Veracity – The eternal pursuit of truth
2008 was a good year for me in many ways, but Martial Arts training just wasn’t in the cards. I started out the year with the best of intentions but time, money, and my physical condition all conspired to keep me away. As a result, I’m heavier than I’ve ever been in my life. I can also tell that between my age and physical condition it is only a matter of time before I start having health issues.
Knowing that I needed to do something, I thumbed through a catalog of classes offered at my local YMCA a couple of weeks ago and my eye caught on the word Kendo . Kendo? I know next to nothing about Kendo. Sure, I did some western fencing 20 years ago in college, but the styles are very different. Still, I thought I could probably manage it, so I decided to sign up.
Since it’s being offered at the Y, the class is pretty inexpensive, which allowed me to sign up one of my sons for the class as well.
I did a little research on the internet and discovered that the instructor is a high ranking Kendoka, which should mean some great instruction! This should be great exercise, but I don’t think it will be as intensive as a grappling style, so I “should” be able to handle it. With any luck it will help me get in the kind of condition I need to be in to participate in other, harder-core Martial Arts.
The class starts the week of January 5th, so… stay tuned!!
Hey Jeff!
Just stumbled on your blog and added it to my feeds. How old and is it just conditioning or injuries?
At about 37 I started my black belt journey and just before turning 41 I received it. This after a very long hiatus due to a neck injury.
Kendo may be the way to go and if you don’t have any other injuries you may be able to get back into shape for harder arts.
I myself am starting to look towards the softer side of things.
-B