Martial arts and older people

Hi just came across this as I’ve been a member of grander for quite a while but never used it. I train in both karate and t’ai chi and would recommend them both if that’s what you want to do. You’re never too old! At my karate club us ahem older people do self defence and leave the kicking-people-in-the-head to the young’uns. Much more dignified and practical too! I won’t say any more as I could go on for hours about both but always up for a chat about martial arts and those two in particular.

Have been doing Tai Chi and Qi Gong on and off for many years but, last July I found an online teacher of Qi gong (he is based in Sheffield) and began a weekly class>

It has honestly changed my life.
Type 2 diabetes has become borderline; cholesterol has reduced; I am more settled and not so anxious.
So much more flexible.
At 76 I feel better than i have done in years.

Wyllow3

Cumbrianmale56

There is a local karate club which welcomes all ages and sizes where a 68 year old man has obtained a black belt and a woman in her seventies is a brown belt. While I did try martial arts way back in the distant past of my twenties and the club wasn't very good, I wonder at 56 if it would be worth trying something like karate again, or if anyone else on here practices a martial art that is beneficial to an older person.

I did aikido at your age. Its a more defensive martial art, and a lot of fun with the right group.

Sorry for the late reply, but I have heard aikido is more suited to older people and the locks and grips might be useful if someone tries to snatch a handbag., more so than a martial art like tae kwon do.

Cumbrianmale56

There is a local karate club which welcomes all ages and sizes where a 68 year old man has obtained a black belt and a woman in her seventies is a brown belt. While I did try martial arts way back in the distant past of my twenties and the club wasn't very good, I wonder at 56 if it would be worth trying something like karate again, or if anyone else on here practices a martial art that is beneficial to an older person.

I did aikido at your age. Its a more defensive martial art, and a lot of fun with the right group.

Did many from a young age including ju jitsu, judo, aikido and more recently tai chi. My opinion the best for older generations.

I've been doing Tai Chi for several years now. it's the only exercise I've not given up on. I've got two friends in the group who both have health problems and their doctors have said "Whatever you do, don't give up Tai Chi!"

I do Tai Chi and love it. The doctor suggested I give it a go.

Flumps70

I’m 76 and recently started kickboxing, it’s a ladies only class and we have so much fun. All the other ladies mostly in their 30’s have included me in everything and are really helpful. I love it and have lost 2 stone so far . I was over 15 stone when I started but have kept at it and it is paying off.

Good for you, there was a lady in her seventies locally who did very well at karate and reached brown belt. Also I know a man who practiced judo, jiu jitsu and aikido until he was 70.

I’m 76 and recently started kickboxing, it’s a ladies only class and we have so much fun. All the other ladies mostly in their 30’s have included me in everything and are really helpful. I love it and have lost 2 stone so far . I was over 15 stone when I started but have kept at it and it is paying off.

Fleurpepper

Tai-chi and GiGung are fabulous for older people, in so so many ways.

Yes, gave up pilates in favour of tai Chi.

My DD (age 52) has just taken up sword fighting.

Anyone seen the Sun Life advert where the woman in her 50s announces she is learning jiu jitsu and suddenly grabs her son and throws him( hiyaaaah!). It's a really good advert and while really it's about promoting financial services is also about showing older people can be as fit as younger people.

Overthemoongran

A class has started locally for Judo for seniors…as opposed to all the falls prevention classes it is teaching us how to fall without hurting ourselves. I’m sure I won’t get to the stage where I can throw myself onto the ground and roll up to standing again, but I am enjoying the sessions.

That's interesting as I'd imagine something like judo would be hard on your knees and elbows.

A class has started locally for Judo for seniors…as opposed to all the falls prevention classes it is teaching us how to fall without hurting ourselves. I’m sure I won’t get to the stage where I can throw myself onto the ground and roll up to standing again, but I am enjoying the sessions.

Judy54

I am not that familiar with karate but have been doing Tai Chi for a number of years which I find beneficial. It is classed as a martial art but the movements are slow. There is bending and stretching and it also aids balance. Don't rule karate out give it a try especially if it is local to you.

Tai chi is linked to kung fu, but it's not like something you see in a Bruce Lee film. It's sort of like a martial arts exercise and there was a class locally some years ago,

Tai-chi and GiGung are fabulous for older people, in so so many ways.

I am not that familiar with karate but have been doing Tai Chi for a number of years which I find beneficial. It is classed as a martial art but the movements are slow. There is bending and stretching and it also aids balance. Don't rule karate out give it a try especially if it is local to you.