Self-defense is the main goal of all martial arts styles such as karate, aikido, kung fu, judo, eskrima, kickboxing, boxing, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, aikido or wing tsung. In trend are courses for older people, who thereby strengthen self-confidence, speed, presence of mind and reaction and learn to get out of the victim role.
Active defense
When one thinks of self-defense, one usually has in mind the stranger who jumps out of the bushes and demands money or jewelry. But according to the German Red Cross (DRK), self-defense starts much earlier. “Self-defense is a question of attitude,” says DRK local chairman Werner Aschmutat.
“Active defense” is a matter of attitude, he says, which also extends into everyday life. Ultimately, he says, the question is always whether or not the person concerned is asserting himself. The key word, then, is self-confidence. Self-confident people can be in a position to consciously discard the victim role and initially set clear verbal boundaries. For this purpose, it may be sufficient in case of doubt to practice shouting loudly in order to draw the attention of other passers-by. If that is not enough, simple but effective techniques are needed to fight back physically.
Martial arts for seniors in trend
Older people should appear more confident so that they do not become victims of crime. They are often attacked on the open street, or the perpetrators use tricks to gain access to the victims’ homes. In doing so, the attackers often proceed according to a certain pattern: Those who make an unsafe impression at first glance are selected as victims. No one should therefore walk around afraid and feel like a possible victim from the outset. Therefore, in principle, all martial arts are suitable for seniors – however, you should always discuss the risks with your family doctor.
Japanese martial arts for seniors are in vogue. In Berlin alone, for example, six clubs and many commercial studios offer special courses for older people. However, Dieter Bergmann, commissioner for senior citizen safety at the State Criminal Police Office, takes a rather critical view of the increasing number of self-defense offers. “In the case of aggressive assaults, learned fighting techniques are usually of little help,” he says, appealing to the trainers’ sense of responsibility because, after all, older people should not be motivated to put themselves in danger by fighting back.
