Any martial arts people?

AverageAngel

Hey guys..
I am tossing around the idea of joining a martial arts (Taekwondo) class. I am 30. I have no previous training. I emailed the business about schedule and costs, to see if it works with my full time job schedule, and can afford the commute (30 minute drive) in addition to class costs. . . But, I really want to hear from others that may have gotten a 'late in life' start with martial arts.

pros/cons

Did you stick with it?

What was the biggest challenge/ biggest reward?

What should I be prepared for?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, and time!

grover0ca

I started TKD at 37..so yeah..a little later in life
I have stuck with it..I love it..I am at classes 6x a week. I don't see leaving anytime soon, it is very challenging, alot of fun, the time flies by, I love sparring & the training that goes along with that.
I was out of shape (total couch potato) when I started, I could barely walk the next day..but I took a day off and went back. Prepare to use muscles that you haven't used before. Prepare to be sore. Same thing as with any new exercise! Prepare for some traditions to be honored (bowing when you enter the dojang, bowing to black belts etc..but don't worry-they will tell you what to do). Prepare to be hit..it's alright..you'll survive and soon you will be hitting other people too

Our school has a great group of people..we get to know each other..go to tournaments, have picnics etc. Makes for a fun atmosphere!

chandjm

I started training in Tang So Do when I was 35 with my 8 year old son. We got our black belts together. I am 43 and now a second degree. I cant think of anything i've ever done thats had a greater impact on my life than martial arts. At first you train your body then you begin to train your mind. You will become a better person. It's a long hard road to follow but well worth it. Good luck

atsteele

I'm 46yo this year. I started Tae Kwon Do 3-1/2 years ago. Go for it!! You'll never know what you can achieve until you give it a go!!

Did I stick with it? Yep. Still going strong.

Biggest challenge? Probably jumping and twisting without getting hurt. Biggest reward? Ability to defend myself, if need be. Great exercise. More rounded athlete. I love the challenge.

What should you be prepared for? Be careful about what instructor/school you join. Make sure that you feel comfortable there. If not, find another school.

cHaRlIe0411

Taekwondo is plain awesome. I've been doing it for a semester now (I had done 4 years of karate 5 years before this, but it's really not the same). Depending on your teacher, expect high intensity cardio and stretching- that's to get you in shape for the actual martial art. Lots of kicking, fast moving, but a lot of fun. It lets out stress. It's hard on the body if you get good teachers, but it feels good, and you'll be proud of what you'll be able to do!

Tat2dDom0105

I too am currently practicing TKD, and have been doing so for almost a year and a half. My 12 yr old son is going on his second year of training as well. I will say it is a great art to take up, especially the sparring aspect of it. That is where you really work up a sweat. But also, there are the forms (poomsae), and self-defense which are fun IMO. The one thing i would do first (if you haven't yet) is to take a trial class and see if you like it. Good luck!

KyleB65

I study Jeet Kune Do and I studied Capoeira for over 4 years.

I say that if you have the time and can afford the class, go for it!

Martial Arts training is great. On the physical side it hits cardio, strength and flexibility. On the emotional and physiological side is helps with self esteem, confidence, perspective and emotional control.

At the very worst, you will pay for a session and not re-new at the end if it is not for you. The risk is very low when you consider the reward.

bushidowoman

I cant think of anything i've ever done thats had a greater impact on my life than martial arts. At first you train your body then you begin to train your mind. You will become a better person. It's a long hard road to follow but well worth it. Good luck

I couldn't have said it better.
I was almost 30 when I began learning a mixed-style karate. I've had five children during that time (I had two when I first started.) I keep going throughout pregnancy when I can, and if I need to take a break, I'm back as soon as possible afterward. My husband has always strongly encouraged me to continue, even when he has a houseful of children to himself a couple nights a week, because martial arts keeps me mentally strong, focused, and calm.
(But now he and two of the children are learning with me, so it's become a family thing.)

farsteve

I trained in Tae Kwon Do for 26 years (1978 - 2004) took a break for a few years and got back into it. It's more fun than ever even though I am now the oldest student in the school (58, next oldest is 55).

If you have a good school (not a McDojo) you should do well. Check out the classes, how are they ran, ask for a free week or two and don't be afraid to negotiate your dues. They can be very flexible with costs if you ask.

insane_zephyr

I started TKD when I was 25, slacked off for a few months in between after leaving grad school, started this month again. Been a couple of days, but I am absolutely loving it and hopefully will continue with it.

dlegros

Krav Maga here. I started last May to give me a form of exercise I could stick with (I get bored easily at the gym).

I have done other styles on and off, but I am now 39 so this would be a "late start"

I found even the warm-ups challenging when I began but now I can complete even a double session :-)

Be prepared to push yourself, also be prepared (no matter what style you choose) to expect the odd hit - accidents happen.

Most of all - be prepared to enjoy yourself

beautifulstronghealthy

I started kickboxing and self defense at 28 or 29 which was a big change from the yoga I've done since I was 16. I loved it cuz it helped me focus my mind and energy. I did it for many years and also tried Krav Maga, wing chun, mixed martial arts, and maybe a year of American jiu-jitsu. I liked everything but loved kickboxing. I took 2 years off due to 2 knee injuries and was in agony from not being able to kickbox. I rejoined kb 2.5 years ago at 33. I loved it just as much and have continued. Then last July I started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but continued kb too. I trained HARD twice a day for my first competition and got a gold medal. Then in October last year I dislocated my elbow and had to face that I had re-injured one of my knees and my other one was bad too. I had fought through no ACLs for years. So in October I took a break and have had 2 knee surgeries. I'm in daily grief not being able to train. It has given me focus, discipline, joy, and everything else good in my life by teaching me to train and focus before striking. I love it. I can't wait to go back next January. And btw, my injuries are not due to violence but a combination of bad teachers originally in regards to safety and my poor genetics. Try it. Martial arts are the greatest gift. Nothing will ever be as wonderful!

