I'm 31, female, twenty pounds over my ideal weight. I want to take tae kwon do, is this a good idea?

Question

I think that it is a very elegant sport, and I am flexible, but out of shape. I will be committed to it - I'm just wondering if I am too old, or if any other person has had a similar experience. Any suggestions about how to get started?

Answer 1

My advice is take taichi instate!!!

Answer 2

When I started taking TKD 3 years ago I was 32, overweight (probably by 30lbs), female (well, I'm still female ;) ),and had no idea what I was getting into. It was and is absolutely the smartest thing I've ever done healthwise. At first I was sucking wind like there was no tomorrow but I kept going and eventually there was a day when I left class and realized that at no point did I feel like I was going to keel over. Since then things have been getting better and better and soon I will be preparing for my black belt test.

So, what I'm saying it don't listen to anyone telling you that you should get in shape first. Go, join, and get as much out of it as possible. Make sure you have an instructor that is dedicated to teaching and not just running a business.

Also, in the interest of full discosure I have lost some of the weight but not all. While I am far more active and fit than I was when I started I still loooove to eat, what can I say? I'm still bigger than I should be but as long as I can still crank out 100 pushups and 200 crunches every day, I'm happy. :)

Answer 3

Look up the various styles like Olympic and Combative. I suggest making sure that your teacher also teaches Hapkido if your intention is a street worthy style. Hapkido is Tae Kwon Do as is Tang Soo Do( Korean melted down Hwrang Do from the ancient Hwrang Warriors ) just with alot more pizzaz as to hand manipulations- throws etc.
Olympic style is a great way to get and stay fit. I love the stuff, but never did it.
Also look up Hwrang Do, ( the tradition of the Hwrang Warriors has been handed down for over 58 generations now in Korea ) it will inform you about alot of Korean Martial Art history. A great TKD teacher who had a semi successful UFC fighter is Grand Master Tiger Yang and his style ( he created ) is known as Moo Yea Do.

Answer 4

I think it is a great start. The TKD might not bring the pounds off by itself, but I am sure that it will help motivate you to eat right and begin a more disciplined life style.

Several people come to our do jang for the same reasons. I have seen a lot of successes and a few failures. Like anything else, you only get out what you put in.

The TKD program should help you start the process. You will use muscles you didn't know you had. As you get closer to advancement your fitness level should advance too. By your second belt test, you should see a marked improvement in your fitness level and your weight (if you diet correctly).

Answer 5

TKD is not an effective way to lose weight. It will help with balance and give you something to do. I would strongly suggest Krav Maga. Find a good cardio program and stick with that for a little while and then move into a more realistic based self defense. Don't fall into the TKD, Kartate trap of learning Katas and unrealistic moves that will only get you hurt on the street. I know this will tic off TKD and Karate guys, but thats the way it is.

Answer 6

I received my first Dan before I turned 40, lost over twenty pounds and practice with many women and men of various body types. All see a remarkable improvement in flexibility, strength and improvement in attitude. Just remember the the color of the belt is not that important it is the journey to get there. Good luck God Bless

Answer 7

Absolutely! It is a great idea. Taekwondo is a sport for any age and is a great way to get exercise. Trust me I would know because i am a black belt in taekwnod and took it for about five years. I know people who started taekwondo when they were over 40+ years old. Don't worry if you think you are out of shape you'll get the hang of it in no time! Good Luck!

Answer 8

If you train regularly, you will control your weight, develop muscle tone, and make a lot of new friends.

I am a 61 year old male. I just started taking karate classes. My family doctor recommended that I join a gym. However, I am the kind of person who needs a structured exercise environment. I am getting a good physical workout. It kind of makes me realize how old I am. Yes, I am the oldest person in the class. People are encouraging me to come on a regular basis, and everybody seems to know my name. I guess it is easy because I am the guy with all the white hair.

My physician thinks it is a good idea to do the physical training involved in martial arts. The master of the karate school is understanding, and he also knows that I will try to push myself. People in my classes are supportive.

I am doing tai chi ch'uan on off days.

Answer 9

Yes!!!
Im also 31 and have a month doing Kung-fu!!!
It is great, at first you will not lose the pounds (plus 20lb is nothing), because you start building up muscle, then you do.
It is so much fun, you will feel great.
Oh, don´t over do it the first week, it is kind of intense, tell the trainer/teacher you want to start slowly.
Yeii, good luck!!!

Answer 10

Excellent idea. Your in not that bad a shape. You will get fit in no time with the class and practice.
try to find a Korean instructor, not being biased, but they did invent the sport.

Answer 11

Yes! It will be difficult at first, but remember that perfection is not expected in the beginning. It will motivate you to lose the weight (I lost 40!) and give you self pride without arrogance. It is a wonderful art!