Going to a taekwondo taster tonight - very nervous

[Opus17]

I didn't really know where to post this but I hope this board is ok!
I'm overweight, unfit and yet I love certain sports. Sadly, I never stuck to anything as a child / teenager due to nasty comments from other kids which really affected my self-esteem. I'd drop out, go home and put on more weight😓
As an adult, I've done aikido and karate but I've moved around constantly since I was 18, so couldn't do anything longer than a year. I'm now 32 and plan to be in this area for at least 5-10 years.

I have looked around for martial arts clubs, I prefer arts that work more in standing, and there's what looks like a fantastic taekwondo club in the town. I messaged the instructor and she seemed lovely and invited me along to 3 free sessions to see if I like it. I'm finally going along tonight after putting it off for a week. But my tummy has been swirling with nerves all day. I'm just so ridiculously nervous. Nervous about my age, my weight, looking stupid, people making fun of me or judging me. Very often, this anxiety has stopped me from going to clubs in the past.

I'm finishing a master but then plan to stay at home with my son for the next two years (he's 14 months) so I'd love to go to the club and do something I enjoy 2-3 times a week, time for me. Husband is really supportive, he went into work early today so he can leave early for me to go to the class tonight, and has offered to do this once a week. Then I'll go once at the weekend (classes are offered 7 days a week and it's fully flexible).

I guess I'm just looking for some support, encouragement or your own experiences starting a martial art unfit, overweight or older?

Thanks everyone. I feel quite silly as it's not something I have to do, I just really want to and I want to tell the anxiety to do one so I can go and have fun

A massive well done to you for taking this step. It’s also great that your partner seems supportive and on board

I don’t have any experience in Martial Arts however would also consider myself as a bit overweight and unfit so am starting back at the gym tonight - just hoping I don’t stick out too much!

I think it's great she has offered 3 free sessions! That means you can spend session one just concentrating on staying calm and settling your nerves, and if you still feel nervous after first session, you can give it another go without having to commit, making it more likely you will return and not just find it all a bit too much a bit too quickly.
So all you need to do is concentrate on turning up and trying to relax yourself. Don't think any further ahead than that. The fact you've got this far is great, just take the next step, don't think about it too much. Distract yourself until it's time to go.

Good for you. Go for it! It sounds like a really positive decision. I don't think you will regret trying it.

You can do this. My DH is early 50s and joined Tae Kwan Do with our DS. DS has quit but DH is still going. There are lots of adults in the group, with a range of abilities, weights etc. It's great for cardio and balance. If you have martial arts experience before, you can do this. Best of luck.

I'm 44 and have just gained my yellow belt. Prior to this, I last did exercise sometime in the 1990s. 😁 I'm really enjoying it and if I can do it - anyone can!! Go along and have fun.

I started as an adult and am now a black belt. Lots of adults start (sometimes with their kids). I love it because it’s individual progression, I can take at my own pace and if I’m not ready to grade i don’t. I had two gaps due to work and kids so took nearly 15 years to get my black belt. My son now does it too and I help out his class sometimes as well. Give it a try, it’s tremendously welcoming and I hope you’ll love it.

Thank you all so much for your replies! I'm home, already aching and just put 14 month old DS to bed (he still will only go to bed with me lol).
It was really fantastic! And I enjoyed it. It was hard going but I kept pace for most of it considering how unfit I am.

I read all your replies before I went, couldn't reply as I was getting ready and getting DS fed before our walk down there. They were so helpful so thank you. @CleopatrasBeautifulNose I took your advice and just focused on going,.it helped calm me actually.so thank you!

And thanks to everyone else for the encouragement and personal stories, it really made a difference and helped me push myself to go.

@BopToTheTop how did you get on at the gym? I hope you enjoyed the first time back!

It was great thank you @Opus17

Not I’ve had my first session back it doesn’t feel as scary going again - I’m planning on going after work tomorrow

I’m glad to hear that your session went well too!