Thinking about joining a Karate class?

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golancer04

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I am 40 years old and want to take a karate class. The reason is a mixture of self-defense, to strengthen and condition my body and just for plain fun.

I do not want to train to be a MMA fighter or anything like that, just a regular karate class like Shotokan karate in a mixed level, relaxed environment.

What is keeping me from joining is this. My work schedule doesn't work with most karate schools schedules whatever style they happen to teach. I could maybe go just once or twice a week.
Price- most karate classes are about $75-$100/month...at least at the schools that would fit my work schedule. I have other financial obligations where spending that extra $100 may not be wise, but I really want to take a karate class.

So, should I just say, "No" to a karate class? Am I getting too old to start taking karate classes if I have to wait any longer to start?

I thought about just training at home even if wasn't under an instructor, but the fun wouldn't be there without being part of a class and earning the belt ranks.
 
I think they should make "Wii Karate" l;ike Wii Fit
You can aslo find alot on youtube that teaches you stuff.

Not as fun, but free.


And yes say no: It's fun, but not worth 100 bucks a month, and you pay extra for your Gi and belts. And tournanments, etc
 
You are never to old, in our club we have men and women in their fifties some of which are now black belts (having started in their fifties).
our club is a teakwondo club so I can't talk about Karate (although they are broadly similar) but there are plenty of senior competions and you don't even have to fight as there are poomse competitions (like Kata) were you are judged on your style. A lot of our older students opt for this route and you can compete on a world stage.
As to the money, you need to make a decision on what you want to do. Anything in life that you want to do is worth investing. The instructors need to earn a living so don't begrudge them. Most clubs offer an introduction offer so go and try it out, if you like it what benefit to your life would increased fitness, confidence and a new social circle give?
 
Your never to old to start,
My oldest student started when she was just over 60, as long as your healthy you will be fine.

You don't say what hours you are looking for.
You may also look into community centers or simular places, they have reasonable prices and some have very good instructors. Not all of us are looking to get rich from this, then you have some people like the member on here sensei scandal, he is very good and teaches in a park, he only askes for donations
 
You're never too old for karate. Remember that.

Maybe you could talk to your boss on taking a few hours off work.
 
Don't sweat your age.
There was a woman in San Diego, who was 74 years old, dropped 100 LBS, and competed in a body building competition, and won.

Don't sweat your age.

Go in to a few places and speak with the owner/ head instructor, (no one else). And tell him that you are interested in joining, but this is your time schedule..I think the owner/head master/instructor, will make an attempt to fit your schedule.

My place the guy would come in on Saturdays and Sundays from 9-10ish for me, and I would attend the tournaments with the dojo when I could.

Karate is great, and you can practice at home or in the park at your convenience.

But remember:
Your "Gi" your uniform will cost maybe $50
Your monthly tuition $75-$100
Every other month or so your belt test $35 or so...

But go talk with the owner/head instructor about your time schedule.

Me: An old fart,
and a member of the Shitokai Karate Federation, Asia
 
You are not too old. You have to make a decision on what is more important $100 for training or $100 for other financial obligations.

Like Shihan said you may want to check into local Recreational Center and or YMCA. Those classes are often more reasonable.

I teach with my instructor at a recreational center. Our classes are free. Of course other schools, after-school programs, YMCA, and churches have asked us to come and teach for a fee. I have turned them down. This is our way of giving back to the community. I understand that many in our classes that want to learn but can't afford to learn in most schools. We have black belts from other dojo that come to us for training. We may accept money to teach in other dojo if we decide to accept it. Often I don't have the time for teaching in those other places. Most people don't understand why we teach for free or that we don't try to make a lot of money teaching. The only thing we charge for is testing $25.00 and for seminars. We didn't even charge for testing until recently. Our organization said we must charge for testing. The money we raise from seminars we generally invest that back into our students. We may buy a uniform, weapon, or sparing gear for those that can't afford them. I have and others from the rec have sponsored some of the students to compete in tournaments.

I personally know other instructor that teach out of their church, in their backyard, boys clubs, etc that are free or very reasonable.
 
i think you should because it improves your flexibility no matter what your age is, its also fun and you gain more friends:) the money is well spent. i spend about £100 on karate lessons, i enjoy it alot! :)
So good look and get back to me to tell me your decision!
 
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