Drawing Exercises - Is 40 too old to begin studying a martial art ?

Is 40 too old to begin studying a martial art ?

I am interested in learning a bit of self-defense, as well as getting exercise. I am healthy, except for the occasional backache or sore knee. What would be a good art to study if I want to avoid heavy duty kicking ?

Public Comments

do what you want... 40 is not old...
It's never too late.
You're never to old to do what you want to do...
No, it's not too old. I wouldn't expect to advance to a 4th or 5th degree blackbelt or anything, but you can certainly learn defense and get exercise from it. Try Aikido.
Its all a possibility. No Martial art is going to have you tearing yourself up , at first. This is a great idea.
40 is not too old at all. But I'm sure you won't be the champion at tournaments! It's a really great means of exercise (depending on the style you choose).
I cant recommend one in particular but definetly get out there and do some! 40 is not too old and i will keep your fitness up! Its also useful to know and fun. If you can try and start it with someone.
martial arts is a great workout at any age. I have study many of the arts. I preferred tae kwon do it does have more kicking but it was the best workout. If you need something with less kicks go for karate or a judo. Look at different schools the instructors make all the difference in the world.
NO! Your never to old to start anything, go for it. Good luck!
Hi, Tai Chi is a martial art and is good for the mind and body. Not to strenuous and any age can learn. Enjoyable
Try doing Tai-chi. It's a slow moving martial art that focuses on breathing and concentration. Just look for something in the article below.
Judo would be good as it's mainly grappling. Forty isn't too old to start an exercise program.
No! Absolutely not.
You are now the youngest you are ever going to be so you may as well do anything you can.
my dad is in his 50s and does aikido he really enjoys it, its a "soft art" so it doesnt take too much of a beating on your body(its all about redirecting the opponent's energy/attacks) he says it helps alot with his arthritis. as for self defense in my opinion it takes longer to get good at aikido than other arts so it'll take you longer to be able to adequately defend yourself, and some dojos might not train you practically(but this goes for any martial art)
40 is definitely *not* to old. You might consider a more subtle art like Akido or Tai Chi. The up side to these arts are that they are a lot less high impact and, when mastered, can be very effective in a defensive capacity. However, the down side is that both of them are extremely subtle and mastery of even the basics takes a very long time. If you don't have the patience for the more subtle arts and take things slow until you get your body stretched out and in good condition, being 40 is no barrier to regular martial arts practice in some of the more "external" styles.
I hope not I started when I was 44. I know all about the sore knees and hips, got a bad hip and one really bad knee (I use a brace on my knee). The best thing to do is go and observe a class and talk to the students, instructors, find a school that is a good fit for you. Good Luck.
Aikido has little (or no) kicking, and is an effective art to learn in your 40s. Many arts are very effective, including Karate.
You are never too old my friend. Look around your neighborhood and see what is offered and convenient to you. Visit all that interest you and watch at least one class at each place. Speak to the instructors. The choice will become obvious to you after doing this. Don't just base it on anecdotal comments you hear on the internet. All styles have pluses and few minuses, so see what fits with you.
I started study in Ba-Gua when I was 43, after years of Judo and TKD. It was PREFECT for me in that it is (I feel) far more effective than anything else I have been exposed to. I feel I am getting better as I get older. The workouts are very strenuous, but not something that you cannot do. I would suggest that you can look into Ba-Gua,Tai chi, Aikido as your age will be a benefit not a hindrance.
Try kajukenbo or kenpo, not a lot of kicking.
Kenpo is a great self defense Art and it is well known for it's quick hand movements, check out some demos on youtube.com and search a few names like, Frank Soto, Jeff Speakman, Ed Parker and Lee Wedlake. Or you can try your local Martial Arts Supply and phone book. You are never to old to learn Martial Arts.
Even young people have problems with their backs and knees. i started Kung Fu 1,5 years ago and now i dont have those sore knees. try feeling different schools and look for one without ego. competitions is not the end of the world too. dont overstrain yourself and supliment your diet when training. Strech and you'll be fine!!!I get inspired by chinese: they know how to use body to the full potential as well as heal it.
