Introduction

For a senior citizen, the word ‘martial arts’ can conjure up visions of a younger person jumping around and attacking their opponent. But, to simply ignore martial arts as being too difficult or strenuous for seniors is a mistake – for many seniors, martial arts can be one of the most rewarding and positive activities they participate in.

The benefits that martial arts offer to seniors are not limited to physical aspects such as flexibility and exercise; they also apply to psychological aspects such as self-awareness and self-discipline. Martial Arts is beneficial for all ages because it helps you find your inner strength and shows you how to live life with gratitude.

Martial Arts is an ever growing and evolving sport, and no one knows that better than seniors. The key to mastering this sport is to be constantly learning and developing new skills. The benefits of practicing martial arts are numerous which range from relieving stress to improving social skills, from combating depression to getting a great workout.

It is not a secret that martial arts are good for the body and mind. Many seniors have tried it, and it has changed their lives forever. Martial arts can also help a senior improve his or her marketability, health, as well as self-esteem by building physical fitness and mental strength. Seniors who practice martial arts are no longer afraid of being taken advantage of or bullied in any situation.

The downside to practicing martial arts is that many seniors find themselves without the motivation to continue once they stop doing it regularly. With that in mind, here are the top five best martial arts for seniors to keep you motivated and interested in continuing:

10 Best Martial Arts For Seniors And Their Benefits

1. Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a contemporary sports activity with ancient roots. Some say it was founded by monks while practicing moves they saw animals use to kill their prey or evade danger. The practice turned into a martial art over the years, but most people practice it as an effective way of keeping fit. Kung Fu is a fast growing sport which has been included in the Olympics. If you are looking for the best martial art for seniors, then you should get Kung Fu training. It will ensure that you develop total body strength and balance.

2. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that focuses on slow movements to help achieve relaxation and meditation as well as reduce stress and anxiety through breathing techniques. Tai Chi helps slow down the function of breathing so as to fully stretch out each breath in relaxation and concentration while also providing an excellent way to relieve physical pain or tension in the body. As an added bonus, Tai Chi has also been known to increase bone density in senior students who practice it frequently.

3. Karate

Karate is a sport that involves martial arts and self-defense. Karate emphasizes the development of confidence, self-discipline, and the ability to work with others while also remaining strong and focused. Karate could help seniors reduce their weight because it helps burn calories although it isn’t as good for seniors who have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

4. Judo

Judo was born in Japan as an off-shoot of the Japanese martial art Aikido, which is considered a soft style of martial arts by some. Judo is a sport that focuses on throws, joint locks, chokes and pins. Many people think that seniors should avoid Judo because it could result in injuries. However, some seniors enjoy practicing Judo because it is an extremely effective martial art that incorporates the use of other martial arts to create a well-rounded skill set.

5. Aikido

Aikido is a martial art that focuses on redirecting and redirecting an attack rather than directly countering it. Training in Aikido can give seniors the strength and flexibility to defend themselves against any attack. They can also use Aikido to help prevent injuries by maintaining good posture during any physical activity they partake in.

6. Muc-Kee Sing

Muc-Kee Sing is an excellent sport for seniors. Its traditional training methods are not only gentle, but it also involves a great combination of strength, endurance and flexibility. The class is designed to be low impact and helps in increasing the flexibility in senior’s knees while improving their balance. Their hands, feet and head will all be strengthened by Muc-Kee Sing. It also helps keep their bodies limber and toned by providing daily workouts for the entire body. Not forgetting, with precision movements of arms and legs combined with an effective breathing technique, seniors benefit from Muc-Kee Sing as a total body workout in a very soothing environment.

7. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground fighting. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is good for seniors’ knees because it strengthens leg muscles and improves posture. With deep breathing and proper breathing techniques, the training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helps build endurance and body control while also enabling seniors to build a strong sense of self-defense. The training also helps develop a better sense of guidance especially when senior citizens are faced with different situations.

8. Kendo

Kendo is Japan’s national martial art that focuses on wielding the sword in a non-violent way that uses one’s body, mind and spirit to achieve perfection against an opponent. Kendo is a sport that is good for seniors because it helps build self-confidence, balance and coordination as well as increasing strength and flexibility. Kendo involves full body movement in a very controlled manner that forms great cardiovascular exercises. 

9. Tai Chi Chuan

The Tai Chi Chuan martial art focuses primarily on moving meditation. The movements of Tai Chi Chuan are slow and gentle to provide the senior with more relaxation, less stress, better sleep quality, and reduced pain. The breathing techniques used in this martial art also help reduce anxiety which can be a result of depression or loneliness among seniors who feel isolated from their families and friends.

10. Jui Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu focuses on grappling techniques that allow the user to gain control of an opponent. Jiu-jitsu is a sport that can help seniors keep their balance even when they are faced with different situations such as when they are in the bathtub or doing regular household chores.

Conclusion

Martial arts can change the quality of life for seniors. Seniors can learn how to defend themselves against different situations that may require their attention by mastering the different martial arts styles. It is important to check whether a martial art is good for you or not before you actually take classes. You should choose the best martial art according to your needs as it will benefit you in the long run. The benefits of martial arts will allow you to stay active and healthy even if you are getting older.