How many sports do you know that embrace all ages?
Tuesday 22 March 2022
Most physical sports have a limited age window. You don't see too many 60-year-old gymnasts. It's doubtful Arnold Swarzenegger pumps too much iron these days. Boxers tend to retire early. At the other end of the scale, you don't generally see children in the average gym on rowing and running machines, working up a sweat. Swimming, on the other hand, is a great sport for all ages, if a little repetitive and limiting.
But with martial arts, age is irrelevant. Young or old or in-between, they offer something for everybody.
Kids' classes at Meiji Martial Arts are over-subscribed. There's always a waiting list, which we don't like, but are limited by law and by space. Their popularity is for several reasons. Firstly, the need for parents to find worthwhile outlets which keep children occupied - their high energy demands it, and if they're not provided with worthwhile ones, they may seek less savoury occupations. The paradox is that all our experience shows children love the discipline of Meiji Martial Arts classes. Occupied with fun, achievement and reward, they're more than willing to play by the rules whilst having a good time. They're getting good experience, too, setting them up well for their future development. And they're learning respect and self-respect, mental disciplines to help them successfully through later life.
Teenagers and young people still possess a lot of the energy from childhood. Achievement and direction have become even more important. Bad influences are all around, and Meiji Martial Arts is an oasis in that desert. Here they learn to ditch the ego and replace it with the paradoxical combination of humility and confidence. The belts become very important, and when they hunger and strive for the next one, you know you're looking at a positive human being who's going to make their way in the world.
Mature adults have also discovered an oasis at Meiji Martial Arts. In a world too easily dominated by the car, junk food and no incentive to exercise, here is something so much more than the gym. For a start, there's nothing to prove. The Dojo will adjust to your individual pace. Never forget the tortoise and the hare - ask yourself who lives longer! You'll get fitter and stronger almost as a by-product of the skills you acquire in training. You'll learn how to look after yourself. And unlike many other sports, there will always be more to discover, more to learn - there is no horizon and there are no limitations.
Old folk? Get down here! We won't make you huff and puff unnecessarily. It's a mistake to regard martial arts as just a young person's sport. The greatest martial artists are as old as Methuselah! That's because they're founded on wisdom, not brute force. At Meiji Martial Arts, you'll discover stretching and breathing exercises that gradually bring back some of your energy and flexibility. And you'll also learn some useful techniques against unwarranted attack.
Meiji Martial Arts is like a traditional community - active participants of all ages, founded on respect, mutual understanding and deep regard for each other. How many other sports do you know which can compete with that?