dancing horses

dancing horses

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Karate Crone

 I've been pretty open on this blog about my fitness journey and how beneficial I've been finding it for my riding and for just feeling pretty good. I belong to the local Rec Centre and the membership is really inexpensive for what you get, especially for a seniors membership. We can skate (I don't skate), the pool and all the group fitness classes. 

This January there were some new classes to choose from. One of them was called Bodukan. When I read the description I realised it was a karate class.  I always wanted to try a martial art and since this was included I signed up.  I like trying new things and I have strong feelings that people (especially women) should have some self-defence.  (note: the karate is Goju Ryu which is a Okinawan traditional karate and not a sport). 

Here's a photo of Cordelia 'helping' me in the 
kitchen to break up the wall of text. 

So I totally expected to like it. What caught me off guard was how much I liked it. I bought a Gi (for a steal off of FB marketplace) and was excited for every class.  I think it has to do with how much I like to move and use my body. But I believe that the main reason is that I found it so relatable to horse riding. And I am not kidding. There are so many similarities between riding and karate. 

The Physical
It was very early in the classes when I began to hear things like 'keep your elbows at your sides'.  Other gems include: 

  • breathe with everything. if you stop breathing it not only tires you out but it keeps you from thinking
  • align your shoulders and your hips
  • ground yourself physically
  • You may need to be tight in one part of your body (e.g., arms) but you need to be relaxed in the others
  • look up
  • focus and don't get distracted by what others are doing (or not doing). Hello warm up ring! 
  • Don't overthink. Let your body do what it knows
  • Repetition is essential. Honestly, the first time our Sensei said this "I know we're doing things over and over but don't get frustrated. it's how we get better".  Me "repetition is my jam!"
  • As you gain proficiency pay attention to the details. 

The Metaphysical: 
The philosophical overlap is somewhat scary: 
  • everyone is on their own journey so don't compare
  • we do the movements and katas striving for perfection knowing we won't every achieve it. 
  • the learning is in the doing
  • respect for your teachers and coaches
  • no matter how advanced you are you will always practice the basics
  • We don't train to start fights, we train to not lose 
Today I tested (successfully) for my yellow belt.  It is the first one but I am still quite proud of it. To pass you have to show what you have learned. Tell me if this sounds familiar: 

When it was my turn I went I into the middle of the Dojo, bowed to the Sensei. Then went through my chosen Kata, A kata  (in case you don't know) is a series of hits and blocks usually taking 1-2 minutes to complete.  You are judged on your accuracy and form. If you mess up the Sensei may stop you and have you start again or wait until you are done. When you are done you wait until (in this case) he acknowledges you and then you bow and leave. 

As I go up the levels it gets more complicated and harder.  I honestly don't know how far I'll get as a person starting karate at the age of 60! But I don't care. I'm really enjoying it and I made some friends too.  Our class is small and the core group consists of four older women and one woman's daughter.  We support and encourage each other. I also suspect that there's far more giggling than is typical in a dojo. 



The lesson I take from all of this is that things are more connected than they may first appear. I know that Mark Rashid talks about Akido and relates it to horsemanship. I think I'll do a deeper dive into his writings on that. And the other lesson is try something new because you never know what will resonate. 

20 comments:

  1. That sure does relate to riding! Even the mental game. Never too old to do something new!

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  2. We just found out our 9 year old grandson earned his black belt this week. It has been a wonderful life experience for him and he has developed an inner strength and confidence beyond his years.

    I think it’s wonderful you’re doing that.

    When you say skating, do you mean roller skating? That’s my “jam!”

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    1. Sorry, I mean ice skating. I’ve done both ice and roller skating into my teens but not since.

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  3. This is really cool - and definitely sounds so similar in so many ways to riding! Funny how the fundamentals really do translate so far beyond any one particular activity… congrats on the yellow belt!

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  4. Oh how fun! I love all the cross overs from/to riding. And congrats on your yellow belt!

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  5. It's so great to try new things! Glad you're enjoying it, and it sure does translate well to riding! Congrats on the yellow belt!

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  6. It's funny you mention skating because I've been going to a roller rink lately and it is doing amazing things for my core control and leg isolation! Mary Wanless talks about martial arts a few times in her books too.

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  7. How great to be trying something new! I hope you are able to continue with it for a long time - any plans for a black belt?
    There was a lady who used to come to my area named Erica Poseley who taught riding biomechanics a la Mary Wanless and who also had a black belt in karate. If I recall, in some of her videos she related some karate movements to riding. I'm sure she has videos on Youtube if you are interested in finding ways to relate your new skills to the saddle.

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    1. I should look for those. I’m planning to work as far as I can. A black belt is the goal.

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  8. Excellent! I think we older gals need to step out of our comfort zone more frequently. I dabbled in martial arts when I was much younger, and I don't know that I'm drawn to it much now, but I'm feeling the itch to do something new again so I signed up for Sword Yoga :) A few years ago, I started circus aerial classes, which also helped greatly with my riding - just the increased balance and strength made Skeeter much happier.

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    1. *starts googling sword yoga*. Both of those sound like fun!

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