09/02/2026
Things Everyone Who Studies Any Martial Arts Should Know About Longevity...
Martial arts isn't a path that is only about being able to fight. It is a path about constantly seeking to maintain our health so that we can stay active and continue training for as long as we are physically able to.
That being said, as a practitioner of 48 years now, these are some things I have learned truly help me alongside my daily workouts:
1. Chiropractic Care
I see my Chiropractor pretty much every two weeks. Regular adjustments have always helped me with mobility, function and just generally feeling better physically. They have also helped me deal with some of the arthritis and muscle issues that come along with getting older. There is just something that feels amazing about getting cracked. 😂
2. Acupressure and Acupuncture
Over the years I have gained many skills related to understanding acupressure through the martial arts. The methods I have learned have been useful to me for a variety of things, particularly when dealing with areas that get tight or overworked.
I also get acupuncture when needed, primarily for areas where I have accumulated injuries over the years. If you choose to do this, I strongly recommend finding someone who is properly trained and experienced. This isn't something I would recommend having just anyone do.
3. Massage Therapy
I have been seeing my massage therapist twice a month for a very long time. Massage therapy helps me with maintaining mobility, dealing with tight muscles and reducing the general fatigue that accumulates in my body and joints. One of the biggest benefits for me, however, is stress reduction.
As any small business owner will tell you, stress can be a killer, and keeping it under control is extremely important.
4. Walking
I used to be a runner. I loved running. As I have grown older, my joints no longer enjoy running quite as much as I do. That being said, walking every day is a great way to get the heart rate up, move the joints without the same impact that comes with running, and reduce stress.
Stepping out into the park and walking the trail gives me an opportunity to escape from reality for a little while. Sometimes that's just as important as the physical exercise.
5. Get Your Checkup With Your Physician
Yes, I know...a lot of people hate the thought of going to the doctor...but honestly, getting your regular checkup is important. It gives you an opportunity to understand how you are aging, address things that may need attention, and simply be aware of what is happening with your body. Too many people ignore things until something becomes a much bigger problem. Don't be that person.
I had a discussion with one of my adult students about these topics at the dojo a few weeks ago, and they brought up the costs associated with seeing a Chiropractor and a Massage Therapist.
I completely understood that concern. These things can be salty, honestly...but, to be frank, if you cut out some of the things you don't actually need, you can often find room in your budget for things that are actually important to your health and longevity.
He asked me, "Like what?"
So I had him make a list of the things he was spending money on.
It read fast food, random Amazon purchases and a few other things that, honestly, weren't nearly as important as his personal health should be.
When I saw that he was eating fast food about every day, I mentioned that if he made his lunch instead, not only would he save money and eat healthier, but he would have enough money to afford both Chiropractic care and Massage Therapy twice a month.
I showed him the math. He was shocked at how much money he was wasting every week on fast food.
You will notice that I didn't mention nutrition and that is, honestly, because I am not a nutritionist and I am not qualified to speak on the topic. If nutrition is a concern for you, talk to someone who is qualified to give you good advice on it.
One of the goals that should be highly important to those who walk the martial arts path is to be able to train for as long as God allows us to.
That means we really should take our health, our joints, our mobility and our stress seriously.
I don't want to simply train Karate for the next few years. I want to train Karate for the rest of my life. That's the goal.
Anyway, the conversation I had with my student the other day just made me feel the need to make this post.
In the end, people will do what they will with the knowledge others present them, and none of us has any control over that.
So, as always, these are just my opinions based upon my own experiences over 48 years of training. Take from them what you will.
