One’s body strength naturally begins to decline at about 30 years of age. This cannot be avoided. However, one’s ki (気 – ki – spirit) does not decline. It improves with age. Therefore, seek out ways to use ki to combine all your strength into a kick or punch. Even as an older martial artist you can still be great, but you must offset declining strength with more experience and understanding.
It is a lifetime challenge to keep practicing. It takes a lifetime of discipline. Don’t say, “Oh, I used to be great.” Fighting is a shallow understanding of the martial arts. You should practice the martial arts for wellness. It’s fun to seek out ways to improve your skill and technique, regardless of age.
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In the martial arts you will often find students who have been gifted with special abilities. It is easy for a talented young person to become complacent with his or her skill level and fail to develop his or her abilities to their full potential. All students should be encouraged to learn and develop their abilities, but the talented student may actually require encouragement to develop the drive to succeed.
The complacency of the young and talented is nothing new and certainly not limited to karate training. The following quote came from a Buddhist writing from the 1400s. It was written by the founder of Japanese Noh theater, the oldest surviving form of Japanese theater. Noh combines music, dance and acting. No martial arts.
“When you are young, there are flowers that are unique to youth. However, if you think of it as your ability and neglect to practice and train, you will never be able to grasp the true flower.”
Quote from “FUZE KADEN” Written in the early 1400’S by ZEAMI, founder of the NOH Theater
