am i too old to start martial arts? [Archive]

darlph

26-Feb-2003, 09:04 PM

Hey Im 46 and used to be the oldest. Now there's a 52 year old.
I would have to say, what do you want to do? fight? work out? just train? My first thing when looking for a school or place to train out of time is a phone call. I check their times and schedule and if they offer what I am into. If they souund okay go and observe a class or two. Check out the school. is it clean? See if they offer an intro special. Usually a couple of classes and maybe a gi. Watch the other students and how they act before and after class. Don't watch just the beginner students, the other more advanced students can give you an idea of how you may become with the training. Then the $ If they try to get you to sign anything but a waiver at the beginning for a intro, make sure it's not a cantract. You should be allowed to decide with out feeling pushed. And hope you find something you like.:)

Chazz

26-Feb-2003, 09:45 PM

Always remember, you are never too old to start anything you have a love for.

KarateKid1975

27-Feb-2003, 03:34 AM

I started at 25. I used to be not flexible (couldn't even touch my toes!). Now I can do splits at 28. You are definitely not too old. Go for it ;)

Melanie

27-Feb-2003, 05:37 AM

I started training at 25 also Laurie...problem is I seem to spend more time injured these days...*boohoo*

Its never too late to explore and broaden your horizons and make yourself healthier. Just don't over do it! Or you'll be crippled like me by the time you hit 28! (P.S. Its only temporary for me - couple of months and I'll be fine :) )

HKD

28-Feb-2003, 04:57 PM

i can't believe U think that Ur to old, Ur only 21, what R U going to do when U really R old, i started with a guy who was in his late 70's and he did great and he had a 30 year old wife he did really good :O).
as for Ur instructor watch his classes if he's to pushy about U joining he may not B the one 4 U. it's ok to want U to join but if hes after U to join for 2-3 years right off the bat he just wants Ur money. look at him like U would any thing else like a college or a job U were offered don't get cought up in hes championchips and stuff like that.
good luck
HKD

Chazz

28-Feb-2003, 05:02 PM

To some up with what everyone is saying. GO FOR IT. Study, learn, and grow young grasshopper. Keep us informed on how you are doind in your new art. I love TKD, I hope you will as well.

steatlh-wrx

28-Feb-2003, 05:14 PM

thank you guys very much for your help. i was just under the assumption that most people start when they are young. such as 10 years old. thanks again.

KickChick

28-Feb-2003, 05:30 PM

I just posted over at the Survery http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1578 ...
Seems the concensus is most people start at your age.... I only wish that I was your age and knew what I know now!!!

HKD

05-Mar-2003, 02:16 PM

i started at 20 and i am soon to be testing for my 4th Dan so Ur fine just get in there and do Ur best.
HKD

Labatt

05-Mar-2003, 10:48 PM

Go for it, but don't get pissed when you don't call a 10 yr old sir and he gives you push ups lol

Vorick

06-Mar-2003, 07:03 AM

Your defiantly not to too old,
Personally i think that 10 is a little too young to start. I began training when i was 9, but as I grew older and began to train as a senior i found that i had picked up some annoying habbits and although i was training with seniors it took me a while to actually break from the childs way of training.

As regards to what club to pick. Thats a hard enough thing to decide. However I think the first thing you should do is decide what type of training you want to do.
i.e. Do you want to focus on 'traditional' training, or train as a sport, or just for competition?

Once you've decided on this I think most Sensei will be honest enough with you (as regards as to if there club offers what you want) if tell them what your looking for.

Labatt

06-Mar-2003, 07:53 PM

I started my training when I was 7.

And it certainly payed off for me.

Labatt

06-Mar-2003, 07:54 PM

That's why when kids at ages around 5-8 learn, it stays in there brain. Advantagious I think.

LeggyLass

03-Apr-2003, 07:06 AM

Go for it!!!

Someone from my school just tested and received their 1st Dan, and they were 56!! It took them longer to acheive it, but they were balancing work, family, etc...but you should have seen their joy, pride and sense of personal triumph afterwards!! :D It rocked!

Mark Davies

03-Apr-2003, 09:21 PM

Yup, when I was sitting my 3rd degree there were three pensioners there sitting 1st degree, & they received no quarter! They weren't expected to do special technique, but they had to do everything else & they rocked! It really made me feel so good to see them perform so well. One of them just graded at the blackbelt grading last weekend for her 2nd degree. I was teaching the Ho Shin Sul part of the pre-grading course on the Saturday & she was one of the best there for spirit & aggression.
Remember, as an older member of the class you have alot of life experience & you will be a valuable addition.
Go for it, & let us know how you're getting on.

