Too old for martial arts?

[Hobie]

This may be my mid-life crisis talking, but recently I have been tossing around the idea of taking a martial arts class, particularly Bo staff training. I always thought it would be good to be able to defend myself, but never got around to it.

Is anyone else here involved in martial arts? I'm just wondering if it is foolish for someone my age (45) to start. Will I be unable to learn anything of value? Will I be pummelled black and blue by a classroom full of little kids?

[slickbrightspear]

I have been a black sash in kung fu for about 7 years figure out what you want out of your training and go in and talk with the instructor 45 is not to old you will gain some flexibility and learn lots of things you should have lots of time to practice forms and learn well before you start sparring and having to worry about being beat up by the 4year olds class (lol). but seriously if you are interested go in and try it I bet you will love it.

[GoodShepherd_UMC]

I'm just wondering if it is foolish for someone my age (45) to start.

It is NEVER too late to start. My grandmother started training at the age of 70!

You should note that most (reputable )schools do not teach "weapons" alone, it is a companion to regular training not normally offered unit you reach the intermediate level. Plan on not picking up a Bo until you have been training for 6 months to a year. There are other things you need to learn first like good stance, weight distribution, center of gravity, how to fall properly, etc., etc., etc.

At your (our) age, I would start with something like Tai Chi to learn balance and endurance focus concentration, etc. for about 6 months, then explore the "harder" styles. Tai Chi may not look like much, when you see a group of 70 year olds doing it in the park, but I guarantee you will be dripping buckets of sweat after 45 minutes!



Will I be unable to learn anything of value?

You will learn more that I can possibly convey in words.


Will I be pummeled black and blue by a classroom full of little kids

Absolutely NOT... If you do, you are at the wrong Dojo!

I have been training since 1984 and I have only ever had ONE injury, and it was because I was not paying attention to what I was doing.
(This does not account fo the occasional black&blue on a fore-arm, or twisted ankle.)

[nursebee]

1. Have you lacked in ability to defend yourself thus far in life?

2. Do you carry a bo stick with you for such occasions?

As you can tell by my questions, I question your stated reasons for interest. But martial arts are fun, a great way to stay in shape, offer great variety of activities with specific attainable goals. I took TKD some and LOVED it. Visit the schools in your area to learn what they teach, when they teach it.

Weapons show special situation mastery of little application in real world imo

[Joel]

My wife is 51 and working on her 1st. degree Brown belt in WashinRyu. Her training includes Gitanno, nunchuks, bo and tombo. They do laps, contort themselves into all kinds of weird pretzel type situations and Three nights a week she (and my 18 year old son who is working on his 1st. degree brown) go to class and kick and Shuto (I call it a chop but that makes her twist something on my hand and I fall down wirthing in pain so I don't use that term anymore) the living peewaddlers out of each other and everone else for an hour or so. She comes home all banged up, sore and in a really peaceful Zen state of mind.

You're as young as you feel, I think the longer you are in the more'll you'll be able to endure. (They've been at it 10 years). I'll bet if you don't get killed by a partner with Gitanno it will likely add 10 years to your life.

"Weapons show special situation mastery of little application in real world imo"

Really? Try a home invasion at my house sometime. Of course Martial Arts is, from what my wife and son tell me, about learning not to fight.

[Hobie]

1. Have you lacked in ability to defend yourself thus far in life?

I think I have lacked the ability. I have never hit anyone in my life. Thankfully, thus far it has never been an issue. However, now I live down the street from a nutcase who is stronger than I, despite his love of cigarettes. I don't trust him. And I don't like the feeling I get walking past his house.



2. Do you carry a bo stick with you for such occasions?

I could, I suppose. It'd be like a hiking stick. I've always thought Gandalf looked cool with his staff. ;)

I will research local training. The actual classes will have to wait until things improve in the money department, though. I actually did train in ShotoKan for a while in college, but my forearms got so bruised from the blocking that I could not lean my arm on a desk to take notes in class, so I quit. Thanks to all for the encouragement.

[GoodShepherd_UMC]

I actually did train in ShotoKan for a while in college, but my forearms got so bruised from the blocking

That would explain it! Shotokan is one of the original "hard" styles. See if there is a Wado Ryu school around, it's a nice blend of hard and soft styles....:thumbsup:

[Templar Ben]

I studied Krav Maga for several years. No weapons were used.

[Hambone]

This may be my mid-life crisis talking, but recently I have been tossing around the idea of taking a martial arts class, particularly Bo staff training. I always thought it would be good to be able to defend myself, but never got around to it.

Is anyone else here involved in martial arts? I'm just wondering if it is foolish for someone my age (45) to start. Will I be unable to learn anything of value? Will I be pummelled black and blue by a classroom full of little kids?


This reminds me of a classic Seinfeld (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2CTihQy_XE&feature=related) episode. I say do it. If anything, it will help keep you in shape.

[honeyman46408]

Hobie
Take the class self protection is not always about hitting.

