Quite often I have come across people saying they were too old to train in the Martial Sciences. As I get older myself I often wonder what are they thinking? Is it really that they just do not want to put in the effort that it takes or do they really feel old? I do not feel old. Many of them are my age, a few a little younger and of course some are older. What is too old in the Martial Sciences? I was training the other day in Hawaii with some Brazilian Jiujitsu friends. There were three of us older guy’s and several younger men. This was my first time rolling with the younger guy’s the older dudes and I had trained before back in Las Vegas. One thing I noticed right away was that the young guys were well trained and moved nicely even if they did not have a lot of years in training. (there teachers were doing a good job) However, when they were paired up with us older guy’s then the real work began…… for them! Yes, even though some of us were old enough to be their dads and one maybe could have been their grandpa we (the older dudes) were able to control, press, teach and submit them regularly because or our consistent training in the Martial Sciences! They may have been younger and in great shape but we utilized superior technique to negate their advantage in youth. You are simply never to old to train! Never to young either! The Martial Sciences as I see them are gifts to all of us. Find a good teacher and irregardless of your age you will be able to learn, train and enjoy these gifts as they have been handed down to us! The way I veiw the Martial Sciences you are never too young or too old but instead just right! Train and enjoy!!
Aloha
This older guy is not going to stop for anything. Whether it is surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, grappling, sky diving, skiing, kayaking, ziplining, wrestling, Martial Science Training, etc. You simply are never to old to have fun and enjoy life! I intend always to be too young! See you on the mats!
Brian R. VanCise
Note: This blog is opinion only and neither Instinctive Response Training LLC or Brian R. VanCise are responsible for any third party actions.
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From one Martial Arts Dinosaur to another…… keep up the good work.
Although I will say this, I do not think I could do the same workout today that I did 20 years ago but then the one I am doing today I do not think I could have done 20 years ago either. So it kind of works both ways, even though 20 years ago the workout was longer and more intense today it is much more focused both internally and externally.
I will admit injuries slowed me down a bit but and it takes longer to recover today than it did 20 years ago but I am not too old to work my way back and that is exactly what I am doing… besides it is fun to shock the young guys every now and again 🙂
Recovery time! That is some thing that is always present for a martial practitioner as they age. However, the more you train and the better shape you commit yourself to being in the less it will effect you. Still we would all give to have the recovery time of a twenty year old! 😉