Trying something new can be a daunting challenge especially as an adult when we feel as though our time to commit to learning or practice may be limited or our brain just doesn’t have space for any new information.
How do other adult martial artists find the time and energy to fit karate into their lives? Let’s hear from a few adults in the National Karate community who have found incredible success and fulfillment in their practice.
Lisa, age 49
I was bored with gym memberships and running (which is what I had done previously). Karate was magnetic, powerful and exciting! It looked..cool…and I wanted to see if I could do it. I wasn’t sure if you could start as an adult (or if that was a rare thing to do)? I don’t even have kids in karate! But I called Ms. Busch, the owner of Savage NK, to talk it over. She started karate as an adult and told me I could absolutely do it too! So I went for it! In the coming year, my goal is to work hard, pass my screenings, and earn my Black Belt – at age 50!
Jeff, age 70
I’m almost 71 years old and got introduced to karate by taking my grandchildren and watching them. I stay active with my grandkids through skiing and mountain biking. I decided to participate since I was already there watching.
My first classes were really good. The instructors are great leaders. The first lessons were a little daunting since I’d never done karate before. Starting with the basics was helpful. Classes are broken into different levels with a great instructor to student ratio. The instructors provide pointers, work through what you’re doing wrong, and offer positive reinforcement and feedback.
Paul, age 48
My family (wife and kids) has been involved in karate for many years. I previously practiced Krav Maga for several years and finally decided to join karate after watching for so long and being encouraged by others in the karate community. I was pretty nervous in my first couple of classes because I had seen so much karate but didn’t know if I could do it. The instructors helped constantly, and every other student was super welcoming. People understand that everyone was once a white belt or no belt, so there’s no looking down on beginners.
Annabel, age 33
I started karate because I wanted to try a different type of workout. It was a good workout as I was sweating in the first class. For the first class, I was with one instructor, and then I joined the big group. They separate you by belt level, so I still had an instructor with me as I was getting acclimated to the karate flow.
Common Challenges Can Be Overcome No Matter Your Age
Sometimes the fear of unknown or potential challenges can prevent us from trying something new even as an adult. We’re worried about looking dumb or aggravating an old injury or getting a new one! Adults beginning karate with National Karate find the structure and progression of learning new techniques helps mitigate these fears.
More from Jeff:
As one of the older people in my class, I appreciate the ability to go at my own pace. I was worried about how my older body would react and potentially injuring my back, knee, or hip. All the instructors have been helpful in suggesting modifications and different things I can try. I do yoga to help stretch, but karate has actually helped me loosen up and improve my kicks.
Lisa shares:
I had to learn to face my own excuses and really be disciplined. You can’t just wing it! I learned that goals and achievements are for all ages and stages of life. I am so jazzed when I get a tape or advance to the next belt level, because I know I really earned it.
Thoughts from Annabel:
For me, memorizing the forms was intimidating and hard, especially when others in class are crushing it. I overcame this by asking an instructor if there were videos to watch. National Karate has resources for this, which has been super helpful since I’m a visual learner. Watching the videos has made me more confident to show up to class and know what I’m doing better.
And Paul adds:
A challenge I have is getting frustrated when I can’t consistently learn something that I think should be easy. The way to overcome this is attending class at least twice a week and practicing until it clicks.
What Earning the First Belts Represent
As adults, the majority of our energy is often focused on family and careers which often have little tangible evidence of the effort we expend. National Karate’s structured advancement system provides concrete recognition of your hard work in a community that celebrates your wins with you, and the first belts earned are some of the most meaningful.
Annabel:
Earning my first beIts was super empowering, especially the last one which involved my first exam testing in front of judges. It’s nerve-wracking, but after doing it, I felt like a samurai. It was a reward after all the practicing and makes you want to keep getting all the belts.
Paul:
The belt exams are nerve-wracking because there’s a lot to do in front of many people. But I felt like I was testing when I was ready, and the exam felt good because I knew what I was supposed to know for that level. When there are small or big accomplishments, I feel like they’re real achievements that I earned.
Curious About Joining Karate as an Adult?
Here’s what our adult beginners recommend.
Annabel:
It can be intimidating, but do it anyway because it’s fun, it’s a good workout, and you learn practical things. It’s super empowering, and you won’t regret it.
Jeff:
Do it. It helps with coordination, physical fitness, keeping your mind sharp, and reintroducing discipline into your life. As we age, our balance deteriorates, and karate helps with that, which is important for preventing falls and injuries. The positive feedback from instructors makes you feel good about accomplishing something and continuing to grow personally, which is important for quality of life as you age.
Lisa:
Absolutely go for it! It has changed my life for the better! Physical fitness, mental toughness, fun, new friends, opportunities to learn and achieve. I’m a huge believer in NOT WAITING to do what you really want to do in life. If not now, when?
Ready to explore what karate with National Karate can mean for your life? Find a location near you and sign up for a free 2-week trial today!
FAQs
Earning the first belts is tangible evidence of a challenge met, a goal accomplishment and new skills unlocked. It’s proof that at any age we can keep improving and becoming the best versions of ourselves when we put our minds to it.
Normally, earning a white belt in National Karate takes about 2 months of focused effort and consistent practice. After that, belts are earned through satisfactory demonstration of skills at each corresponding level.
Adults may be nervous to try something new because of fear of looking foolish or making mistakes. They might be worried that karate can only be practiced by young children, youth or folks who are already fit and strong. Adults might be concerned about getting injured or being unable to execute some moves due to age or past injuries. National Karate’s supportive community of students and instructors help mitigate these challenges through individualized accommodations, progressive technique development and continued encouragement throughout each personal’s unique martial arts journey.
National Karate’s experienced instructors support new adult learners with individualized accommodations, progressive technique development and continued encouragement throughout each person’s unique martial arts journey.
Motivation to keep training is encouraged through clear expectations for advancement and a supportive community of instructors and learners. Each stripe and belt is evidence that your hard work is paying off in skills gained and knowledge learned. Your new sense of confidence will have you ready to take on whatever challenges life throws your way.