r/karate • u/Gloomy_Guard6618 • 10d ago
51 year old rank beginner
Hi I am a 51 year old guy just attended my first karate lesson. Basically I was paired with one of the instructors 1:1 the whole session where I was shown the basics of punching and dan burai (probably spelling that wrong). I am quite clumsy and uncoordinated, and while I am reasonably fit am not the most flexible person. The instructor was super patient and it was a nice atmosphere.
I definitely want to sign up. I meant to try it for a long time but just never had the time with work, childcare etc but now my kid is older I feel I have to get started before I get too old.
I feel I need to practice the movements before the next session otherwise I'll be back to square one. Its a Shotokan club - can anyone recommend any good YouTube vids for practicing the real beginner level stuff?
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u/Yikidee Chito-Ryu 10d ago edited 9d ago
First off, good on you for starting in your 50s! One of my closest friends started in his late 50s (late 60s now) and has been a BB for at least 3 years now.
I use him as my best example of starting later is fine.
That said, the best thing you can do is go to another class or 2 a week if you are able to, then practise what you are shown in class. The amount of people that pick up bad habits because of what they see on YouTube videos is pretty crazy tbh.
A Sensi that is on to it will change training specific for you to get you to where you need for that style, at that level. I only really have experience in my style, but talking to other karetka from other styles it feels the same, it's very layered training and the starting part matter a lot.
Honestly, do yogo if you want to help your training. That's easy to do at home, and helps with the correct strength and flexibility.
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u/naraic- 9d ago
Enjoy what you are doing.
Dont worry about punching and gedan barai.
The lesson will need to be repeated 100 times.
Ask your sensei for reccomendations. Even within shotokan there can be stylistic differences between organisation.
Also for beginners he may be ignoring half the punch because of information overload. A beginner video may give you a whole bunch of other information.
If you want to practise outside class (and he doesnt give you something) work on your own fitness. Do a set of squats or lunges. Shotokan with the long and low stances are hard on the legs
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u/Gloomy_Guard6618 9d ago
Yeah maybe its just best that I try and remember exactly what I was taught and just practice that. Thanks. I run and weight train so hopefully that will help a little also.
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u/99thLuftballon 10d ago
With karate, the best thing to practice outside of class is general fitness. If you want to get good in class, go for a run, do some squats and pushups etc. Most karate hobbyists (including me) have decent technique but need better fitness.
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u/Gloomy_Guard6618 9d ago
I run and do weight training so hopefully that will be helpful, and also karate will complement that with flexibility and coordination. Thanks
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u/Yikidee Chito-Ryu 9d ago
Yeah, if you are already running and weight training, then that will help you a lot. Especially in the early ranks. Flexibility is something most people lack when starting tbh, so you are probably on par with most beginners. Obviously youth and some people with what they have done will be more flexible, but coming in already run and weight trained is probably the better base to have when starting. Flexibility will come anyway, but you will only be as strong and go as far as you can based on fitness and stamina, and that limits the amount you can train. You can still learn the correct positiong with lower flexibility, not when you are too worn out.
It's a small nuisance as it won't matter to much in a year or so, but it can be the difference between continuing training or not as well.
All this to say, just start getting in 15-30 mins of yoga/deep stretching after each training session and each week 1 or 2 30-1h just yoga sessions. As you are already used to training, you should start seeing a noticeable difference within 2-3 weeks.
Obviously this means a lot more training, so if something has to give, probably supplement a run with a yoga session. If you've not done it before, it's a workout still! đ
Sorry for the long winded responses, but it always makes me happy seeing people in their 50s starting Karate, probably because how much of a difference I have seen it do with a mate.
Keep us updated on your journey for the first bit at least please!
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u/WatashiwaNobodyDesu 9d ago
Congratulations on starting karate. Donât worry too much about YouTube etc.Â
The #1 rule of training is: Turn up. Always. No excuses. Youâve attended 100% of your lessons so far, so youâre rocking it.
