Too old to start again?

RainMaker

OK, so I am 37 now and recently gave up smoking.
Basically I've been wanting to get back into martial arts for a long time, but always thought the training would be too much because of the smoking, but now that I've given up I am wondering if I've left it too late to go back! (I did some Judo and Kung Fu when I was much younger and always enjoyed it, especially the Kung Fu!)

I am looking at a Bujinkan school just out of convenience really - I don't want to get into a debate about how BJJ is better or something, I just like what I've seen so far of the Bujinkan teachings.

Dyr

37? Way too old, maybe just buy yourself a coffin instead.

Thats Sarcasmism btw

King of Kings

no way.
one lad I train casually with gave up shotokan at 25 and started kung fu at 40. He is 48 now , black belt and trains,spars hard and is a tough cookie too.

you're only too old if you think you are.

Dermighty

Just go train!

You'll find out if you're able or not. I'd be surprised if the mental barrier wasn't stronger than the physical barrier stopping you from training.

p to the e

When I started in Tae Kwon Do I was sixteen but in the same week a guy in his forties started with me. This was his first time ever stepping into a martial arts club. We trained in the same club for four years before I left to train elsewhere.

TrollHammaren

You won't be doing any backflip-spin-kick-into-armbar-carthwheels but there's absolutely nothing stopping you learning at your own pace and leisure if you find a decent club. Just be careful and know your limits.

It's only a matter of time before someone links to this, so: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/celeb-jiu-jitsu-showdown-ashton-kutcher-vs-al-bundy-who-wins?urn=mma,wp3595

smacl

46 years young myself, and started training again last year after a couple of years away from it. We'd do a lot of free wrestling with throws, locks etc.. which is still very doable at my age. I'd say that as you get older your recovery is worse, so make sure you eat and sleep properly before and after training, and stretch properly to avoid the stupid injuries. Warming up is probably also more important, again from the point of view of avoiding silly injuries. You also tend to lose muscle mass easier as you get older, so throw a bit of resistance training into your program, in addition to your MA training, and don't neglect conditioning such as pad work.

Most important thing of all is to enjoy it. If you enjoy it, you'll go back, do more and get better. If you don't find yourself looking forward to your class, try a different style or club. It doesn't matter what anyone else's opinion of the style or club is, its about what works for you, and there's plenty of different ones out there worth giving a go.

Ah, to be a young fella of 37 again would be only mighty

silat liam

Hi

Age doesn't come into it, find a art form you enjoy, and have fun. Martial Arts are for any age. In my classes 37 would be around the average age. If you looking for a new interest or hobby, or to develop a new skill give it a go. A good teacher will understand and have the experience to help guide you. Good luck with your search.

Liam

RainMaker

Well thanks for all the advice!
Feeling a little stiff and sore today, but not as bad as I was expecting!

Anyway, I enjoyed the class and once it got started, I didn't feel old at all! So I'll be going back again and hopefully in a few weeks the day after training won't be so bad!

Doug Cartel

What style did you go with in the end?

RainMaker

Doug Cartel wrote: »

What style did you go with in the end?

I went with the Bujinkan school in the end, just had an interesting variation of things going on. So I'll stick with it for a while anyway, see how it goes.
I don't feel I am starting out with any unrealistic expectations - I just wanted a regular training session to look forward to that might help me stay off the smokes! Plus the venue is on my way home from work.
All the people there were pretty friendly as well which helped! I had a bad experience with Judo once, that felt a bit like Daniel going into the Cobra Kai dojo for the first time!!

Collyjudo

Shame to hear about your negative judo experience - I was going to say that I am in the same boat (I am 36) having taken a few years out and couldn't have been made more welcome in the clubs (judo) I've been to. As a minority sport here usually people are really keen to get others interested and develop as training partners.