Is it impossible to become good at a martial art if you didn't start at, like, 6?

Question

I use to practice Tai Kwon Do, when i was like 10. I did it for about 2 years, but ended up quitting. I'm now 16, and ma considering taking up Taijutsu. Is completely impossible for me ever to become good at it? I hear u gotta start these thinsg when ur really young.

Answer 1

I think it depends on what you really want to do with that martial art. If you want to be Grandmaster of style XYZ, you may be "old" but I don't think too old. Most of the Grandmasters started learning when they were 5-6 years old..If you want to learn an art for UFC tournaments, you should lean towards JuJitsu or Muay Thai because you'll learn to defend yourself quicker.

For me, I like Kung Fu because of the traditional and cultural aspects. I have no aspirations on being UFC champion nor do I want to be a Grandmaster. Unfortunately, Kung Fu takes years to master but I love it for the journey. In the four months I've taken Kung Fu, I've lost 16 lbs and feel great. I'm 40 years old and just started so it's never too late to start and be good at a martial art. My ambition is to be more physically fit, self-defense and Lion dancing. Those may not fit with your expectations.

Secondly, you only get out what you put in. If all you're doing is going to class maybe 2 times a week, then you should be doing some homework during the off days in order to be more proficient in your art. Don't know what your schedule is like but at 16 years old, you have more time than me who has a full-time job and kids to take care of. Use that time to devote yourself to the art and you'll see great results.

Thirdly, although you were 10 years old when you took TKD, you should ask yourself why you decided to quit. You don't want to make the same mistake with this new art.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

If You are serious about starting again, you've that much up on other new students. But this time you should be able to better understand the importance of what your doing. You just have to learn how your older body moves and works. There is no time limit or race to get to the black belt. Anyone who studies martial arts knows that once you earn your black belt, it is then that you become a student of the martial arts...everything before that was practice! Good luck.

Answer 3

Nah, you'll be fine.

I personally started at 6, so it's ironic that I'm answering this from the other perspective.

But I didn't start training in Bujinkan Taijutsu until I was 20....and had to re-learn EVERYTHING that I had embedded in my muscle-responses for over 16 years....

you're probably at an advantage coming in fresh.

I had to go from being overly stylized, to being much more natural in my movements like Taijutsu teaches.

Being brand new if you will....you'll just have to train the unnatural ways western culture's taught you how to move...you won't have to re-train years of other MA training.

have fun!

Ryan

Answer 4

Its very possible, just make sure you get some one good to teach you . Alot of the martial arts schools now really suck and only train for tournaments not for real fighting. Also if the teacher does not seem to know everything or like taking short cuts, that school sucks.

Its pissible to still be good. You'll have to work harder to catch up but its possible.

Also dont fall into that "believe in your self" crap. Every one has limitation. You have to know your limitations if you ever want to pass them.

Answer 5

You can start at almost any age and achieve a certain level of proficiency with hard work and comittment. I started when I was
32 in Tai Kwon Do and achieved my black belt. I have competed
in tournements and won so it all depends on the individual, what they want and how hard they are willing to work to achieve their goal.

Answer 6

You may have heard of a certain UFC Middle Weight Champion by the name of Rich Franklin and he didnt start taking Ju Jitsu until 19 or 20

Answer 7

No!! Martial artist Shin Koyamada started taking martial arts at age 16 or 18 and now he has two black belts! you don't really have to start when you're young, just train plenty and work very hard. who knows? maybe you'll be famous someday for your Taijutsu. i wish u the best of luck!!

Answer 8

age is not an issue...i have head of people even in their 60's or even older beginning and becoming qreatly skilled. it is simply a matter how much effort the person is willing to put in. If one had to start that young I wouldn't ahve had most of the students I have had over the last 30 years.

Answer 9

if youy started now and trained hard, you can become proficient at it, but you've got to stick with it, I started when I was 12, and have been doing it for the better part of 15 yrs now.

So it is possible to do well in any martial art as long as you train hard and as often as possible, and who knows what might happen from there

Answer 10

You will be as good as you want to be. You will progress according to your passion, dedication and discipline. Are you in good shape, do you work out, do you do daily stretches? Keep a good diet? How dedicated are you? Do you have the tenacity to push YOURSELF harder than the next guy? How disciplined ARE you? How good is your instructor (knowledgeable, good at TEACHING, not showing off)?

My nephew is a trauma surgeon and he started taking Jujitsu in his late 30s, and he was a bit overweight... (still is) and he is now a Black Belt, 2nd Degree.