O.F.M.A.

O.F.M.A.
(Over Fifty Martial Artists)

Age is simply experience.
Old is what happens to those who stop learning.
--Sa Bum Nim, Master John Townsend

An Elder Warrior, shown here after a year of Shindo practice at age 60, is shown demonstrating a Shindo defense on the beach at Kalaloch Summer Camp, 2003

Some of us at the dojang are honored to be wearing the O.F.M.A. patch on our doboks. O.F.M.A. stands for "Over Fifty Martial Artist".

Authentic traditional martial arts schools are among the few places in modern American culture where, as in many other countries and in Native American traditions, we Elder members of society are esteemed for our accumulated life experiences. The active demonstration of respect both TO and FROM comrades of all ages is an important definition of the Shindo Way. We actively work to maintain that respect by following the Code of the Shindoka, and by commitment to training in our art.

As symbolized by the slow-growing, ancient Bristlecone pine tree, a constant state of growth is what keeps the Chi/Ki/Life Force actively circulating throughout any living organism. Shindo is well adapted to the mature individual, and we Elders who commit to regular practice will, over a period of time, enhance our lives and experience growth in ways that we thought were no longer possible.

Learning opportunities that may be of special interest to O.F.M.A.'s (such as the Tai Chi Class now being held weekly by Sifu Tara) will be offered periodically to Shindoka (those of us who are studying Shindo). Please refer to this page for these programs as they become available.