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"Methuselah" (Me) Returns to the Karate Dojo. Do you kick or box?
April 13 2014 | lee martell

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.


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To: Vendome

I did read it.

Couldn’t get past the part about paying HIM.
And that crap about not fighting back.

Now - if he wants to pay *ME* for the chance to try, and the valuable lessons to be learned thereby, then we can talk.
As for the thing with the two “Ls” and the “O” you can search my posting history.

You won’t find that internet shorthand anywhere.


41 posted on 04/13/2014 4:07:28 PM PDT by shibumi (Cover it with gas and set it on fire.)
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To: lee martell
Don't be discouraged. I have been involved in martial arts in one form or another since I was 14, both western and eastern. I am 62 at present.
I have no illusions about engaging some 20 something in anything resembling a match fight. That would be suicidal and stupid. Work smarter not harder. Adapt and grow. Look into Lee Morrison/Kelly McCann for combative technique or Mark Hatmaker on boxing/grappling. General physical fitness makes a lot of difference. Don't fall into the fallacy that because an art is Asian in origin it's automatically superior. One of my former sensei’s said as long as you keep fit mentally and physically chasing techniques means less. I fence at present for cardio and eye/hand coordination
42 posted on 04/13/2014 4:52:49 PM PDT by Polynikes (What would Walt Kowalski do. In the meantime "GET OFF MY LAWN")
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To: lee martell

Who ya kidding, give it up bro....So what’s the purpose of this thread? To lead us to believe you were the successor to Chuck Norris only you got old instead?


43 posted on 04/13/2014 4:59:09 PM PDT by Hot Tabasco (Under Reagan spring always arrived on time.....)
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To: Hot Tabasco

You got the exact wrong message from my article. I’m sorry I wasn’t good enough writer to get that across. I’ll keep trying at both though. Life is for experiencing and learning.


44 posted on 04/13/2014 5:04:26 PM PDT by lee martell
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To: lee martell

Stop screwin’ around then, just buy a gun.........


45 posted on 04/13/2014 5:06:58 PM PDT by Hot Tabasco (Under Reagan spring always arrived on time.....)
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To: shibumi

lol


46 posted on 04/13/2014 5:07:19 PM PDT by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously-you won't live through it anyway-Enjoy Yourself ala Louis Prima)
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To: Hot Tabasco

I do have a shotgun, a low quality model for amateurs like myself, but I first want to go through some training at a local gun store. That’ll cost a little over $300. for a few lessons. Meanwhile, I have nothing to lose by using my first weapons; the hands, elbows, etc. What kind of guns do you have, if I may ask?


47 posted on 04/13/2014 5:37:21 PM PDT by lee martell
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To: lee martell

How much do you pay for your course? I was in Tae Kwon Do for two years and they wanted around $8000 for a four year black belt program. I couldn’t justify spending that kind of money. I actually enjoyed the kick boxing part of it more because the sparring was more realistic than the Tae Kwon Do sparring we did.


48 posted on 04/13/2014 7:08:48 PM PDT by Sawdring
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To: Sawdring

I pay $150. a month for one weekly private class plus if I chose to, I could come to the evening group classes mon thru Thursday. I also enjoyed the sparring most for the same reasons. I’m taking a few, weeks to regain my flexibility and striking power .before sparring in realtime


49 posted on 04/13/2014 8:20:30 PM PDT by lee martell
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