Martial art for a 50-year-old guy?

Hi All,


I'm 50 this year and considering taking up a martial art. But which one, which gym or trainer, and is it worth it?? I'm quite fit (gym twice a week!) and in reasonably good shape. So why am I considering it?


Well, I am most certainly not a fighting type of guy, and perhaps I am too deferential. There have been occasions when I should have stood up for myself better than I did. Perhaps learning a martial art could instil greater confidence, even if I never actually use any of it? I also like the idea of learning a few self-defence techniques - it might be useful sometime.


However, it's not something I can imagine doing more then once or max twice a week. Is there a martial art that I could learn something useful from without putting in a huge amount of training?


Very grateful for any advice/tips. Btw, as I live on Lamma and work in Central, the gym or place of training would probably need to be in Central or within easy striking range of Central.


Many thanks.

G'day,

I am by no means a martial expert at all. However like you, I have a reasonable degree of physical fitness and a keen interest to learn new things and above all..self preservation.


In my honest opinion though, it is a mind set and lifestyle change..not just a training session that's attended every so often.


That being said, I have looked at many different forms of martial arts over the past 20 years. Participated in some, studied & read many books and spoken with a very wide range of industry professionals on this very topic.


Unanimously I would say Krav Maga.


Whilst there is no 'perfect solution', generally speaking, marial arts require (to be competently proficient) a lot of both practise and rehersing kata's or sequences and movements.


Where as Krav Maga is (theoretically) quite simply, brutally effective.


It is a mind set change though.


There is a wealth of information on the internet..check it out.


As for any Krav Maga training clubs in or around central, that I am not sure of. There are an abundance of training material available on the internet though.


'Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum'


The above is a latin proverb which translates to "If you seek peace, then prepare for war".


Above all, mind set and mental dicipline is crucial.


Hope that helps.

Krav Maga a good idea but Brazilian Jujitsu and Wang Chung probably also suitable as not so rough.

I also would like to suggest the following martial art... Systema. (from Russia) Its all about relaxation non aggression and non destruction. You will not learn pure techniques, but more a general understanding of natural human body movement and bio mechanics. Out of this understanding "techniques" will form spontaneously. (which is just plain fun) We have 20, 40, 50 year old guys training. Training is pleasant, relaxed and enlightening. No stances, no kata (forms) no belts and no rituals. Fee is minimal... as we train in the Kowloon Park. (Saturdays from 3 - 5 pm. Its very natural and good for your general health and relaxation.


Armed, unarmed, single attack, mass attack. (like 2, 3 or more attackers against one) Try it! Its something different.


Drop me a message if interested.


Here is a clip about Systema.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY6gVEHQwYw&feature=related