Tysonlovesweights

I started doing mixed martial arts, and self defence combat training several years ago, I loved it and found it to be one of the best de-stressing things out there. lots of sparring, grappling, and training in various forms. the positive environment that allowed me to get the negative energy out of my system was the best part for me. Nothing like 40 mins of drills with the heavy bag to work out your frustrations! I only stopped going because my instructors schedule changed dramatically, and I ended up moving too far away from him to continue. I am looking for something in my community now that offers the similar style training, and hours I can deal with

Tysonlovesweights

I started doing mixed martial arts, and self defence combat training several years ago, I loved it and found it to be one of the best de-stressing things out there. lots of sparring, grappling, and training in various forms. the positive environment that allowed me to get the negative energy out of my system was the best part for me. Nothing like 40 mins of drills with the heavy bag to work out your frustrations! I only stopped going because my instructors schedule changed dramatically, and I ended up moving too far away from him to continue. I am looking for something in my community now that offers the similar style training, and hours I can deal with
[/quoteoh by the way, my style of choice is an all-canadian form, called seicho jutso = the art of growing]

aNewYear123

I am very interested in the input. As another question - what do you look for to determine if it is a 'good' class. Several people have mentioned to make sure it is good and that you are comfortable. What information do I need from the instructor/class?

beautifulstronghealthy

If someone partners with you and makes you feel uncomfortable (mine was a guy doing takedowns who was terrible and I was still learning to fall correctly) then you should be able to tell the instructor and they should automatically make changes. If they're really good like my bjj trainer it's never an issue cuz they won't put a girl with a 250 lb guy until they know her abilities. We also trained in groups broken up by size or he chose our partners since there weren't many girls and the guys don't like to initiate pairing with a girl at first. The trainer should teach you basics before sparring or takedowns or submissions. Not just throw you into it.

AverageAngel

WOW! This was a late blooming thread, but I am really encouraged by the posts.. I will make sure to read all of them soon! Skimming through, I am picking up a lot of positive things! Thanks guys!!

fishgutzy

I started training in Tang So Do when I was 35 with my 8 year old son. We got our black belts together. I am 43 and now a second degree. I cant think of anything i've ever done thats had a greater impact on my life than martial arts. At first you train your body then you begin to train your mind. You will become a better person. It's a long hard road to follow but well worth it. Good luck

Dude, that mirrors me too.

My son started first in Tang Soo Do at the Y. Then I joined him at class under Kwan Jang Nim Mitchel (then Sah Bum Nim Mitchell) when I was 41 and my son was 6. We both earned second dan.
I have since had to retire from training due to degenerative osteoarthritis in too many joints. I am among that small percentage of the population that is prone to DOA even after minor injuries.
Took a downward block to the side of my left foot back when I was a greenbelt 10+ years ago. Hurts every day. :bigsmile:
But I have no regrets. The training pushed me to do more than I thought possible.

Though I don't train, I am still traveling to MA this month to watch the All Tang Soo Do championship tournament. Looking forward to seeing my former masters. Great people.

gerard54

I did bjj to get me in shape for a cruise, awesome cardio...

dlegros

I am very interested in the input. As another question - what do you look for to determine if it is a 'good' class. Several people have mentioned to make sure it is good and that you are comfortable. What information do I need from the instructor/class?

A lot of it is just the "vibe" - how comfortable do you feel?

Is safety a concern in the class? - we have safety in training emphasised regularly and causing a serious injury (such as broken bone) on your partner will cause you to fail a grading - immediately

Is it a group who seem to want to learn and enjoy what they are doing or a bunch of wannabe Bruce Lees?

Is grading mandatory or can you just attend classes if you're not interested in formal assessment?

HTH

Raclex

Hi there,

I'm 41 years old and started capoeira almost 4 years ago. Here's what I can do that I couldn't before:

-Doubled my cardio capacity. That’s great, given my heart condition. I easily follow the class now with pees half my age ;-)
-Increased coordination, speed, strength, flexibility and endurance;
-I’m able to execute kick a** kicks (queixada, armada, rabo de arraia, martelo, bençao and others…) at full extension, precision and serious damage potential;
-I’m finally good with hand stand push-ups, backbridge, and finally getting the nerve to execute the macaco (backflip) and mortal (frontflip). Give me a few more months for those two last ones ;-)
-I’m comfortable with holding handstands both legs extended and bent;
-I’m a serious contender in the roda (for my level) and fear nothing… oh, and I’ve learned Portuguese along the way.

Look it up sometime on Youtube. I’m a recreational capoeirista. But our group in the city as well as others go about it more seriously. I train twice a week, sometimes 3 times, 2 hours at a time for a total of 6 per week.

It’s a an amazing martial art that works out your entire body. From head to toe. Every time. We sometimes ‘exchange’ classes with other styles of martial arts and they’ve always said the same thing: ‘I never thought it was this challenging and difficult. I’m in pain. Serious pain.’!

You are never too old.

Blacklance36

Kung Fu black belt here, and didnt start till I was almost 40. It was hard work but wow did I ever get in shape (weight loss,cardio, and flexibility). It took me 12 years to get my BB.

I did it with my kids who are all grown up now but you can see from my avitar the rewards.

Its like MFP in that its not exercise once you get deep into it, its a lifestyle.

The self defense is a side benefit. Sure, most serious martial artists know how to fight very well but most don't. Thats not the spirit of martial arts. (even though my daughter still tells me that she doesnt think she has ever had a boyfriend that she couldnt "take", LOL )

Mental energy in motion is what my instructor says and its so true.

My recommendation? Start today!