I just turned 80 years old. I’m a sandan in the Aikido World Alliance. My home dojo is Moerushin in Arlington, TN. The dojo-cho is Ted Maclin. Although we are a small organization, we are fortunate in being served by three experienced dan level instructors.
So, what are the implications of being 80, and how do I address them?
First, I try to be modest in both my expectations of myself and also what I offer to my colleagues and students. So, yes, I know how to take a breakfall out of shihonage! But I endeavor not to have to do so. It’s dangerous, physically demanding and nearly irrelevant to my teaching and practicing aikido.
Second, I cross train. That means I’m in the gym 5-6 days per week, aside from aikido. About an hour or so per visit. My training curriculum focuses on weight bearing exercises that strengthen my core and limbs. The farmers carry, rows, bar curls, shrugs, pull ups, selected bench press activity, and other actions involving resistance and flexibility. I’m not expecting to be called up for the Olympics! I’m working to stay fit.
Next, I eat just twice per day with some snacks at other times. I indulge in red wine or beer in the early evening but limit my consumption. My number one vice is coffee, which I consume prodigiously early in the day. Coffee is flat out healthy for me, but suit yourself!
I sleep 8-9 hours every night without exception. Sleep is probably the most deprived resource for maintaining fitness and training condition.
This is just a start. I’ll have much more to say as time goes by about such things as mistakes I’ve made and still make, coping with adversity and avoiding conflict.
I’d love to hear back from anyone with thoughts on this topic.
Bob