How/Should I get started?

[ernienow]

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am 15 yrs old, 5' 10'' nad i have a pretty tuff build, I kinda look like a linebacker. I have always had an interest in combat/warfare but never to the point where I really wanted to have some instruction, not until recently. My knowledge is very limited on Martial Arts ( what little of my knowledge i have is in medivel style, and its just knowledge, no practice. ) I was wondering: Am I too old to start? If not: What style/dicipline? ( I would prefer a really well rounded style that includes a sword and is at least partially applicable in defense) How much time commitment is involved? (I go to a really demanding highschool, at least 4 hrs of hw a day + extra curriculars) That just the start. Im sure ill come up with more questions. Thanks in advance.

[Little Dragon]

you are NEVER to old to start martial arts.Im 15 and i started a year ago in taekwondo.

 

Look around for Dojos/schools around your area and find one that intrests you.Some places are open 5 days a week and let you come whenver you want but some schools let you come on certain amount of days.All martial art schools are different..remember that.You must be dedicated to what you learn,getting lazy wont help you become any better of a fighter.And always remember you learn this for self-defense..not to start fights.Its better to learn with a instructor rather than by yourself since he/she could give you pointers or teach you how to handle any situation.

[ernienow]

Ok. Ill take a look around. Few more questions though. I intend to see what is available around me, but what would be a good martial art to study as a base to work from? (not something like Vale Tudo) How are weapons incorporated into a discipline? (are they a branch of a certain art, or do they have a completely seperate art for a certain weapon) PLease give me some more information guys, this, as all of you must know, is a very intimidating subject. So many things to look at...

[Rick]

Well, ur not too old dude... i started when i was 4 so i have a long history with it, but you are never EVER too old to begin...

 

Just have a look at what u have going on around your area and choose something that appeals to u and what u want out of the martial arts... If u love it enough there will always be time for it... And if u REALLY can't find time for it u can always come back to it later when u find that u have more spare time for that sort of thing.

 

I gotta go to work now, i'll see ya later.

 

Rick

[Little Dragon]

taekwondo is a fabulous art for flexibility and to work up your endurance.Karate is mainly for hand to hand combat situations.Kick boxing/muay thai would be useful for exercising and also for hand to hand combat.

 

Weapons training are usually for advance users like blackbelts and up..thats how it is in my dojo.

[gcav]

As everyone has said, first see what is avialable in your area. Once you know what you *could* learn, narrow it down to what you *want* to learn. Do some online research on the styles around your area. Watch a class from each dojo/dojang. Talk to the instructors about their art, and what they are teaching the students. Talk to the students at each dojo to see what they think about the dojo, the instructors, etc. The important thing is to match the personality of the art with your personality. After you watch a training class or two, you should get a pretty good idea of what that particular school is about.

[ernienow]

Ok. I'll start the search, thanks guys.

[Vito]

if youre into combat, look up mixed martial arts- usually muay thai and brazilian jiujitsu.