I would love to do a martial art but at age 40 I am worried that I won't be taken seriously. I'm physically fit - well in a normal 9-5 office worker way and not as supple or quick in reflexes compared to being younger.
2007-10-02 10:45:15 · 35 answers · asked by t_v_r 1 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
It's never too late. If you want to do this, now's the time.
Next year you'll be 41 no matter what. Now, would you rather be 41 with a year of karate experience, or 41 and still wondering whether you should do this?
2007-10-02 11:02:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Careful now-I am sensitive about the age thing there myself. NOT! Of course you can start-40 is the new 30 as is 50 being the new 40. You do have to take a realistic and gradual approach to things though-especially if you have not been very active or working out for some time. Look for a school and instructor that has middle age and older type students as well as some of the younger, testosterone filled ones. That is usually a pretty good indication that the instructor can switch gears in teaching, coaching and developing older type students like yourself at the same time as working with younger ones. The advantage there is that they tend to also be more accommodating and as your skill, knowledge, flexibility, and physical condition improves so will his expectations and approach with you.
Not only that but as those skills and attributes increase you will have other younger type students to work out with that probably will help push and motivate you to more easily reach your full potential. Instructors that have that type of program and student base tend to have programs that would probably best suit you. So shop the instructor and school-not so much the style and enjoy!
2007-10-03 01:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by samuraiwarrior_98 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely yes.
You will find that a lot of people your / my age start up or restart after a 20 year break when they first take their kids along to a class and then it spurs them to go along to an adult class. Thats what happened to me and there are two other men my age at my judo club.
Why not just go along and have a look at the student makeup of a few of the clubs local to you. It will be easy to see with a quick peek in the door 30 mins after the class has started the breath of ages and grades in the hall / dojo. If it looks Ok then have a chat or turn up next week
There are many competitions just for vets (35+) and masters (45+) and lots of publications advising specifically for the over 40s such as, " Martial Arts after 40"
Go on. You will enjoy it and you are as young as you feel!
2007-10-06 06:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Fram464 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are NEVER too old, too unfit, too small, too anything to begin your martial arts journey. The journey is a mental, spiritual, and physical one that should become a lifestyle, not merely a passtime.
I've welcomed many 30's, 40's, 50's, and quite a few 60 year olds to the many clubs I've worked with or taught at. The oldest person I was happy to sit on a black belt testing panel was 73 I believe, earning his 1st Degree black belt in TaeKwon-Do. At the moment in my association, 35% of my new students are in theri 40's and taking up the martial arts for the first time.
Go for it. If you find a quality instructor and a good school, it will be a life changing and amazingly rewarding endeavor.
Good luck to you
Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do
2007-10-04 07:39:18 · answer #4 · answered by Ken C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can do it! My mom recently received her black belt. She has been studying for a little over two years. The only thing that she didn't do as well as some one half her age is sparring. Part of that is do to the fact that she doesn't like sparring. And by the way, she is 53.
Most Martial Arts instructors love to have adults in there class because when you show up he will not be wondering if mama made you come. You are there because you want to be and that means you are ready to learn.
Go get em!
2007-10-02 18:33:37 · answer #5 · answered by dogpreacher@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you should! I didn't start until I was 30 & I'm 51 now.
Check out different schools in your area & observe a class. If the instructor doesn't allow potential students to sit in on a class find another school, that one probably isn't reputable.You'll be so surprised at how much more you're going to learn then just blocking, punching & kicking. It's great for honing coordination, leadership skills, patience, self discipline & much more. I don't spend my days jumping in to save helpless old ladies from becoming mugging victims at the hands of street thugs, but I use what I've learned in the arts every day of my life. Signing up for Tae Kwon Do was one of the most life changing & best decisions I've ever made. GO for it!!
2007-10-02 15:33:17 · answer #6 · answered by lady3kgt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can.
I'm an Instructor and my students ages range from 6 to 62
The only thing that will hold you back is the idea that you think you're too old.
The martial arts will help you recapture your suppleness and increase your fitness levels.
As someone once said
"Every journey begins with a single step"
I hope that you do decide to take up one of the martial arts and I wish you the very best of luck.
2007-10-03 19:59:23 · answer #7 · answered by spinal_tap71 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will say, do what makes YOU happy my friend don't worry about people thinking your silly and what not. You train your body, mind, and Hart that's what its all about if you think you would like to take a Martial Art at 40 then, why not right ! ? ! :) just because you haven't been doing it your hole life doesn't mean you wont be excepted into the school. Trust me Real Martial Art Schools will love to see you out there giving your all and learning and caring for yourself, Dojo, and Art. Good luck my friend, and Good Day :)
2007-10-04 12:49:20 · answer #8 · answered by MuayThaiDale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no age limit to start at I have taught many classes and have had many men and women alike come in and have had the same question so don't think your alone in that. I always told them to tryout a free class or two and see if it is for you. As well as you should ask questions and don't feel dumb or that they won't take you seriously you will see they might take it the other way and work with you. Believe me it is worth it to start especially if it is something your into.
Well hope that helps Good Luck in your choice.
2007-10-02 18:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by shotokantiger71 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Particularly these arts -- like karate -- are not sciences. They are arts. There is nowhere really to learn them -- one has to imbibe the spirit. They cannot be taught -- they can only be caught. So you simply start working with people, and forget... don't be self-conscious about it. Whatsoever you are doing, if you love, it is perfect. Be devoted to it, be loving to it, and then you will find new things are happening on their own accord. You will be surprised every day that things are coming up in you that you were never aware could even exist in you.
2007-10-06 05:02:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