It’s no big secret that in most sports athletes hit their peak somewhere between their mid twenties and early thirties. But if you step out of the combat-sport competitive environment, the martial arts practice can and will greatly benefit your physical, emotional and mental state right into your golden age.
Physical activity gradually declines with age as people lose their muscle mass and strength. Speed and endurance also diminish. Often physicality will effect the feeling of self-worth.
Aging martial athletes often find themselves at a crossroads, facing their physicality being reduced. Some may think of quitting altogether. Most experienced, passionate practitioners, say bring it on. As the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas stated; “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
As far as which activities are most beneficial, the aging martial athlete needs to consider cross training and active recovery strategies to engage different muscles and to avoid overuse of any specific joint or muscle group.
Weightlifting, yoga, but most of all martial arts (embracing many vital elements) is the answer. The key elements ((benefits) of a lifelong martial art practice include; cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.
And let’s not forget practicing martial arts can help you to maintain and improve your mental state. Maintaining emotional stability, assertiveness, self-confidence, and yes, memory.