New to MA

[Lt-DC]

Hey everyone, 1st post here. I have just started training in MA and will admit I feel a bit awkward in class where parents are watching their teenage kids practice (adult classes are from age 15 and up) and I am the oldest student there with a white belt being 34 years old. I definately consider my self in decent shape and I have more strength and endurance than these kids but let me tell you....flexiblity is an issue which I am working on. I know that most people will say age doesn't matter, but attempting cartwheels with high school cheerleaders in my class is a bit humbling. Basically, I am looking for any advice from older rookies who have been there. Thanks

[munchkin]

I started at 32 so I was in the same boat. At least you say you were in decent shape - I hadn't done anything since I had had my last baby 8 years previously!!Can you say marshmallow? Just stick with it. Trust me, proud parents only have eyes for their kids they aren't comparing you. Train for yourself, most people, especially during kata, are concentrating so hard they won't notice if you are standing on your hands. Best advice, hang in there and don't give up. (why are you doing cartwheels in a MA class?)

[alie_abeth]

I have no advice on your subject except to say, one can feel anything without allowing himself to first. So if I were you, I'd walk into that class with my head held high and do the splits like nobody's business. Literally.
peace out,
alie abeth

[Andy Murray]

Originally posted by Lt-DC
I know that most people will say age doesn't matter, but attempting cartwheels with high school cheerleaders in my class is a bit humbling.

I'd say having High School cheerleaders in your class is 'everything' mate. :D

Welcome to the forum, plenty of us old folks here, pull up yer rocking chair. ;)

[Kinjiro Tsukasa]

Listen to what munchkin said. I know this feeling, being in a similar boat (only I'm older than 34 and not in such great shape yet!) We do cartwheels as part of our ukemi, and people just do the best they can with them. Some students do them beautifully; others can barely get their legs off the ground. Nobody laughs at anyone, though. All of the talented, advanced students were once awkward beginners, so they understand (and by the way, some of those advanced students are really good fighters, but still not so great with cartwheels, so just aim for your own personal best!)

[Thomas]

I am 32 and love the martial arts. There are some things that my body doesn't want me to do but I either do it anyway or, more importantly, know when to modify or not do something that could hurt me (e.g. my last attempt at a series of cartwheels ended me up with some superior pain killers and a few days off TKD!... no more cartwheels for me.).

Work hard and do your best. Believe it or not, many instructors really appreciate the maturity and (training) work ethic of a mature student. At our school, we have students ranging in age from 17 to 51 (or more... she won't say for sure!). Eventually your body will (re)gain flexibility and strength and you will be doing as much as the younger students (or at least close to it.)

[Freeform]

Welcome to the forum guys! :D

I wish I had cheerleaders in some of my classes :(

Col