Without intervention, we tend to lose about 1% of our skeletal muscle mass each year after the age of 40 years, we tend to lose elastin and collagen from our tissues (which is why our skin loses it’s elasticity and appears to sags under gravity), our muscle will shorten, we lose neurones and so our reflexes slow and our proprioception becomes less efficient. Bone density decreases and our vision degrades. Thus I think it takes a great deal of courage to start, as a complete beginner, a physical combat art at an older age, especially one that is particularly ‘physical’.
Going back to a combat art in later years, especially when one was quite proficient, is a different but interesting experience. All of the above factors still inhibit ones abilities but experience and indeed the reduction in fear levels mean that I was happier to try ‘riskier’ techniques that I wouldn’t have contemplated as a young man, often successfully so to the bemusement of my younger dojo-mates! So that subtle body evasion twist, (characteristic of Wado Ryu Karate) that I’d be toonscared to try as a younger man in sparring, actually works. A forward-rolling axe kick actually connects to my opponent’s abdomen. Scissor throws (kani basami) can, spectacularly, work and the trepidation to try it has gone.
So we have swings and roundabouts with advancing age in combat sports. Ones physical abilities do bleed away with advancing age but perhaps these are compensated, to an extent, by other factors…but to a point!
Time is the fire in which we burn….
Welcome to the Board~!
