What martial art can I try and am I too old?

[bettybooroo]

I'm a mother of three and the kids are growing up and independent enough that I can squeeze in another hobby. I love cycling but would love something else too especially during the winter months. I have always wanted to try a martial art not solely for the self defence aspect but because it looks fun and it's a great workout. My only caveat and this may sound stupid but I don't want to strike, punch or kick someone. I know this may be a tall ask but are there any disciplines out there that people have tried and could recommend where you don't strike or physically hit? Also I'm in my 40s and whilst I'm athletic I hope I'm not too old.

@bettybooroo I see it all the time where new comers are eager but get disheartened because they are not progressing quick enough according to them.
White belts cannot really be trusted to spar so it is possible you won't get to try out the techniques that way as such. Your coach should let you know when they think you are ok to spar, but it'd be under supervision or if a higher belt wanted to take a chance on you (most of us higher belts avoid white belts unless drilling techniques in a class). That shouldn't be until you've been doing the sport for a good while, depending on how regularly you train. Women though are very good at listening, we tend to be more technical as we have a weight disadvantage and are generally quicker at progressing then the lads

There's no competition in aikido, it's purely defensive but very good fun.

How about iaido.

It's a traditional Japanese Martial art with a sword. You would start with a wooden sword but when people decide to commit to it they would buy a proper Katana.

It's a no contact Martial art which is practised solo, although having said that there is a part of the curriculum which includes paired Kata with wooden swords.

There are gradings and competitions if you wish to enter them but like kendo, there are no outward signs of rank, no coloured belts.

There are quite a few dojos around the country, practising different styles/ryu and quite often iaido is paired with kendo.

I did iaido along with kendo and jodo (which is a staff based Martial art and was my favourite) for 5 years, but I had to give it up as I moved too far away from the dojo, but I miss it a lot.

It is a beautiful and historic Martial art, with the emphasis on the Art and many iaidoka see it as as a tool for self reflection and improvement.

My kids (late teens) are judo players, I volunteer at events.

Judo is great for fitness and very social. If you want to, you can work your way up through the grades and also compete. There are competitions for various levels - many are grade banded so lower grades don’t have to fight black belts, and if you’re 30 or older there are masters events so you wouldn’t have to compete against 20 year olds. There’s a GB masters squad and British championship at masters level, I love working at masters comps as the atmosphere is so good

The British judo association has a club finder on their website so you can find the clubs closest to your postcode.

My son crosstrains BJJ which he loves, but it does tend to have fewer females than judo

Taekwondo. They also include self defense

I think I would like to take it seriously and at least be able to compete or spar against someone so just hitting pads maybe not.

Martial arts are full contact sports - but in a good club this is managed safely. A good club teaches that we learn to fight in order not to have to (recognise trouble coming, be fit enough to run, quick enough to parry etc). Part of this is built on actually experiencing what it feel like to hit/be hit. Without that, in the unfortunate event that real life violence occurs, people would be either pulling their punches or unable to cope with the shock of physical impact upon themselves.

I did karate as a young woman, but found it too aggressive & focused on competition wins. Kung fu felt much more 'balanced', more about teamwork,& building strenth, stamina & flexibility.
For example - the 10 tenets of Wu Shu Kwan are peacefulness, loyalty, obedience, patience, courage, etiquette, modesty, honesty, purity and self-control.

I also helped run a couple of ladies' self defence classes.
Watching those women grow from people afraid to whack a punchbag into committed, determined self-defenders was a real privilege. Most women need to learn how to handle & turn away aggression, & Wu Shu Kwan is excellent at recognising that women will use the art differently from men.

Whatever you choose, if you have a gut feel of confidence in the teacher's innate strength & gentleness, you will develop poise & confidence. Allow yourself to experiment with kick pads, punchbags etc - you are likely to amaze yourself!

www.wushukwan.com/benefits.html

OP my daughter does ju jitsu she is 11 and absolutely loves it working towards her junior black black .One the sensei's that helps her sensei at grading for their next belt is in his 70's and still extremely good .So you are never too old .