Question About Karate?

Question

Hi, I'm 14 going on 15 and recently stopped laying soccer- which I played like my whole life. I really want to take up karate now but would it be awkward for someone as old as me to start taking it up now? I don't want to be the oldest in the class with a bunch of kids who are five and better then me.~ CM

Answer 1

at 14 you should be thrown into an adults class, which can be intimidating but you'll find that everyone is nice and very helpful

Answer 2

Why did you stop playing a sport that you liked your whole life?  

You are never too old to study a martial art.  I started in my late twenties.  My instructor started when he was 18 and is now a 5th Dan.  Most adult classes are 14+ classes (meaning the youngest age is 14).  When you study a martial art, you should not be concerned of the other students' ages or ability.  It's not a team sport.  Every person has different physical strengths and weaknesses.  A younger person may have more flexibility, but that doesn't make them "better" that you.  You measure your progress by comparing YOUR abilities a white belt and the next belt rank you earn.  When you do that, you will see how much you've improved and be able to set new goals for accomplishment.

Studying a martial art should not just be about learning to fight (physical control) but should also include internal control (breathing, tension/relaxation) and improving the spirit.

Answer 3

.....Why would you think there is an age at which you're too old to start martial arts? Some martial arts schools won't even teach you unless you're 18 or older. No, you're not too old.

P.S. Thank you for telling me that you're going on 15. I wouldn't have figured that one out.

P.P.S. Most 14 year olds are going on 15.

Answer 4

One of my best instructors started karate when he was 34 years old and was one of the best fighters I ever met or saw, bar none. If he started when he was your age I can't imagine how great he would have been.

You are never too old or to young to start anything. If you think you can't start something new for any reason you are giving up on living. You are far too young for that.

Answer 5

you don't have to be young to start karate. i started when i was 21.

Answer 6

You are NEVER too old to start Karate!!!  I have been doing it for 5 years.

I was recently in Japan for a Karate seminar and I met a man from New Zealand who didn't start Karate until he was in his late twenties and had been paralyzed from the waist down!  He is now a fifth degree black belt and one of the most amazing Martial Artists I have ever met!  Bottom line...don't let anything from keeping you do what you want, age, disabilities, insecurities, etc.

And remember...don't mind other people and HAVE FUN!!!

Answer 7

Something called the adult class =/

Answer 8

Depending on the size of the school you will not have that to worry about. But if that is the case of the school, don't let that stop you from learning. There will always be someone better than you. After some time you will be the person with experience and the new people will look up to you and you may even help then in their training.