I'm 42 and haven't done sport seriously for a few years now, quite contrary to how I used to be when I was younger - ABA boxing 12 to 15 years old, Judo 13yrs to 15, karate 15 to 18, American kickboxing 25 to 27, Savate 27 to 29, Kendo 30 to 33 (reaching almmost black belt in this).

Since then I haven't done anything, yet I have a huge yearning to be practising something again.
It is probably due to being so active in the past I feel this way and that there is something missing in my life at the moment.

Do you think at 42 it's too old to embark in a martial art? I must admit I don't feel as bristling with energy as I did a few years ago and most certainly not as lithe/supple and bendy as before... do you think it's a good idea then??

I'll put it this way. I came back to the martial arts when I was 37 and will be 50 toward the end of this year and am still training and competing. Yes I have slowed some and have ailments that come with aging, but I couldn't imagine what it would be like if I wasn't training. Go for it!

VDJ

42 too old?

Absolutely.

I suggest you curl up on couch, watch TV, and become a vegetable!!!

Get off your a$$ and DOOOO something.

Way to GO, JohnL!

I just turned 42, and while I'm not doing class-training, I do still lift weights and work out on the heavy-bag. Not too old yet!

OK, getting positive vibes here guys! :-)

Maybe VDJ better suited to answer my next - what particular things should I watch out for or avoid while training at our age? Have you noticed any particular art or techniques that present more difficulty or pain for you?

errr, that's what i'm doing at the moment pretty much and hence my reason for posting

A lot will depend on the sort of training you are after, which will depend on a)where you live b) how far you want to travel to train c) how much you can spend.

Some classes like Aikido have a lower risk of injury than full contact classes like Judo or Muay Thai. Then again you will get a more vigorous workout from the latter compared to the former (usually).

I train TKD with some boxing as well as self defense techniques. My ailments had been "Tendonitus" in my right arm (took over a year to heal completely and I still get a twinge every now and again)and I am currently battling the same thing with my left hip flexor. The hip flexor has been by far worse than the arm. It restricts certain kicks (the round/turning kick in particular)and has been really frustrating me. The only way to help heal it is stretching exercises, icing it down and lots of ibuprofen!

My best advice would be good warm ups with lots of stretching (before AND after your work out)and start slow. Listen to your body, it will let you know! Good Luck!

VDJ

Thanks mate.

I've already got a bit of golfers elbow (lesser known version of tennis elbow but on the opposite side, the inside tendon rather than the outer) from some plastering works I've done half a year ago.
I have managed to ease off the intensity of the plastering and it's healed a bit now, but like you, still get the odd twinge.

Hopefully starting training won't make it flare up - i'll just have to take it easy.

I can imagine very well that your hip is a pain in the butt (well not literally!) if you are doing TKD with all those kicks!

Have often thought of giving TKD a go. Funnily enough I've still got an instructor's tel no in my GSM that ran a TKD club. May have to give it a try.

Thanks very much for the advice and I most definitely will heed it! Cheers!