At what age should you start martial arts?
To answer this question, you must ask yourself why do you want to start. Maybe you aren’t thinking about yourself but your child or relative. There are several positive effects of any type of martial arts.
Like most of you, the pandemic has opened my eyes to how we regard persons over the age of 60 as dispensable. We expect the older generation to be weaker and slower, yet with martial arts, we never discount the older fighter due to experience. Children, on the other hand, are in need of protection. We expect the younger generation to be fast and uncoordinated, yet with martial arts, we have children causing genuine fear in adults. The sport event of Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul showed both of these assumptions to be true, with the elder showing his experience in getting away from any serious blows and the younger stumbling repeatedly while executing moves (much more to this analysis).
I decided to look at two questions people ask frequently. How old/young can I start Martial Arts? Let’s look at the pros and cons of both scenarios.
How young is TOO young to fight?
One of the most successful MMA fighters Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov dedicated his life to coaching youth in wrestling, started training at the age of 8yr. Mike Tyson started training at the age of 11yr. Jet Li started training at the age of 8yr.
Children can take part in Martial Arts training from as early as the age of 3yr if their temperament allows. However, their focus, muscle strength and coordination will hamper their training. The reason for this is that the focus and coordination needed to adequately pursue martial arts develops at the ages 6 – 11yr.
Pros of starting martial arts as a child?
A 2019 study showed promising results in the use of martial arts to reduce bullying. The study conducted in 283 high schools in Australia showed increased resilience and self-efficacy, which decreases the likelihood of bullying or being bullied. As society evolves the structures of nearby parks or low traffic roadways are disappearing out of necessity. We need to begin re-thinking the way children can gain the freedom of exercise and play. Martial Arts is one form of fun exercise that can potentially grow into a career while laying the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
Unlike the Karate Kid movie premise, all research shows no increase in violent tendencies in children or teens that practice martial arts.
A review of several studies on the effects on Autism shows a positive effect on autistic children, with influence on; social interaction, memory and postural control ranging from medium to high. When we speak of benefits to children, we mean ALL children, even those with ‘disabilities’!
Cons of starting martial arts as a child?
Your child is going to get hurt. There will be mistakes, aggressions, and sport-related injuries. This is why it is important to enrol in a school with an established structured program. The school should have instructors and equipment that facilitate the training of children. Not all schools provide this security, not all belt grades are a good measure of skill. As the child athlete grows, more practice and dedication is required. We will provide more details on the expense and expectations soon (Subscribe Below!).
How old is TOO old to begin training?
Deontay Wilder former heavyweight boxing champ started boxing at the age of 20yr. Chuck Norris started Tang Soo Do at the age of 18yr after he joined the army. Locally, Cheryl-Ann Sankar started Taekwondo at the age of 27*, Edson Breedy at the age of 18 both went on to become World Taekwondo Champions and Olympians.
We can say that most professional athletes have started training before their mid-twenties and would end their professional careers before they are 45. However, there is a vibrant amateur world out there, with no start or stop date, as in all sports. To all the under 25’s reading this, you can still go pro and make it to the very top of your sport! Over 25’s the journey to pro would be shorter-lived but it is still possible.
Pros of starting martial arts in your late teens, early twenties?
Starting martial arts in your late teens or early twenties would mean you are more focused and can train harder than younger athletes because of the smaller demand of school. Your body would be able to easily adapt to the training and you should progress quickly once you’re consistent.
Cons of starting martial arts in your late teens, early twenties?
Money. You’re an adult now, and society demands you become a productive member, and in Trinidad being an amateur athlete comes with zero perks other than your health and fitness. You will be featured on TV6 play of the day or as a short segment, but only professional athletes would get a stipend from the government. Best case scenario Find a career that you can fit into your training regimen. The amateur boxing federation is a special case where these athletes are professionals but under a peculiar nomenclature, more on this in upcoming articles [subscribe below].
When can you start learning Martial Arts?
TODAY! Set your goals, whether professional, amateur, or recreational, find a gym, and become consistent. I promise you it’s easier than you think. I started at 33yr and have 3 competitions under my belt. Lost my first but won the last two!