How Old is Too Old to Start Taekwondo?
The biggest objection made by adults when they are thinking about starting a Martial Arts Program is they think they are too old to do anything. We at Fakhoury Academy of Taekwondo respectfully disagree with this sentiment.
It is proven that some type of exercise is important for adults of any age. It helps the metabolism burn excess fat, increases blood flow throughout the body, helps combats depression, and makes most people feel better overall. Here is why Taekwondo helps people of all ages get exercise and keeps them engaged in learning more of the martial art:
1. It does all from the above paragraph.
2. It helps stretch muscles in legs, arms and the rest of the body.
3. It strengthens muscles in the body
4. It helps with focus and critical thinking skills
5. It helps with brain memory and muscle memory
6. Taekwondo is fun to do
7. You learn a self defense to help protect yourself
One of our adult students practicing his sparring skills.
Lets elaborate on all these ideas. Our warm up a very good way of getting the body heated up. We do a combination of calisthenics and aerobic activities such as leg lifts, punches, push ups, and sit ups. Then we start with developing skills such as doing proper stances, kicks, punches, and learning new techniques. We then move into doing the forms, which there are 9 colored belt forms and self defense one-steps. Every 3 months the students will learn a new form and set of one steps. The forms are like a dance of self-defense and they teach us how to move, timing, and accuracy. The self defense one-steps teach us timing and how to counter another person’s attempt to strike us. As people learn all these things they learn more than 1,000 movements!. This in turn gets the people moving, breathing, exercising, and thinking.
The oldest student we have at Fakhoury Academy of Taekwondo is 80 years old. This gentleman came in and could barely move. While we have been working with him he developed stronger muscles and his flexibility has increased to the point where he can do kicks at head height. We have also had stroke victims who came in and have increased their ability to move. We have had children who had brain injuries and have done wonderous things for their quality of life.
The point is no matter what age you are, start slow. Build strength and flexibility and you can start to move faster. You will have fun and get into shape that most people would not do at an order age. You will get to learn a new skill and develop comradery with your peers. It is a win-win and when you are walking and doing great in your 80’s it will well be worth it.