I want to get into cage fighting

[StickySweatyArseCrack]

I've always been keen on martial arts and have fighting. I've trained in karate for 15 years but never done anything full contact despite always wanting to.

With the popularity of UFC going up (thanks Conner!) there are a number of MMA gyms opening up in the city and is love to give it a go. DH thinks this is madness and says about how odd and worrying it would seem to my patients when their nurse turns up looking like something from Fight Club. I do understand that but I want to do it!

I'm 36. Will I just get my arse handed to me or is it possible to start at this age?

AIBU definitely the place to start.

See if your area does a ultra white collar MMA event. My DH has recently done the boxing one and a friend the MMA one, both really enjoyed it and it was a great introduction to the sport.

My partner is a 'senior' MMA fighter, although they have been training in this, plus judo, jujitsu and BJJ since their teens. Lots of jujitsu clubs or shoot fighting clubs hold women only sessions. Never too old. Go along, have a try... You'll never know. It's very respectful at my partner's gym, no one is allowed to be a dick.

Oh wow. I suspect you and i are very different people but good luck to you.

Contemplates getting off the sofa and doing some exercise but thinks better of it and reaches for the crisps.

If bruising etc is a big issue, you could work up to full contact with a couple of grappling matches first.

BJJ is a key element of MAMA and great fun in its own right.

Alternatively, Escrima (aka Arnis or Kali) is a weapons based full contact sport, but you have a helmet on so no fear of the face getting damaged. Arms though are another matter, sticks leave quite the mark

Try another martial art first - BJJ Orr must Thai are good groundings.

I do some MMA training it's great great fun but what puts me off is not many women do it here and it's a bit personal, I don't mind getting up close with my pt but not a dozen random blokes!

I also do a bit of MMA with my PT and love it. Go for it OP and I'd love to hear how you get on.