Too old for starting MT?

**Häretiker** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 8:20am

Hi!

Am I too old for starting Muay Thai?

I'm 43, couch potato, my job involves a lot of sitting at a computer, didn't train any sport for 15 years.

I'm looking for something, that improves strength, endurance, learning new things, and keep me healthy.

So ... too old?

Greetings
Häretiker

**DarkXacreD** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 9:03am

I think as long as you pace yourself properly you should be fine.

**bobyclumsyninja** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 9:29am

See how your knees react to the punishment. The sheer number of heavy bag kicks, involved in training (and thai pad kicks) means your knees, or ankles may not forgive the pounding.
If they hold up, then you may have some great fun. I talked to a Brazilian friend of mine yesterday, as I ordered my pizza (mmmmm healthy). He's a big fight fan, and said he went to train muay thai...but did his knee in, and stopped. I don't know how old he is, probably in his 30s...but I feel his pain. I wrecked my scooter, and did my knee in, and couldn't kick for weeks.

I'm 31...and fought my first full contact fight this year...so I won't say you're too old. Just realize your body might not be up to it, over time...and so, go into it with that understanding...that's all. Life's rough and tumble anyway, so enjoy it as you will.

Best of luck, and have fun. (I'm not going to tell you to go and do tai chi, or the chun... someone else is likely to handle that, muay thai is great fun...have at it!!!)

**Ippatsu182** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 10:01am

I don't think 43 is too old to start. I'm in my early thirties and I started Muay Thai earlier this year. It's a great workout and I've been losing some weight, so I'm happy. I will say that recovery time takes longer though. Anyway, I'm hoping to enter a competition sometime next year. Try out a class. You've got nothing to lose.

**M1K3** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 10:50am

I am currently 54 and doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have been training for about 9 months now and love it. Remember your not in your 20's anymore (and not always easy to do) and you should be fine. Don't use your age as an excuse not to try.

Good Luck.

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 12:19pm

Are you planning on doing a lot of sparring? Or competing, or just trying to get rid of your gut? I'm 48 and go to a boxing gym, and practice my Muay Thai kicks on the bag when I feel up to it. If you're just looking to get trim, Boxing might be better. It's really hard to suddenly start kicking after a long layoff. One health guru recommends that you don't even think about doing the roundhouse until you can do 100 crunches in a row and squat close to your body weight on your shoulders 5-6 times. If you don't have the core strength, it can be a real shock to your body.

If you are really interested in self defense, I'd go BJJ. I say that, even though I don't do BJJ anymore, but it is still more efficient self defense wise. If you're older, out of shape, etc, there is a good chance you'll get knocked down in a fight, and speed is a big factor in stand up punching and kicking.

I think it's a wise thing to go to the gym, and see how many guys have survived that are close to your age and initial fitness. If the only guy that's there is some 50 year old, ex-wrestling coach that looks like a body builder, and the rest of the guys are 20 to 25, well, good luck.

**hungryjoe** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 7:48pm

Go get your heart checked (simple checkup by the doc). You are mostly likely OK and he/she will tell you to start slow.

No kidding. 43 is not old, but you've been sitting around a lot.

AND NO - 43 is not to old to start anything (except dating teenagers).

**scooby1** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 7:52pm

I'm 43 and I kicked a guy in the head today, you'll never know unless you try.

**Who?** · Posted On: 8/02/2008 7:52pm

It would depend on the club. Many fighting gyms wouldn't even let you start at that age.
Try it and see how you go. If you'd been 43 and fit I'd say yes but with all the chips against you I can only wish you luck.