Enjoy!
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u/Cold_Progress_1119 9d ago
Karate movemens take a lot of time to get into your muscle memory. There is no shortcut in learning them except making miles. I was 50 when I started. Now 56 and 3rd kyu/brown belt shotokan. Yes you are clumsy as a beginner, so was I (and sometimes i still am); that's why you are a beginner, just like anyone else that started, either at a young or older age. Milage is key; enjoy the ride, you WILL get to a point you will feel the flow eventually, just like anyone else, I promise... it's the best feeling ever.
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u/toragirl Goju-ryu 9d ago
Prioritize active recovery!
Good for you for stsrting. I am your age, and one of my "goals in life" on my essay for an upcoming grading is to "try one new thing every year". I think its too easy at our age to just fall into a rut.
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u/Gloomy_Guard6618 9d ago
Exactly. I felt like I needed a hobby with a social aspect and also different to my sedentary IT job. Also I think exercise through a sport or discipline feels less of a chore. I agree with you, as we get older trying new things is stimulating and healthy. I grew up with in the 80s Karate movies etc so Ive always liked it. My son does BJJ and I watch sometimes but that never appealed to me. Karate seems to have a peaceful, spiritual side. I am sure some other martial arts do too, but it seems prominent in Karate.
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u/shadowpavement 9d ago
Yay! Welcome to the family.
Consistency is key at this point. Keep showing up.
Donât worry too much about YouTube. Just do your best to practice what youâve been shown a little each day. Having to remember the moves and work your body through them is part of the learning process.
I would recommend getting a notebook and writing down the correct names of the techniques you learn. Also try to write down the process of how to do them, as best you can. Having to critically think about each move this way will help you remember them too.
Good Luck.
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u/EnglishMike1 9d ago edited 9d ago
Keep doing what youâre doing mate, remember everyone, everyone starts where you are. If your instructor is worth his salt heâll know heâs still got so much to learn. As long as youâre enthusiastic, inquiring and respectful (with a capital R) youâll go places you never thought of. Personally I wouldnât bother with training vids for 6 months - listen, learn and practice from the weeks session. Take a look at MANFLOW yoga online for supportive training (well supported group of âolderâ men - just a recommendation) Also, Donât be a fake Rolex đ.
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u/Gloomy_Guard6618 9d ago
Thanks I'll take a look. Rolexes fake or otherwise not my thing ;-)
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u/EnglishMike1 9d ago
I trained with Koyama Sensie out of phoenix for a while - he used to say stuff like thatâŠhahaâŠdonât be a fake RolexâŠbe the real cowboyâŠit was a commitment thing
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u/choochoo_choose_me Shotokan 9d ago
Another 51 year old Shotokan Karateka here checking in!
I started at 47, and now 3rd Kyu, hoping to go for 2nd Kyu (1st Brown in our dojo) at the end of the year.
My biggest piece of advice is not to become too focused on static leg flexibility, and put more focus on building leg strength in end of range motion. Sure you can throw your leg up higher, but building the strength to do it slowly will give you much better control and enable your technique.
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u/rambisyouth21 9d ago
I also started at a similar age (50) with zero prior experience. Very humbling but I committed to doing many of the stretches daily which has helped a ton - now one year in and super proud of my progress. The first thing I had to let go of was my perfectionism - as others have said it just takes a lot of time and reps for anything to feel fluid. Good for you for starting the journey! Be kind to yourself and work on flexibility and embrace a learning and growth mindset :)
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u/Gloomy_Guard6618 9d ago
Thanks. I think its good to experience being truly awful at something now and again....
