Introduction
Can senior citizens handle martial arts training? Yes, they can. They may not be able to do the same things as a 20-year-old, but they’re just as capable of learning and excelling in an art. In fact, some even feel it’s beneficial for seniors. Below is a list of martial arts that senior citizens who are healthy enough to put on a uniform can try out. So, grab your cane and start kicking, punching and twisting. Just think of it as dance class on steroids.
About Senior Citizens
A senior citizen is a person who has attained the age of 65 or more years. In other words, they are aged individuals who will probably not be working anymore and will most probably be taking up at least half of their time just chatting with friends over coffee or tea within the local community service center
Places To Go For Martial Arts Training For Seniors
1. YMCA and YWCA offer a great deal of programs for senior citizens such as yoga, martial art classes, Tai Chi classes and much more.
2. Senior centers are open to people of all ages to meet new friends while doing fun activities such as arts & crafts, movies and much more.
3. Your local library is a good place to look for books you’re interested in , martial arts or any other topic you’re studying or interested in learning about .
4. Take some private lessons at your own home with a tutor who can teach you how to defend yourself or for self-defense training alone .
5. Seniors can also try learning martial arts from videos as well.
6. Local community colleges offer adult education classes for a few dollars and are a good way to learn something new .
7. Always ask your trusted doctors or health care providers for advice on martial art trainers in your area and which martial art classes are best suited for you .
8. Look in the newspaper or on the web for any special events or promotions the local schools, studios and communities may be holding, such as free trial lessons to entice new students . They’re often open to seniors who are interested in trying something new.
9. Contact your local police department and ask if classes are offered for senior citizens.
10. Sign up for free or low-cost martial arts and exercise classes in your community .
What Martial Arts For Seniors Are Best?
1. Tae Kwon Do
Is a good choice because it’s easy to learn and anyone can take part in it. The punching, kicking and blocking techniques are easy to learn even by seniors who have joint problems or have been inactive for a long time.
2. Kung Fu
Is also popular and is a fun way to learn martial arts, as well as being good for seniors who might have a lot of injuries. It can also be used in self-defense situations.
3. Karate
Can help seniors with balance, strength and even flexibility , so it’s a suitable choice for seniors who may be losing muscle tone or those who’ve undergone surgery . It’s also good for protecting the body from dangerous attacks such as this one .
4. Judo & Jujitsu
These are excellent forms of learning martial arts that provide basic self-defense techniques that can be used anywhere at any time . You will receive self-defense training, along with a lot of other useful physical activities.
5. Tae Bo
Is another great form of physical training which is a mixture of martial arts, calisthenics and aerobics. It can be a good way to learn how to perform certain self-defense techniques and is also a good way for seniors to keep physically fit.
The Benefits Of Martial Arts Training For Seniors
1. Senior citizens who have experienced martial arts training can think of themselves as a fighter and never be afraid of walking alone at night or in crowded places.
2. A renewed sense of health with time. As the years go by, some seniors begin to lose their physical abilities, so it’s always good news for the elderly to start exercising once again. All exercises are helpful for maintaining well-being and former injuries will be reduced or removed (particularly back pain).
3. Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness by making teens stronger and healthier, having more energy and preventing diabetes among many other health benefits .
4. A good way to learn how to deal with different situations. If a senior citizen is being attacked by two or three thugs, he has a chance to defend himself and can think of other ways to avoid situations such as this.
5. Senior citizens who also experience martial arts training can be more confident at social gatherings and feel less awkward in public places by knowing how to handle different situations such as this.
6. It helps develop agility, coordination, balance and flexibility (all the physical abilities martial arts help develop) among so many other benefits you can see yourself.
7. Martial arts are a great way to help a senior citizen stay mentally alert and active as well.
8. It’s also a way for seniors to form friendships with those of the same age.
9. Seniors will have healthier lifestyles and have a stronger sense of self-confidence once they overcome the mental challenge of martial arts training . They’ll be able to see their body in better shape, which will give them more patience and confidence with other activities.
10. You can learn some moves that can be used for self-defense if you’re ever attacked by an assailant . In fact, even if you don’t plan on fighting anyone, martial arts are worthwhile because you’ll gain strength and flexibility from these classes .
Conclusion
Martial arts are a great way for senior citizens to keep themselves in top shape, and even though they’re a fun and wonderful experience, seniors need to think of the physical and mental benefits that come along with training. It’s a good way for them to feel better about themselves and their bodies. Many also find it an empowering way to become more confident when they know they can handle any situation that comes their way. As long as seniors take the proper precautions, knowing how to fight someone will benefit them greatly should the worst happen.