Best Martial Arts For Older Adults

The likes and interests of a person are something that changes constantly. It changes with fashion and age. Teenage years are often the most crucial and "prone to error" years of a person’s life. However, facing the reality that we will soon be old can prove to be very difficult.

Sometimes, you may decide one day that you're tired of the routine you have been following and want to do something new.

You see an advertisement for a famous martial art school in your locality. This is what you decide to do. I would love to learn a new type of martial art!

This situation is not easy. You will have many questions.

Is this safe for me? Do I need to do something so difficult at this point in my life.

Yet, there is another thought. Even if it is not, it will surely give me the required exercise program. Combining this with regular physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall health. Once you're convinced that this is a great idea, you'll want to investigate every martial art and discover which ones are best suited for you.

This brings us to the main question: Which martial art should an older adult train in?

Let me make your decision-making process easier by listing five martial art forms that are best suited to older adults.

1. Tai Chi / Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi Chuan are the top-ranked martial arts. This is because many older adults enjoy Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi's main advantage is its ability to be learned and practiced at any pace that suits you. Tai Chi is a great way to improve your health.

Tai Chi: What is it?

Tai Chi, also known by the name Shadow Boxing, is an ancient Chinese martial art that originated around 3000 years ago. It uses slow and fast contrasting movements to combine defense and attack. It has a lot of striking and trapping techniques. The practitioner can relax even after a rigorous training program by focusing on their breathing.

Tai Chi is well-known for its relaxing effects and stress relieving properties. It increases core strength and muscle strength. This can improve stability and help reduce back pain. In some cases, it can even help improve the health and well-being of those who are dying from cancer or other terminal illnesses. It improves the overall immune system.

Tai Chi has a downside. It is not well-known in the west and people are unaware of its existence. Tai Chi is an alternative to exercise that is both enjoyable and effective.

Tai Chi is a great martial art to learn if you are looking for a healthier way to live. Tai Chi, in its entirety, is the ideal martial art to learn for an older adult just starting out.

Tai Chi Instructions: Timing

Surprisingly Tai Chi has a very inconsistent learning schedule. You'll be comfortable with the basics and can practice it for 36-60 hours. The school where you're training will vary. Tai Chi is a lifetime process, and it all depends on the person.

2. Aikido

Aikido, another excellent and highly recommended martial art form for seniors, is also a great option. Are you concerned about bad knees or if it will worsen if you begin training? Aikido can help you build core strength.

Aikido is a great sport.

Aikido (Japanese martial art) is deeply rooted in the traditions of daitoryu(aiki) jujitsu. It is believed that it was developed by Master Ueshiba in the 19th century. Although it has been practiced since the 14th century. Aikido's techniques are generally very gentle and soft. Aikido practitioners don't strike first.

Aikido improves flexibility, mobility, and speed while also increasing precision and momentum. Aikido isn't fast or aggressive because it uses soft styles. Aikido teaches the correct way to live and trains both the body and the spirit.

This is especially beneficial for those in their older years. It can not only keep them healthy but can also prevent the development of dementia or Alzheimer's. Aikido's cerebral aspect appeals to older people more.

Aikido is not recommended for people over 60.

It is a very clear No. Aikido is a great way to train older people in all things, including defense, break fall, physical fitness, and mind. Aikido can be a great way to help older adults. They might finally discover the way of living they've been looking for.

Aikido Learning Timeframe

It's not easy to learn any martial art. It is important that the individual dedicates their wholehearted effort to the martial arts and not treat it like any other. Aikido can take anywhere from four to five years to master, depending on where you train, how often you train, and what the master is teaching you.

3. Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a form of martial arts that once you learn it, you'll wonder "Why didn't I take it up years ago?"

Wing Chun, another excellent martial art for seniors, is also on the list. It's a less dangerous form of Kung Fu and emphasizes strength and precision. It is low impact and easy on the knees. Although it does use kicks, there's no jumping.

Why Wing Chun?

Wing Chun is an ancient Chinese martial art that was created in Southern China approximately 300 years ago. Wing Chun's founder is Nun Ng mui, a Kung Fu master. He learned Kung Fu from his mentors and created a new style, Wing Chun. Wing Chun practitioners rely on open hand strikes and low kicks.

Wing Chun often raises the question: "Is Wing Chun very hard and rigorous?" It is straightforward: no. Wing Chun is something you can learn at any age. It isn't a lot of aerobatics, and the kicks are very low in impact which will help build muscle mass.

More importance is placed on precision and posture than raw power. Aging adults may find it very beneficial to train efficiency, reflexes, and agility. Wing Chun, if properly trained, can provide many benefits including flexibility, mobility, core strength, and very little stress.

Timeframe to Learn Wing Chun

It takes five years to learn Wing Chun. The time that a practitioner spends at home, or at his dojo, and the number of classes he attends per week are all factors. Wing Chun is an excellent martial art that older adults can learn.

4. Krav Maga

You are wrong, Krav Maga is aggressive.

However, this is incorrect! Krav Maga is often mistaken for a highly aggressive martial art. Its philosophy is the reason. Krav Maga is not about killing people without reason. Krav Maga believes one should always defend themselves in uncomfortable situations. This is why it trains its members in the same manner.

Krav Maga - Why?

Imi Lichtenfeld invented Krav Maga for self-defense in street fights. It is a unique mix of Karate, Muay Thai and Boxing. This technique was used by the Israeli security services to teach their soldiers unarmed self-defense. Krav Maga emphasizes on quickly ending the fight and dealing sufficient damage to the aggressor.

It is not a highly-stressful or high-energy form of martial arts. Krav Maga involves striking and kicks, but that isn't the only thing it does. The primary goal of Krav Maga is to quickly learn defensive mechanisms.

Krav Maga draws its techniques from many martial arts forms. It is very easy on the body. As it builds stamina as well as strength, it is easy to train for older adults. These are the reasons it is one of the most popular martial arts for seniors, mainly to keep them active and fit.

Timeframe to learn Krav Maga

The average time it takes to learn Krav Maga is six to twelve month. It will take three years to reach the advanced level, learn how to use weapons and teach others.

5. Karate

Karate, the last and final martial art in this countdown, is another great pick because it not only teaches self defense but also discipline and offers a full-body workout that is vital for everyone.

Did you know that there are many Karate black belts who earned their black belts in their 70s.

It sounds impossible, right? Doesn't it?

However, it is accurate and that is the beauty in Karate. Karate is among the many martial arts that are popular. Everyone loves Karate and chooses it over any other martial art, whether it's five-year olds or fifty-years-olds.

Karate is a sport.

Karate originated thousands of year ago. However, the form we use today was created in Okinawa, Japan. Since then, Karate has seen great success and has never looked back. Karate is highly adaptable and safe, which is why it is so popular.

Karate offers many techniques, such as punching and kicking, sparring, sparring, joint locks, grappling, and sparring. It teaches older adults how to balance, move quickly, be agile, and maintain a good posture. Karate is a way for life and has deep-rooted beliefs. Karate is an excellent martial art for older adults.

Timeframe for Karate Training