Five reasons martial arts training gets better as we age

JKN Jane Hurst and SBN Caroline Hurst

I recently turned 50, a significant milestone in anyone’s life. For many people, this is a time of reflection. We think about our past and what we have learned from it, as well as reflect on what the future may offer. As a black belt, instructor and school owner in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™, I have been reflecting on the central role martial arts occupies in my life. What does it mean to me as I age and how do I see my future as a martial artist?
 
My passion and commitment to Kuk Sool Won™ continues to grow as I enter my 50s. There are many reasons for this. Understanding what they are keep me motivated, particularly when I am having a bad day or when I want or need to lift my energy levels.
 
Here are the top five reasons why I am passionate about Kuk Sool Won™ at age 50 and why training gets better with age.

1. Focusing on respect: Kuk Sool Won™ is a traditional martial art, which is based in fundamental human values, like respect. This includes respect not only for others, but also for ourselves. In a world where many people feel free to abuse each other online, spread hateful messages, and turn a blind eye to suffering, it is deeply poignant to be part of a respectful environment. It connects us with each other at a fundamental human level and reminds us of our own humanity. With respect comes tolerance and compassion. These are values which make us kinder and more caring people. The fundamental value of respect grounds me as a person in what truly matters in my life, particularly as I get older, namely the importance of my relationships with other people.
2. Making a difference: My position as a school owner and instructor enables me to make a positive difference to the lives of many people, such as the anxious five year old, or the teenager who is being bullied, or the under confident adult. By teaching them martial arts in a respectful environment, I am able to make a very real and important difference to how they perceive themselves and interact with the world around them. Every student has something to learn, whether it is developing the physical skills of self-defence or personal growth in areas such as confidence and self-belief. The influence does not end there though. By making a difference to a student, that ripples through to their relationships with other people. It is this ability to positively influence the lives of our students (and beyond) that motivates me to teach. It is extremely rewarding knowing that I can use my wealth of life experience to help others.
3. Keeping me young: As I age, my body is physically changing. For example, I carry old injuries which limit some training activities. However, as someone who came to martial arts later in life, I am finding that even though I have hit 50, I am still getting stronger and my flexibility continues to improve. Physically, Kuk Sool Won™ is helping to keep my body young and healthy. It is also keeping my mind young. There is an extensive syllabus to be learn and concepts and philosophies to understand. The physical and mental learning never ends. Martial arts training without question helps to keep my mind and body young.
4. Being mindful: Martial arts teaching and training is a very mindful experience for me. It helps me to stay focused in each present moment, without judging myself harshly. This is important for my physical and mental wellbeing. It increases my enjoyment and reduces my levels of stress and anxiety in all aspects of my life, not just while I am training or teaching martial arts. It also gets me out of my head and more connected with my body. As someone who writes for a living, this is refreshing.
5. Psychological freedom: At age 50 I have probably already lived more than half of my life. Of those years that are left, some may not be good years physically and mentally, as my body and mind will  at some stage begin to deteriorate in old age. Instead of dwelling on this potentially depressing reality, martial arts focuses my mind on all of the things that I can do. I am no longer worried about whether I can kick as high or as well as the young students or get as low in my stances. I am liberated from the expectations people have of martial artists as young, dynamic, and gifted athletes. I no longer feel the need to compare myself to others. Instead, I am secure in the knowledge that I am doing something tremendously beneficial for me. This is a very powerful place to be psychologically and it enables me to really enjoy and value each moment of my life and the opportunities that are presented to me. There is a freedom that comes with this and it is life-enhancing.

 
We all have our reasons for training in martial arts. I encourage you to take the time to reflect on what they are for you. This will help to motivate you during the tough training days, as well as provide you with greater clarity of the many benefits your training brings to your life. For older martial artists, you may well find that like me, your training is getting better and more enjoyable as you age.
 
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
 
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