Karate power through great technique. This is not about twisting a leg in the correct way for an excellent kick. It’s a global approach to your way of life.
Reaction time degrades in the human experience. As we age the ability of our reflexes to operate at a high level becomes less. Not a lot, or obvious to the average Joe and Jill, but it happens.
Here is an example of that moment seen on every television screen that has ever glowed at a sporting event. A sports announcer says in the most respectful terms possible about an athlete, “They have lost a step.” It’s a way of acknowledging the march of time.
Loss of Reaction Time
The loss of reaction time has a cohort, the reduction of timing. With a pause to ponder it becomes obvious one proceeds the other.
You can, through training and effort keep a high level of reaction and timing. Especially compared to those in your demographics who chose to not engage in life actively.
Power lasts longer. Power married with technique can be lethal in a chosen arena. An example is Tom Brady Quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. His diet and training routine are legendary and sometimes controversial.
Brady is also 43 years old. You can discount his achievement by pointing to the position he plays. Brady is not going to make contact with other players on every play.
Brady has been fortunate to play for excellent teams. You could find several other reasons he is still successful at his age. But let’s reshape this discussion this way. There are 7.8 Billion people on the planet, Brady is one of 32 people to play starting Quarterback in the National Football League. Brady got to this place by holistically approaching his sport.
Tom Brady, an Example
Tom Brady’s reaction time is not what it once was. His timing is not what it used to be. His technique makes him a powerful figure every time he takes the field.
Tom Brady is an example to every martial artist to observe. His diet is legendary to the point there is a book, The TB12 Method: How to Do What You Love, Better and for Longer. His methods are extreme, but his role on the field demands it if he is to continue.
I’m not advocating his methods; I am advocating his intent. The intent is in the title, Do What You Love, Better, and for Longer.
You love the martial arts experience; you should seek a means of staying on the floor longer. Here is a container to place this idea within. Martial Arts are about living a healthy life.
But what life is it is if you are denied your healthy life? Use the martial arts to push back, stay active, enjoy your life, seek a method of self-betterment that blends with your art. Couple these two things, your art, and your lifestyle. These two elements locking together form you.
Don’t Separate Them
It is inescapable. Reaction time degrades. Timing becomes less dependable. Power through technique is impressive and can be retained much longer.
As any martial artist will tell you about their art, “It’s not just kicking and punching.” I would add. “Martial Arts is about living a healthy life as long as possible.” Karate power through great technique, by mindfully approaching your life in a comprehensive ordered goal-oriented method. Now go find your path to that better life.
You don’t know where to start? How about this, you have the Library of Alexandria on your phone. Search what you believe to be lacking in your present approach and begin to explore.
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KRIS WILDER
Kris Wilder is a martial artist based in Seattle Washington. He has authored many martial art books, including the classic, The Way of Kata. Making no apologies for his obsession of Football he can be found telling any who will listen about the nuances of the Canadian Football League.
