Karate for beginners at an advanced age – A Magdeburg Concept

Titel Karate for beginners at an advanced age – A Magdeburg Concept

Autor*innen Kerstin Witte

Zitationsvorschlag

Witte, K. (2024). Karate for beginners at an advanced age: A Magdeburg concept. Journal of Martial Arts Research, 7, Article 55. https://doi.org/10.25847/jomar.conference.55

Abstract

For the increasingly aging population and their health maintenance, it is important to offer appropriate sports activities. This article uses the example of karate (Shotokan style) to illustrate the special features that need to be taken into account when conducting karate courses for beginners of advanced age. The main aim of the karate course is not to pass belt examinations but to prevent falls. It is demonstrated that karate is particularly suitable for making an important contribution to this. Kihon, kihon kumite, and kata can be used to improve balance, general movement coordination and strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities. The proposed training advice results in the one hand from physiological changes in the aging process and personal experience. Learning and practicing the Heian katas is a special focus of the karate training. Graphic materials and simplified exercises should be used to support the learning process. Participants are expected to do the following in a karate course: improve their fitness, get to know a new sport, improve general health, reduction of the risk of falling, increase social contacts, and learn self-defense techniques.