But I like Bruce Lee.
Posted on 04/13/2014 1:26:08 AM PDT by lee martell
I have tendonitis, arthritis and size 14 feet as wide and as flat as Oopsy The Clown. I have extra weight I could easily survive without. I have been going to the fitness gym a few times a week, just so not to become like The Tin Man, all rigid, all the time. I 24hr gym is great, but for the last few years, I have wanted to return to my original Dojo, or workout room and go back to studying Karate. I'm not much of a sporty person, but I do enjoy the creativity of a good hand to hand battle.
My dad was a boxer in the 50's and continued to coach young boxers until just five years ago. My father instilled in me the desire to be ready, in mind and body, for unexpected challenges from any direction. I've spent the last three years getting used to being in some degree of pain every day of the week. I've gotten used to knowing how to do my fulltime caregiving job, and how to medicate for pain without overdoing it to where I should'nt be driving. I've reached a point where I know just how bad those foot problems are likely to get, and with what antecedents. With that knowledge, it was time to take a chance. I have missed my Karate classes, and to return to the Dojo, was like going back to see friends who have also decided to improve themselves by training long, hard and pretty much at one's own pace. At my age of 57, I'm usually one of the older guys in the Dojo. I don't mind, because the instructors are pleasant and respectful without being overpatronizing. I like training with younger or older people who are there to learn and enjoy the class. In martial arts, you can learn from anyone, regardless of background.
I'ts been about eight years since I was there on a regular basis. Time has not changed me that much, except for the tricky feet, but many of my Karate Classmates were in High School or Junior High School when I left. I had forgotten how much teenagers will grow and change in just a few years. They're all adults now. Many times, they recognized me before I knew them. I left a purple belt. I'm taking a private class and will branch out into a few evening classes in the next few weeks. I find that I can do a lot more than I expected. I find that the moment I put on that black cotton GI, and then tie my purple belt around, I feel stronger and more capable of various physical activity. It helps that we walk on large square padding. It also helps that many of the Kempos and practice movements can be done in a rather small radius, so I don't have to stay still baring the same weight for long, long periods. Usually, I would be in motion of some kind, along with the rest of the class. I make certain to wash my GI before class, and to take a shower. I spend a certain amount of time each day reviewing the videos that show training. I have to bring back my knowledge of Pinan 1, Pinan 2,and 3. Another plus, the Pinans will help me to stave off alzheimers for a little longer, when I get older. My reflexes to punch and strike are returning. Does anyone else here train in the martial arts? I think all the schools should teach some version of this, starting as defensive training and a fitness training. I'm glad I stop doubting that I could endure the exercises or doubting that I could relearn the Pinans. I'm on the second to bottom step, but it's a beginning.
Tai Chi is easy on the bones and a good ‘toner-upper’.
Good for you sir. You are an inspiration to all that are considering or have “just started” some type puff physical exercise effort.
I, myself, have dusted off the old road bike, replaced tubes/tires, cables and otherwise tuning up the 2-wheeler. I’ve also started those evil basic calisthenics. Would also like to lose 20 pounds. If I can get some of the endurance back (I hope) other, more demanding athletic pursuits will follow.
Good luck in your efforts!
Ooops...puff = of.
Now that I'm older and a little wiser, I'm more inclined to study the art of "fight without fighting"
And I also carry a cache of weapons on my person.
But I like Bruce Lee.
^ THIS! ^
:D
“God has a mysterious reason for keeping me alive.”
It’s so I have a fitting soul to torment.
:)
My fortune that you should be the agent, as it were.....
How...provocative.
;D
In my case it became apparent that using my legs for anything above the waist, which includes the rib cage, would be too slow. And, just as bad, “working through the pain” at the gym doesn’t always work anymore, but more often only prolongs the discomfort.
Of course, at “our age” we don’t hang out in alleys much anymore. So imo it is more likely we will have occasion to walk a drunk out of a nice restaurant, and because we are gentlemen we will want to do that as quietly as possible and without knocking over tables. (I carry for everything else.)
Good luck with yours and just don’t stop.
I want to sign up for that course. I’ll bring my own loom and plume.
I am but a humble student of philosophy.
You’ve accomplished quite a bit over time. As you said though, martial practice impacts the body more heavily at this age. Luckily, my teachers seem open to allowing for ‘modifcations of the classic forms’ depending on physical ability. I was encouraged to try with this group now due to my memories of them working with clients who have Cerebral Palsy. So I knew this Dojo should be open to compromise here and there.
One key step; don’t quit
And good luck
Well then, go ahead and be provocked.
Stay with it.
I started Karate at 48 in spite of poor balance, weak ankles and arthritic knees (since my late teens.)
If the instructor had shown me something like a heel-rake and said “you will be doing this in less than 2 years,” I would have probably laughed in his face.
I still struggle with the pain and am told that I make some entertaining grimaces while working out, but continue to plow through it as best I can. I have less pain far better range of motion that I ever have had in many years.
Progress stalled for a time due to location and instructor changes but things have gotten back on track and there is forward motion again.
It is probably one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life.
I think that’s from the Napoleon Comedy movie from a few years back. Actually, there is some truth to that parody, because in my Dojo now,at the beginning of the lesson, we do bow once to the Sensei, and once to the American Flag hanging up on the wall. I can imagine other Dojos in various neighborhoods may not request that students acknowledge that particular flag, our flag.
Thought for sure someone would have read my link and LOL!!!
Was/ Is this ‘auction of Ass Kicking’ a real thing? Is it you doing it? It looks like this was done back in September. What was the outcome, did somebody actually take the author up on that dare, pay for a visit and present them self for a challenge?
It’s a good joke, but I’m surprised Ebay allows it. Of course, I’m not that familiar with A LOT of what transpires online. So...did it happen? If so, before and after pictures please.
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