Martial Arts for those over age 55

Are there any folks over 55 yrs old practicing a Martial Art and if so which ones?

Is anyone here 55 or older?

I am not, Rickie. I am "only" 42. However, I am a practitioner of Tai Chi and Qi Gong and can, with certainty, recommend it for those over 55.

KageKeeper wrote: I am not, Rickie. I am "only" 42. However, I am a practitioner of Tai Chi and Qi Gong and can, with certainty, recommend it for those over 55.

Actually I've just started Qi Gong. I have sooooooooooo many minor achs and pains I'm hoping the core/energy/slow movement/stretch will help.

I practice Tai Chi, I'm 47 so I'm getting up into that range. I like the slow movements of this art form because it stretches out the muscles and keeps me limber and it doesn't put stress on any of the joints.

I'm with KageKeeper, I highly recommend Tai Chi.

Rickie wrote: Actually I've just started Qi Gong. I have sooooooooooo many minor achs and pains I'm hoping the core/energy/slow movement/stretch will help.

They help immensely. Prior to starting I would often have very tense and painful back , shoulder and neck pains. Doing regular Tai Chi/Qi Gong reduces the occurrences to practically nothing, and when it does flare up, I know how to mitigate it.

Couple that with the Energy work that is inherent with this Art and its effects are truly "miraculous".

Oo..this is a good topic for me. I'm 42, but severely out of shape and very over-weight. So I was wondering if anyone could recommend something. Thanks

You're all still kids! I got underware older than you all. :ohmy:

Correct me if I am wrong Tai Chi moves, while internally focused are more self defense moves and is younger than Qi. Qi Gong is an older art/practice and primarly an internal energy thing. I find the self defencs thoughts/images that come from the moves distracting from the peace of mind and gentleness I want to hold while moving.

haha Rickie. That's a great image.

Tai Chi is an interesting art-form in that it depends on what the student wants to get out of it. Yes, absolutely, there is a martial art aspect to it, however, it is not necessary to learn the martial aspects of it. Tai Chi is wonderful, all by itself, for Energy work. I use it as a form of moving meditation as well. It is great to enter Wuji and perform the moves. Qi Gong is older, yes, and is primarily intended for internal Energy work/meditation.

I enjoy using both in conjunction with each other.

I am 30 and have experience with many different martial arts and have trained with people of all ages. Most martial arts can be praticed until high age or 'til the end, if you want to say so.

I cannot say this for competitive martial sports like MMA, Thai boxing etc., but as a Jedi you would want to stick to the more spiritual martial arts anyway.

It is important to always be aware of your age. Every age needs its own special approach. Your're 55+ and that's great. But physically you would want to take it all a bit more slowly. In the beginning be careful whith rolling, falling and any sorts of wrestling or joint locking. Injuries heal slower the older you are. Once your body has gained more strength and flexibility again by frequent training, "there is no stopping you".

Any good trainer will tell you the same I guess.

So far I'm real hasppy with Qi Gong. I have a daily routine down to 20-22 min then I add a little core strength for 5 min at the end. I also have a 15-20 min routine for wk. I can see myself doing this as I get older. It's gently progressive and as progressive as I wish to be. Very cool.

Sounds good.
From Qigong it's not far to Tai Chi, if you want to add some self-defence applications later...

... like in 30-40 years or so, when you get bored.

Greetings Each Bows

I'm 55 this Thursday lol Practice 5 hours a week Judo and Tai Jutsu mostly. Long as you keep reasonably fit and healthy and you are safe to practice age is not a barrier . The only barrier in any Martial Art in my opinion is the self

Yours in the Spirit of Budo

Mike

I may not be 55, but I can only recommend Aikido. Infact on of my trainers is 72 so it is very possible to start at your age. Also it is pure self defence and not an "aggressive" martial art. You should definetly try it, it not only focuses on the exercise but also on the spiritual part. Or at least in Germany we do.
MTFBWY