My kids' taekwondo instructor is starting a family class and would like me to try it out. Do adults get much out of class? Are there any benefits really? Is it possible to be too old for a martial arts class??
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2006-12-20 12:10:05 · 18 answers · asked by ♥ ☆ StarLiteGrl~98☼1 ☆ ♥ 7 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
It shows your children that you are interested in what they are doing. Martial arts training helps keep the body young by exercise and movement you don't usually get, not to mention stretching( very important!). TKD is however one of the martial arts that really becomes harder to practice as you age, and for that the skills learned in their classes are not nearly as applicable to real life as a more conservative karate system like Uechi Ryu or even Jiu Jitsu.
2006-12-24 02:47:32 · answer #1 · answered by Will 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No such thing as being too old for a Martial Art. I think the only exception to that is Wrestling (off topic). Anyway, there are many benefits: Fit body, Aesthetic ability, heightened Self-Esteem. I've read a book from a guy (Doug Werner. I'm sorry for being a bit casual with your name if you read this...) who started Fencing at 40 something. (Don't be mistaken, Fencing isn't a light sport either. Just less mentioned and more brains than brawn) It was rough at first but he made it at the end.
Ip Chun, co-author of "Wing Chun", is the Grandmaster of the sport and he's 70. Though he started a bit early, at 70 he acts as young as he feels, and by the way he wrote in the book he's pretty young (not immature young, as in Physically healthy). So yes, lots of benefits. Tae Kwon Do is just the same (lots of kicking, a little Punching, though).
Anyway, trust me, go ahead and try it.
2006-12-20 12:49:06 · answer #2 · answered by lilasdinh 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any martial art can be good for you. However choosing a martial art that best suits you can be difficult. One style does not fit all. Research the school near you. Talk with the lead instructor and then the students. You will know weather that style will allow you to progress. It's never to late to learn, because the body never stops "growing". There is always room for improvement. There are many benefits in the martial arts world. I believe the greatest one is self discovery. Knowing what your capable of doing.
2006-12-21 02:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by Isshinryu_kid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An adult in reasonably good condition can expect to have better flexibility throughout life as a martial arts practitioner.
This also helps the heart, keeps the weight down and is great to prevent stress.
If tae kwon do is too strenuous, try a class with tai chi 'chuan. its great for stretching and flexibility without undue stress on an older body.
I hope your teacher has methods to teach stretching and flexibility before the classes begin in earnest.
Tae Kwon Do is a very physical art and can cause pulled muscles and the like if you are not ready for it by stretching and relaxing.
Good luck.
2006-12-20 12:24:48 · answer #4 · answered by vgordon_90 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't start training in judo until I was 24. I'm now 32, and still love it. We have a lot of people who start older than me, and they love it, too. Some of the benefits are: increased flexibility, less back pain (due to stretching and well rounded exercise), increased confidence, and of course, the physical benefits of exercise. The best thing is, you have FUN!!!
No matter how old you are, you will see benefits from quality martial arts training.
2006-12-26 08:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by Lt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the martial art you're about to take is adult oriented. Most Taekwondo programs are for children. Compare adult vs. child ratio at the school. If there are more children than adults the program is designed for children. Research the instructor and school before signing up. And whatever you do do not sign a contract!
2006-12-20 12:24:43 · answer #6 · answered by cospgscsc 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are never too old for martial arts. My sifu is 60, we began training a woman in her 70's in Kung Fu San Soo. Obviously, she couldn't do the rolls or take downs, so we concentrated on teaching her how to punch, block, and evade. She'll never be a great fighter, but I'll tell you what, at the end of three months, her balance was better than it had been for the better part of a decade.
2006-12-21 12:19:03 · answer #7 · answered by Tim D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you can move freely without pain you are not too old. Many benefits may come from practicing Martial Arts. One is physical fitness from the rigorous training. Another is self confidence that if attack you may launch a counter that your attacker may not expect giving you time to make a hasty escape. The ultimate goal you may obtain is spiritual fulfillment though I doubt if you will be able to cultivate this goal through the studying of Taekwon Do.
LR
http://www.pacificwingchunassociation.com
2006-12-20 13:31:58 · answer #8 · answered by sapboi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are never too old for martial arts. I know I work out with a Seventy year old man in my kung fu class. Martial arts can really help adults because they are a great source of excercise and also because it helps your kids with their confidence to see their parents doing something they do.
2006-12-20 15:48:40 · answer #9 · answered by .......... 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are young enough to have young children, you are definitely young enough for Tae Kwon Do.
I started at age 44. 15 yrs later I am a 3rd degree black belt & still going. I started with my older son & found it to be a great experience. It's the only physical activity parents & kids can do together. I wanted to play pee wee basketball with them, but they wouldn't let me. I really like that low basket. TKD can be a great bonding activity.
It is also the best stress reliever I know. Where else can you kick, punch & scream at the top of your lungs & nobody will get upset.
TKD also provides good all around excercise, improving muscle tone, balance & flexibility.
Don't just stand there, get started! :)
2006-12-20 12:32:09 · answer #10 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