Kwan Jang

07-Apr-2003, 06:47 AM

-The main audience that martial arts were created for was young adult males. Due mainly to the fact that it was for military use on the battlefield. The character benefits of the training as well as increased health and fitness was observed to be of great value to children, so some countries began teaching the arts in the school(granted, in some families and temple systems peolpe were always taught since childhood). In the US, the earliest instructors were generally military personel coming back from tours in Asia, w/ their instructors being on or near the bases and catering to teaching military. This led to an enviroment that was not geared towards women and children. After the KARATE KID came out, schools were swamped w/ parents bringing their children in for life-skills. Unfortunately, many instructors in the industry were ill prepared to teach appropriayely to those age groups. Over time, many instructors and organizations realized the oppurtunity they were missing and grew in teaching skill and professionalism to meet the task. However, in some ways, this has been SO successfully done that it's almost backfired on us. By so much emphasis placed on children, many adults now see the arts as an activity for children only. They also doubt their ability to have the time or capability to excel. Our organization has among the highest quality standards in the arts, yet we have promoted to dan levels many peole in the '60's and even a lady to 2nd dan at 71. She sparred1-1, 2-1, ran the 5miles, broke through two bricks, and all the other requirements. One of my own red belts in her 60's recently did over 6,200 crunches(full crunch, strict form) in one of our monthly fitness logs.Non-stop. OOPS.-There goes the age excuses that so many people like to rely on. Not to mention the abilities and conditioning of BLACK BELT HALL OF FAME members like Jhoon Rhee(over 70), Chuck Norris(pretty spry for a guy in his '60's), not to mention my own instructor,KJN Ernie Reyes,Sr.(last months cover of BLACK BELT magazine featued him shirtless on the cover showing his tremendous physical condition and definition, espescially for a man of 56; you can also check him out on the covers of the CENTURY catalogs as their celebrity endorser). I am nearing 40 and have recently started doing 720's and double-leg 540's and my speed and power have never been better, though I do admit that my joints heal slower now. -P.S.-Sorry for the shameless plug for the home team.

Mark Davies

07-Apr-2003, 07:58 AM

Heh heh, good shameless plug:)
It's true though, Martial Arts have got the image of being predominantly for kids to start now. I'm not sure what it was like for you in the states Kwan Jang, but here in Scotland when I started training, TKD was an adult activity. I was the only junior in our TKD school for many years, & one of about three in the entire association. The majority of my fellow students were 20's - 40's.
Don't get me wrong, I love teaching kids, particularly my little ninjas. But I think that there is sooooooo much that more 'mature' people can get from what we do, but they think it's only for young folk.
My instructor is away to start a class specifically for over 50's at his centre in Aberdeen, should be interesting.

KickChick

11-Apr-2003, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by Mark Davies
My instructor is away to start a class specifically for over 50's at his centre in Aberdeen, should be interesting.

What a great idea! .... I mean after all they do have Little Dragons/Ninja classes for the younger crowd.... what will they name this class I wonder??

Our oldest BB is 57 and we have at least a dozen or so advanced students over 40 (including myself). Sometimes the older student gets discouraged when they can't jump as high, be as fast or as flexible as the younger students .... and I always say that not many people your age can do what you do and imagine if you weren't here training like you are today. Nobody wants to imagine that!

A class specifically designed for the older student may just be what they need!
Are these classes taught any differently ... (??)

pgm316

11-Apr-2003, 01:34 PM

How about Golden Dragon class KC :)

Mark Davies

11-Apr-2003, 01:39 PM

He's just calling it his Veterans programme:D
He's sticking to the ITF syllabus, just starting them a bit more slowly, without the screaming up & down the hall blasting out press-ups squat thrusts & shuttle sprints. Starting off low impact to strengthen them up. It should be interesting to see how they progress.

pgm316

11-Apr-2003, 02:13 PM

I'd like to join the veterans programme, I like to train like that! :D

Mark Davies

11-Apr-2003, 02:19 PM

Me too mate. I'm a big fan of the method of training called 'big bag of doritos & dips sat in front of a good movie' as well, hehe:D

TKDad

29-Apr-2003, 07:13 PM

I started at 42, now 43 with about a year to black. I can't to the wall walking triple kick like my kids, but I get by. I try to think harder.

