I have been meaning to make this introductory post for some time, but must admit that have been procrastinating and lurking for too long. Nevertheless, all journeys begin with a first step ...
I am a 34 year old who has returned to martial arts with my children. I practiced judo as a junior for 2-3 years, but, as with too many things in our youth, never realised how fortunate I was for that opportunity. Nevertheless, after seeing my 7-year old son start karate and then struggle from the perspective of his concentration and application, I decided to join our local karate club to help motivate and guide my son.
This action was however a bigger step for me than what I first thought - I was (am) a relatively large guy and professionally employed in a role of some authority and stature. As such, as part of this first step, I had to make the very conscious mental and emotional investment in this effort, knowing well that I would struggle with knowledge, application and fitness. This is something which I knew I would need to accept and overcome if I genuinely sought to be in any position where I could provide my son with assistance in his own efforts, application and motivation. While this is something which may be intuitively accepted and understood by members of these forums who have already made the significant investment and sacrifice in the study and practice of their chosen martial arts, this was a signiciant barrier to entry for me. Indeed, I would suspect that this is a challenge for many adults, for whatever reason, seeking to start or resume a martial art.
Nevertheless, I was able to make this first step and have been much the better individual, person and parent for this investment. I have now been practicing karate for 18 months, have lost weight and improved my fitness, have been able to assist my son with his efforts and application in karate, have motivated my daughter to additionally take up karate and am looking at additionally restarting judo this year.
Over this time I have additionally been lurking on this boards - reading and absorbing much of the content and experiences shared - and developing a greater appreciation of the much wider scope of martial arts experience and dedication of others in their respective arts. While I do not expect to be a prolific poster or significant presence on these forums, I believe it only right that I properly introduce myself and acknowledge the benefit which I have received, and hope to continued to receive, from the information and experiences shared through this forum.
Rob
I am a 34 year old who has returned to martial arts with my children. I practiced judo as a junior for 2-3 years, but, as with too many things in our youth, never realised how fortunate I was for that opportunity. Nevertheless, after seeing my 7-year old son start karate and then struggle from the perspective of his concentration and application, I decided to join our local karate club to help motivate and guide my son.
This action was however a bigger step for me than what I first thought - I was (am) a relatively large guy and professionally employed in a role of some authority and stature. As such, as part of this first step, I had to make the very conscious mental and emotional investment in this effort, knowing well that I would struggle with knowledge, application and fitness. This is something which I knew I would need to accept and overcome if I genuinely sought to be in any position where I could provide my son with assistance in his own efforts, application and motivation. While this is something which may be intuitively accepted and understood by members of these forums who have already made the significant investment and sacrifice in the study and practice of their chosen martial arts, this was a signiciant barrier to entry for me. Indeed, I would suspect that this is a challenge for many adults, for whatever reason, seeking to start or resume a martial art.
Nevertheless, I was able to make this first step and have been much the better individual, person and parent for this investment. I have now been practicing karate for 18 months, have lost weight and improved my fitness, have been able to assist my son with his efforts and application in karate, have motivated my daughter to additionally take up karate and am looking at additionally restarting judo this year.
Over this time I have additionally been lurking on this boards - reading and absorbing much of the content and experiences shared - and developing a greater appreciation of the much wider scope of martial arts experience and dedication of others in their respective arts. While I do not expect to be a prolific poster or significant presence on these forums, I believe it only right that I properly introduce myself and acknowledge the benefit which I have received, and hope to continued to receive, from the information and experiences shared through this forum.
Rob