Too old to start

thethedev

Hi guys
Been thinking of taking up Karate or similar for something different to do.
I remember being sent as a child because my dad is fairly accomplished at it but I kinda lacked discipline back then.
Would love to give it another go but I'm 21 now so I'm not sure if I've gone beyond it a bit as most seem to have started at a young age and I dont really want to be put in a class with a load of 10 year olds.
Any opinions??
Thanks

arybvtcw0eolkf

Put simply, your WAY too old

Nah, 21 is a perfect age is start training.

My advice (and the majority of people's here) would be to look around to see what styles/clubs are available in your area and pay them all a visit, something will click with one.

If you can tell us where you are someone here might also suggest a club in your area.

MaeveD

Too old at 21...:D

I started at 26!

We have people starting at 65+, there is no such thing as too old!

Have a look for clubs in your area in the club thread up top, or post your area and i'm sure you'll get lots of replies.

Doug Cartel

I didn't start until I was 23, so that's not a problem.

That said, you're dead right about not wanting to be in a class with 10 year olds. Make sure that whatever you do, you find an adults only class.

truebluesac

hahaha if you think thats over the hill hahahaha .

you are never too old to start anything .

if you choose to take up which ever style you decide the differance now is that you want to . you will show maturity and disapline in the way you approach it . and will be interested in what is being shown and explined to you . you will also start to understand the "why" alot quicker .

choose a club with people of your own age in it makes it alot easier . plenty of clubs out there . again where are you and some1 on here will be able to help

Zen65

There's no physical reason not to start karate at 21, assuming you are in reasonable health. It's always worth having your GP check you out first in case you've an underlying condition. Unlike many sports, karate is ideally suited for adults to begin training, as you can pace yourself in the early classes more so than you could with many team sports, or games like squash where the opponent can set the pace.

I see from your posts you are in Scotland? If you live near Elgin you could try John Craig's dojo (Karate Academy Scotland), or if you're close to Paisley try Pat McLuskey's dojo (Traditional Shotokan Karate Scotland). These are both excellent, and allow you to train without having to "mix it" with teenagers.

Cheers,

joepenguin

thethedev wrote: »

Any opinions??
Thanks

21 is a great age for taking it up. Obviously there are many benefits to taking it up as a kid but as was said before you understand things quicker when starting early 20s.

Is it traditional karate you are taking up and is it for self defence, sport, fitness or a combo of reasons for starting?

Ps i know a lot of people who take up martial arts at that age and do very well for themselves. what clubs / styles are in your area?

lovewinter

i started when i was 23, the youngest in our group is 5 and the oldest is 76!! we all train together, it fantastic i love it!

crosstrainer1

thethedev wrote: »

Hi guys
Been thinking of taking up Karate or similar for something different to do.
I remember being sent as a child because my dad is fairly accomplished at it but I kinda lacked discipline back then.
Would love to give it another go but I'm 21 now so I'm not sure if I've gone beyond it a bit as most seem to have started at a young age and I dont really want to be put in a class with a load of 10 year olds.
Any opinions??
Thanks

go to an adults class

Craptacular

I saw a fluff piece on BBC (as part of the promotion of the Karate Kid remake) about a guy being awarded his TKD blackbelt. He had started training to keep him occupied in his retirement.

rom

I graded with a guy who was 55 for his black belt this year and he got it and dissevered it. 4-5 times a week training for the last year was needed by both of us though.

Baggio...

21 is perfect mate.

I had a similar experience to Rom. When I graded for my BB many moons ago, there was a guy who was 51 taking the grade too. And as Rom said - he well deserved the grade.