********
A computer beat me at chess once.
But, it was no match for me at kick boxing.
*********

Mark Davies

29-Apr-2003, 08:18 PM

I always say, old age & treachery will win every time:D

shadow joe

29-Apr-2003, 08:49 PM

an old man and dear friend who trained in martial arts with me once said

"Life is always described as a hill... you are supposed to reach the top by a certain age and then enter this downhill slope. We (old people) are always looking back saying, oooh it's too late for me, i'm already over the hill, how can I start a new journey if mine is already over. As long as you say it's never to late you can start and accomplish anything. Life is a series of hills, not just one, it's all mind set."

you're 21 and you're already talking about being over the hill! LOL!!!

i'm 23 and this past year I started new styles that I hope to do for the rest of my life...

martial arts are ageless... and the training is really at your own pace... if you are the true ultimate beginner then just take it slow and work with the instructor to reach your own personal goals...

it's never too late!
joe

Guitarboy1212

11-May-2003, 04:10 AM

It's never to late to start. And as to whether what club to look for, go for ones that have regularly sounding techniques. If they have a technique called the dragon kick, or some really weird name like that (like a name that sounds like it would intice a 6 yr old) then don't go there, however if you find a school where their techniques have regularly sounding names (roundhouse kick, crecent kick, side kick, front kick). by the way, stances like horse stance is a traditional stance, so don't get freaked out and back out of a club like that.(even though it would probably entice a 6 yr old.)

jakmak52

10-Jun-2003, 11:14 PM

Absolutely not, I started when I was 38, then won the 1999 US Open Martial Arts Tournament in Orlando, Florida in Executive Men's Kata!! You go for it!!!

Peace

Marku

11-Jun-2003, 07:02 PM

im 18 and wow i thought i was starting late. lol

DarkKnight1967

08-Jul-2003, 04:23 PM

As everyone else here has already said - you're never too old. I started when I was 35 and I really had to work hard at getting my flexibility where I wanted it, but it has been worth it. Two years later and my master has even mentioned that next year I should try out for nationals. No matter what your age, you will get out of it every bit you put into it.

Ruan Long

10-Jul-2003, 06:47 AM

One of the biggest obstacles and ideals of taekwondo is to realize that our age and physical condition does not reflect on our morale of attaining knowledge.

Holgate

30-Jul-2003, 03:24 PM

I started training in Karate when I was 6 years old and to be honest it was a mistake because when I eventually gave up due to school work I rapidly put on weight and lost flexibility, if I had stuck with it I would have been ok.

But I started back to Tae Kwon Do last year (aged 25...26 this week!) and although it has been tough getting fitness back it has been fun, which in the long run what it should be about and not getting too competitive...you have to maintain your reason for training no matter what level you are.

Really your starting at the best time, your still young, but not too young to be pushed by parents and you take part because you want to.

Go for it and enjoy yourself!

Kinjiro Tsukasa

30-Jul-2003, 05:40 PM

Nope, you're not too old to start. I only started MA very recently; I'm not saying my age, but I believe I'm older than anyone who has posted in this thread so far.

As far as being over-the-hill, I intend never to be over-the-hill, simply because I choose to follow paths on hills that go up infinitely, no down hill! The day you stop learning, you start to fade away, so go for it, never give up!

Pyry_Uotila

05-Aug-2003, 09:15 AM

i think that, you're never too old to start martial arts.

TheMachine

05-Aug-2003, 11:12 AM

you're never too old to start. Check out the system of the instructor, the rates and see if you like the environment in the dojang

KennyMcC

05-Aug-2003, 12:19 PM

after reading these threads, i have been motivated to join my Choi Kwang Do class again, thanks

Falling_link

05-Aug-2003, 03:16 PM

Hmm, i'm 17, i suppose i better jump and start the Taekwondo class then

KennyMcC

05-Aug-2003, 03:29 PM

im 17 as well

Falling_link

05-Aug-2003, 03:49 PM

I don't know why, but you always feel that Martial Arts should be started off at a young age when in reality it's universal to start off from any age. Strange that really

KennyMcC

05-Aug-2003, 04:37 PM

good call, its universal and its not to see whos the best, its self beneficial. Its so one person can learn self discipline and learn theire limits. Its not all about competition

painer

12-Aug-2003, 05:55 PM

I started taking TKD 2 years ago when I was turning 35 - 6 months into my training I relized I wanted more I met an instructor through my work and ended up taking Kickboxing as well - - with my TKD instructors blessing of course so for 1 1/2 years now both my wife and I have been training two days a week in TKD and Two Days a week in kickboxing - oh ya and I am now two years older - 57 pounds lighter and very happy with where Im at in my training..... so no at 21 you will be fine...

