Well I did it. I am 50 years old had some low back problems and surgery more than 30 years ago. I'm not in the best of shape but I started taking karate classes 2 day per week. I'm 6'1 and weighed 215 two months ago. 'Since I have started karate classes I have lost 15 lbs. wow it is a great workout and it's fun. I may never be a black belt leader but my goal is a green belt. I am feeling really good now. Never thought in a million years that I would take karate. The class I had today was hard for me to follow the younger students had no problem. I am going to stick this out I know I can do it. I may never be a black belt but my goal is to loose another 20 lbs and be more active for my age of 50 years old.

My first instructor was 61 when she started. She is now a 5th degree black belt (20 years later).

Your goal should be to let karate transform your life - an it sounds like it is, a belt is just to hold your pants up.

Congrats my friend.

Hi Bob! Welcome to the forums!

Age 50? You'll be outpacing those "kids" in no time. If you're interested in how "mature" students are successful, go to:

http://www.tangsoodoworld.com

and click on the Articles tab.

There are two short articles that you might be interested in, "Age Is Just a Number" (by me) and "Black Belt at 64 Years Old" (by a woman who's a heart patient).

Congrats on getting started at any age. Now just see where it takes you. Glad to have you here.

I too started later in life (early 40's) I charish the days in class I can keep up with and/or beat the 20 somethings while sparring or with technique. Overall I try to remember this is for me...it doesn't matter how everyone else does.

I'm always amazed at the demographics of the people who come to class; old, young, man, women, in shape or needing some work. I'm also amazed at the people you never see again after a month or two.

My only advice to you is to keep going to class.

As a white belt the green belts always seemed so good. As a green belt the red belts were so much better. Now that I'm a red belt the black belts are better still.

Keep going to class...keep getting better.

Congrats on the weight loss...What a great side effect of something you love to do!

Keep up the great work! =D

Thank you Sir joesteph for the link. I loved the stories and it proves that you can do anything at any age. And thank you everyone for the support

My father just turned 69 and was a police officer his entire life. He was in the army as well, and to this day whenever he and I "get into it" he throws me to the wall or floor and I have no idea how he does it He is a constant reminder to never underestimate.

Welcome to the world of martial arts. That's great you are already setting goals for yourself. Keep it up!

Helio Gracie did BJJ until he died this year, aged 95. You're still a young 'un