We are asked this question more than any other, "Am I too old to start?".
It's no wonder people feel this way. You check out the neighborhood "karate" school and see kids bouncing off trampolines yelling like cheerleaders, the instructors fondly remember the 80's as the decade they learned how to walk.
On the other hand, having someone use you for "ground and pound" practice at a mixed martial arts gym isn't very appealing either.
Don't despair, you are most likely very capable of developing solid martial arts skills, enjoying the benefits of improved flexibility, more stamina, weight loss, and good friends. You have more to gain now from martial arts training than you ever did.
My karate teacher, who enjoyed martial arts until the day he passed away.
Remember that the lifestyle you have now will greatly influence the quality of your later years. If you take better care of your body and keep using it there is a good chance that you could continue in the martial arts for many years to come. And that will help you in so many other aspects of your life and your health.
You may have to go a little easier than you used to. And you may have a few old handicaps. So? We can work with that. You practice martial arts for your own well-being and enjoyment. It's our goal to help you find a way that works for you.
I've had the benefit of training under some truly inspirational teachers in Japan, each one in their 60's, 70's or 80's. They taught me how martial arts are supposed to work as one matures.
Too often, in America, we experience an immature view of martial arts training. We see the cheesy martial arts sold to parents to entertain their kids and we see the displays of strength in mma matches. The impression is that martial arts are for the young. Seldom do we see that martial arts, historically, adapt to the person as one matures.
Unlike karate or taekwondo which have regimented curriculums, our art of Motobu Udundi is not standardized. People, you see, are not standard. This martial art was designed to be something that you could participate in from youth into your senior years. In fact, our late Grandmaster still taught at the age of 100.
Karate, which most people are familiar with, was created on Okinawa. It was transformed into it's current form by the Japanese throughout the 1900's. The regimentation, lining up for practice, and the hierarchal structure parallel the military background of early karate innovators. Motobu Udundi, on the other hand, reflects the old Okinawan culture rather than the Japanese culture of karate. This makes it far more user friendly. In karate, one size fits all. Everyone learns the same thing irregardless of size and physical ability. Motobu Udundi is personalized and the curriculum is adjusted to the benefit of the student.
Takamiyagi sensei. 70 years of age and amazing.
Talk to us about your specific concerns, old injuries, fears, etc... We have extensive experience with people just like you. We can make suggestion to help you start off in the right place so you can gradually improve your physical condition and confidence.
We offer several options that might appeal to you.
Consider trying sword classes. These will prepare you for our empty-handed martial arts. In this style the sword and empty hand skills all use the same stances and principles so learning the sword is the same as learning empty-hand skills- but less physically demanding. You may, in fact, find that sword classes are right where want to be!
Another option is our empty-handed martial arts. We aren't a sport style so you don't need great flexibility because we don't kick high. And our techniques use relaxed motions rather than strength- even when striking. We hit with dead weight rather than with tightened muscles. This not only hits harder (you'll be surprised) but it is a healthier way to move. You can work your away into shape gradually and avoid the things that might not be right for you.
If you really want to take it slow you may eventually want to learn traditional Okinawan martial arts dance which is often compared to Tai Chi. It is a great challenge, offers light exercise, requires no flexibility (except in your mind) and offers practical skills. Weapons class is another option offering no contact but plenty of challenges to keep your mind and body active.
Not sure? No problem. Come down and talk to us. See what we can do for you. You have more options and ability than you may realize! And we'll never push you to join.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
