I am 66 yrs old 6'2", 270 lbs, in avg shape. I would like to train in aikido or judo is that feasible?

Answer 1

You may choose whatever you like, depending on your current physical condition. Due to your height Judo would not be the absolute best for you. Aikido would be very good for your age, and it can be very relaxing as well. Karate may be your best bet, the drills of karate are calming as well as a good workout. Any martial art is great for the mind and body, you will feel younger and stronger after you get into the swing of training.

Answer 2

6'2" 270?? Definitely Judo. You're tall, but compact at that weight/height ratio. That's perfect for judo. I would not suggest an art that requires alot of dancing around because that would definitely put you at a disadvantage to someone smaller and faster. Also, Judo is practiced with resisting opponents, and actually USING what you learn. Aikido, in general, is a softer style and doesn't deal with that much force when it comes to practicing, but it's definitely alot easier on your body.

TKD or Karate...no. These arts would be hell on your joints unless you're very light or (no offense) a bit younger. A big guy like you should take something that will take advantage of your size, which is judo, or aikido if you want something a little less intense.

Answer 3

either aikido or judo would be excellent choices. Even though there is a lot of falling involved in both bujitsu, you are taught from day one how to avoid injury through proper falling technique, breakfalls and ukemi are the primary focus of judo for the first month and most clubs are good at paying attention to new people when learning and performing breakfalls. Also, in judo and aikido, nobody is going to push you but yourself, there is a bit more conditioning in judo but most of the competitive judoka do extracurricular training, aikido is not bent towards competition and will be more relaxed, but either is completely approrpriate. In my judo club there are several older gents, one newly joined this year, i would say that he is most likely late fifties early sixties and is doing fine, no injuries as of yet and says that he feels great the next morning, we are halfway through the season almost and it looks like he is going to be here for a while.
Give it a shot, you never know until you try, although i have never taken aikido, from talking to other martial artists it sounds like a great idea, also tai chi is good, i have been learning a little bit of a style called pow chui, i am not sure how it's spelled, but it's very neat, joint manipulation and redirection of force. Well that is what i have to say about that.

Answer 4

Well, I think 'bushido' & 'yup' both have good points but I still think that you should actually give both of those martial arts a try.
I'm also inclined to think that aikido might be the best bet because you will actually learn how to use your 'attackers' energy/ki against them.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'). On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

I also find the following web-site enlightening. Morihei Ueshiba was still practising his art as an 'old' man.

I wish you luck on your journey.

Answer 5

Aikido would be better for you. Age is not as much a factor as is your health; can your body take the training? It is feasible if you feel you can handle it. And most instructors can tweak a regimen to fit your needs. Chen family Taijiquan (Tai Chi), the style taught in the Shaolin temple and most often used for self defense, is also popular.

Answer 6

Both are really hard on the body when you are first learnign to fall. I would suggest Aikido if you were willing to try one, as it is less intense and non-competitive, so you tend to get less headstrong people with something to prove. I have to agree with the first post though, give karate a chance.

Answer 7

aikido and judo are both arts that focus on throws, using manipulations such as twisting joints to throw opponents and often times literally flip them. i think that training recreationally in brazillian jujitsu would be best for you because it focuses on groundfighting, which, if you train within reason and tap out when something hurts is much safer for someone your age.

Answer 8

it is possible, but at your age, the possibilities of injury is a lot greater than say if you were in your late 30's or early 40's, so I'd consult a physician first and let them know about your plans to study Martial Arts to be safe.

Answer 9

At your age, I suggest you pick an art that doesn't involve falling down. It hurts to much & for too long. Tae Kwon Do or Karate would be a better choice.

Answer 10

i have to agree with yupa on this one,but on the other hand i think whatever you decide to do your in for some pain.have a go at a couple of different styles and see how you go.
Let pain be your friend!hahaha