Just Started; need advice

[Reed]

To all,

 

I just joined the Red Dragon club with my daughters, 8 & 10, and I am 49 years old. I read in this forum that around 50 years old I should mostly concentrate on self defense instruction and stay away from full contact. I am interested in learning as much as I can as well as participating in full contact. I am physically fit having been involved in body building since I was 18, yet I am far from bulky, so I feel that I can handle a fair amount of full contact; are there any major reasons why I should stay away from full contact at least for training purposes and not competition? Also, how many hours per week should I practice MA? I have set a goal of obtaining a black belt before age 53. (3.5 years away)

 

Thanks for any advice,

 

Reed

[aefibird]

Firstly, welcome to Karate Forums!

 

Well, if you feel that you can handle the full contact then go for it! Full contact training is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy it then I'd suggest that you keep going with it.

 

As far as training goes, at my karate club we recommend that all new starters train at least twice a week, moving up to a minimum of 3 times per week after obtaining their first grade. Training of about 5-6 hours a week minimum would be a good amount. However, your own club instructor would be able to advise you better, as she/he would know the requirements for black belt in your club and roughly how long it takes to get there.

 

Good luck in your training!

[Luckykboxer]

my advice is advance from light to full contact at a pace you are comfortable with.

 

martial artists and full contact fighters are competing at ever increasing ages now and if you are physically fit you should be able to handle some amount of full contact without great risk.

 

Remember however that certain ailments come with old age and can put you at risk.

 

not that 49 is old....

[Rotten Head Fok]

I would concentrate on your beginning before you worry about tomorrow. Full contact, I say go for it ! I'd see how well you heal-up after a few hits to get a feel for it.(hopefully that won't happen to much) I agree with aefibird, ask your instructor first, but twice a week up to three of four days a week is good. I think it's awsome that your involved with your family!! Good luck and welcome to Karate Forums!!

[Guest]

do wahtever you work yourself up to and feel you can safely handle. Age is a state of mind.

[ramymensa]

What if you take the BB at 54? What's the rush? Just go there and train. ENJOY it, be with your kids and become fitter, quicker, happier and so on. Train hard and you'll achieve the goal. If not, train and it will be OK even if you delay the big event. I'm kinda bitchy here, but I really don't put much emphasis on the moment I achieve ranks. I'm in here for life (eventually) so where am I rushing to?

[Reed]

You asked the question why I want to acheive a BB by the age of 53; it goes back to my business training whereas I set goals and targets. Moreover, as with any sport it is a way of keeping score. This is what motivates me to reach higher in life. After reaching the first BB, then it will be time to raise the bar again and set another goal for my life.

 

Thanks for all of the replys,

 

Reed

[Chibi]

Move at your pace. If you think you can handle full contact, try it. If you don't like it, stop. Best of luck in your training.

[italian_guy]

what martial art are actually studing?

 

If it is an art that foresees full contact like kickboxing, kyokushin kai karate or muay thai you will be gradually trained to full contact. If you can stand the training go for it!

[Vito]

yea... learning is great- but a black belt doesnt necessarily mean anything. (little advice- if your school is big on the whole belt thing, you probably wont be learning much.) belts are unimportant next to the skills youre gaining as an asskicker. for self defense.