I'm 24 but I would like to learn a martial art. Is it too late for me to start and actually become any good?

Question

I've been wanting to learn a martial art since I was very young, however my parents couldn't afford classes. I'm 24 now and trying to get back into shape. I know there's women's self defence classes and all, but I want study an actual marital art, not just learn a few moves. I'm a bit worried because I'm not as fit or as flexible as I once was, but I'm willing to work to regain those things.

Answer 1

It is never too late, I started when I was 25. It is great exercise. You should check out a few different dojo's and find which is best for you but remember you can learn something from each style out there. You don't have to limit yourself to just one either. You will become more fit and flexible the more you do it. Most places will allow you to come once or twice free of charge to "try out" the class.

Kudos to you for wanting to become more fit and wanting to learn how to handle your own.

Answer 2

it's never ever ever too late to get started in martial arts.

one of the greatest thing about the arts is that you don't need to be super flexible to be good. but i'm sure with time, patience and perserverance you will definitely become more flexible than you are now.

you say you've always wanted to start. well if you start now, then by the time you are 40 (which as you know will creep up on you pretty quickly) you will have been studying for 16 years and that's awesome!. but if you put it off or don't do it because you feel you won't be good or won't become more flexible, at age 40 you'll be wondering "what if?" and that's not a fun place to be at.

don't sweat it if you don't become flexible rubber woman right away, don't sweat it if you don't pick up techniques super fast. let go of your expectations and just enjoy doing it. you're never to old to start.

best of luck to you and your martial art future!

Answer 3

I see this question a lot here. My answer is always the same. I started Tae Kwon Do 15 years ago at age 44. I'm now a 3rd degree black belt. You have plenty of time to get very very good. You are probably not only a lot more flexible than I was when I started but more flexible than I am now. I have a friend who is a 5th degree black belt who is even less flexible than I am. You can succeed without being able to do high kicks. At your age, you will be able to gain a lot of flexibility.

You are right about not wanting those woman's self defense classes. It's much better to commit to training for a long time.

Find a good school & good luck.

Answer 4

No way! I'm 21 and I've been in some form of Martial Arts since i was 6. I've been a teacher for 8 years now and I have students that start out in their 40's and they are really good. As far as the flexiblity goes, your muscles may be stiff now but if you just take it slow and dont push yourself and you'll notice that you'll become more flexable as the days goes on if you try to stretch ever day....
piece of advice... stretch every time before you work out, you dont want to hurt anything important! Good Luck, I love it!

Answer 5

Yes Absolutely, I know people in their late 30's, 40's, 50's and up that have studied Martial Arts and have done quite well for themselves.

speed, power, agility, balance, flexibility; these are all atributes that can only be improved upon by training; so don't worry about that. you'll do fine once you get going, it's just about sticking with it and not getting discouraged when it get's rough.

If you have a good training ethic, then you'll improve them and become a better martial artist, if you have a poor or laxed training ethic, then you won't be a very good martial artist and have learned very little.

Answer 6

You should start studying a martial art if you are interested. One of my classmates started at 53. It took him a year, but he eventually was able to kick me in the head. Patience and practice at a good school will help you get what you want from martial arts. Finding a school that fits you is the most important part. If you rush into the first school you find, you may end up disappointed or discouraged. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 7

your never to old. I started when I was 13 but had to get out when i was 19 because I was in the Army and moved way to much. Started back up at 28 a few years before I got out of the Army. I am 30 now and I am in better shape now then I was in those years I didn't take anything

Answer 8

It is never to late and if you don't mind me putting in a good word...Please check out the Art called Kenpo, it is a GREAT! self defense Martial Art. Check it out online and watch some of those technique video demo clips. If by chance there is a School in your area go and watch some of the classes and ask questions.

Good luck, and don't give up.

Answer 9

It is never too late to learn anything.
Martial Arts should be an endless path. So you should have fun.
Make sure you dabble in a little bit of everything as you walk this path.
Of couse as a starter, learn a certain discipline/style.
Then move from there...Whatever age you might be...you will be able to learn in time what works for you.

Answer 10

No, it is never too late to learn. You don't have to be limber or flexible when you go in, when I first went in I wasn't very flexible myself, but the instructor fixed that, when we would be doing the splits warming up for everything else, he would come and push my feet out further and further everytime, and now I am really flexible, so don't worry too much about that. As long as you're willing to work at it, that's all you need. So goodluck with it man.