The Benefits of Stick-ing With It As We Get Older

Key points

Martial arts training improves health and function in older adults.

Use of traditional weapon tools like sticks or staffs can enhance health benefits of training.

These increases in capacity can improve function in daily life and reduce fall risk.

The brain and body benefits of holistic practices like traditional martial arts are clear. While earlier research focused more on athletic activities, sport, and competition in adults, more recent work has expanded to adolescents and young and older adults. A key aspect of traditional martial arts training extends beyond just "empty hand" to practice with tools. And by tools, I mean ancient weapons. Yet there has been very little study of this aspect—that is, until now.

Tai Chi Chuan and the grand ultimate stick

Longfei Cao, Xi