Am I too Old to Start Karate?

Am I too old to begin karate?

I follow a lot of martial arts forums and a common question I see all the time is, “Am I too old to start karate training?” Let me answer this right away and then explain: No, you are not too old to start! I know many martial artists that began their training later in life. It is a common misconception that karate is only for kids and teens – and some schools certainly specialize in those age groups. However, with the right school and the right teacher, students of all ages can benefit from karate.

Some of these benefits for adult karate students can include learning self-defense, getting in shape, and trying something new with a like-minded community. And you don’t need to already be in shape or have some innate athletic ability to start. A good karate program will help you get stronger, will increase flexibility, and will improve balance and coordination.

Karate practice will improve mental wellbeing.

Along with increased fitness, karate practice also has many mental benefits. Training can help reduce stress and improve concentration. Karate practice involves keeping a mental connection to the body, which requires high attention to detail – keeping the mind stimulated. It can also boost confidence and create a sense of accomplishment.

I always feel more ready to take on the many obstacles and stresses of the day after a karate class. The act of focused, highly concentrated movement is in its own right a form of meditation and helps clear my mind of unwanted distraction.

Karate is for all ages.

I personally train with some older martial artist on a weekly basis, some that started younger in life, some older. The overall consensus from these students is that their karate practice keeps them feeling stronger, more mobile, and feeling younger overall.

One gentleman I train with started karate in his fifties. Back then he used to say that he felt like he was seventy because he was stiff and was out of shape. Over twenty years later he is still training into his seventies, and he says that thanks to his karate he feels like he is fifty!

Karate will keep you in shape and feeling younger.

I have encountered many of these success stories from other karate students who started in their forties, fifties, sixties, and even seventies. If you are interested in getting or staying in shape, the martial arts may a fun way to do so. I highly recommend you find a school near you, talk with them about your goals, and get started!

It goes without saying of course, that if you have any serious health concerns talk with your doctor first and make sure your instructor is aware of them.

If you live in or near Dover, NH and would like to learn more about our adult karate program please feel welcome to reach out. At Leith Karate Academy we specialize in teaching student’s as old as four and as young as….70 and beyond!