Interested in martial arts?

Question

I'm 45 (male) in good shape and interested in doing some training. Mostly to stay in shape and learn something new. Any suggestions on what to start with. Karate , Judo .....?

Thanks

Answer 1

I see that your purpose is too stay in shape, so I recommend martial arts that emphasizes on striking. Well, the best to start with is Tae Kwon Do, it will make your body flexible and agile and if you start with TKD, following another MA is easy because you are already given some basic steps and strikes that are maybe similar in other MA especially Karate. TKD here I mean WTF not ITF, the ITF one is risky because when you spar, you don't use any kind protector, so when your opponent kicks you hard and beak your bones, it will take long time to heal especially since you are already 45. Boxing is also very good, it will make your upper body looks nice and you will have strong arms.

But if you want martial arts for self defense and you are willing to study it seriously, I would recommend Aikido because I see that you are 45 yrs old and in that age, your body is usually not that flexible than when you were a kid unless you are a former gymnastics champion. In Aikido, Great strength and flexibility aren't that required, also it is not too tiring nor dangerous. Aikido can also make your blood circulation better and you will be calm in handling situations. I have practiced Aikido for a month and it really makes me calmer, not easily panicked. However, your main purpose is to stay in shape, so you may get dissapointed if you practice Aikido since there are no tremendous physical conditioning.

Answer 2

Like most others have said, do some research and decide which martial art you're interested in. And visit the schools.
Generally, this is what I tell people who ask the same question:
1) First, figure out why you want to take martial arts. Since you've already given your reasons-- to stay in shape and to learn something new-- you're a step ahead of many folks who are interested in martial arts.
2) Do some research into the martial arts that are available in your area. (no point in doing research on, say, Capoeira if the nearest school is over one hour away.) Books like The Complete Idiot's Guide to Martial Arts are a great place to start.
3) Once you've narrowed your search down to a few martial arts, check out the schools in your areas. Don't just call them; go visit the schools and see if you can observe the classes. If they offer trial lessons, it would be a good idea to take those lessons. (Many schools have trial lessons for free; others might charge you a small fee-- something like $10-$30, probably.) Be ready with questions to ask the instructor. Your research ought to supply you with a few questions to ask.

Check this page out for more information: http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/commercialschools.html

That being said, I think a sports-oriented school would be a good way to go. Notable examples are Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, judo, Brazilian JiuJitsu (sp?), boxing, and sport karate. I believe those are the most popular and well-known martial arts. (Boxing isn't really considered a martial art, but it is a very popular sport.)

There is also capoeira and wushu, which are extremely demanding physically. They're not as common, and they might be more germane to a younger crowd, but if you're in good shape, you ought to be OK with those.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm 49. At your age, if you have never studied an art before, you should learn something that will develop you and NOT be a sport.

You should concentrate on life protection.

Classical Okinawan Martial Arts - Matsubayashi Ryu, which is mainly from the Tomari Village or Tomari Te.

Shorin Ryu - Ryu Kyu Kempo headed by Taika Oyata - real martial arts from the Shuri Village; Shuri Te.

Uechi Ryu from the Naha Village; Naha Te.

Goju Ryu also from Naha.

These arts were developed between mid 1700's thru late 1800-early 1900's.

In the mid to late 1300's a series of Envoys were sent to Okinawa from Fujian Province, China, in a cultural interchange. The arts that were brought were Fujian White Crane fist, Black Tiger and 18 Lohan Fist.

These arts were incorporated into the native Okinawan art called "ti", pronounced tee.

In the 1600's the Japanese invaded Okinawa and banned weapons and martial arts. The Okinawans continued to practice and created routines where they could hide the techniques they knew, so they can retain them. These are what we call today, Kata.

Also, the Chinese Internal Arts - Bagua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan and Taiji Quan.(Chen Style Taiji)

You are mature and you would appreciate the intricacies and historical value of these arts.

Answer 4

There is no "best" martial art; but rather they are all paths that ultimately lead to the same destination - an attainment of personal development and enlightenment. However, that is if you are wanting to pursue a "martial art" and not simply a system of techniques for beating up another person. If you are interested primarily in defending yourself, simply the physical aspects of learning techniques for self defense, then systems such as Krav Maga or Southern Chinese Kenpo or perhaps Mixed Martial Arts will help you as they are all highly developed systems of self defense and there are many competent instructors throughout the world; you simply need to visit them and find the system and teacher that fits your needs and personal abilities. However, if you are interested in finding a lifelong path that will give you a way of attaining personal harmony, spiritual development (by this I mean a deeper understanding of your own relationship with whatever you define as "divine" or universal, not any specific religious application), as well as physical health and well being and the ability to defend yourself if the extreme need arises, then I would suggest a more traditional "art" and teacher. There are many good systems from around the world that can help you achieve this goal. It is a journey that will take you through a great deal of self discovery. The first step is to find that teacher that you can connect with and learn from. As you grow, your further path will become revealed to you; for we are all different and walk different ways.

Answer 5

If you're not actually interested in a particular style then I would suggest visit a few (a lot depending on your determination) schools that are available within your immediate area. Ask the instructor/master if you could visit and also if there's a trial session/training available. Meet the people in person, and see if you can get a few minutes of attention.
To stay in shape and learn new would require a school that is fun to train in and an instructor/master who pays attention to students.
Before commercial martial arts they said that it is the style that chooses you and not the other way around.

So to cut it short: browse around in schools that are available, and see if there's a place/people you like.

Answer 6

The best thing to do is go vist some differnt schools. Talk to the instructors, most will let you try one class. but even if you do not get to you ussuallly be able to watch one. Get a feel for the differnt types and see what fits you best. I have been in Karate for several years and love it. I am an instructor and really enjoy new students of all ages. but i know that you not only have to like the style you also have to enjoy the school.
Every school is differnt even with the same style so take your time and find what you like. So you will stay with it for years to come. And remeber have fun.

Answer 7

well its good that you say you are in shape at 45 good for you. Well, I will say sins you are in shape already you should join Muay Thai ( Thailand Kickboxing ) I have been in a number of Martial Arts and Muay Thai Kickboxing puts me in the best shape I have EVER been in. Rock abs, Cardio to the roof, you learn very use full moves. "Art Of 8 Limbs" Look it up on the internet, look up Muay Thai and Art Of 8 Limbs. Go on Youtube.com Good luck my friend

Answer 8

Ew. Please don't do Tae Kwan Do. Or karate, for that matter. They are useless in the street and not nearly as fun as other styles. I recommend Judo or Sambo if you are interested in throws and takedowns, Muay Thai Kickboxing if you are interested in becoming a brutal striker, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu if you are interested in ground work and submissions, and Krav Maga if you are interested in self-defense. As far as staying in shape goes, the best of the aforementioned styles are Muay Thai and BJJ. And, of course, MMA.

Answer 9

ive been in the mma game for 17 years as a trainer and fighter i still fight at 33 so heres what i say start boxing then wrestling its mixed martial arts for the age .jesse bridges