Karate Styles: Surprising Links to Shortened Lifespan

I've had been doing martial arts off and on since the 1970's, judo, then Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing, boxing, and over the last 15+ years settled on a traditional karate style to study under, and had a 7th dan and then 8th dan instructor, both of which were thereafter awarded the title of Hanshi. So, I have rubbed elbows, as it were, with some very great men. But, I had also noted that the lifespans of many of our famous past masters, as well as some from recent memory were significantly shorter than I would have expected. Why? I had close friend and instructor, an 8th dan Hanshi, pass away a year ago literally out of the blue, who was in his 60's.And then, I received a notification that Armstrong Sensei's book with a curiously apt title had been released.I had already read a previous published work by Armstrong Sensei, and was impressed by the thorough approach, coupled with both a "horse sense" frame of mind as well as a straight-to-the-point delivery.This book - his most recent release - was an eye-opener.I believe every serious martial artist out there owes it to themselves to read this book. It is not opinionated, nor is it dry. It is very well done. Mr. Armstrong's point-by-point coverage of every aspect possible leaves us with an excellent treatise on this subject.Thank you, Armstrong Sensei, for your excellent work thus far, but also for this book that came at the right time for me.

This is another book by Dr Jason Armstrong who is an experienced karate practitioner .I have also read his first book: Street Fighting Statistics with Medical Outcomes linked to Karate & Bunkai Selection which was a comprehensive review of street fighting statistics and how they should influence self defense and bunkai training when practicing karate. This book is the second of a proposed trilogy the author has planned to dispel the myths about karate and replace them with evidenced based facts .This current book is very informational and may be used as a reference by those who may not want to read the book from cover to cover.iI found the book to be a well documented study about the overall health status of long term karate practitioners .I agree with his conclusions recommending that as we age , we should adopt an anti- inflammatory lifestyle by avoiding free sparring and it's potential for injuries as well as an anti-inflammatory diet to optimize long term health and longevity. I recommend this to any serious long term martial artist.