Ya and as far clubs go follow Darlph's advice for sure, we were lucky both our clubs are great but when on holidays or visiting the folks we have visited some very pushy clubs that use the free class to pressure you they really need to reflect on the tenants.

Keep us posted
Cheers

Falling_link

13-Aug-2003, 04:15 PM

So compared to you, starting at 17 is like a 7 year old starting to you? Ok perhaps my logic is flawed somewhere but if i started i'd be a baby compared to you... no offence your just way older than me... Your reading this and going "shut up" point taken i will

TKD

13-Aug-2003, 08:55 PM

Okay Kwan Jang, I'm jealous now, I can't believe you train with Ernie Reyes Sr. That is awesome!

chief108

14-Aug-2003, 02:04 PM

we've got a new student...
don't know her age, but she looks as ols as my mother in law...:D

but...
she's doing fine!
thought taiji without any quan would be great for her, but she's doing our normal kung fu beginners stuff and pretty fast too!

we just make it a little easier for her (no jumps, running etc., that's for the young doggies :D ) and she likes it a lot.

so...
you're never too old, just train what your body can handle

Chief108

Taeho

21-Aug-2003, 08:10 PM

I'm 34. I started TKD a year ago. NEVER underestimate an older new student. Believe me when I say that what we loose in youthful agility, we gain in shear willpower. ;)

The funny part of the age problem is that for belt the ceremony, I'm usually the only or one of 2 or 3 adults. Sometimes it feels a little strange to be towering over the kiddies...lol

TKDshane Ÿ

flyingblackbelt

05-Sep-2003, 10:08 PM

your never to old to start training, one of the blackbelts in our school didnt get his blackbelt until he was in his late 50s early 60s i believe. He also has been training in kickboxing for about 2 years i believe. I completely respect him for this, as i respect anyone who can start out at an older age and continue it.

cal_JJJ

05-Sep-2003, 10:58 PM

I started JJJ a short time after my tour of duty W/ the USNA at the age of 29, and added Aikido & Escrima to my training three years ago. I am 46yrs. young.

flashfire

09-Sep-2003, 01:09 AM

I was 34 when I started TKD (sounds young to me now!) in 1995. I came from a judo background and wasn't sure if I would fit...I was 5'9" and about 235 lbs...and was used to leverage and ground-fighting, but I was determined to succeed! I had excellent instructors who refused any less than my best, and in 1998, was afforded the honor of serving on Grandmaster H. U. Lee's staff, at the ATA championships in Little Rock, AR.

Never limit yourself because of age, or even your "perceived" abilities! I suprised myself...you can, too!

Hakko-Ryu

09-Sep-2003, 01:51 AM

Where abouts in socali are you?? I'm pretty much a native of L.A so if you're in the area I can maybe help you out with finding a school...depending on your prefence in what you would like to do also...

KickChick

16-Sep-2003, 11:40 AM

I started at 33 ... wish I started ma sooner but "back in the day" little girls were sent to ballet school.
I started my daughter in dance too unfortunately but when I started training immediately took her out at age 5 to start Tae Kwon do and we are both now mom & daughter black belts. (she's 16 now)

Thanks flyingblackbelt for not mentioning me! (I am now the oldest black belt in training besides master)

Taeho

16-Sep-2003, 12:35 PM

My daughter is 3 and in dancing. My wife and I are seriously thinking of also enrolling her in TKD when she is 4 (youngest age for cubs program). She already imitates me and my sons with cute little front kicks and "hi-yaas"...heheh

TKDshane Ÿ

WorldChampTKD

25-Nov-2003, 03:33 AM

You arent too old. Theres a guy in my class whos like 42 years old, he started pretty recently and he already rocks!

goatnipples2002

01-Dec-2003, 09:23 PM

Originally posted by steatlh-wrx
thank you very much guys. what do i want to look for in a class. are their any reputable classes in southern california.

see how often they spar, sparring really helps if you don't you might freeze in a real situation.

