You are never to old mate ! You just have to accept you are not going to be the next Bruce lee or Chuck Norris but a fitter, healthier man, mentally and physically.
Who cares if if you are the oldest you could probably show them a few tricks yourself in self defence or streetwise moves.
My advice is go for it you will only look back and wish you had !! You could also mix and match with Yoga and Pilate's for all round fitness and inner core strength.

NASH..

Originally Posted by KNASHER

You are never to old mate ! You just have to accept you are not going to be the next Bruce lee or Chuck Norris but a fitter, healthier man, mentally and physically.
Who cares if if you are the oldest you could probably show them a few tricks yourself in self defence or streetwise moves.
My advice is go for it you will only look back and wish you had !! You could also mix and match with Yoga and Pilate's for all round fitness and inner core strength.

NASH..

Chuck Norris!- GOD! ha ha


Cy,

i might be able to help you out,

your never too old to start, but i understand where your coming from,

if your ever around london i ll happily give you the basics,

feel free to drop me a line,


j.

Originally Posted by cymraeg

Good morning all,

was hoping for some advice from people in the know,

i have been toying with the idea of taking up a martial art recently, but apart from a toying with karate as a kid and a bit of boxing in my early military days, that has been about it.

The reasons for wanting to do so are wanting to get fit again after leaving the forces, a new hobby/pastime/ thing to do etc

but the only question is am i to old to start? the idea of being the only "adult" in a beginners class of 12 year olds etc is slightly off putting, not that i feel above that etc,,, its just would stand out like a bulldogs danglies!!

also if there are any suggestions on what i could take esp in the cambridge / newmarket area, they would be apprecieated ladies and gents, im leaning towards muay thai or kuk sool won.

many thanks and look forward to your sage advice

c out

You know Cy one Martial Art that for sure engages with the older generation is 'Kendo'. I don't think that you'll find many 12 year olds in that particular Dojo.

But..! you have to own a rather large Bank account...

Try Aikido my ol Son of Glendower,
the thinking mans martial art in my opinion.
Its an elegant effective defence system, that takes time to master, but is well worth the effort.
Its not about strength, youth, not about punishing yourself and building up scar tissue and dead nerves.
And old chap it doesn't matter how decrepit you are,
so you hobble down to your nearest Aikido Dojo you won't be disappointed.

I'm 53 and iv'e been teaching Muay Thai for 20 years now; if your not a young guy starting out, keep away from it. Lot's of clubs do private lessons; that could be a way of easing you into a suitable Martial Art.

once again ladies and gents i bow to your wise words and sage advice,

forgot to add my age = 27 soon ish and i have an option of three in my local area that would sort of fit in with work (perm nights), family obligations etc.....

and they are tae kwondo, kuk sool won or ninjitsu (hiding in bushes wearing black masks i gather lol)

once again many thanks

Originally Posted by cymraeg

once again ladies and gents i bow to your wise words and sage advice,

forgot to add my age = 27 soon ish and i have an option of three in my local area that would sort of fit in with work (perm nights), family obligations etc.....

and they are tae kwondo, kuk sool won or ninjitsu (hiding in bushes wearing black masks i gather lol)

once again many thanks

27 years old and asking if he is too old ????? Thats it for me then off to the knackers yard cyas ^^

NASH..

The best bet is to have a word with the instructor and sit in on a class. Any decent instructor should be totally happy with this - and it'll be very handy to see him and his students in action, before you reach for your wallet.

As for your age, you might want to check this out: BBC News - Pensioner joins martial art elite

Pretty inspiring stuff.

You've probably already seen this place Welcome to Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts but they have kali classes there, which should be quite weapon orientated - stick, knife, empty-hand etc and therefore hopefully with fewer kids.

In its pure form, kali is also combat, rather than sports focussed, so if you're training for self-defence/in a professional capacity it should be quite appropriate.