I'm considering starting Karate lessons at 30 years old. Some friends have commented I'm too old.?

Question

I'm wondering if this is the case. I wonder also how long it would take me to get my black belt??

Answer 1

NO WAY ARE YOU TOO OLD! Too old to be a bratty junior blackbelt, maybe, but in my experience adult students are far more dedicated and pleasant students than their junior brethren. What this means is that at first you may feel intimidated by their stretching ability and conditioning level,  but after a year or two goes by, those same kids will be gone.

Be clear about your goals for karate- have fun with it and go there to "pamper" yourself with an activity you want to do. Don't let that black belt scare you or be your prime motivation. Just think of it as a stepping stone like high school graduation, and you will stay in karate longer. Age is nothing in karate. Have fun.

Answer 2

One thing you won't be influenced by juvenile fantasys and expectations about martial arts that cause most young people to quit because those things are not attainable by anyone except in movies.

Answer 3

your not to old. people start at all diffrent ages. one of the black belts at my dojo dident start untill he was 46. just try it and see how you like it.

Answer 4

30 is not old! The only age I would be concerned with is over 65 or anyone with heart or health problems. Just do it. It would be fun. :)

Answer 5

never too late. you can wait and wait and wait, and regret not trying it years ago once youre 60...or you can just do it now and enjoy it.

there is a guy in china who still actively teaches baguazhang...the man moves like a 20 year old...he is 114 years old.

there are plenty of martial artists still practicing well into their senior years. helio gracie, wally jay, both of which are approaching 100, george mattson, and plenty of others.

just don't overdo it too soon (just follow instructions and you will be fine) ...and dont expect results too soon. just enjoy the journey and dont worry about the destination (your black belt).

in actuality shodan (1st degree black belt) simply signifies that you've been through and to a certain extent mastered the basics of that system.

to answer your question...no you're not too old to begin training.

look back on your life (i am 30 too, and i know i have regrets) and think of all of the things you wish you would've done, all the things you should've tried. think of where you could be right now if you would've just went, and jumped on the opportunity. now...realize there is an opportunity staring you in the face!

Answer 6

nah 30 is a decent age to start karate..and I agree your friends probably are not martial artists, what do they know?

Answer 7

long it would take me to get my black belt, are wanting to get your black belt for a reason, black belts get beat up too, if you want to become a great  martial arts  it is a life long lesson,

Answer 8

Hi there

Trust me you will be fine. There's lots to be said about the mature student. Sure you may struggle with flexibility and fitness but stick with it and you will soon get up to speed within a couple of months. As for how long it will take to get your 1st Dan? Everyone is different so its difficult to put an exact figure on it but if you train twice a week then i would say 4 to 6 years with good instruction. As you get older you have to find a balance with work, training and home life but this is also part of the training!

Just keep training and the grades will follow! ;-)

Best wishes & Good luck

idai

Answer 9

Currently working with a young lady who started Hapkido at age 30 something. Do your thing. Black belt depends on practice, but if you go consistently two to three times a week you may be ready in 4 years.

Answer 10

Hey i am 12 years old and a second degree black belt. My mom is 49 and just got the courage to start and shes doing great! I think you should take the challenge. It takes about 2 1/2+  years to get your begginer black belt. Glad i could help! =)

Answer 11

Hon you are never too old. That is a state of MIND FRAME only.

I joined with my Daughter three years or so ago and I was 34 then!  I am still in it and hold a High Green belt and test for 1st Kyu Brown this summer when it reaches about four years or so.

My daughter is a little behind me she is a low green belt and tests for High Green next.

Answer 12

I'm 38 and started about 4 months ago. I wish I had started earlier but I'm very glad that I finally got started. Right now I'm Learning Kenpo Karate, weapons defense/fighting and grappling. I have been losing weight and getting into better shape and I love it.

Do it, you wont be sorry. And don't worry about the color of your belt, think in terms of how well you will be able to defend yourself should you need to.

Answer 13

I just had a man in his 50's start with his daughter who is in her 20's!

You really are never too old. You DO have to choose what Martial Art that You want to study.

What do You want to accomplish from the training? What are Your personal goals for training?

The belt is like any degree, it is the knowledge it takes to get the Belt that is important.

There are 2 kinds of Black Belts, good ones and bad ones.

Which kind to YOU want to be?

Check out my website for more information.

AMERICANKARATESYSTEM.COM

Good Luck!

Answer 14

No, you are never too old. Get out there!

Answer 15

None of your friends are martial artists ;)

Answer 16

My mother started when she was 35.  There's no age limit, and a good dojo is accepting of all people regardless of age, race, creed, s*x, sexual orientation, etc.  All are considered equal when they bow in before entering, although the teacher is to be respected.

Answer 17

Go for it!  Don't sit idle and allow time to take a toll on your body.  Take advantage of your body's capabilities and push it beyond its limits.  Otherwise, you'll end-up with regrets later.

Answer 18

No, you are not too old.  Your friends are quite wrong.  I started karate at the 'ripe old age' of 33 years old.  I am now 37 and am 2nd kyu brown belt.  One more grading and I will be black belt.

The question I hear often is, "Am I too old to start Karate?" Another concern people have is that they're not flexible enough to be able to participate in a karate class.

What distinguishes karate as a discipline from most other sports is its consideration for a person's current level. A good instructor will be challenged to hone in on each student's current physical level and challenge them at the same time without injury. The idea is to progressively increase that person's level each time they participate in a class.

All the benefits of Karate in terms of self defence skills and improved health still apply, no matter what age you start. With increased maturity you will obviously be in a better situation to judge what exactly YOU want to gain out of Karate training,  this way you'll gain maximum enjoyment and benefit from Karate training, regardless of how old you may be.

Good luck!  Sorry for the long answer.

Answer 19

Ridiculous,  you are still considered a young adult and this will be a great hobby/exercise for you.

I teach Krav Maga and although most of my students are younger ( 14 - 25 ), I also study Wu style Taiji, where the age ranges from 10 - 70 and Combat SAMBO, far rougher than Karate where the age ranges from 6 - 80.

Good sifu's are hard to find so stay with your plan and don't let your friends discourage you.

Answer 20

Age has nothing to do with the art of karate.  It is an individual journey.  As for attaining a black belt,  it depends on the school.  Expect at least 5 years to get comfortable with the basics kick punch strike combinations and kata (forms).  So that you know, black belt does not mean expert.  It mean proficiency with the techniques.  When I got my black belt, it is like being a beginner (white belt).  Karate is a never ending learning.