Hello,
Are joint problems (mainly knee or hip) common place for older martial artists...whether they've been studying for years or started later in life?
I began Shotokan Karate early this year at age 41 (I'm 42 now) and I'm thoroughly enjoying it...particularly the kicking aspect as, knock on wood, I'm naturally very flexible and still surprisingly agile and quick. Wanting to take advantage of these fortunes while I can, I take private lessons 2x week and solo practice every day for up to an hour. I also read everything I can and watch as many applicable videos as possible. In short, I have become very passionate about this. For me, there's great beauty in the kicks and I'm interested in the form more for the philosophical and art aspect than anything. I'm not overly interested in competition or even necessarily kicking a bag as hard as possible.
All that said, I'm very concerned about joint injuries...particularly hip and knees (meniscus surgery 6 yrs ago). As much as I want to continue, if it means I am highly likely to develop crippling injuries later on, I will suppress my desire to pursue this to the degree that I want.
I would appreciate any and all insight all of you may have here. Thanks!
Are joint problems (mainly knee or hip) common place for older martial artists...whether they've been studying for years or started later in life?
I began Shotokan Karate early this year at age 41 (I'm 42 now) and I'm thoroughly enjoying it...particularly the kicking aspect as, knock on wood, I'm naturally very flexible and still surprisingly agile and quick. Wanting to take advantage of these fortunes while I can, I take private lessons 2x week and solo practice every day for up to an hour. I also read everything I can and watch as many applicable videos as possible. In short, I have become very passionate about this. For me, there's great beauty in the kicks and I'm interested in the form more for the philosophical and art aspect than anything. I'm not overly interested in competition or even necessarily kicking a bag as hard as possible.
All that said, I'm very concerned about joint injuries...particularly hip and knees (meniscus surgery 6 yrs ago). As much as I want to continue, if it means I am highly likely to develop crippling injuries later on, I will suppress my desire to pursue this to the degree that I want.
I would appreciate any and all insight all of you may have here. Thanks!