Martial Arts is a wonderful and fulfilling activity. But we tend to think its only for two types of people: kids that need discipline, or macho 20-something year old guys who want to fight in a ring. But what if you’re not 7 years old, or a cage fighter in your 20’s? Is too late for you to start training martial arts?
The answer is: no.
It’s never too late to start training martial arts! And there’s lots of types of Martial Art classes out there – so no matter who you are, where you’re at in your life or what your goals may be – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Why study martial arts as an adult?
Many adults are looking for the best ways to stay healthy as they grow older. Martial arts is one way we not only get a good workout but learn important life skills like discipline, confidence building, patience – all while having fun! Martial Arts classes at any level offer support from instructors who understand what martial art concepts will be most useful for grownups trying out this new activity.
Martial Arts for Fitness
Martial arts training keeps your body healthy by helping to tone muscles, burn calories, improve balance and flexibility – all of which will keep you feeling young too!
Martial Arts for Stress Relief
Martial Arts training is a great way to relieve stress and anger. Martial arts can also teach you how to channel that energy into something positive, rather than letting it affect your relationships or work in negative ways. It’s an opportunity for both physical release of pent-up frustration and mental focus on attaining self control
Martial Arts for Self Defense
Martial Arts training offers a variety of self-defense techniques, but more importantly provides the mental fortitude to avoid and handle conflict without violence.
What should I look for in Adult Martial Arts training?
Now that you know that Martial Arts can indeed still fit in your life, the question becomes how to find the right martial arts school and style to study.
Martial Arts Class for Adults
The tone and atmosphere of training should make it clear that this is indeed something for adults. If you’re surrounded by 4 year old kids, then it’s a fair guess that the curriculum at the martial arts school isn’t really designed for you. The classes themselves should be challenging enough to keep you engaged but not so difficult that only a cage fighter can keep up.
Adult Martial Arts Instructor
The same goes for the teacher: you want someone who will challenge you to grow, but still you keep you encouraged enough to keep going. They should also be understanding of how training will fit into your life style. While we’d love to have everyone as dedicated to their training as the instructor, the reality is that martial arts training is meant to compliment your life – not replace it.
How to get started as an Adult in Martial Arts
The best way to figure out if Martial Arts training is something that is right for you, is to try a class and see how you like it! Most schools, including ours, offer some type of free class or lesson to experience things first hand without making a commitment.
Just remember, it’s never too late to start and there’s no better time to start than now.
Happy training!
I studied Bujinkan from age 6 to age 17 under Dave F. of the Bujinkin Dojo in Stockton through the 90’s and 2000’s. Often learning at the feet of Jack Hoban in a crowded waterbed warehouse of black gees, who taught us to remember that martial arts is best learned as “Play!”. I’ve had something of a long time hiatus from the Bujinkin lilfe, ways and training. For some time my younger self thought that the slow forms and the staged scenarios seemed inapplicable to real-life scraps and scrapes. I often lived up to the saying, the best victories of a conflict or fight are the ones that don’t exist.
And while I can say I have never as of yet been the direct target/victim of an attack or altercation, often, have I (as the warrior creed states), “been a protector to those in need.” As a public school teacher, I’ve used my Bujinkan learning and training to protect those around me both in word but, physically in many aspects. Unfortunately, more and more laws and public opinions, seem to push back against Samaritans of our sort. However, the times that I have been able to intervene in a fight between students, it is my basic Bujikan yukemi (i spelled that wrong) instinct and training that seems somehow possess me in a 6th sense sort of way to best handle the physics and bodies in the environment. Its hard to describe. I’m rusty and should return to the Bujikan warrior ways sometime sooner than later.
But I couldn’t agree more with this article, it’s never to late. Even someone like me who has been out of practice for 14 years can say that the way of the warrior as a Bujinkan is something that become a deep part of you if you will allow it, it will serve you in ways more than most martial arts. And while for some it is about learning a cool move, being more confident in one’s abilities (perhaps naive too) or wearing a black Gi uniform ( although those are really awesome and fun), you will become a silent defender of peace within your home and community. The Bujinkan and Warriors way is more than just martial arts, to truly be a warrior, one should think and believe in the ways of a BUJINKAN Ninjutsu warrior and protector.
Thank you for allowing me to share my short story. Please continue to “Play!”