Question for judoka: Too old to start judo?

[rennurliart]

Hey Judo players.

So, I'm in my early 50s and want to give judo a try. I have trained in martial arts before and am very fit for any age but from what I understand, judo takes it up a notch when it comes to injury potential. I fully understand class ends with randori that can get intense and being tossed to the ground often is part of the game.

I just read a great book about Judo that has me pretty excited to give it a go. If I don't do it now, I will be 65 and look back and wish I did it when I was 50. Or maybe if I tear and ACL, I will be regretting even thinking about it.

Any thoughts, advice, encouragement or discouragement? Would like thoughts from practicing and former Judoka.

[Nanook]

Start today and stick with it. My biggest regret is not starting sooner.

No training partner will try hurt you. Talk to your instructor about any concerns you have, let them and anyone you spar with know of any limits or problems you might have.

You'll get better in time. More flexible, greater endurance. Most schools would rather have you there and do as much as you can than not have you as a student.

[furrygrappler]

People have started a martial art in their 50s, and, really, an art like Judo might be a comfortable fit.

[AKgrappler]

It depends allot on the person - I would try it and start slow and see how it goes. The sensei will be thrilled to have you in their dojo and giving it a try ! Also, you mite meet some new women there - keep us posted.
Good Luck !

[rennurliart]

Originally Posted by AKgrappler [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

IAlso, you mite meet some new women there - keep us posted.
Good Luck !

Though that's not the main reason I'm trying this, I must admit that it may have crossed my mind

[Andrew Kanagal]

Originally Posted by rennurliart [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

Though that's not the main reason I'm trying this, I must admit that it may have crossed my mind

While a lot of people see it as somewhat unmoral like "oh a training partner isn't the object of your sexuality blah blah" a Judo or BJJ dojo actually is the one place where you're most likely to find women which can kick your ass.
As long as you don't actually treat them different or inappropriate there's nothing wrong with enjoying to roll around with them, they can't see inside your head.

[Braddogg4345]

Go for it! Live your dream. Just don't sue me if you do get hurt...lol.

[bongo001]

I started judo at 36, i noticed there were 5 people older then me so it was no problem. Only thing is, you don't learn as fast fast as the kids. I got beaten up by guys girls 13 to 18 but now after 5 years i am an about an average judoka, and that feels good.

[rennurliart]

Originally Posted by bongo001 [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

I started judo at 36, i noticed there were 5 people older then me so it was no problem. Only thing is, you don't learn as fast fast as the kids. I got beaten up by guys girls 13 to 18 but now after 5 years i am an about an average judoka, and that feels good.

So, when you begin, first time randori, how exactly does "take-it easy" work? How do you only slowly throw or get thrown?

Also, I am doing this for fitness as much as anything else. If I go easy for a 6 months to a year, will I still get a fitness benefit? I see all the only fitness benefit in hard randori? Am I right?

[bongo001]

Originally Posted by rennurliart [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

So, when you begin, first time randori, how exactly does "take-it easy" work? How do you only slowly throw or get thrown?

Also, I am doing this for fitness as much as anything else. If I go easy for a 6 months to a year, will I still get a fitness benefit? I see all the only fitness benefit in hard randori? Am I right?

You are right for 50%. In a hard randoori you'll do a good exercise, but before we do randoori's (last 20-30 minutes) we do all kinds of exercises including fitness/strength. A (serious) judoka is a good athlete. Like wrestlers.

Nevertheless my first randoori's were hard... you don't get thrown softly. But most are very good technically, so they know what they do and how to treat you.
But still, you need to know how to fall or break a fall.

Ps. this is on of my oponents - in the past, not often anymore :-(
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