Starting Tae Kwon Do?

Question

Haha, Ok so for purposes of answering this question, lets just assume the person asking it is completely ignorant towards the martial art of Tae Kwon Do(or any for that matter). I understand it is (probably) the most practiced Martial Art in the world (in terms of population) so if i say anything that might offend you because of my ignorance, i apologize.

Anyway, I am 13 years old and am about to start Tae Kwon Do.

I know i'm a rather late starter and i was wondering if that is really going to affect my performance? I also have to admit, I'm not really the fittest guy around (not too fat, but still rather unfit) and i have a feeling that will probably affect my performance but will it to the point where i could become a rather "bad" practitioner of Tae Kwon Do? Oh and another obstacle, i really can't kick AT ALL, i don't know why (again, probably my being unfit), and im not sure if its something i develop over time or if its something everyone does know how to do (kick as in...say a standard kick above the head is something i can't achieve) and i'm the only idiot around =P. So how big a problem will this be?

So If you can, try and answer all of my questions (well...they might not all be questions but problems that need solving nonetheless) and if you have any other recommendations in bettering myself or if maybe Tae kwon do isn't really for me... =P

THANKS FOR BOTHERING TO ANSWER MY QUESTION(S)!

Answer 1

no worries about "starting late" i started taking karate when i was just around 17 cant remember if it was just before my birthday or not so your fine in that aspect...ive known people that start in their 30s and 40s...the kicking good question tae kwon do is a kicking art its very releavant the only answer is it will come with time and stretching i couldnt stress to stretch more its very important especially your legs...

Answer 2

Tae Kwon Do is a great sport, but not really something that's going to help you defend yourself on the streets. I started doing karate and 13 years old, and no it's not too late. Too late is considered like above 18 years old because you're bones are all fully grown, unless you are flexible. I couldn't kick at all when I started martial arts either, but after 8 months I could do the splits. It's something you should commit to for years, because that's how long it takes to be good at it. Don't worry about being unfit, that's why you should do Tae Kwon Do right? To get into shape. I'm sure you will do fine in Tae Kwon Do. It takes some time to know the kicks in the back of your mind. Just make sure you don't quit easily. Nothing is easy.

Answer 3

expect that you will have little or no problems learning Taekwando. 13 is not old for starting any martial art. Now one kicks well to start with unless they are dance students or naturally gifted. Don't worry, just work hard. Practice at home a few hours a week and you will be just.

Answer 4

Just about everyone feels uncoordinated or awkward at the beginning.

It's normal.  You will get better if you practice and stick with it.

All the black belts around were once just like you, white belts that never quit!

Good luck!

James

Answer 5

Don't get down on yourelf.  You aren't a late starter, I didn't start until I was 23 and my class mate didn't start until he is 60. Age doesn't affect performance, just work on staying focus in class and during pratice time.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of your instructor.

As for being unfit.  I've seen people who can run a 5 minute mile struggle.  I was 355 lbs when I started and couldn't kick to save my life(I'm now at 303 and still going down), it's a matter of training.  After a few months you'll notice what a difference the training has been for you.  Your kicks will get better over time.  Kicking, if you aren't use to doing can seem very odd.  I still struggle with it.  One drill that I did after I learned the form is start out with a chair and kick over the seat then go over the back.  Very few starters can kick at someone's head level and few experts can do the same.  Do worry, you'll learn soon enough that all that will be asked is that you try your hardest.  

Answer 6

TKD is great for first time martial arts practitioners. TKD will teach you discipline, focus, basic sparring techniques, and gradually all those fancy kicks you imagine Black belts are capable of. And by the way, TKD focuses a lot more on kicks then punches. For white belts, a front kick above the head is not expected. But if you're only 13, your master will expect it in time. Don't worry, if your class does stretches before and after lessons, and you take time to stretch out at home, soon you will find an increase in height of your kicks. Oh and about the late starter thing, i only started at the age of 11, and recently promoted to 2nd Dan two months after my 16th birthday.

Answer 7

Its never to late unless you have some medical problems.  Everyone usually starts at the novice with all the others not everyone is good at what everyone else is.  But that only means that some will advance quicker then others.  Its how determined you think you are.  

Answer 8

well first of all don't down yourself so much. Tae Kwon Doe is for anyone who wants to learn it.I don't know who your instructor/sensei will be or where you are planning to practice but I am very serious in martial arts I am a brown belt in Kenpo Karate but I have also practiced Tae Kwon Doe.  Most of the instructors that I know which is roughly 50 or more are willing to work with their students individually to help improve their skills but only to people who work hard. You must really want to improve to become stronger, faster, and better. and as for your not so good kicking skills they will improve just don't give up I was the biggest one in my dojo for almost 6 months   I was 15 when I started karate so I do not think you are to old for it I am 5'5 and was 180 lbs of not much muscle and couldn't even run half a mile without taking a break but I kept working and now I am one of the best in my class and won many titles in my leagues.  but I never gave up as long as you keep working you will succeed..Let me go ahead and warn you though most instructors will not put up with any laziness so when you go to class be prepared to work....listen to what they tell you if they tell you to do something don't say you can't but say  im trying and the best way to kick higher is to become more flexible so start stretching      GOOD LUCK!!!!      another good tip throw your hips when you kick

Answer 9

I'm almost on my sixth year of doing Tae Kwon Do. I started when I was 12 and am almost 18 now. I think it was better that I didn't start when I was 5 or anything. The responsibility and teaching part of being at my rank now would have been really difficult if I was any younger. Anyway, it is never too late to start TKD. Sure, if you started earlier then there would be some benefits, but I know people in my class who started at 20, 30, or even 40 and they do fine with it! Also, the martial arts are about helping you get in shape. Or more in shape rather. You're in the same boat I am in about not being extremely fit, but I've noticed that I've become a lot more flexible and have more endurace since before I started. Remember, stretching and practicing at home will help with that too.

About your question about the kicks. Not being able to kick over your head right now is no problem at all. It was a few years (definitely past white and yellow belt) of doing TKD before I could kick at head level. You'll start out mostly with doing kicks at your waist (or belt) level and build from there. Remember, you'll be there to learn and get better. As a beginner, It's the instructors job to teach you and help you improve. As long as you are having some fun with what you're doing, are constantly learning new things, and practice, you WILL get better.

My recommendations would be: practice, practice, practice! Going over what you did in class is always a good idea. Helps you to stay fresh. Remember to stretch too. Other than that, have fun and good luck in your MA career.

Answer 10

Taekwondo, when taught properly, is an extremely useful method of self defence on the streets. It's never too late to start learning a martial art, so don't worry. You're right about it being the most practiced martial art in the world, and you definitely haven't said anything to offend anyone, so no need to apologize.

Don't worry about taekwondo not being for you. Your strength, stamina and flexibility will improve dramatically as you train, and no one's an amazing taekwondo practitioner when they first start out. You may not have the best kick, but this will improve with practice. Not many people can kick over someone's head when they've just begun taekwondo. You might find that you're naturally better than other people at some aspect of training. For instance, I've always been really flexible and tall, so I was one of the few beginners who could pull off a killer high kick, but you might have better co-ordination and balance for patterns, or something else.

And practicing a martial art will seriously improve your confidence as well. Just go for it - no one's brilliant when they start out. Good luck!! =)