how old is too old if theres a too old?

[Mca]

I've been juggling the thought of training in BJJand Muay thai
however im 31 and not in the best shape after getting married and three
kids later...everyone kind of laughs when i tell them what id like to do
as far as fighting a few times in an mma event for the experience
and hopefully being able to pass some knowledge to my son should he decide to take that path when he is old enough to do so,i found mma late in life and wish i'd found it in my younger years ....Is it to late for me to start
persuing mma as far as my age and time to prepare for mma
im not looking to make a career of mma just compete a bit for the love of the sport Thanx

[gabbah]

I think you can do it no problem, as long as you train smart and safe. Injuries take longer to heal when you're older.
Just start out easy and progress each day, you'll do fine.

[fayd]

There is no "too old" to start martial arts. Nothin to it but to do it.

...oh, and, uh by the way ...31 is NOT OLD!

Train well...

[Sensei Saki]

Where did it go?"it" being ?Yeah that's right. Blimey.
...Who is OLD?

My brain uses AIML to format responses to your inputs, but I don't have one for that.

[blitz]

Hell no it isn't even close to too old.

[Mca]

oops!no i wasnt implying i was old haha just everyone tells me that 31 is to old to start to compete thanks to you all for the input i dont feel old
i still feel 18 thanks again

[blitz]

31 isn't even close to old in general.

[1bad65]

I started around that age. You'll be fine. The injuries do heal slower than when you were 21 tho.

[LoneHusky]

No 31 is young as hell imo.

[danfaggella]

There are also fun n' fullfilling martial arts related things to do that aren't so high impact. MMA will give you soem great and very practical grounding, but if it proves to be too damn rough (not only "older" people think it is) then you can try other martial arts or ways of training, you can always persue your passions, just don't hurt yourself.

[mfpd]

I started BJJ at 34 years old. I don't recover as fast as when I did TKD and Ishin-Ryu when I was much younger. I have been doing it for about 6 weeks and absolutely love it!!!

I recommend you find a school and get rolling!!!

[aseepish]

I've been doing various MAs since I was 20, but I started Muay Thai a couple of months before my 30th birthday. I look at people like Mario Sperry and Murilo Bustamante (who both turn 40 this year) who are still competing at top levels and I am inspired. Randy Couture turns 43. Ron Van Clief competed in the UFC at age 51. Helio Gracie still rolls with his students!

There's no such thing as too old!

[aseepish]

PS. If you're serious about getting into fighting shape, nothing beats a few months at a Muay Thai camp in Thailand. That is if you can take the time off of work and you can stand being away from your family. Or if not, go during your kids' summer vacation and bring them along! They can go off and do tourist stuff (or take Thai language, cooking, or whatever classes) while you train.

There was a 36 year old Aussie guy training and competing when I was in Chiang Mai. He lost his first bout (ever) to a Thai fighter, but he lost by decision. He lasted the full five rounds!