Are martial arts for a 35yo newbie (no sports experience whatsoever)?

[35yoNewbie]

I need advice on what martial arts would be good for me to start with.

I'm 35 year old male in very bad cardio shape. I'm 5.10, 140lbs and have no experience with any *sports* whatsoever. Yes, I've been a geek all (or 1/2) of my life.

Realizing that injuries are possible in all sports, I'm trying to find something that is appropriate for my age and experience. To me this means a style or school that's not as prone to serious injuries, and at the same time I would like something that's both offensive and defensive in nature.

[Semper Fi]

I'd recommend checking out whats available in your area then stopping by to either view or participate in a class. It's honestly the best way to find out what would interest you the most. Most schools offer a free intro class or 2.

[35yoNewbie]

There is karate, aikido, judo, jujitsu, kung fu, kickboxing, MMA and I'm sure all sorts of other disciplines available in my area. I checked some of them already and I'm pretty sure that kickboxing is not for me. :-) That's why I need advice where to start (based on my two criteria from original post).

[Hardball]

I need advice on what martial arts would be good for me to start with.

I'm 35 year old male in very bad cardio shape. I'm 5.10, 140lbs and have no experience with any *sports* whatsoever. Yes, I've been a geek all (or 1/2) of my life.

Realizing that injuries are possible in all sports, I'm trying to find something that is appropriate for my age and experience. To me this means a style or school that's not as prone to serious injuries, and at the same time I would like something that's both offensive and defensive in nature.

Based on what's available in your area, I'd say seek out a free trial visit at the karate school. If you like it, then sign up. Judo, Jujitsu and MMA are all prone to frequent injuries and you may not be suited based on your description of yourself.

[35yoNewbie]

So far I tried judo and karate and neither one felt like a right fit for me. I was discouraged after those visits because I didn't find a good match. That's why I'm trying to get some guidance and pointers that would help me focus my search in a particular area.

[Flaves]

based on the criteria you gave its difficult to give an exact answer. you want to avoid injury while learning an art that is both offensive and defensive.

well for starters most arts are both offensive and defensive. some arts like Wing Chun combine the 2 for ecomony of motion while karate would be attack then defend or vice versa.

to avoid the injuries stay away from MMA/BJJ schools. the culture usually ends up being aggressive /competitive in those schools.

if you are looking to get in great shape you may want to find a traditional Muay Thai school .

Wing Chun/Wushu may be of interest also as it fits your criteria .

if you want a little bit of mental stimulation try a Kali/Silat school.

train hard and good luck.

BTW, what area do you live?

[Tant01]

Ahhh... Judo is the GENTLE art. I'm not too old to slam or choke... Judo would be great for any newbie!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL

[Hardball]

Ahhh... Judo is the GENTLE art. I'm not too old to slam or choke... Judo would be great for any newbie!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL

He would get hurt when it's his turn to uke. He's trying hard to avoid injury. I'm thinking Tai Chi now.

[35yoNewbie]

Flaves you are da man. You obviously know what you are talking about. Can you help me understand some of the things you said?

I'm in Tucson, Arizona.

[Ghost]

Flaves you are da man. You obviously know what you are talking about. Can you help me understand some of the things you said?

I'm in Tucson, Arizona.

LMAO thats one of the best posts for a little while.

YOU ARE THE MAN< YOU SOOOOOO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT........EVEN THOUGH I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING!

[35yoNewbie]

I may be a newbie but at least my caps lock key is not broken. :-P

The following styles are available in my town: Aikido, Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Krav Maga, Capoeira, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Hiraido Jujitsu, Kung Fu, Wing Chun.

I'll pick the top 3 suggestions from you guys and try them all next week.

[Ghost]

if you want to avoid injury id suggest wing chun, judo(though you may get an injury) and hiraido jujitsu

[Tant01]

Ju-D'oh!

Hiraido Jujitsu seems to have elements from many styles...



Judo, Judo, JUDO! Goshinjutsu is Judo. BJJ is Judo, most Jujutsu is JUDO.

Notice a theme here?

[Ghost]

Hiraido Jujitsu seems to have elements from many styles...



Judo, Judo, JUDO! Goshinjutsu is Judo. BJJ is Judo, most Jujutsu is JUDO.

Notice a theme here?

yeah this is why i thought it might be suitable, maybe you have some comments about injury rates.
I rate judo very highly as a system though and would really love to study it myself.
In some ways i think judo might be better than that Hiraido Jujitsu as Judo is more pure.

[treelizard]

Flaves you are da man. You obviously know what you are talking about. Can you help me understand some of the things you said?

I'm in Tucson, Arizona.

I'm in Tucson too and have trained at or visited almost every gym in town. Send me a PM if you want or have Q's about specific places or arts and I'll help you out.