45+ and Ready to Kick Some Butt! 🥋 Which Martial Art Should I Try?

AchilleusKozmo

Hey MFP

So I'm 47 and having what I guess you could call a "martial arts midlife crisis" 😂 I keep watching action movies thinking "I could totally do that!" (spoiler alert: I probably can't... yet!)

I'm reasonably fit but definitely not 20 anymore. My shoulds remind me of this daily. I'm looking for something that's:

• Joint-friendly but still challenging
• Won't leave me feeling like I got hit by a truck
• Actually FUN (because let's be real, boring workouts don't last)

I've been eyeing Tai Chi for the zen factor, but part of me wants to learn some actual self-defense moves. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu looks amazing but also terrifying. Karate seems classic but is it too hard on older bodies?

Anyone 45+ jumped into martial arts? What worked for you? What didn't? And please tell me I'm not the only one who secretly wants to feel like a ninja! 🥷

Drop your experiences below - the good, the bad, and the "why did I think this was a good idea" moments!

nossmf

I recommend aikido. It's strictly defensive (no strikes) with lots of joint locks and a few throws, really works to improve your flexibility in the joints. Practice sessions typically involve being guided to the ground dozens of times (you practice falling in ways that do not result in injury), and believe me, after picking yourself up off the ground a few hundred times you'll feel it!

Aikido actually saved my life once, and not in the way you'd think. It wasn't a fight, but when I was mountain biking down a steep trail I hit a rock and went over the handlebars, reflexively tucking into a rolling position to absorb the impact across my entire body (just as taught in aikido). Walked away with only mild bruising, when I could easily have broken my neck.

AnnPT77

There are forms of tai chi that are martially oriented, i.e. have actual applications as part of the practice, and other forms of tai chi that are more exercise/recreational or even spiritually/meditatively oriented. (My late husband was a tai chi and kung fu instructor. I studied Chinese martial arts for around 8 years myself, including a tai chi version that was more martially oriented. I was probably around 30-something when I started.)

Aikido could be good, as Noss suggested. Judo would be another option: Teaching you how to fall is part of the instruction and practice, which could be a good thing for an aging body.

Chinese martial arts are IME somewhat less codified, don't as much have the strict style divisions that are standard in Japanese or Korean arts, don't usually have belt systems (though some Americanized systems/schools have adopted that). The Chinese government has some kind of official schools of Shaolin, Tai Chi and Wushu, but there are other traditional arts like Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Wing Chun, etc. What I studied was a somewhat blended lineage through Taiwan, where there's quite a diverse martial arts tradition, without the level of governmental control that can affect martial arts from the Chinese mainland.

AchilleusKozmo

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48663413#Comment_48663413

A martial art that saved your own life in real world events. That's amazing (GLAD YOU WALKED AWAY ALIVE) and so insightful. Aikido wasn't even on my radar.. I mean, I did pick up Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere a long time ago, but didn't get into it as much as I thought I would. But this is something to reconsider. THANKYOU for commenting with such a good idea for me to explore.

Also, I'll be sure to bother you with follow ups later. 😁

AchilleusKozmo

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48663750#Comment_48663750

Thank you SO much for this incredible insight! 🙏

I'm sorry for the loss of your husband - sounds like he had real passion for teaching. Your 8 years of experience gives me hope that starting later is totally doable!

I had no idea there were different types of Tai Chi (martial vs. meditative) - that opens up way more possibilities. And you're right about learning to fall properly - honestly sounds like a life skill I need at this age anyway! 😅

The cultural differences between Chinese vs. Japanese/Korean systems is fascinating too. You've given me so much to research and I'm feeling way more confident about getting into something. This is so DOPE!! ✨

🙇‍♂️(thank you)

mar_sbar

I did jiu jitsu for a bit a few years ago, and it was the absolute most intense workout I've ever gotten. I was 41 then, and it was good to learn a martial art, which I had never tried before. There are risks for injury (I got a few myself, but nothing serious). It will totally kick your butt, especially at first, but it's rewarding for those that stick with it.

journey2ahealthierme

I started kickboxing two years ago, aged 43. I also do Tai Chi. The boxing has gotten me in the best (fitness) shape I've ever been. Honestly, I've always been a swimmer, with occasional forays into a weight room, so completely new for me. I'm about to grade for my blue belt. I love the juxtaposition of older female priest and sweaty fighter kicking *kitten* (almost literally!) The Tai Chi really helps with joint mobility and controlled movement which complements brilliantly. Our Tai Chi instructor is teaching the mediative version but explains the martial application of each movement. Find yourself a supportive, friendly class and give it a go. (Oh, and take a sweat towel. Trust me on this!)

AchilleusKozmo

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48671605#Comment_48671605

I never thought about Tai Chi, and we’ll kick boxing is tough. I liane it. Possibly, a good option if the dojo is near by. Can’t wait to do some research and get on it.