No one above 35 should start a martial art. That’s right, you heard us. Once upon a time, you
felt invincible, but let’s face it, those days are long over. Everyone knows that when you reach a
certain age, it’s just a fact that you can’t do a whole lot of anything anymore…right?
WRONG! And if you’re reading this article because of the title, apologies for the clickbait, but
we’re still glad you’re here. It means that on some level, you realize how absurd it sounds. Or
just maybe, these days you find yourself waking up feeling anxious and stuck. Perhaps there’s
something new and wonderful you wanted to try, something that can enrich or even change
your life for the better, but you think you’re too old and that you’ve missed your shot.
Sound familiar? If all that hits close to home, never fear. We’ve laid out some of the most
common obstacles that adults tend to put in their own way when it comes to starting a martial
art. It is also our hope that we can remove some of those uncertainties and help you get past
them.
“I’m coming to this much too late.”
Some people have this impression that the ideal age to start martial arts is in their youth, and
once you are past a certain age, that opportunity is over. The truth is though, it’s never really too
late, because you’re never too old to learn something new! While dedicating your life to
mastering a martial art can take years or even decades, that doesn’t mean you can’t also gain
plenty of mental and physical benefits by starting your training later in life. And plenty of people
do. Here at Empire Dojo, our oldest student is nearly 70 years old!
“I have no experience.”
We get it. The idea of starting a martial art can feel very daunting, especially when you have no
prior experience. However, there’s no need to worry. You will find that many schools are
extremely welcoming and accommodating to new students. For example, our Krav Maga Self-
Defense program ensures that beginners will learn all the core basics in their first few classes,
helping them establish a strong foundation. After all, we understand everyone has to start
somewhere!
“I’m afraid I’ll get hurt.”
With so much physical contact involved in martial arts, it’s only natural to fear becoming injured
while training. Fortunately, every school has rules and regulations in place to minimize any
risks, and the top priority of our instructors is your comfort, safety, and wellbeing. We
understand and respect that our students come from a wide range of ages and fitness levels, so
everyone trains at their own pace and within their own limits.
“I’m just going to embarrass myself.”
Concerned about being out of shape? Worried that you’ll feel self-conscious in a room full of
people who know more than you do? Well, then you have that in common with everyone else!
Remember, your fellow classmates and even your instructors were all new students too at some
point. They have been in your shoes and know how you feel, and they’ll be there to help you as
much as they can. It’s totally normal to be nervous, but the good news is you’ll be getting
amazing support from a community that will help you stay on track and celebrate your
achievements.
No matter how old you are, if you’re an adult who has been letting concerns about your age get
in the way of starting a martial art, we hope this article has helped clear up some
misconceptions and allay some fears. At the end of the day though, there is no better way to
know if martial arts training is for you unless you just do it! Researching beforehand is always a
good idea, and many gyms and dojos also offer free trials. The Empire Dojo family would love to
have you come in and visit us anytime, and let us know how we can help you embark on your
martial arts journey!