Are You Too Old for Martial Arts? No!

Worry that you're too old to train in the martial arts? You're not! :)

Watch this video, then click here to check out my online video course, MARTIAL ARTS OVER 50!

Keep fighting for a happy life!

BIG IDEAS FROM THIS VIDEO
You’re never too old to start training in the martial arts. So, if you’ve been using age as an excuse to sit around and play video games or bingo, get up and sign up.

But I’m not going to lie to you. If you’re 30 years old and have never taken a martial arts class, and your dream is to become a UFC champ or a gold medalist in Olympic Judo, okay--it's too late for that!

But if your goal is to simply to improve your life—you want to get fit, toughen up, learn some self-defense, develop your balance, strength, and flexibility—then go sign up for classes right now.

Be gentle with yourself. If you can only make it to class one day a week, it will still be worth it. Even a little martial arts makes life a whole lot better!

Yes, training in the martial arts is a little more difficult as you get older. I admit that. In my teens, I’d wake up a little sore from working out, but could recover over breakfast and be back to full power by lunch. Now, in my late 40’s, it takes a week or two to heal up!

Don’t get me wrong--I can still hit just as hard as I could when I was 20... just not all day, every day. Which brings me to the secret to success for martial artists in old age...

Mindset. For example, I tied on a white belt in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class when I was 40. In that class, there were a bunch of terrifying 20-year-olds. And when a 40-year-old tries to match up with terrifying 20-year-olds, let me tell you, the 40-year-old goes home in pain and feeling like a loser.

But when I stopped trying to be 20 and changed my goal to becoming the most terrifying 40-year-old I could be, everything got easier.

So, no matter what your age, accept who you are, what you can do, and what you can’t do. The older you get, the more wisdom you should have to know the difference.

Bottom line-- I don’t care how old you are, if you’ve always wanted to try the martial arts, do it. If you quit martial arts years ago and now you’re worried that it’s too late to catch up, well, every day you think like that you’re only falling farther behind.

Life is short, my friend. If you want to do something, do it now. Otherwise, you’ll end up sitting in the same place five years from now thinking, “Man, I wish I started five years ago.”

Yes, as an older martial artist, the road may be a little steeper, your journey may take few more twists and turns, but I promise, the climb is still worth it. With each step you take, the view gets a little better.

THANKS FOR WATCHING! For more tips on martial arts training, self-defense, and living a happy life, check out these links...

►TRAIN WITH ME in person, online, or at a seminar.

▼ FOLLOW ME ▼

Keep fighting for a happy life! :)

★ LIKE ★ SHARE ★ SUBSCRIBE ★

WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

[karatemomRedHawk]

I just want you to know how inspirational you are. I started karate the first time in my 20's but was so unhealthy it was overwhelming. I started again in my 40's, healthier and stronger because that was my goal. I am 65 now and my motto is "Wellness Through the Martial Arts". I love it, I teach it and plan to continue as long as I can. I don't feel 65. I felt 65 at the age of 20. Age is just a number!

[__..]

I'm 40, female, have 4 kids. I've started 4 months ago. I stated watching you with my teen boys, but you inspired me to start. My yellow belt test is next month.

[davejohnson-yirk]

As a Kickkboxer once told me, when he was younger he trained hard, when he got get older, he trained "smart". Dan Inosanto still trains in his 80s!

[sandrawajstaub]

I'm 64 years old and started TKD 2 years ago. Until I was 19, I did ballet and other dance forms at an elite level. In my last 3 years, I trained 30 hours a week. An injury ended my dance career. Life intervened, did some sports sporadically, but nothing intense. Six years ago I started strength training, cardio, and flexibility. Four years later I discovered TKD. For about a year and a half, my menisci and ligaments were screaming. but I persevered through the pain and beefed up my leg strengthening workouts. I do TKD 3 days a week (5 hours), might add another hour this winter. I train hard and love it. The next day every muscle in my body is sore, but it's a good sore.

[itscork]

My 6 year old daughter drug me into Taekwondo with her when I was 45. That was 7 years ago and now I’m 2nd Dan. (She just received her 1st degree!)

The crazy part, a few weeks ago I started BJJ so now I’m a white belt all over again! Yes I’m sore but very happy.

You’re never too old to begin again.

