Martial Arts: Am I too old?

Raz

Raz

Raz

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For the last 15 years or so I've been thinking about being more active, being more healthier and learning boxing/martial arts. The latter more because I'm a very short guy and always assumed knowing some fighting/defense techniques would help in case I was ever picked on by tall bullies.

I'm now 33, a bit unhealthy and a bit overweight, but really want to get into martial arts (krav maga..?). Given the stress it puts on bodies, is it something that's still viable for me?

Any advice appreciated, especially on what would be good for a shorty like me.
 
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Unfortunately you're far too old to do any form of exercise or training now.

Unlucky :(
 
Raz said:
For the last 15 years or so I've been thinking about being more active, being more healthier and learning boxing/martial arts. The latter more because I'm a very short guy and always assumed knowing some fighting/defense techniques would help in case I was ever picked on by tall bullies.

I'm now 33, a bit unhealthy and a bit overweight, but really want to get into martial arts (krav mage..?). Given the stress it puts on bodies, is it something that's still viable for me?

Any advice appreciated, especially on what would be good for a shorty like me.
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Are you too old at 33? What planet are you on? That's a serious question by the way. :confused:
 
Admittedly it can seem a stupid question, but I have no shame in asking it - I'm completely ignorant in this area. I don't want to do martial arts etc just to go through the motions like some do with going gym etc. Everyone I know who does karate etc started at a very young age i.e. as kids or early 20s.

I'm just asking for advice lol - and there's two parts to it.
 
Raz said:
Admittedly it can seem a stupid question, but I have no shame in asking it - I'm completely ignorant in this area. I don't want to do martial arts etc just to go through the motions like some do with going gym etc. Everyone I know who do karate etc did so at a very young age i.e. as kids or early 20s.
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It's not even about being ignorant on the subject of martial arts, it's just a lack of basic common sense. Your early 30's are still young, and your body is still capable of a lot.

I wouldn't personally recommend you do high kicking arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do if you are as horrible unfit as you say you are, because they often require a bit of flexibility, but things like Boxing, Wing Chun, Krav Maga, Judo, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu etc etc are more than within your reach. The shorter and stockier you are the better you will do at things like grappling.
 
Many moons ago I did Iaido and granted it not the most physical of martial arts :D, but we had a guy in there who was in his 80's :)
 
Back when I did MMA there one one dude who was over 50 and was pretty lanky as he just spent most of his day driving mini buses. You will need to build up to but I would say you are far from too old!
 
Richdog said:
It's not even about being ignorant on the subject of martial arts, it's just a lack of basic common sense. Your early 30's are still young, and your body is still capable of a lot.

I wouldn't personally recommend you do high kicking arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do if you are as horrible unfit as you say you are, because they often require a bit of flexibility, but things like Boxing, Wing Chun, Krav Maga, Judo, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu etc etc are more than within your reach. The shorter and stockier you are the better you will do at things like grappling.
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Fair enough. I guess I was uncertain because I generally don't 'feel' healthy but it's something I'm working on. Thanks, I'll look into what you've suggested.

Talon said:
Many moons ago I did Iaido and granted it not the most physical of martial arts :D, but we had a guy in there who was in his 80's :)
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kayomani said:
Back when I did MMA there one one dude who was over 50 and was pretty lanky as he just spent most of his day driving mini buses. You will need to build up to but I would say you are far from too old!
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if a 50 year old, and an 80 year old can do it so can I!
 
Raz said:
For the last 15 years or so I've been thinking about being more active, being more healthier and learning boxing/martial arts. The latter more because I'm a very short guy and always assumed knowing some fighting/defense techniques would help in case I was ever picked on by tall bullies.

I'm now 33, a bit unhealthy and a bit overweight, but really want to get into martial arts (krav maga..?). Given the stress it puts on bodies, is it something that's still viable for me?

Any advice appreciated, especially on what would be good for a shorty like me.
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You've been thinking about being more active for 15 years? Thinking? Have I read that wrong?
 
33 is not too old. Even 53 is not too old. Perceptually you might be finding it difficult, but exercise will make you feel young and think young, and Godwilling, put you in a state of good health for the rest of your life.
 
Raz is my nick name on virtually every game I play, ever since Aliens vs Predator on Wireplay. You stole my name, I went to create Raz and it said i wasn't allowed.

I hate you.

Deeply and passionately.
 
No, you're not too old.

A friend of mine started karate lessons recently and she's older than you. She's advancing well through her belts.
 
Thanks all, very encouraging. Now all I need is to find some classes or get a personal trainer! Know any good ones in London?

MoNkeE said:
Raz is my nick name on virtually every game I play, ever since Aliens vs Predator on Wireplay. You stole my name, I went to create Raz and it said i wasn't allowed.

I hate you.

Deeply and passionately.
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Raz = short for Raza, the name my parents gave me just over 33 years ago. Blame them :p.

Wireplay? I remember those days, couldn't have the nick Raz because someone had already taken it...:(
 
No, you're not too old. You're probably too old to be winning high level competitions, but your body is (well, should be) perfectly capable of completely transforming itself. It'll take hard work though, but you know that already.
 
I'm 33, I don't feel older than I did when I was 18.
There's not a single sport, if it interested me, that I wouldn't consider taking up due to my "advanced age".

yer_averagejoe said:
No, you're not too old. You're probably too old to be winning high level competitions, but your body is (well, should be) perfectly capable of completely transforming itself. It'll take hard work though, but you know that already.
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I don't agree, plenty of physical sports which "oldies" still dominate with an iron fist.
Oldies just take a little longer to get back up again ;)
 
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uv said:
Unfortunately you're far too old to do any form of exercise or training now.

Unlucky :(
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lol wut?nm I take it thats sarcasm? usually i do a wink smilie so people are more likely to notice

yip man at 79years old one week before he died of cancer
whats your excuse? your in yout 30's and a bit fat!

I don't think your ever to old and there are classes for all ages and skill levels
 
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My Dad is 60, he started Kyokushin Karate at 58.

He still does the entire 2 hour session, still does the full contact bare knuckle sparring.

His only real limitation is his flexibility, he can't kick above waist height lol, but he more than makes up for it with his punching power.

You have years of martial arts ahead of you, stop piddling about and join a club and get stuck in.
 
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