Hi!

[midnightpariah]

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do martial arts. When I was younger, I asked my parents if I could take karate, but they told me that karate was for boys and signed me up for dance lessons instead. I have recently lost quite a bit of weight (about 45 lbs) through steady diet and exercise and now I finally feel like I should work towards my dream.

I have been researching different schools in my area and have narrowed it down to 3. The only thing is that I am super nervous about calling and scheduling an apointment to observe a class. I am afraid of looking silly. I am afraid that I am too old (I'm 25). I am afraid that people will treat me differently because I am a girl. I guess I am looking for advice from others who have been in a similar position. I know that I will do this, I just need some tips on how not to be nervous.

Thanks!!

[NightOwl]

Hey- welcome to the site!

Could you give out more details on what styles are availible/what you hope to get from training?

[midnightpariah]

Hey NightOwl:

I have made like this insane list of things that I want from a dojo. I wonder if I am being too picky, but since this is something that I have been wanting to do for sometime I want to do it right.

Basically I want to learn the basics (of course) but eventually I would like to compete. I am also interested in weapons training. I am not sure what style I am interested in being that this is the first time that I have ever looked into it. I am moving to Boise Idaho next week and have been investigating different dojos online. I found a few that I am interested in, but I haven't found one that really stands out. I want one that practices more than twice a week, but some dojos near my house only have practice twice a week. I think that I am going to watch as many classes as I possibly can before I make a decision.

As of right now this is the school that I am most interested in. And this one and this one are tied for second.

[DWx]

Welcome!

First off, its never too late to start MA and I know of a guy who was like in his late 40s/50s who started.

From the links you posted, I like the look of the first one, can't get much from just the instructor profiles they have on there though. Out of the other two I'd be more inclined towards the Kenpo. The TKD is unlikely to have weapons and the website looks a bit commercialised to me (doesn't mean its a McDojo school though). Also from the Kenpo videos and photos it "looked" quite good. There really is no substiture for watching a class so definately go see one if you have the chance.

As for girls in martial arts, there are loads of women that do it so you wont be alone. And its guarenteed everyone looks and feels stupid in their first couple of lessons, you just have to remember that even the highest ranking masters started where you did. Everyone was a white belt once.

Good luck in finding a school.

[white owl]

First of all welcome. Do not be nervous I had a similar dream as you and could not follow intill I was 31yrs old so your age is not a problem to be honest that is young (I wish I was that young when I started). As for picking a school sit in on the classes and try their trial period if they have one before making the decision. Another thing you could look for if you are nevous of being a woman, look for other woman look at there rank and look how hard they train, that will tell you how long they have been there and and see if they are intense in there training the last theing you want is someone going through the motions that is not what you want exspecially if you want to compete. (you do not want a belt school meaning you move up in rank fast, you want to earn your rank it means more, believe me it does)I would also look for something that has lot of self defense in their curriculm punching and kicking is fine and great. but what if some one graps you or chokes you, Just and idea from another woman's point of view and something that would be good in your tool belt.

[pittbullJudoka]

Welcome to the board. It's never toolate to start in the martial arts. I started back at 25 after eight or so years of doing nothing. Do worry about how silly you look because even the best black belts and martial artist out there were not great when they started. Don't be nervious about going in and watching a class or two and ask plenty of questions. Discuss with the instructor what you are looking to do in the MAs. Even if the plkaces you've found on the internet aren't what you are looking for one of the dojo owners may point you in the right direction. Also when you get to town check out the yellow pages you may find other schools not listed on the internet. The schools not listed on the net may end up being better places to train because the use the old adage word of mouth is the best advritisement. Sorry to ramble but good luck in your search.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

First of all welcome and secondly congrats on the weight loss man. i just lost 37, i know how you feel. i really didnt have all 37 to lose so im in killer shape now, although sidelined by ankle surgery. MA's will definately help you maintain your weightloss and work on sculpting some muscles i bet you didnt even know you had. so start go out and trying places, you will know which studio is the right fit the first 15 minutes your there. it's good you have a list. check out websites and check out some classes. good luck in your search.

[bushido_man96]

Welcome to the Forums, and welcome to Martial Arts!

As the advise that has been given so far is good, I don't feel the need to repeat too much of it. Checking out the classes in person, and getting some trials, are very good ideas. We were all ackward when we started out, so don't be nervous there. It all comes with time and practice.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

[NightOwl]

If weapons work:

http://

http://www.ohwy.com/id/h/h0255382.htm