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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To want to take up a martial art?

12 replies

CesareBorgiasUnicornMask · 12/12/2016 16:46

Not now. Now I'm pregnant and as sick as a parrot, and as usual when I am in no danger of actually being forced to undertake any kind of physical activity, I start wishing I could and pondering sports to take up. Essentially though, I'm late twenties, will have 2 small children and am horrifically unfit. I like the idea of getting good at something that requires self-discipline and fitness, but I don't particularly like team sports as I fail to see the point - I love swimming but find the faff to exercise ratio too high to go regularly, cycling on the roads round here scares me witless, and I've half-heartedly started running a few times but my ankles seem to hate it. I've suddenly thought of martial arts though - but am I too old to start? Especially given that I am both large and unfit? I can just imagine a sensei person looking me up and down and cracking up at the idea of me fighting anyone... So, later- like this time next year, WIBU to try a martial arts class? And which one? There seem to be so many and lots of weird hybrids etc.

OP posts:

MagicMary1 · 12/12/2016 16:53

You should do krav maga (think it's called that). It's what the Israeli army use and is the best you can learn how to defend yourself if someone runs at you with a knife. It's very fun as well and you burn a lot of calories. Def worth a try, but don't know how comment classes are outside of London area.

funnyandwittyusername · 12/12/2016 16:56

Krav is useful however very expensive, and unless you plan on joining special forces not really that relevant. (You're pretty unlikely to be threatened with an assault rifle in England!)

Judo or bjj is probably best out of the grappling arts. Muay Thai or boxing for striking. Depends what you want out of it?

BroomstickOfLove · 12/12/2016 17:04

I was going to suggest Krav, too. I went to a one-off taster session and adored it, despite being 40, fat and not just unfit but recovering from several months of post viral fatigue. The classes were too expensive for me to do more, but it's very definitely on my to do list for when I have more money (along with violin lessons.)

BroomstickOfLove · 12/12/2016 17:07

What I did end up doing, because it was better value for money, was Crossfit. It's quite a good thing to do if you have young children, because most places are really family-friendly and let you bring your baby/children along to classes.

GerundTheBehemoth · 12/12/2016 17:14

Come and do aikido. Defensive, relies on body movement/position rather than brute strength, but still can be a very intense workout. We are all shapes and sizes (though those that train lots are very very fit and hard as nails) and very welcoming and sociable. I started in my late 20s as an uncoordinated and rather chubby person, now am a 40-something black-belt, much fitter and (I hope) more 'survivable'. I love aikido and my aiki-family to bits. Am off to train in a little while and then it's our Christmas dojo-party

BabyGanoush · 12/12/2016 17:17

Karate is good, and affordable

Original poster

CesareBorgiasUnicornMask · 12/12/2016 17:20

I like the idea of being able to defend myself, but I think it's more that I like the idea of being able to control my body, if that makes sense? I aspire to being a finely honed machine, instead of a creaky, wobbly lump . Both aikido and krav magna sound interesting - there are classes for both nearby but hadn't looked into/ considered the relative costs yet. Crossfit disconcerts me, Broomstick - I know a few people on my Facebook do it and it seems slightly culty... Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

OP posts:

JeffVaderneedsatray · 12/12/2016 17:22

OP, I am 48 - nearly 49 - and 3 years ago I took up karate. I took it up because I had to sit at the side of class while my son did his lesson. (He has an ASC and can't be left at class }
I decided to join in.
I am now a brown belt and love every minute of practice.

Lweji · 12/12/2016 17:25

YANBU. :)

I've done Krav Maga and it's not about assault rifles.
It's about using the oponent's strength against them, and getting out of dangerous situations, more than winning a fight.

No rules, just survival. :)

Downsides: You may end up with a few bruises.

If you go down that route choose one that teaches normal people not just security people.

Lweji · 12/12/2016 17:26

Oh, I was 40 when I started.

Lweji · 12/12/2016 17:30

I'm also short and skinny. And I got to hold my own against men.
I could often see the instructor sniggering in the corner when I outsmarted a cocky male.

Another soccer mum started a year ago and loves it too.
Definitely try it and see how you feel.

thekaratekid · 12/12/2016 18:08

I've been doing karate for 14 years. Loads of different people train, all ages and abilities. Just make sure you don't end up joining a McDojo...(money making belt factories)

I would suggest going to watch a session before you decide to join. Most reputable sensei would only be too happy to let you do this.

When I do karate I am completely focused and I don't think of anything else...which is nice. I would say it can get a bit repetitive and you have to be a bit of a perfectionist (my style is really big on technique). It all depends on what sort of thing you are looking for really. Whatever you choose, I am sure you will have fun.

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