Unlocking the Power of Karate: Martial Arts Training for Senior Men & Women
If you think that martial arts training is only for the young and agile, think again!
I am 74 years old and have practiced Martial Arts since 1969. In 1979 I began self defense karate training with Seikichi Iha, then an Okinawan 7th Degree Karate Master. I eventually became one of Sensei Iha's senior students.
Sensei Iha became an internationally renown Karate Grand Master, a 10th Degree (the highest rank in Karate) in 2001. The Okinawan Government recognized him as an Intangible Cultural Asset through his Karate in 2022 even though he lived in Michigan.
Sensei Iha recently died at 92 years old. Until the last few years he was the strongest and fastest person I ever met. Yet he was so gentle and unasummiing!
When he'd attend international events and give seminars the room would always go silent as he performed with his impressive control and power. I want to be like him when I grow up.
I am happy to share with you what he taught me in fun, non-stressful, and safe Karate Classes.
Beginners Welcome!
Don't worry about being in shape. Just start!
Sensei Iha said that his long-time instructor, Katsuya Miyahira (another famous Okinawan Karate Master) told him he wouldn't do "true karate" until he turned 70 years old because his muscle strength would abandon him and he'd have to rely solely on natural body movements to apply karate techniques effectively.
While I thought that wouldn't happen to me, my strength just abandoned me from one day to another! Yet my karate improved immensely as I learned to use my body more naturally without relying upon muscle strength!
In Okinawa, the home of Karate, it is very common to train in Karate Classes with 70, 80, and even 90-year-old practitioners! Most Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate masters live to their 80s and 90s.
Our self defense training goals:
* to get out of/avoid a violent confrontation
* improved physical and mental fitness
* Better Balance & Flexibility
* Reduce Stress
* Improve Fitness
* Have Fun!
* Boost Your Happiness!
No worries about training with children. There are just a few teens in classes. It is amusing to watch them try to keep up with us old folks!
Discover easy to learn self defense reactions. In order to learn these, we need to practice them cooperatively with our training partners so no one gets hurt.
So no worries about competing or sparring in our self defense karate classes. No worries about getting injured by others, either.
The self defense reactions we train in are generally prohibited in trophy or medal competitions. Rather than win a trophy, our goal is to get home safely after unexpected violence.
What you will practice is responses to grabs, pushes, and pulls, as well as kicks and punches, the typical sorts of attacks you may encounter.
