The aches and pains that increase as we age are inevitable. When you’re 55 years old or older, consistent exercise is a necessity. Otherwise, your quality of daily life will diminish, and so will your attitude. Though some in-home health care programs offer traditional options for maintaining mind and body, many natural and holistic approaches provide alternatives, including belly dance, or yoga. A popular alternative comes all the way from the East; the historic tradition of practicing martial arts.

We’ve all seen the movies; Enter the Dragon, Seven Samurai, The Karate Kid. As such, during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Hollywood produced a number of high profile action movies that brought the mysterious aspects of the martial arts to the general public. Stars like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan became famous and highlighted signature moves uses by their movie characters.

These movies mostly emphasized the defense aspect of the practice. But there’s much more to the various martial arts. We saw an introduction to some of the studious aspects of the arts in The Karate Kid and others like it, but only minimally.

True martial arts practices incorporate both physical, mental and spiritual elements. Because of this overall holistic approach to the training, the martial arts are greatly beneficial to seniors, specifically form-based styles as they emphasize drills and aerobics.

The marital sciences address the importance of:

Balance
Flexibility
Strength training
Body awareness
Cognitive function
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The practice of martial arts has also been proven to boost a person’s confidence and overall self-esteem.
Even with all the benefits, it’s best for those over 55 years of age to avoid contact sports like mixed martial arts, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or other high-intensity arts because it involves higher risks of breaking bones and stress on hips and knees which are typical problem areas for the seniors.

Check out these styles which are more suitable for beginners:

1. Yang Style Taijiquan
The Yang family in the 19th century created this popular form of martial art that is also known as Tai Chi. It utilizes slow and intentional movements that promote health all the while teaching self-defense. It also helps you avoid many health issues that may arise in old age. What also makes it great for the family in their golden years, is that it is repetitive and the whole f.......

READ MORE AT https://www.youmustgethealthy.com/2018/03/the-best-martial-arts-exercises-for-seniors-age-55-and-older.html

Seems martial art isn’t very popular in Nigeria. Maybe, due to the hardship in Nigeria. Folks are focused on basic needs that enhances their livelihood than be bothered about martial art. Just my observation though. I might be wrong

If it ain’t Wing chun or Krav Maga. It ain’t martial art