You know, 40 really is definitely not too old to begin. In most schools, especially those that follow belt systems, the activities for beginners are not really too strenuous. Each level is slightly more difficult and more physical than the one before it, so the intensity builds gradually over time. Much later you look back and realize that you never dreamed you could accomplish so much!
never to late ^^ i know a 70 year old who got his black belt recently, of course it took him longer to learn kicks and was not as nimble as younger students, it may take a little longer for you, dont be embarrased JUST GO FOR IT
No, 40 is NOT too old. Try something like judo, or aikido.
martial arts, when taught and applied correctly, are nothing but beneficial for mind and body. 40 is definately not too old, and forget all this stuff on here about "Never being a master or competing. If you want it bad enough, you'll push through and be fine. Careful during stretches, though> That's the only rough point with age. Otherwise, give it your heart and soul. You'll do fine.
yes thats a stupid question
i would recomend a internal.. or soft style... or grappling (sometimes there all the same thing) but not judo... not at your age... im not makin a crack... you just take alot of hard falls.... lol dont go muaythai either.... but ne ways as far as self defence a good ol kajukembo or krav maga is good (just quick and dirty beat the crap outta them) but those are external hard striking styles.... (i reccomended internal soft grappling) so i would say a good ol southern kung fu(grappe... hand strikes and low kicks)(northern is alot of kicks then hand strikes then grappling)... good for health (qigong) and the chin na (grappling techniques.. means "sieze and control") hurts like crap or aikido.... some types of karate not tkd (main focus is kicks) also prabably not hapkido (many kicks and judo type throws) so yeah somthing internal (taichi/ aikido/pagua... ect) with hand strikes and grappling (southern kungfu,yoshinkan aikido ect) look around and see what there is..... lol maby you should just go escrima/kali/arnis de mano (knife and stick and unarmed... made to be quick simple and effective)
I was a bit over 40 when I started training =) After 5+ years, I am still hitting the mats a couple of time a week! I Love to train! I personally prefer Budo, you train at your own pace and there is minimal emphasis on kicks and kicking =) But, I suggest you try several arts, most schools will allow you to try a class or two, to see which best suits you. Good luck!
Yes... you are far too old
You are never "too" old to begin the journey that is martial arts training. The journey is not only a physical one, but also a mental and spiritual one. Indeed, in some ways you may have some advantages over the younger folks as you will be a little more mature and hopefully more emotionally balanced. I just recently welcomed a 54 year old back to training after a long twenty year absence from training. She has a hip problem and some carpal tunnel issues, but has been training now for six months, is loving it, and is one of the most energetic and engaged students in the class. Martial arts are truly for life. Being a martial artists is engaging in a lifestyle, not a passtime or a sport, thus age, injury, gender, height, weight, and all of those other limiting categories so many people like to use do not apply. Go for it, sign up with a good school, form a relationship with a quality instructor, and enjoy your study for the rest of your life. Ken C 9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do 8th Dan TaeKwon-Do 7th Dan YongChul-Do
I started Kenpo at 40 and 200 pounds for a 5'7" person; I lost 38 pounds over two months of workouts and I'm down to 160 pounds now. You will never be younger than you are now. When you get older, it will be harder. Get in shape now.
Even 90 would not be too old to start a martial art. When they close the coffin, thats when your too old. While we're alive were always students.
Definitely not. As for your other question, I would say American Kenpo Karate. It is based around and mostly hands strikes and movements, but they do throw in some kicks and knees but they are mostly low kicks to set your opponent off balance or just flat out take him out. As for your bad knee, there is a lot of pivoting and moving your feet, as foot work is essential for any martial art, because it keeps things tight and quick as well as shield yourself for defense to not get hit. So you may want to check that out and see how it goes.
40 is the new 13.
nope. ask randy couture.
40 isn't too old. If you're in decent shape already you should be fine. As already mentioned, tai chi chuan, ba-gua, and aikido are excellent arts. You may also want to look into wing chun kung fu.