For those sincerely interested in self-preservation and safety
As many people reading this know, in our past lives, pre-cruising, Rebecca and I owned and operated a martial arts school/gym. I ran that school for more than two decades, and as with all things, it evolved greatly over the years. At the time we sold it to head off sailing, we taught a fairly sport-oriented curriculum, offering classes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. These are all fairly athletic activities, and thus included a big fitness component. A benefit that was, for many people, the primary reason that they trained.
What are their real motives?
In the martial arts world there has always been a certain faction of people who professed to train “for the street,” implying that whatever they were investing their time in would be more appropriate for self-defense than what other arts had to offer. I recall one of my coaches, Matt Thornton, would often be known to question the sincerity of these folks.
Rebecca, Matt and me – Niagara Falls, Canada – 2003
When faced with one of these “street” people, Matt would ask if they always wear their seatbelt when driving? If they smoked cigarettes, and ate healthy? When was the last time they had a checkup at the doctor? The answer to some of these questions was self-evident, as many of these folks were grossly overweight, and in no way healthy. The point of his line of questioning was that, if people are sincerely interested in self-preservation, they should understand that, statistically speaking, the risk of being in a life-threatening car accident, or dying of heart disease, is infinitely greater than that of being involved in a violent altercation, assuming that they don’t have a job that forces them into harm’s way (police officer, soldier, etc.). Sadly, most of these people never got it.
Are you sincerely interested in self-preservation?
Just recently Matt posted an excellent essay where he dives into this important subject. For all those people who are sincerely interested in self-preservation, it should be required reading. That includes those stressing about the dangers of the world around them, and yes, would-be cruisers who are worried about pirates and armed boardings, I’m talking to you too!
Too old to be worried about that fitness crap? Read this!
I am younger than people half my age. – Mike Sweeney
This is amazing for anyone but, for those of us who are much older (60s here), it’s a blueprint for success. Well said all!
I’m glad you “got it,” Bryant. Thanks for commenting.
Interesting article about a subculture I know little about, and how most of us lie to ourselves, one way or another. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Mora. I’m glad you found it interesting, and took the time to read it.
After 50 years of judo (started at 7), I can report that my doctor describes me as a combination of a thirty year old and an eighty year old. I’m strong, trim, and can outdo most adults. At the same time, after five knee surgeries, scope and scrapes on an ankle and shoulder, and a neck whose x-rays make doctors flinch – well, there are some issues. I’m constantly surprised at how little I’ve really lost considering the mileage I’ve put on the body.
Recovery time from injuries and hard exercise increases with age. That means you can’t really hit the supercompensation phase of training quite as hard or well as you used to. Fortunately for us seasoned folk, there is truth to the old saw that age and treachery will usually defeat youth and strength.
I’m not sure how a doctor would describe me, but I’d imagine a shrink might say that I’m also part 14 yr. old boy. 😉
My wife tells me I have ‘Forever 13’ disease…
I’m not sure that it’s a disease. 🙂
Love this post. I’ve trained BJJ for some time and our two girls (ages 4 and 5 love it now as well). We fulltime in an Airstream and are trying to fit BJJ into our travels, which can be difficult 🙂
I think we may have an easier time on our bikes. We plan to visit some of our BJJ friends as we travel through the US.