Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
Mark Twain
As I ambled through the verdant meadows, where silence sang the oldest of songs, and the heart of martial arts beat with a rhythm pure and steady, I was led to the doorway of realization. The journey of a martial artist in maintaining functional muscle, especially as the seasons of life transition, is akin to the flow of water—adapting, nourishing, and carving through the realm of physical existence with grace and intent.
Once upon a morning mist, I imagined myself traversing the quiet, yet eloquent trails of Dengfeng, a serene sojourn nestled within the bosom of China’s Henan province. Here, the Shaolin Temple, an emblem of martial mastery and a haven of holistic wellness, stood as a silent custodian of ancient wisdom. Among the myriad lessons garnered, one resonated with a profound cadence — the art of cultivating, nurturing, and retaining functional muscle, a sine qua non for the marital artist, especially one who, like a finely aged scroll, bears the rich narrative of time upon his sinews and bones.
Adroit Adaptation:
Transitioning from the vigor of youth to the wisdom of later years calls for an adroit adaptation in training regimens. Integrating a blend of strength training with flexibility exercises is quintessential. Tailor a regime that encompasses weight training to foster muscle strength, paired with the lyrical flow of Tai Chi or yoga to enhance flexibility and joint mobility.
Nourishment’s Narrative:
The narrative of nourishment is one penned with the ink of intention. As the body’s requiem for recovery heightens with age, prioritizing protein intake post-training, coupled with a vibrant array of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, cultivates the fertile grounds from which functional muscle grows.
Restful Resonance:
In the dance of martial arts, restful resonance is the pause between beats, the silence between notes. Adequate rest and sleep are paramount, providing the parchment upon which the body scripts its tale of recovery and growth.
Faithful Fasting:
In the realm of fasting, a practice ancient as the dawn, lies a path of potential promise. Fasting, when embraced with mindful moderation, can herald a host of benefits. It serves as a clarion call to the body’s innate healing mechanisms, promoting cellular repair, hormone balance, and perhaps, an enhanced sensitivity to insulin, which bodes well for muscle preservation and growth. However, the narrative of fasting is one penned with individual ink—what resonates with one may not echo with another, and thus, the guidance of a seasoned sage in wellness is a worthy compass.
- How has your training regimen evolved with the transitioning seasons of life?
- What nourishment narratives have you penned in your journey of martial arts?
- How has fasting, or other ancient wellness practices, influenced your martial arts journey?
As we caper along the cusp of today’s discussion, the words of the great Maya Angelou echo through the annals of time, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” The realm of martial arts and the odyssey of self-improvement is a manuscript ever in the making. The pen is in your hands, the ink of intention ready to script tales of triumph.
Embark on this voyage of self-discovery, and may the rhythm of martial arts beat in harmony with the melody of your being. And if you’re ready to go deeper, explore these videos below. “I go by the name, Khonsura, the kung fu creative, Stay inspired and inspirational!
https://youtube.com/@KhonsurasBalancedWaytoWellness?si=lpBYNUELqUsX5xIg
Musings on Martial Arts, Taoist Philosophy & All Things Wellness Related. 