i'm 15, about to turn 16, and i had wanted to get a blackbelt in tae kwon do, before high school's over. im in tenth grade, and was wondering if 3 yrs is too little time to acheieve this?
2006-10-17 14:56:23 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
I'm 24 and I just started taking Tae Kwon Do lessons last year! It's never too late, especially when you're only 15. I think three years is almost enough time, assuming you stick with it and test for the next belt rank every time you are able to. Besides, if you don't make it to black belt before high school is over, you can finish your black belt in college or wherever you move to.
2006-10-17 15:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What kind of black belt? A factory black belt, which is worthless, hell no! You simply got to pay instructor enough moneys.
If you want a real black belt from a respectable Tae Kwon Do school that actually teach person real Tae Kwon Do that is effective then probably since it could take anywhere from 3 to 6 years to earn.
btw trust me on this one you don't want people at school to know you're doing martial arts otherwise there will be some idiot try to start fight with you everyday. And it doesn't even really impress anybody or get any girls.
2006-10-17 16:47:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
15/16 is a great time to get in. You are still growing. Good time to get your butt in there and learn what being limber is really about. You will learn excruciating stretching exercises that will stay with you for life. You will learn kata that will help train your muscle memory etc. Esp. when performed with a dynamic tension (that's all I do these days beside heavy bag). You may have some familiarization with meditation. You will learn to know your limits and you will learn how to tap into your inner strength if you ever need to call on it. That power is in everyone. 15 is a very good age to begin training in a hard style art.
Forget about the belt ranking. When you truly begin to grasp the discipline that is inherent in a martial art practice you will realize there is virtually no perfection to any of the most basic movements. Thus a yellow belt that trained the timing of thier reverse punch over a very long time and specified thier training on focusing just this one move for maximum power could defeat someone that just passed a bunch of tests to get a black belt.
It also depends on the system and discipline you join. But actually you will see that its all about you and your commitment to your personal excellence. Saying you want to be a blackbelt before even experiencing one class is quite a shoot. Get in the gym and get a feel for the style and know if its right for you before seriously committing to it.
A black belt is just a symbol. I'll send you one for $10. When you recieve it, it wont mean anything to you. That is the point I am trying to make. No one will ever care except the deluded what it means. What it means is a personal thing to yourself. Your knowledge and work ethic toward self mastery and occaisionally amazing yourself and pushing your limits. That is what you should seek to acheive. Being a black belt might be something some will give you for jumping through thier hoops and paying the right kind of money over time with a little certificate you can hang on a wall somewhere or put in a resume for a bouncer job someday. If so, why bother? It can even be considered a liability in some states (or so they say). If you choose to persue martial arts you must realize how committed you are willing to be to it, how far you are willing to take it, how significant you want it to be to yourself, there are no upper limits.
2006-10-17 15:26:23 · answer #3 · answered by jorluke 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nah dude your not too old, but as far as getting your Black belt BEFORE completing High School that's a bit sketchy, you might be able to do it, but it usually takes as long as 5 yrs to get a black belt.
Even WITH heavy focus on your training in both your techniques, and terminology, because by the time you reach 1st degree black belt, you should have enough knowledge to teach a class, and that takes quite a bit of time.
3 yrs is kinda pushing it, but you can always complete it if you find a place when you go off to college, if you continue your training.
Any good teacher from another school should just assess where you'll be in that 3yr time you've trained (which you'll prob'ly be at the halfway mark like green belt and finish you up from there)
but no you're not too old to take any Martial Arts classes
2006-10-18 02:36:16 · answer #4 · answered by quiksilver8676 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not too old for Tae Kwon Do....I just made 30 in September and I am a Red Belt. I have been taking it off and on for 5 years....depending on how quick your Sensei promotes...you may be able to attain a black belt in 3 years...but honestly that is not enough time to acquire discipline and skill. Most Senseis promote quickly for the money. So don't get big headed if and when you get your black belt in 3 years. You will get beat up. I've beat up a many of black belts in my days as a green and blue belt...and believe me, they were not too happy about it...but they came from a school that promotes quick.
2006-10-19 08:08:34 · answer #5 · answered by shyone911 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is never too late..it just might take a few years longer than 3 years. I too am turning 16 and I have my first degree brown belt ...I am working toward my black belt, maybe next year. I have been in karate for about 8 years. But I think if you were extremely motivated and worked really hard...you could probably do it. Even if you don't get your black belt before you graduate, it is still a great sport to get into...I would by all means join a class and enjoy it. Good luck with whatever you choose.
2006-10-19 05:15:13 · answer #6 · answered by nickollete15 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started a little over 2 years ago, I was 43, it's something I wanted to do my entire life. Just crossed the halfway point, Downhill from here (I wish and yes it's warm in my world) IF you are really dedicated you might be able to finish in 3 yrs. My master told us it would take on average a little over 4 years maybe more maybe less, depending on how much we practiced how dedicated we were etc.
So it really depends on you, how badly do you really want it? Are you willing to spend the hours everyday to practice or are you going try skate by?
2006-10-19 05:34:58 · answer #7 · answered by Richard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want a black belt, go buy one for $12.99 and save the money you'd pay for the lessons.
If you want to learn tae kwon do, sign up and attend class regulary, pay attention, and work hard.
The color of the belt around your waist is not the important thing, it's what you know.
You obviously want it as an accessory.
2006-10-17 17:01:48 · answer #8 · answered by Edward 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you well be 18. I started Tae Kwon Do when i was 5 and get my black when i was 8. I get my masters degree when i was 15.
2006-10-17 15:40:41 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
15 too old???? I was 44 when I started. I am now a 3rd degree black belt.
3 yrs is about the min in a reputable school. You will really have to commit yourself, but it van be done. Good luck.
2006-10-17 15:36:06 · answer #10 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