As I've noted in this blog before, all across America you can find thousands of instructors teaching millions of kids. And the kids, of course, are the great future of the martial-arts. But because the kids vastly outnumber the adults who are currently training, many martial-arts seniors begin feeling that maybe they're too old, or too slow, or not limber enough . . . and consequently retire to the couch, TV remote in hand.
Enter Harry Grimm, one man who's determined to make a difference. He believes that there are an unlimited number of baby boomers who either want to resume training in an adults-only program or who would like to take up a martial art in their golden years. What better place than Florida to pursue the dream? So he started up Bucket List Martial Arts, a place where folks over 40 could master karate and perhaps even earn a black belt before, well, kicking the bucket. His research had indicated that earning a black belt was way up there on the "bucket list" of many seniors, so he began offering a way for serious students to jump in with both feet and fists.
Yes, there are plenty of senior-friendly exercise programs out there. Yes, there are plenty of seniors who join each other for the health benefits of long walks. But the martial arts offer something special: a comprehensive mind-body activity that, if you're fortunate, will become a way of life rather than a brief fling with the fitness program du jour.
Harry is still trying to reach his target audience in the Naples area, and currently teaches a number of 40+ students in either private or group lessons. Although there's no tidal wave of 40+ students yet, we think there's a good chance that it will materialize. His program has gotten excellent press in the local community, and without question there are thousands of prospective students who would benefit greatly from martial-arts training.
So you don't live in Naples, Florida? Well, maybe you know someone who does. Either way, you can contact Harry at office@bucketlistmartialarts.com. If you've had the martial arts on your mind, it's time to stop thinking and start doing.
If you belong to a senior-friendly school or have a compelling story about seniors in the martial arts, please send us an email. We'd like to share the story.
In the meantime, we send good wishes to Harry Grimm, who's fighting the good fight down there in Naples, Florida. All the best, Harry.
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Many thanks for sharing your comments with Seniors in the Martial Arts. Best wishes for continued success with your training.