Martial Arts Workouts For Men Over 40

Martial Arts workouts for men over 40 should have another name: Senior Do, Tae Kwon Old, Kung Old Fool, or Health Care-a-te. When asked in the locker room about my condition, I quip that I am aging faster than I can get in shape.

I discovered taekwondo in my forties. A series of seemingly random circumstances took me to the school of the Grandmaster who would become my teacher, Byung Min Kim.

When I was out with an old friend at dinner, I found out he studied tae kwon do and was a black belt. He had studied since he was a kid, off and on. At the time, my son was young and I believed he could benefit from a good martial arts school. Then I happened to meet my future Master. I broker retail real estate and had actually offered a store front to Grandmaster Kim. I didn't make that sale, but he sold me on the value of tae kwon do.

Your expectation when you practice martial arts as a full grown adult are no different than those of any starry eyed kid. Expectations sculpted by legends like James Bond, Bruce Lee, Napoleon Solo and David Caradine in the television and movies of the 1950's and 60's.

I yearned to be deadly...and great looking!

Not long after I started my new mens workout, I visited my doctor because I was certain I was suffering an attack of the appendicitis. He guaranteed me that it was just soreness from all the sit-ups. I was merely out of shape.

Although I had been an avid exerciser in my 20's, I had pushed off that regular routine after getting married and having children. But now in my forties, I couldn't breath during simple recreational tennis or volleyball. The simplest workout found me out of breath. I no longer had the endurance to dance with my wife.

I made a decision; it was time for something fresh. That week, I began to study tae kwon do and piano (I know, middle age is really confusing).

For me, martial arts has been a seed planted in my body. If it has the right surroundings, it can root and grow. If you study martial arts you understand what I mean. If martial arts are new to you, believe me, changes you haven't even considered are coming. And if you are beginning this journey later if life, like I have, I give you this to remember:

Maturity = (patience + perseverance)-(flexibility + hair).

Think long term. That is the best advice that I live by. Listen to your body and not your mind. I have seen too many adults come into class and their minds say their body is 21. They either stretch too far, or kick too hard, or try to achieve what used to be easy.

Instructors motivate an entire class, with a wide range of age and skills. Your mind will tell you that you can still do it, but your body may need a little more time. Short term, overachieving goals in taekwondo lead to injuries and injuries lead to quitting and acquiescing to the myth that you are too old for this sport.

No way!

You cannot comprehend the journey with a single step; you can only comprehend a single step of the journey, so stick with it.

When you feel your instructor is pushing too hard, remember you're an adult and age has its privileges. A good teacher will realize your limits and help you reach your personal best, this is where trust between teacher and student comes from. In lieu of that, trust your inner voice.

You might be too old for rock and roll, but you're too young to die.

About the Author

Before you choose if your too old for martial arts, visit Kalynn Amadio's terrific martial arts website Taekwondo-Network and learn more regarding mens workouts in tae kwon do when you're over 40. Keep in mind that, age is only a number.

---

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

latest articles from MasterAlanZuckerman

Top ten popular articles about Martial Arts

1: Tips For Preschool Halloween Crafts Project
2: A Homemade Halloween Crafts For Dracula's Chef
3: Having A Different Halloween Craft Project For Every Year
4: Ideas for No-Fuss Makeup and Costume Halloween Crafts for Kids!
5: Costume Ideas For Easy Halloween Crafts For Kids
6: Ways To Make Child Halloween Crafts Safe and Fun
7: What to Look for in a Reality-Based Women's Self-Defense Program
8: Making Halloween Crafts For Kids: Simple Costumes and Accessories
9: Martial Arts Schools - The Secret To Choosing The Right One
10: Reality-Based Women's Self-Defense Program - What to Look For
Martial Arts

Traslate your website with this tool