I'm Starting Karate? plz help!?

Question

I'm 14 and I'm going to be starting karate soon. I'm so nervous that I'm going to look so stupid compared to the little kids who are already awesome. I don't really know how things work around there and I'm positive that I'm going to screw up my first day. Any tips for basically anything relating to karate or how to get over my nerves?

Answer 1

First off, take it easy. Enjoy your self. You are a beginner. Don't expect to to be the Karate kid and know it all in just a couple of lessons. It takes years and years to become truly good at the martial arts let alone mastering them. Remember, every one in your class started out as a white belt ( including your instructor ). Have lots of fun with your fellow students.
Oh yea, take it easy on that knee of yours. ( I answered your knee question ) My wife says good for you for trying karate. She starts back in class tomorrow after about 4 months off for having our second child. She always likes to take the young s in class under her wings and gives them extra encouragement. If you can talk to some of the women in your class to see how they felt when they started. I bet you find that they felt a lot like you do.

Have fun and congratulations.





Hey,, sorry about that there Karate Kid. I meant the movie and not you. lol

Answer 2

Try to remember that everyone started as a white belt; even old warriors like myself. You are fourteen and its natural for you to be a little nervous about starting something that you know little about or can do. Someone has already said it-try to relax and enjoy yourself but be attentive and try to do your best. Some things that look easy you will find hard to do at first and some you may find that you can not do very well at all. Keep a good positive attitude and eventually you will be able to do it just like those little kids-they just have the benefit of starting earlier than you. Enjoy!

Answer 3

The little kids may have been doing it for years, and you even have new adults doing krotty, and may look stupid themselves. the best advice is to focus on your form, and dont think so much of what other people are thinking. and most of the other karate-ers would know how you feel. i'm 16. and ive been doing muay thai for 2 months on and off, and we always get new older guys that are like in their 20's 30's and might feel the same, especially when theres 30 other guys that are buff and bulky [does not include me] that make them feel the same as you do, but after a few days they get the hang of it and have confidence because they know nobody would be a dick to make fun of them, because everyone goes through the begining phase, i mean every baby who has tried to walk falls..

Answer 4

Relax, remember to breath, and just enjoy the experience!

All schools are used to new students coming through who vary widely in skill level, knowledge, and ability. The whole purpose of beginner classes is to make you feel welcome, comfortable, encouraged, and positive about your experience - so the school and the instructors will be doing all they can to help you out when you first join.

Everyone feels a bit uncomfortable and embarassed at first until they get to know their fellow students and instructors a little more. Just do what you can, expect to make mistakes as we all do, and try ro realx and enjoy yourself.

I'm sure that before you realize it, you'll be testing for your first belt with a new group of friends and you'll be having a blast.

Good Luck

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 5

First off, what style are you studying? There's alot types of karate. I started kenpo about your age, and most kids weren't "awesome," they were good, yes, but not true masters.
Also, if your studying kenpo like I did, teens normally study with adults, and not kids. But the best advice is to relax, be calm and be yourself. Your instructor will take you through all the neccesary steps. If you feel truly uncomfortable, or the other students bother you, talk to your instructor. If he dosent listen, then you should find someplace else. Also, most schools will let you observe a class, and take one for free.

Answer 6

Don't be worried. If you're in a begginers class(which I assume you are) the other people in your class will look just as silly maybe a little more so. The trick is to not dwell on not doing something perfectly. If you mess up get back up again and do the move until you perfect it. The sensei is there to help you and they won't make you feel stupid. You'll do great!

Answer 7

Don't worry. Nobody is going to expect you know to know anything at all. You're a complete beginner and that's how you're going to be treated. I've never seen beginners being treated with anything but the respect they deserve as persons. Nothing is going to be expected of you on your first day but to listen and maybe some simple exercises that will start you off on your way to learning.
Remember: Everybody there started out as a complete beginner too, including the instructor.

Answer 8

Oh don't worry. It's put into age groups. Majority of the times. No sweat. Just practice punching punching bags or something. You'll need the strength. Have your friend enroll in the classes too. You'll feel less nervous. Increasing your stamina and strength will help so do it.

Answer 9

i've been in karate since I was 13 i'm fifteen now the marshal arts dojo i attend they try and weave people out by giving hard work out the every time they have a new student but they ease up later they just want to see if your cut out for it

Answer 10

yeah the best thing i found is to study what u learned at your club at home only for 2--30 mins but thats all it takes of daily ma training combined with what u do at the club to really get a grip on the stuff u r learning