than younger students but it is the dedication and commitment of the individual that will allow them to succeed; not lesser demands from the instructor. Let’s not lose sight of what we are teaching. I'm not doing my students, regardless of their age, any favours by going easy on them. A true self-defense situation demands as much from an older martial artist as it does from those much younger. In a true self-defense situation you are more likely to be confronted by someone younger and sometimes much stronger. Martial arts schools offer a controlled environment in which to confront this situation.
PROGRESS AT YOUR OWN SPEED
Progress at your own speed and don't compare your level of ability to anyone but yourself. Martial arts training is not an occasional pastime, it is a lifelong learning experience. You will never gain experience in a linear fashion so don't get discouraged when you feel that you're not making headway as quickly as you would like. Martial arts training is a continuous series of plateaus, but you are constantly learning and developing as a martial artist. You may never be able to kick like Bill Wallace, but with perseverance you will acquire power and accuracy that you could only dream of when you began your training. Never use your age as a reason for not attempting something. You just may surprise yourself!
Sifu Lloyd Fridenburg is a 3rd Degree Black Sash in Shaolin Kung Fu with nearly 20 years of experience. He is also a freelance writer and author of two martial arts books, “A Martial Arts Primer for Parents”, and “Middle Aged Warriors”. Both books are available as e-books at www.martialartsyoungandold.com .
