Afraid to Start

[SilverWolf]

Hello,
I'm 13 going on 14 and I've thoguht about starting martial arts for a while. Its not because 'I saw it in a movie' or anything dumb like that, but I'm afraid to start. I don't really have any self-confidence and get pretty easily discouraged. It's kind of like I'm too old to start and I'll never be as good as the people who started much younger. Please help!

[Melanie]

Hiya SilverWolf,

You try being 26 years old and starting martial arts - like I did a while back! :)

Its never too late to start training to be honest with you. My Instructor started when he was 50 and 22 years later he's training me!

You'll find other at the class feeling similarly self conscious but once you start moving around and warming up - you have to keep your wits about you to keep up. It does feel odd doing these funny manouvers for a little while but you see every one else doing it and you feel a little less ridiculous. After a short time you'll be getting into it more I assure you.

Please don't feel nervous. Normally the most blase and over confident student (behaving like it anyway) is actually convering for how nervous they feel.

Step up to your local class and check it out. The first class is usually free and just go along in some comfortable/baggy T shirt and slacks and have a little fun. :)

All the best :)

[47Ronin]

The thing about Martial Arts is that it teaches you to have self confidence and all that. You'll see that it's all good once you join.

Go and watch a few classes at a local gym see if you look it or if you think it asks to much of you.

All in all hope you enjoy it if you do join ;)

[imawimp]

"I saw it in a movie" is as good a reason as anyother to start-

Im 37, started learning tai chi 6 months ago. 13 isn't too old to start anything.

[Shade]

Hi silverwolf,

I studied/practicd Iaido for a couple of years when I was 16, and like you was extremely nercvous about starting. I was terribly shy (even to the point where if i got on a bus i would just sit and look out the window for fear of catching anyone's eye) and kept putting off going to a class.

In the end I decided to go and went to watch a class. And everyone there was extremely friendly and laid back, which was the complete opposite of what I expected.

Anyways, after a long break, I have just started back in martial arts at the ripe old age of 34. So you are no way too old to start.

Best bet if you feel nervous (and I felt nervous even now going to my first class after all this time) is to go along and just have a look. I bet you will find that everyone in the class will be as nice as we all are on this forum!

And don't worry about not being as good as anyone else. That doesnt matter in the slightest. Just be the best you can be, for yourself.

And dont forget that every single person had their first day too, and i bet they were all as nervous as you. I know I was, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I still get nervous about things now, but so does everyone else.

Whatever you decide to do I hope it works out for you. Let us know what happens. :)

[Serpico]

Silverwolf, I just started Martial Arts in October (I'm 25 by the way). I was also very nervous when I went to my first class. Just keep in mind that all you have to do is get through that first class after that it gets easier and easier to go, eventually, instead of being nervous, you'll get excited. I promises you, that if you take MA seriously, it can make every aspect of your life better. Don't let anything hold you back from this opportunity. Here's one more suggestion, maybe get a friend or family member to join as well (if they want to). That may help you as well.

[Spikedude]

hey,


I know how u feel. I use to be that way too. very shy no self-esteem at all, but honestly martial arts can change all that for you. it did for me, in most cases they treat you there as if your family and makes it easy to do more things in the outside world other then fighting that is. b/c of the training enviorment im more easy going with talking to ppl, having fun, and control anger. so i say give it a try. you might like it u might not got nothing to lose :)

[Slayer]

I started because I wanted to better my self-discipline and inner strength. I also wanted to achieve a healthier and more skilled body style and fighting style.

In other words it's good for you.

[hongkongfuey]

I joined a Taekwondo club run by the local Ghurka regiment when I was 15. Just me, my mate and 15 Korean soldiers who spoke no english.

Man, now that seemed scary at the time, but they were a great bunch of guys - if you find a good club then it will become like a family to you.

My advice - go and try a few local clubs, see what you like. If you can get someone to chum you along then all the better.

[SilverWolf]

Thanks guys :) I feel much better about the whole thing. Now I just need to find a style I like! Thanks a ton!

[David]

When you get to a class, you'll find the reality of it a lot less intimidating than you expect.

It's like going to heaven: everyone who's already there is very happy to see that you made it too! Unlike school, the club will be attended by people who share an interest with you. ;)

Good luck,

David :)

[hafer34]

You sound a little discouraged, probably from others and movies and such. Martial arts is about improving "YOU", do not worry if you cant spar with joe smow, but instead improve yourself to where every time you spar with joe you are better. Start the martial arts and begin the lifelong process of improving yourself and making "yourself" a stronger, better person. Good luck!