Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

[Brandwin]

I am seriously at the age of 35, thinking about signing up for some type of martial arts or boxing class. I don't think it's ever too late, right? Just wanted to see others opinions on this and what would be the best type of class to join.

[mike24forever]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

I use to instruct a Korean Martial art when I was in my late 20's. I had students from 5 to 80. You're definitely not too old. I was never in better shape. It's great for the mind and body. Just do your research into the Academy you're looking into.

[Caulfield]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

I would think martial arts would be a much better choice than boxing .

[mike24forever]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

I would think martial arts would be a much better choice than boxing .

I did boxing as part of my physiotherapy. I loved it, but do to my condition it was too much for my legs and back. I was doing 1 on 1 lessons with my instructor, I wish I was physically able to do it. It's a great workout. Martial Arts for me was a lifestyle, boxing was a workout. Martial arts was very time consuming.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

You're never too old to know how to fight or defend yourself. I personally like boxing better in real world situations. Most guys throw haymakers and you can destroy guys with simple boxing techniques.

Being able to see punches and be able to throw efficiently and accurately. I got into a handful fights in my 20's and it was boxing and wrestling that got me out of it. I wouldn't mind learning BJJ too. I had a buddy that was into it and would destroy me when we sparred and he was a small guy.

I'd say, why not get into an MMA gym and learn all of it.

[Bullit]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

It depends on what you are looking to get out of it. If you are looking for something to help you get in shape, then Boxing is very much a more demanding Cardio and Strength training workout for beginners than most Martial arts are. If you are looking for something to defend you and your own then I would still reccommend boxing first as it is easier to learn basics and see results much quicker.

That being said, I have studied Krav Maga since I was 12, I am 48 now. At this point in my life I am actually in the worst shape of my life, I wont go into details why as most of you are probably already aware of the situation. I was pushing 290 about 2 months ago. Even at that point I would have given even odds against just about anybody in fight or maybe even 2/3 on one. I went back into training and working out and getting my body back to where it was and I am already below 270 and hope to stay on track to be under 250 by the Holidays. Once you get into a certain condition or practice something for a long time it is easier to get back there again, although my body is definetly telling me I am no longer a "young" man. But that is what I have always liked about Krav Maga. It is a very flexible discipline that is all about adapting to your ability and situation and I would reccomend it to any body. But also a word of warning. Many Krav Maga "studios" have popped up with the increasing popularity of MMA, so please make sure the are actually teaching Krav Maga and not just some version of MMA that they are calling it.

[allBthere]

Re: Anyone do Martial Arts and or Boxing?

Muay Thai if you can handle it. Some gyms have too long of 'classes' and will wipe you out - but while I agree boxing has the most immediate benefits of a street fight, Muay Thai would get someone in the best shape because of the legs.

I'm a 2x TKD blackbelt, but ever since I was in my early 20s I on and off belong to different boxing/muay thai gyms because I've experienced the discipline and formality of a traditional martial art, but now I'd rather just 'jump in'.

To go back on what I said though a bit - boxing might be the easiest to do on your own if you don't socialize much and want to do it at home too maybe on a heavy bag. Either way most boxing gyms are pretty old school so be prepared for endless skipping and situps especially at the beginning of classes.

oh and forgot age - it doesn't matter, just get that out of your head.

I remember my dad took me to taekwondo classes so much he just joined and got a black belt himself and competed at tournaments and won a few medals. He would have been 45 or so. I would say though the time consuming comment is worth considering because if you go that route you have to learn all the patterns or kata, and you may or may not be interested in that - I know I no longer am at all and like training with no belts and very little formality.