How old is too old to start Judo?
By twinlady
@twinlady (47)
France
May 17, 2009 11:43am CST
I started Judo because I was watching my children having fun on the tatami. I was 30 years old. By the time I was 33 I had won by 1st dan, become a Club Coach, a National Referee and a Timekeeper. This took a lot of hard work and dedication, but I prevented my children's club from closing. Anyone else out there who has similar experiences?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@xoxcharityxox (567)
• United States
1 Jun 09
I started judo when I was five years old and continues until I got injured badly at 15. I've just recently got my back and hip in good enough shape to go back. I'm really excited, but nervous at the knowledge and physical capability I may have lost. I don't think it's ever too late to begin judo. I've seen 70 year old men get out on the mat before.
1 person likes this
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
23 May 09
I took Judo when I was 15 for about a year. I didn't return again to the martial arts for many years. I took an Akido class with my son when I was 40 I really loved it. Unfortunately we had a guest instructor who did not warm us up enough and had us pretty much go in to back rolls right away, which when you are 40 and had, had three C-sections is not a good idea. I tore my abdominal muscles. I came back the following week and did most of the class, but it was just too painful, took nearly 3 months to completely recover. I don't think any age is too old, but I think the older you are the more time you have to take to prepare your body for what ever activity is you are going to be doing.
@twinlady (47)
• France
24 May 09
Sorry you had to go through all that pain. As an ex-coach, I know how easy it is to come across someone who does not get it quite right in the warm-up section.
I completely agree about preparing your body - unfortunately now I have arthritis in my neck, so cannot now play any more - still, there is always skiing and walking!
Hope you are completely recovered now, and have found some other form of exercise which suits your body!
@scoutsniper85 (432)
•
17 Nov 09
yes judo now is very less popular sports outside japan. I joined judo tournaments before I was 22 back then its very tiring but gives you proper balance of your energy.
