Yes, still here. But why?
Of course we had a break during christmas. A couple of weeks off, and other than two informal sessions and some home training.... I missed it.
People ask why do I still train? Surely I've had enough? I've "done" black belt, even had a couple of trophies (a long time ago!) so what else is there?
There's passing on some stuff I've learned over the years. We have a small training group which is good. If I'm going to do that I need to keep myself training, so that's one reason.
But what else?
Maintaining good health for one. I walk two miles to work every day (and back again!), and according to my latest health check my "health age" is younger than my "real" age by a few years.
Once you stop accumulating technique you become liberated. You are now free to explore your art and delve into whatever details you wish. Really get to know what you do, it's fascinating - so without accumulating technique there is still much to be learned. I suspect that once you stop collecting fancy moves the real learning begins. In fact I'm pretty sure of it.
Training for the sake of training, how about that? Fun, enjoyment, aesthetics, they are all still there.
The world is going mad. It gets worse every day. We have to take responsibility for our own health, safety and sanity. Keeping training training stops you from joining the madness (especially once you get over the paranoia/fear of wanting to be the toughest kid on the block).
Done right, training grows with you. The experiences of training at 40 are different to how it is at 20. And yes, you do train "smarter". Clichés yes, but believe me kids the next twenty years will fly by.
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2 comments:
I found this quite a timely post. I don't really need much motivation to train but have found my reasons for training have changed. Perhaps the best way to explain the change is a transition from bujutsu to budo.
I went to my doctor for a check up a few years ago at 40. Finding that I was healthy, he said I now need to decide how I am going to live my next 40 years. A wise man indeed. I see martial arts as a way to ensure that I am around for another 40 years!
cheers,
Ash
The Monkey Dance blog
Thanks for your comment - and I am of the same view, I'll be 44 later this year, it is increasingly apparent that *how* you train is as important as the *why*. Back in my younger taekwondo years it didn't matter, but now it is an important consideration. Another point is that I have students who are older than me by 10 years, it's great to see that.
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