How Old Were You When You First Started Training?

[Patrick]

I was inspired by this thread to start a poll to see when everyone first started training in a martial art.

Please vote in the poll and free feel to reply. Thanks.

[bushido_man96]

Cheers, Patrick!

The first time I was exposed to a martial arts class was really when I was 4, but it wasn't for long, so I don't really count it.

I started the training that has continued to my current rank when I was in 8th grade, right around the age of 14, I believe.

[cathal]

I started when I was 8 learning quite a bit about modern weapons, since my father is a gunsmith. But I didn't start a physical martial art until I was 10.

[jaymac]

Isn't if funny how many people started as a child, and yet we have posts that complain about children taking classes or achieving shodan before becoming an adult. I wonder how many people achieved a black belt as a child. I know I received my first one at age 13 and my second at age 30.

[AngelaG]

I believe I was 22.

[Sohan]

I think I was 8 or 9.

With respect,

Sohan

[Soo Min]

I was about 6 or 7.

I am now 15.

Sometimes I think it is better to start a little later in life so that one learns to proper technique right away. In my experience, those who start young have to un-learn improper technique. I know I did. Not because of the quality of instruction, but rather because developmentally a third grader cannot really see or feel minute technical differences.

[Havoc88]

Started out 4 months ago at the age of 18. Looks like a good age to start, although I am the oldest one in my class

Tom

[Dazed and Confused]

When I started TKD I was 14, I think. There's been a considerable hiatus but in the context of children in MA, I have to 'fess up!

[Rateh]

I'm not sure what to vote, as it was about a month before my 13th birthday. Should I then vote 10-12 as I was technically 12? Or should I vote 13-15 as I was nearly 13?