Martial Arts for Mature Individuals

 Martial Arts is great for older Adults, however, many would not consider it as an activity for themselves.   This is unfortunate because it is a great way to maintain muscle mass, improve balance and flexibility.   One of the greatest predictors of longevity as we age is leg strength and hip flexibility.  After age 60 years old, we lose 3% to 8% of our muscle mass per decade if we don't actively exercise.  This is when falls become devastating.   This muscle mass loss is preventable through exercise, weight lifting, walking and Martial Arts training.   

Learning new information alters how the brain ages. The natural aging of the brain causes certain processing speeds to slow down, but targeted mental stimulation actively rewires neural networks. On average, the cognitive performance of a 71-year-old who actively engages in later-life learning matches that of an average 65-year-old who does not.  Keeping the muscles flexible and strong along with slowing brain atrophy is a good recipe for graceful aging.   You can start Martial Arts at any age.  The techniques and drills can be modified so that the older Adult can participate.   Doing Shotokan Karate is a full body work out and it involves both the right and left brain, which is great for brain health.

To start Martial Arts, you do not have to be in good shape.   You start by simply doing what you are able to do and you build from there.   With time, you will get in better shape and you will notice you are stronger and more flexible.  Why not let 2026 be the year that you invest in your own life and learn a new skill?   Especially a new skill that improves muscle mass, balance, flexibility and brain health.

Call Guerrero's Shotokan at: 816-224-4447 to schedule a free class or go to the website at: www.guerrerosshotokankarate.com and complete the form online.   We would love to introduce you to Shotokan or Aikido.

Home School Students and Martial Arts

Martial Arts provides an opportunity for the Home School student to build friendships, learn teamwork and engage with peers.    Classes in Martial Arts can fulfill PE credits and provide time for social interaction.   Since Martial Arts requires commitment, focus and responsibiity, it will enhance performance in academic endeavors.  Children learn to navigate various situations that may come up in life and they will learn to defend themselves.  You will make friends that feel like family in the Dojo which teaches the importance of building strong relationships with other children.

The positive gains for a child in Martial Arts cannot be overstated.   Martial Arts training can literally change a person's life.   You will see a child start Martial Arts and one day, their parent(s) will inquire about classes for themselves.   It is a great family activity.

Guerrero's Shotokan will be starting a Summer Enrichment program on June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM.  Classes will end on July 13, 2026 with the student testing and receiving their yellow belt.  They will have the opportunity to learn both Shotokan Karate and Aikido.  Go to: www.guerrerosshotokankarate.com to see what our Dojo has to offer and there you will find the sign up form for the summer classes.  This is a great opportunity for you to try Martial Arts and see if it is a good fit for your family.

Confidence

 Confidence is so important for everyone, especially for our youth.   Are people raising children to live in their basements for the rest of their lives or are they raising children to be independent?   Most of us would say we see some of both types of young people.   Learning to stand on your own two feet with confidence at a young age is a very importanct skill.   Not only will it help you be a good student, it will help you resist the bully, the gossip and any other difficult people you encounter.  

How do you develop confidence?   It comes from many sources, but particularly from mastery over information and  mastery over skills.  Practice is essential.  Myamoto Musashi, the greatest Swordsman in Japan stated, : "Even if a man has no natural ability, he can be a warrior by sticking assiduously to both divisions of the Way."  Meaning: You do not need to be born with a special gift. Hard work and focused repetition are the great equalizers.  In other words, practice, practice, practice.

Learning something new and becoming good at a new activity are great for developing confidence.  Not an arrogant attitude, but an attitude of quiet competence and the ability to help someone else.   Having the knowlege to teach someone else is a great confidence builder.

Martial Arts is a great way for children and adults to build confidence.  Mastery over the techniques, material and the history of the style are great ways to become confident.  Learning to lead class and learning Self Defense skills help with confidence.

Start a unique journey for yourself and your family.   Guerrero's is starting a Summer Enrichment program on June 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM.  In this class, you will have the opportunity to learn both Shotokan and Aikido.  Go to: www.guerrerosshotokankarate.com for further details and to sign up for this great class.

Using Summer Effectively

 Summer is a great time to get involved in a new activity.   Adding a new learning experience will enhance your enjoyment of the summer season and may become an activity you wish to continue year around.

At Guerrero's Shotokan we will start a 6 week Summer Enrichment program on June 8 and will continue through July 13, 2026.   It involves a class that will be part Shotokan and part Aikido.  The student will learn about both Martial Arts and will begin to learn to combine important concepts of the two styles.  This class will be a great learning experience, great exercise and a great confidence builder.   If you think you are too out of shape, too old, too stiff etc, rethink those self images.   You can come in and take class at any age or physical status.   You will go away with a feeling of accomplishment.   A 6 week class is a great activity for the whole family.   Summer is a wonderful time to share experiences with your family and friends.

Go to: www.guerrerosshotokankarate.com to sign up for this unique class.   We love meeting new people and helping them experience the wonders of Martial Arts.  Our Instructors are background checked and certified to work with all ages.  The school is a life time member of Karate for Christ.   

"If you can dream it, you can do it. "  Walt Disney