Look to see how often you train.

Check the class size. See if they offer 1 on 1 classes.

Check there techniques or style.

Is it for sport or self defense. (Don't do sport.)

Then check the price.

hafer34

01-Dec-2003, 10:48 PM

Thats a great age to start, just take care of yourself and body. Thats the wonderful drinking age!

Kenal0

29-Dec-2003, 06:59 PM

I started when I was 40 and I will be 43 in
a few months. My son is now 6 1/2 and my daughters are 8 and 11. All of us train and study TKD. You are never too old or young to start anything that is good for you such as TKD. It takes me a little longer than my kids to recover from sparring nights but it sure is fun. Where else can I kick, punch and break things along with getting an education. In most places I would be arrested.
Kenal0

47Ronin

30-Dec-2003, 03:56 PM

21 isn't old.

TigerAnsTKDLove

30-Dec-2003, 07:58 PM

i am 16 and i started TKD at age 15 and i thought i was way to old cuz at my school it takes 4-5 years to achieve a black belt and then i look around and theres people in there 30's or older that our yellow belt so no 21 is actually a great age! OUR GOAL IS BLACK BELT!

conor_mcshane

08-Jan-2004, 12:55 PM

age is irrelevant, as the others are saying.
You must define your goals in terms of fitness, achievement, social etc.
Only advantage that youth have is that they tend to be more flexible than others. Flexibility is very inportant in TKD. However, flebibility is not linked to age, its is linked to how often you use those particular muscle sets. Im 28 and more flexible than the average in our class. The most flexible personj in our entire class is a yellow belt former boxer, who worked his way to the splits in about a year.
Go for it!

ipscshooter

08-Jan-2004, 01:55 PM

21 is a great age to start. I wish I had.... I didn't start until I was 41. I enrolled at the same time as my 6 year old son and 13 year old stepson. My stepson and I received our black belts in December, 2002. I was 45. My son took it at the same time, but didn't perform the first of his three required breaks, so he didn't pass. He took it again in July, 2003, and really excelled on the test, earning his belt at 10 1/2. TKD is really an art for all ages... Find a good school, put in the effort, and you'll do great!

FullContactKid

09-Jan-2004, 01:39 AM

Your never too old man cmon its all mental

RickPyz

11-Jun-2004, 07:16 PM

I was promoted to first dan at age 55 and don't plan to stop training anytime soon so age shouldn't stop anyone from beginning taekwondo

KickChick

11-Jun-2004, 07:47 PM

I'm lovin' this! :D

Mind Aflame

11-Jun-2004, 08:07 PM

You can never be too old to start karate. The head of my style is in his 80s and there is noone who would try to tell him he's too old!

Derrick

14-Jun-2004, 12:59 AM

started last year at 40. Age is all in your head...and sometimes in my sore knees, and other times in my aching back, and still other times in that shooting pain through my hip....but mostly in my head!! :love:

Mrs Owt

14-Jun-2004, 02:28 AM

Started when I was 32, going to be 35 soon and no way am I too old. Sometimes I definitely feel REALLY old, like today, but I just keep going. There are definite differences in training as you age, but none of them prohibit training. It is all about adapting and using what your strengths are at your stage of development. My 38 year old hubby sparred an 18 year old last week. The 18 year old had stamina, cardio and speed over my hubby. Who won? My man! He had strength, focus and patience at his command. That 18 year old wore himself out trying to throw all the fancy high kicks and combos which my husband just stepped out of the way of. When the boy was tired the old goat stepped in and finished him off ;) . Age and experience are wonderful things. :)

bcullen

14-Jun-2004, 02:30 AM

:) Please see:http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11485 and decide for yourself.

Taekwonfox

14-Jun-2004, 10:25 AM

i am 21 years old and i would like to start training tae kwon do. is it too late to start. also what do i want to look for in a club. how do i know if the instructors really know what they are talking about. thanks

we have loads of students in our TKD club who are in there mid 20's up to last christmas we had a 40 year old and his son in our club(they moved but took up taekwon-do in their new area) , and the father and son should be getting their red belts soon, both students were fantastic and quite equal so age does'nt matter. :)