> People who are in the 30's, 40's and 50's doing martial
> arts!

There are. Admittedly, older people do tend to take a lot longer to pick things up on the low end (the first few belts), but they're certainly physically capable of it - especially the 30-40 year olds. Once you get to the higher end, training/skill begins to matter more.

What I really don't understand is someone telling you this when you're 28, of all ages. I seriously hope this isn't someone in our family, as they should know better (lest they forget I am 25, I'm not exactly that much younger than you, nor is Glenna at 24 - but we're both doing just fine).

One of our best yellow belts is 37 years old. The purple belt that went up with Glenna is pushing 40. I watched a brown belt test last week where both people tested were in their 30s (one of which started in his early 30s, I believe).

Anyhow, yes, being older presents its own set of challenges - that's no secret. Then again, challenging one's self is pretty much the entire point of martial arts: Aside from the occasional tournament, it's not a "sport" and the main goal isn't competition. It's not a team thing, either. The focus is overcoming your own physical and mental limitations.

FWIW, my sifu is in his mid-60s, smokes, has diabetes and a bad knee - and he's an excellent martial artist.

Still though... 28... Too old? Many of the adults in our class are in their 20s-30s - much younger, and you can't even call them "adults" any more, they're called _teenagers_.

*laughs* I was pretty ticked when I wrote that last night! Some people just love to put others down, a fact I know all to well, but it still manages to really burn me up.

I'm half tempted to join a class right now out of spite...but I don't have the money yet, nor do I feel like I'm totally ready to jump right in. If I hurry something like this, I know I'll just panic and quit (sort of like I did with the gym last year). The more I read about classes, the more excited I get. I'm really looking forward to joining! I just want to be in a little better shape than I am now...which is probably a good move considering how much my body hurts right now from the gym! *laughs* But I'm having a blast right now! So that's good!

I was surprised myself to see how many "older" people learn martial arts. I knew that some did, but the numbers are amazing. All over the Tri-Cities there are people from 20-50 taking Tae Kwon Do and other forms of marital arts. It really put my mind at ease when I saw this. Another thing that worried me was being the "only girl". *Laughs* Not that this would bother me too much, considering the line of work I'm in is a male dominated profession and I'm use to being the sole female.

I think people just don't stop to think before they open their mouths. I know that the two who made the comments are not exactly happy with themselves either, so it shouldn't have been so surprising to hear things like that coming from them...Still, as I said in my post, motivating myself to do this is hard enough. I constantly critizise myself and I don't need any help in that department...but such comments do motivate me even more. Last night I lifted weights for about an hour and then worked my stomache muscles (plus I went to the gym earlier in the day too). I'd like to join in about two or three weeks. I figure about five/six weeks of working out at the gym will help me get a decent start. I've already noticed that my heartrate has come down considerably and I have a lot more energy than I did before.

Thanks for the support Jeff. It's nice to have someone who actually knows about martial arts and can tell me what to expect. I really appriciate it! :-) I can't wait to send you emails about the things I learn in class! *laughs*

> Thanks for the support Jeff. It's nice to have someone who
> actually knows about martial arts and can tell me what to
> expect. I really appriciate it! :-) I can't wait to send you
> emails about the things I learn in class! *laughs*

Not a problem. Mostly I just think it'll be fun to be able to talk about this stuff with family members and have them more or less understand what I'm talking about. :>

WOW, that is sooo f*in messed up what someone said about being too old to do martial arts. there was this guy i used to work with in the meat dept, he was 70 + years old and still throwing meat like he was 30 or something. in his much younger years he was Army Airborne, and then also moved onto one form of martial arts, which he still does. i was invited to go to a few of the classes he went too, and 95% of the people there were at least over 50. i was the youngest in my late 20s. the man unfortunitly doesnt hear too well, but no way in hell would i even today want to tangle with him. he is one heck of a kind, just all around great person, and rollmodel.
i, for anyone who may read this and dont know me, joined the Air Force right when i turned 30. celibrating my 30th during the 2nd week of basic training. with alot of internal will power i did very well with the metal, and physical stress they put us through. in some cases better than many of the 18-20 year old kids in basic with me. marine basic training, im not sure if i could have done that, not knowing what sort of basic training they go through.

here's some motivational lyrics from a very ass kicking band PANTERA: cd VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER
MOUTH FOR WAR: been constantly so frustarted, ive moved mountains with less / when i channel my hate to productive, i dont find it hard to impress / bones in traction, hands break to hone raw energy / bold & disastrous, MY EARS CANT HEAR WHAT YOU SAY TO ME /Hold your mounth for war, use it for what its for what its for, speak the true about me, Determined /Possessed, i feel a conquering will down inside me / STRENGH, the STRENGH of many to crush who may stop me / my strengh is in number, and my soul lies in everyone / THE RELEASING OF ANGER CAN BETTER ANY MEDICINE UNDER THE SUN /like aknife into flesh, after life is to death pulling and punching the rest of duration / NO ONE CAN PISS ON THIS DETERMINATION!!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK, KICK ASS, i know you will.
JEFFREY >:) >:) >:)

Heh, it's nice to see you around, "Evil Smiley"! (that always makes me laugh!)

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I appriciate it! Did anyone tell you you were too old to join the military? Just curious...I remember when you first went in, I thought it was cool! You kicked ass too! Us old fogies shouldn't be trifled with, right? ;-) Anywhoo, come back around again, I love hearing from you!

*and send me an email!!!*

I know, I know...I sound like a demanding, selfish woman...Oh wait...I AM!!! *laughs*
Take care, bud!