Would you, or have you, taken up a martial art?

[scratchingstick]

I’m thinking about it, as a somewhat unfit 43 year old woman. Something like aikido which has the focus on self-defence and can be practiced into old age. Bit intimidating to start though!

I haven’t but my children do ju jitsu and I often think about joining. There are a lot of adults as well as kids.

I do! I do MMA, and it's great. I think it's all about what sort of exercise feels good for you - I find running immensely dull, but I like the feeling of strength I get from this. I think I read somewhere recently about tai chi being one of the best forms of exercise you can do?

I would say make sure you find the right class though. Some I've been in over the years have been right wankers annoyed to be partnered with a woman. In contrast, the place I go to at the moment is great and the man that leads the class doesn't permit any of that attitude.

Myself and the kids go to Karate it's great fun, there are lots of different forms so choose one that suits you and the group that suits you as some can be more into the competitive side than others .

Some I've been in over the years have been right wankers annoyed to be partnered with a woman. In contrast, the place I go to at the moment is great and the man that leads the class doesn't permit any of that attitude.

Yeah good point, that would be a huge downer. Would be nice to get good enough to flip them 😜 At the aikido place I found which is local to me, one of the assistant trainers is a woman so hopefully that bodes well.

I've done kickboxing for years and I love it. It's so fun and a real confidence boost, pus you'll make some new friends! Martial arts is for everyone of all ages and genders so don't let anything like that stop you. Most gyms are very friendly but you could drop the club a Facebook message beforehand if you're nervous. Give it a try and let us know how you get on!

It might take me a while to find my nerve 😆 I have anxiety which is something I’m hoping this might help me with, in terms of feeling more confident. But it’s a catch 22 as the anxiety makes it hard to go for it 🥴

Krav maga but stopped after being paired off with men in practice. They throw you hard on the floor during practice. For context, I'm 5'1 and medium build.

I'm going to start a fitness boxing course at a kickboxing studio when we move house 😃My DD is currently doing the kids session there and it seems like a nice club. They have a couple of women only sessions too. A bit apprehensive that I'm too unfit though!

Karate since I was about 12 on and off. At my club there are 6 year olds up to a couple of guys in their 70s. Definitely do it!