[regprofant]

I am 73 and have 2 black belts. Forget about having no pains in your 70s Just put up with it

[mortvald]

I know a 70 year old that can do a perfect split and punch hard and fast, he always train by a park.
His secret is simple, it's just his morning routine he wakes up everyday and does what he do best.
He's in a lot better shape than even 20 year olds, it's all about a good diet and a good regime.

[Metrorenovationsandmore]

I'm 53 and GOD, I needed this!!! Thank you!!!

[moniqueyoung]

I joined karate two years ago at 38. I just entered our club tournament a few weeks ago and came first in my fighting category. Sure, it was the veterans category (the horror!) but it was such a buzz! Martial arts is brilliant for ANYONE who wants to improve their fitness, discipline and focus. I love it!! Thanks for another great clip Sensei Ando!

[jarodo.]

I am in my early 50’s and started Martial Arts class with my 10 year old son just to try it out!
I am now purple belt, working toward my blue belt. I struggle to keep up in class, but my goal
Is to go as far as I can for as long as I can! Thanks for the pep talk Sensei Ando!

[peejaypayney]

Spot on ando....i, m 65 and only been doing freestyle for just over a year now...i, m chasing my 4th belt, lost over 2 stones and hurt every day..i, m still overweight and the young uns spar with me I wake up every morning and smile..

[MrCapi]

Each and every concept you poured here, is Absolutely TRUE! I started "Traditional" AIKIDO at 62, and GOD Bless your phrase that Resumes All This Joyful experience; "The Climb Is Worth It. "

[tmntforever]

So true Ando I didn't start kickboxing till I was in my forties and regulay spar with kids as young as 15 but in my own mind set I do my very best and have become increasingly good at it over the last year and still enjoying the challenge. Because of it I'm a fitter 6 stone lighter and more a confident person who could handle themself in a fight if they had too. Age is never an excuse, take from me Just go for it you won't regret it!!!!

[cidecidehazima]

Instructions unclear, I am 307 years old and every bone and tendon and muscle in my body tore apart and shattered into pieces after I got out of my rocking chair to get to my computer and sign up. The free 7 day trial cost me 42 surgeries per day. But other than that, You transformed me into the best possible shape and martial artist I have ever been in my life. Amen.

[Blue_rd]

I couldn’t agree more :) I trained in kung fu for years as a young man and in tai chi in my late 40s. I always wanted to get back into something more physical though (while I still can). I’ve just started wing chun at 54 and am having a great time. What you said about not trying to be 20 and accepting who we are is so true. Once you do that, the fun really starts. It hurts sometimes but it’s great to be training again. Cheers!

[charliesimar]

I started karate with my grandson just before my 70th birthday. 18 months later, my weight is what it was in my army days, I feel wonderful and I can move! My type-2 diabetes is well controlled along with my high blood pressure. I'm on my way to a black belt. Keep fighting!

[michaelw]

Great advice! I turned 70 a few months ago, and last year started working out again in my old martial art. I thought I was going easy in the beginning, but still injured myself exactly as you describe. I seemingly did nothing too hard but apparently my body disagreed. But I stayed with it, gently readjusting as I went. Like you say, I'll never be a UFC champion. But I'm feeling better, I can do more in daily life, and it's made life more fun. That’s plenty reward enough.

[Nick]

Just caught up with this video. 4 years ago (at 47) I’d never heard of Muay Thai until my then 15 year old son asked to go for a trial lesson. Unplanned I joined in the trial too and absolutely loved it. I had a two year lay off due to an unrelated injury, and have been training now 4-5 times a week for the last 5 months. Sure, I’m not as flexible and agile as I’d like to be. But I’m loving the learning journey and getting fitter and more confident. I’ll keep going as long as I can.

[MartyMoose]

I'm 54 and been at it for 3 years. I can spar & BJJ fine; but the exercises are geared more for young practitioners. My shoulders hurt and pushups hurt them more; but moderate bench presses (sets of 10) almost cured it.

[canadianarcticradio]

Awesome encouragement Sensei! I started karate when I was in my mid-twenties and got to my brown belt when I was about 30. At that time I had to stop for a multitude of reasons (read; excuses). When I turned 40 I decided to continue to get my black belt. I tried to play it smart but my mind wouldn't accept that I wasn't 30 anymore. The toughest part of the battle towards my goal was knowing when to back off. I did get my black belt after a couple of years of 'smart' training and I continue to train today. I know what you mean about feeling broken down for no reason and I'm not in half the shape you are. Thanks for sharing!