Age is No Longer a Barrier to the Physical Achievement of Wearing a Black Belt

Age is No Longer a Barrier to the Physical Achievement of Wearing a Black Belt

“I’m too old for martial arts” is something that we hear quite often from people, but what this shows is that they don’t fully understand what martial arts are and what they offer. There is no right age to start training in martial arts and that’s because its central factor is not fitness or age, but motivation.

When you look closely at the nature of how it’s practiced, you realise that it’s possible to begin martial arts training at any age and progress as far as you want to go. There’s no reason at all why someone in the later years of their lives can’t achieve the ultimate physical achievement that is gaining a black belt.

“I’m Too Out of Shape and Set in My Ways”

This is also something we hear quite a bit from those in their 40s, 50s and 60s and it is understandable to think this way, as martial arts do look kind of tough from the outside. Sure, you would have benefited greatly if you’d started your training in your 20s, but it is what it is and there’s no time like the present to get started.  Or as my old Sensei used to say, “suck it up”!

Of course, it may be quite hard on your body to begin with, especially if you’ve been physically inactive for some time, but everyone has to start somewhere. Sure, you’ll be using muscles that you’d maybe forgotten you had, but it’s something that everyone goes through to some degree, so don’t worry.

Adjustment Often Only Takes a Few Weeks

Once you’ve started your martial arts training, you should start to see some pretty big changes in your body, as you start to toughen up. You’ll see your flexibility improve, your strength increase and you might even lose a few pounds in the process. In fact, you’ll likely find that you’re sleeping soundly each and every night of the week!

The human body is pretty amazing and when you condition it, it can transform itself quite quickly, so in most cases, saying that you’re not fit enough isn’t really a reason not to start.

If You Think You Can Do It – You Can Do It

Martial arts training is as much about conditioning the mind as it is about conditioning the body, which means students get to redefine what’s possible. Once you start to feel stronger in mind and body, you will realise that age really is just a number and that if you want to go all the way to your black belt, you can and you will.

Attitude is key when determining your success or your failure and most often, age has absolutely nothing to do with it. Some think that martial arts are for a particular type of person, but this is a long way from the truth, as anyone can succeed, irrespective of who they are and where they’re from. The coveted prize of a black belt is not beyond your reach for reasons of age, gender or creed. 

Welcoming People of All Ages and Fitness Levels

So, if you’re interested in starting martial arts, but are put off by the fact that you think that you’re either too old or simply too unfit to start, then we urge you to reconsider. Everyone starts somewhere and no one will make fun or judge you on your age, fitness level or anything else for that matter, as respect plays a central part of what gets taught in the dojo.

Try a martial arts class at Tring Martial Arts Academy for just a few weeks and we’re sure you’ll already be able to see your own personal horizons change. Whatever age you are, if you have the motivation to succeed, martial arts are designed to teach you how to get there. Everything else is just details, so why not give it a try? You might just surprise yourself about what you’re capable of.

Our oldest Martial Arts and Krav Maga student is Jim (71) pictured here!!  Still think you are too old?!