What age is to old?

Frankieboy

Maybe this topic was touched on before but just wondering peoples opinion on what age would it be a bit to late to start a martial art? Now when I say start I dont just mean train every week and just know a few moves im presuming someone in a fit state could do this up to like 40 or so years of age.(I dont mean to offend anyone either!) I mean to be good, well able to compete, young enough to be agile for the martial art. Not to sure if I made myself clear, but hopefully some of ye will know what I mean.

Andrew_M

i think it really depends on what you want to compete in, for say thai boxing would be hard to compete successfully after 35, for grappling just look at randy couture. At the end of the day everyone is different and it all depends what kind of shape you're in

TapouT

Frankieboy wrote:

Maybe this topic was touched on before but just wondering peoples opinion on what age would it be a bit to late to start a martial art? Now when I say start I dont just mean train every week and just know a few moves im presuming someone in a fit state could do this up to like 40 or so years of age.(I dont mean to offend anyone either!) I mean to be good, well able to compete, young enough to be agile for the martial art. Not to sure if I made myself clear, but hopefully some of ye will know what I mean.

Frankie, really it doesn't matter awhole lot IMO. If your starting in your 30's or 40's your probably going to have to accept that your not going to be a world champion but there's lots you can achieve.

For instance you could compete in Judo as a Vet at over 35yrs old and hope to be a regional or national Vet champion, I'm not too sure about other styles.

Speaking for myself, I'm 40yrs old and only started Judo three years ago and I feel no different than the younger lads on the mat. I even got silver in the last Leinster open in my weights!. But I went to Judo from years kickboxing, but it was still an entirely new style (and tougher IMO) for me.

If work allowed I'd certainly compete in the MMA league as I love competition. Hopefully that answer's your question somewhat.

Btw, are you thinking about beginning training, if so what style are you thinking about and what level of fitness are you at and have you a past in martial arts?. Answer's to those might help other's to help you here.

Frankieboy

Well im only a young guy myself, but im looking for a martial art that will build up agility. Its probably a bit easier to become more agile when your younger so thats what I was wondering about. I did Taekwondo a good few years back, I enjoyed it and wish I kept it up but couldn't at the time, so now im thinking about going back to it, or maybe another MA. The main reason for training would be to boost overall fitness, and strength. Any recommendations? I guess I should add im in Galway and a student with little income (before anyone says cause you spend it all on drink, I rarely go out) so cost would be a major factor as well. Competing wouldn't be a big thing either, I wouldn't really care if I wasn't able to compete.

FiannaGym.com

Why a martial art for your agility?

I'd recomend dancing, PK, or gymnastics. Wu Shu isn;t a martial art but of all the so called martial artist I've seen they are by far the most agile. Capoeria seems like a good martial art for agility.

Of course I think wrestling would be the best, nothing pushes your agility like another human.

Oh yeah and reguards this idea of too old. Its nonsense, I have dudes who train with me who are in their 20s and move far worse than some of the 40 or 50 year old beginers I've worked with. SO its down to you.

Peace

memphis

i did Taekwondo myself as a kid but unfortunately the club broke up and I never did anymore of it until I heard about an instructor (my current instructor) travelling up and down from Cork to do classes. I joined up again (was 22 or 23 at the time) and I'm still training over two years later at nearly 25. Your never to old to start back at an MA imho.

Just take it at your own pace, only you know your limits, and I'm not saying you can't push beyond those limits, as you can, but train at a pace you feel comfortable at. I feel personally, that you will only get out of TKD what you solely put into it. Get back to training, you won't regret it!!

Added - Just wanted to add, just might make ya feel good... the oldest student in our club is about 42.

Roper

If you're in the college in NUIG you should check out Mark Leonard who has a TKD and BJJ/MMA club there. Also Muay Thai with Dave Joyce who posts here (not in the college AFAIK). He also does about 5 other arts as far as I can gather but he'd be the best man to fill you in on what they are! Don't think Muay Thai would be the best for agility, TKD can get you fairly agile though.

Quillo

Had to pack up MA some time back after a badly broken ankle (climbing accident) and equally bad medical treatment. Came back to it and started over in a completely new art after a 5 year lay off at the age of 38.

Still at training at 44.

Ballisong

I've sent you a PM