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Martial arts a boon to all ages
By Cai Yaping and Wang Jie |
July 26, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MANY people think learning a martial art is a backbreaking endeavor. But as an old saying goes, "Never stop training even on the hottest and coldest days." No doubt it takes decades of hard training and even lifetime devotion to become an extraordinary kung fu master. However, there are also pleasure and rewards to come from less exhausting commitment. The trick is to select a training regime that is right for your condition and temperament.
Here a few tips.
Most importantly, choose a level of training that suits your age, physical condition and personal preferences. For example, children and teenagers, energetic with all their flexible muscles, might select changquan-like styles that are gracefully body-stretching with frequent jumps. This form demands good basic skills. Grown-ups, competitive in physical strength and combat skills, might prefer the sanda-style that demands fewer basic skills and is easy to learn, or perhaps some traditional boxing with distinctive styles. Middle-aged and elderly people who hope to avoid too much physical challenge could choose more moderate regimes, like qigong, taichi and mulanquan. Another point worth noting is that you should stick to the "fewer but better" principle when choosing your regime. Never overburden yourself or you risk frustration and failure.
It is very important to adopt a scientific method with a well-planned amount of exercise. Generally speaking, one hour of training each day would be good enough for amateurs. Children and teenagers should pay particular attention to the intensity and frequency of training and not to be lazy about it. Middle-aged and elderly people should avoid excessive exercise and stick to the principle of "ease and comfort". After choosing your program, you need to develop a practical training plan based on your preferences and priorities. Your daily training routine should be tuned to the time you are available so that you don't skip sessions.
Also, squeeze in some free time for practice. For example, you can do some push-ups after your class, stretch your legs when watching TV, practice boxing when jogging, or simply review those movements in your head during a walk. You may also listen to music during your practicing if that helps you relax and enjoy the workout. For instance, sanshou training is repetitive and easily get boring, so you may combine those punches, kicks and jumps into some coordinated exercise practiced with rhythmic music.
The key to kung fu training is persistence. Once you set your goals, you must pursue them with resolution and tenacity. An old lady in Jiading started practicing taichi after her retirement. Thanks to her unrelenting efforts of starting exercise every early morning, she has enjoyed better health and even won a few medals in senior citizen martial art competitions.
Here a few tips.
Most importantly, choose a level of training that suits your age, physical condition and personal preferences. For example, children and teenagers, energetic with all their flexible muscles, might select changquan-like styles that are gracefully body-stretching with frequent jumps. This form demands good basic skills. Grown-ups, competitive in physical strength and combat skills, might prefer the sanda-style that demands fewer basic skills and is easy to learn, or perhaps some traditional boxing with distinctive styles. Middle-aged and elderly people who hope to avoid too much physical challenge could choose more moderate regimes, like qigong, taichi and mulanquan. Another point worth noting is that you should stick to the "fewer but better" principle when choosing your regime. Never overburden yourself or you risk frustration and failure.
It is very important to adopt a scientific method with a well-planned amount of exercise. Generally speaking, one hour of training each day would be good enough for amateurs. Children and teenagers should pay particular attention to the intensity and frequency of training and not to be lazy about it. Middle-aged and elderly people should avoid excessive exercise and stick to the principle of "ease and comfort". After choosing your program, you need to develop a practical training plan based on your preferences and priorities. Your daily training routine should be tuned to the time you are available so that you don't skip sessions.
Also, squeeze in some free time for practice. For example, you can do some push-ups after your class, stretch your legs when watching TV, practice boxing when jogging, or simply review those movements in your head during a walk. You may also listen to music during your practicing if that helps you relax and enjoy the workout. For instance, sanshou training is repetitive and easily get boring, so you may combine those punches, kicks and jumps into some coordinated exercise practiced with rhythmic music.
The key to kung fu training is persistence. Once you set your goals, you must pursue them with resolution and tenacity. An old lady in Jiading started practicing taichi after her retirement. Thanks to her unrelenting efforts of starting exercise every early morning, she has enjoyed better health and even won a few medals in senior citizen martial art competitions.
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