I am getting discouraged about my age.. What do you think?

Question

I am 22, FEMALE, and want to start boxing/mma to eventually be able to fight competitively.....

I have been hearing A LOT of the if you didn't start when you were 14 .. 15.. you are screwed...

I am wondering what you all think of this. I feel it won't hinder me that bad seeing as how Gina Carano got a late start and she is GREAT.. She of course has some faults here and there but all in all, she is a great fighter...

Let me know what you think! I have the dedication and will to do this, I am just startign to feel discouraged with all the age talk! =)

Answer 1

"To thine own self be true".  Meaning follow YOUR dreams and forget about what other people are saying.  They talked about Jesus didn't they and look what he did.

Answer 2

Go for it!

Have fun with it, really your enjoyment should be your top priority.

Who cares what others think.

If you can't help but care add it to your list of motivations, success is the best revenge.

Answer 3

Hi nikki, great sport to get into you'll get fit & lose weight,after that i don't know 22 old but not to old.They start them young so they can do the knowledge,so youve got to make up for about 5or 6 years and if your looking to go pro you'll have faults that will be easily exploited.I dont know many trainers who would take you on or where you would spar with other females i don't want to be harsh or discourage you  but you have no pedigree Why don't you train all out for 6 mths & see if you still have dedication then when you do present yourself to those in the know at least you'll look the part ,then you can show em what you got....and then some.  good luck..

Answer 4

Athough an earlier start is always preferable in that U are able to be further ahead in your progress in attaining a goal, there are other factors that are more important because U R not that old yet. Perhaps U played other sports and did well in them,maintained good heath,are driven to succeed,have natural athletic ability,are focused and learn quickly.Maybe U've been in a few physical sparring sessions and not afraid to mix things up etc..One thing that seperates novices from pros,contenders from Champions is the degree to which U will go to acheive it. To the very best,it takes second to nothing. U eat,drink,and sleep it. Example-Rocky Marciano. If U don't believe it,read the book, "Rocky Marciano" Biography of a First Son. You will also know why he became Champion,what he sacrificed to get there,and then realize just how real his chances would be in prevailing in all these hypothetical matches that others with limited insight speculate.

Answer 5

Most of the truly great boxers start when they were kids.  Women's boxing is different, not as deep, and I don't think there are many female fighters out there that are 22 and have 10 years of experience over you.  So you are not behind like a male counterpart would be.

So, forget about Gina Carano and forget about asking people their opinions, and just find a club and sign up.  Less talk, more fight, young woman.  Start training and take it from there, because there's no other way to do it.

Answer 6

Its all on you. If you have it, you have it. If you don't you don't. Train, exercise, eat well and give it a shot. You can do it!!

Answer 7

I think you can. But you'll need to do your very, very best!  

Answer 8

Nikki,

First of all, if you want to try this and you really do, nobody should discourage you.  I can't speak for the MMA but I have boxed and trained others in boxing.

22 is not too late.  I don't know how far you want to go.  If you have a goal of being a world champion, it will be very difficult.  But a lot depends on your natural talent and athletic ability.  I say GO FOR IT!  Give it a shot.  Just be safe.  I wish you the best of luck!!!