Our daughter (about your age) took a class (she is yellow belt?) a couple of years ago ( I think she knew what was comeing) and on Feb 14th it just may have saved her life.

I won`t go into detales here but the lawyers are mow conting the money:(

[adamf]

Everyone's comments are right on. Depends on the style and teacher. I have been learning Tai Chi Chuan: Chen Pan Ling style, for a little over a year (I'm turning 48 in a month). This is an internal or soft style marshal art utilizing internal force for effectivness, not muscular force. Am I tired after my three weekly sessions? YES. Am I sore? Yes. Does it feel beyond fantastic? YES! I'm learning a really cool staff (Bo) form and have learned the Chen Pan Ling Cane form called "Thunderstick".

I did a hard Karate style about 20 years ago, That was cool too. However, I find the internal styles more of a workout since you think as well as move your body--but I didn't think that much 20 years ago anyway...;)

My wife is also training in this style as are my two children, 19 + 17.


Look around, talk to teachers, go to a demo lesson, and then go with your gut.
Have fun!

Adam Finkelstein
www.vpqueenbees.com

[summer1052]

DH started taking Aikido at the age of 40, for exactly your reasons.

DH is now 70, a fifth degree black belt, and ran the dogo for 21 years. He no longer has the dojo (we moved out of state) but still practices a few moves every day.

I am a 2nd Kyu (one more level to go before I may test for black belt, and I'm not interested.) That's where we met, and I have studied for 11 years.

LOTS depends on the style, art and teacher.

CALL dojos from lots of arts and ask to WATCH a class. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT go to a dojo that insists you MUST practice, pay, or sign anything instead of, or to be allowed to watch!!

BEWARE dojos that start off the conversation with info on how many tournaments they go to, and win. If you are interested in competition sports, okay. But it doesn't sound like you are, and that sort of dojo would not be a good fit. If they talk about getting you a blackbelt within 6 months, or some other sort of folderol, keep moving.

Ideally, the only person with whom you should compete is yourself. Aikido teaches open hand, and weapons techniques. Judo teaches open hand. Most dojos consider "sparring" to be great. I consider sparring to be unnecessary. You can practice technique just fine with a GOOD partner, without the intent of beating the crud out of each other, and still learn LOTS.

Also, FYI. It is the very very rare couple who are able to practice martial arts together. It can be done. But when both are starting off at the same level, with different interests and abilities, it can get ugly. DH and I could practice because there was such a gap between our ability. And, we were both careful. When we stepped on the mat, he was SENSEI. Not my DH, not Jack, not Mr. Ross. He was teacher, I was junior student. Because we kept those boundries clear, none of the other students ever had issues with our relationship.

If you find the right art, you will be amazed at how it enriches every area of your life.

Domo Arigato Onegashemas
(Thank you for being a student with me)

Summer

[AndreiRN]

Never too old to learn something.
Especially something involving phisical exercise.
This winter I started snowboarding after skiing for 26 yrs.
Last yr I restarted karate with an ald aquaintance that is 71 and I envy his ability to move. And I am 46.
We lack exercise and martial arts blends exercise and thinking.

[walking bird]

For my 50th birthday 3 years ago (today's actually my 53rd b-day) my wife lined me up with boxing lessons. it's been a blast, and now I spar with all ages, from 20's to the one other guy in the gym my age.

In my 20's and 30's I taught Tang soo do, a Korean form of karate. (That was so long ago, I was actually awarded my black belt by Chuck Norris! Before he became such a fine actor :D) We had many, many students who started at your age, and loved it.

So have at it. You'll be amazed at how quickly your body will respond.

And hey, the black-and-blue stuff? It happens, but after awhile you'll shrug it off--- and that's a great feeling, too.

Good luck!

[Jesse]

For my 50th birthday 3 years ago (today's actually my 53rd b-day) my wife lined me up with boxing lessons. it's been a blast, and now I spar with all ages, from 20's to the one other guy in the gym my age.

In my 20's and 30's I taught Tang soo do, a Korean form of karate. (That was so long ago, I was actually awarded my black belt by Chuck Norris! Before he became such a fine actor :D) We had many, many students who started at your age, and loved it.

So have at it. You'll be amazed at how quickly your body will respond.

And hey, the black-and-blue stuff? It happens, but after awhile you'll shrug it off--- and that's a great feeling, too.

Good luck!

Today - I guess yesterday, at this point was my mom's 52nd birthday.

So I guess I'm not too old at 28 to start - not to be smart or anything - I actually was thinking I might be/

[Chef Isaac]

If I could weighn in a little. I did martial arts for 12 years. I did it, brother did it, mom did it and dad did it.

A few things to keep in your mind: as you get older, recovery is a little slower from injury so I would not pick taxing martial arts like kung fu, akido, ect. I would think about thai chi, tae kon do (ustf/itf... not wtf....if you want more on that, let me know), ect.

I would make sure you start working on flexability. Even though you will do some stuff in class regarding that, you will want to practise flexability at home more often to help you out.

Be careful when you spar. There are some great techniques out there for older people to consider when sparing.

I hope this helps.