New Complex Movement +Continuous Movement = Increased Memory/Improved Health
As we age we tend to fall into the trap of “Retirement”. This does not mean we shut down and wait for death. Our bodies are loyal servant of our minds.
We must continue to challenge ourselves, even in our later years, especially in our later years, to lead an active life and continue to set goals.
So as we age, we learn to parallel process, to come up with synonyms to go around these roadblocks. (Or maybe we don’t learn to do this, and just become a dimmer bulb.) *
The key here is Dr. Katzman’s emphasis on the complexity of our neuronal synapses. More is better. Do whatever you can to create new neural paths. The opposite of this is taking the same old well-worn path over and over again, with habitual patterns of thinking and living our lives. *
* Richard Powers “Dancing Makes you Smarter”
Learning Something New
The part of our brain that is responsible for long term memory, the hippocampus, grows with exercise.
As little as walking for 30 minutes a day can show improvements in memory and hippocampus growth. “Those who exert more energy and do more activities tend to do better, tend to show a bigger improvement,” Erickson said. (Source: livescience.com)
For hundreds of years dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise. More recently we’ve seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being. – Richard Powers “Dancing Makes you Smarter”
Martial Arts Can Help!
Complex movements can also be achieved through martial arts. Choikwangdo in particular.
As in Dancing, Choikwangdo has developed patterned movements that are both challenging, stimulating to the mind and body and fun to learn.
Using the bodies natural movements and use of sequential motion makes Choikwangdo a easy to learn martial art that everyone can benefit from regardless of age or current physical conditioning.
As with all new exercises always consult with your doctor before trying something new! Even for Martial Arts and Choikwangdo
Continuous Movement
How much is Enough?
Most authorities agree that aerobic exercise, such as kickboxing, marital arts and Choikwangdo, (rhythmical activity employing large muscle groups….i.e. walking, cycling, swimming, dancing) performed at least 3 times per week (and preferably on most days of the week) at a moderate intensity is necessary to gain a cardioprotective benefit. The amount of exercise at each session necessary to protect the heart has been less well understood.
Recommendations have been for at least 30 minutes of exercise per session but guidelines for up to 60 minutes of exercise per day have also been recommended. It has been unclear whether the exercise has to be completed all in one session or if it can be split over multiple sessions during the day.
- Cleveland Clinic
Choikwangdo Movement
Choikwangdo techniques, unlike other martial arts, can provide the low to medium workout and uses the wide range of motion of large muscle groups that is vital to the development of the cardiovascular system. When executing Choikwangdo patterns, the hands and feet are both providing continuous movement that is an excellent way to stimulate the cardiovascular system. Sports competitions, such as some martial arts and kickboxing programs, tend to elevate the heart rate in an unsafe manner stop and go elevation is not healthy, especially to elderly people. Choikwangdo systematically raises the heart rate as defined in its module program.
Performing warm up and cool down stretches helps to warm up the body properly before training, and then cooling it down after training, this helps to safely bring the heart rate up to a safe level and then provide the proper gradual safe slowdown at the end of training.
Increased Memory/Improved Health
Bodies in Motion
Choikwangdo is unlike any other martial art. Unlike Kickboxing or traditional martial arts, Choikwangdo modules are based off of scientific principles. These modules condition our mind and our body in a loving, caring, nurturing environment. Choikwangdo patterns stimulates both sides of the brain though conrtalateral movement. This stimulation helps to increase the firing of synopsis in the brain thereby helping to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve memory and improve the conditioning of the Central Nervous System’s fine muscle recruitment. The variety in the training that Choikwangdo provides is vital to keep content fresh and the students challenged with new and exciting techniques. This variety is also essential in the stimulation of the mind and body and is one of the key elements to help prevent dementia and brain deterioration.
Choikwangdo also provides aerobic activity that can be elevated to provide an exciting cardiovascular workout. This aerobic activity can be established by performing Choikwangdo patterns and speed drills. Doing patterns and speed drills gradually elevate the student’s endurance and stimulates the mind by providing challenging new techniques in new and healthy combinations.
Choikwangdo also provides pinpoint training by way of target training. This helps to condition neuromuscular response and helps the refinement and recruitment of smaller muscle groups. Choikwangdo provides a positive environment for training. With the elimination of competition there are no negative feelings that can be associated with this type of training. From sparring students fear of contact can cause anxiety and undue stress.
Training in Choikwangdo not only is good for your health, but also provides a practile self defense method that is unlike other martial arts and nothing you will learn in a kickboxing class!!