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u/Fine-Mail4400 Shotokan 9d ago
Me too! I feel you deeply and honestly just go with the flow and do your best. Im new as well and had 1:1 ...i kept apologizing and feeling terrible but I decided I wont be that person because we all need to learn. Sure you could go on YouTube but be forgiving and be in the moment. Takes time ! From a fellow newbie â€ïž
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u/GKRKarate99 Shotokan 1st Dan formally GKR and Kyokushin 8d ago
Welcome to karate! I hope you enjoy the journey friend đ„
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u/Thanks4TheMemeries 8d ago
Sensei Jason on Youtube is an invaluable resource. You can find him on his personal page "Sensei Jason" or on "ULTIMATE KARATE" where he has super in depth tutorials for every single movement you could need.
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u/Dtitan 9d ago
I feel you. Started at 41 always loved sports but had 0 coordination.
Practice at home on your own. Especially working with the larger frame most of us end up with as we age it can take a while to develop the conditioning and endurance to hold stance for the duration of a class.
Even as simple as practicing advancing downward block and advancing front punch will get you used to holding front stance and transitioning through it. You can add techniques as you learn them.
Senseis might warn you against practicing on your own excessively to avoid building up bad muscle memory but Iâve found it easier to build up endurance and fix problems later.
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u/Free_Lie_725 9d ago
slow and easy wins the race
The more you do something the better you get
The better you get the more you enjoy it
Congrats on the start of an amazing journey
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u/latestartoneheart 9d ago
Congratulations, stepping though the door is the hardest part! I also started later in life and have been documenting my experience as a beginner, different style (Isshinryu) but if you are interested check out my free substack:
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u/Sleeve_hamster Goju Ryu 1st Kyu 9d ago
Probably "Gedan Barai".
It's always good to practice and repeat what you've learned between classes.
I wouldn't worry about watching videos. Different schools teach things differently, so pointing to a video might show you the wrong things.
You are not expected to know everything perfectly after the first class...or the 30th. You are expected to show up and give your best.
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u/Party-Carpenter-5948 9d ago
hello young friend no matter how much or how tired you are and itâs time to go to lesson or class do not make not going an option. thatâs my advice if youâre like me, youâll always feel better after . and glad that you went. The other thing you might think of is if youâre a human, youâre going to compare yourself against other people and progress. Itâs a good idea in my opinion to work through that. I figured that out on my own, but it did come up once in a while in conversation. This is for you everybody is different and you can be clumsy or not. thatâs just a label and an analysis of society. You donât need to accept it. when you get to the door, leave all other life at the door. Walk-in be in the moment. you are now in the moment. The more you practice if you understood your teacher correctly, you will progress faster. but itâs progress/destination. its getting the most out of the journey. Itâs is the way.
I am also a student. my belt has getting white. to show me that am always new a white belt.
when it helps, I like to remember my mind is like a parachute, It works best when itâs open.
friend, I am so pleased youâre doing this and at at 51 years young!!!
Iâm 72 years young,.... I guess Iâm a lifetime practitioner. I thought I was starting late in 1984 when I started several of the arts but Long before that I took SHOTOKAN for only six months in the 1960s from Mr. Hal Brown, and he took us to see his instructor a Master (Gogen) Yamaguchi! "The cat" He had the flu that day so his son Gosai took lead and fought my teacher with nine other local teachers and kick their butts and no time I think it was moments. then the cat if I recall kicked his sonâs butt. this was all done with love and respect. I hope I didnât take too much of your guys valuable time. Thank you. If anyone got something out of this thatâs cool. as one of my teachers would have said. Oooss!
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u/Zivata 9d ago
You don't need to watch videos. Pay attention in class. Notice what sensei is correcting, work on that. As you catch up to the rest of the class, notice what she corrects on other students your level and just above and check yourself to see if you need to correct it too.
My 1st (best) sensei rarely singled out a student, instead he'd frequently say things like, "maybe when we punch with left hand, we pull the right hand back more, make sure palm side is up." "Maybe when kicking mae geri we don't drop our foot, maybe we snap it all the way back then we step out." He did this bc he wanted everyone to be checking their form. Don't assume the correction is for someone else.
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u/AdditionalActuary865 äșæź” äžć°æ” 9d ago
I didn't read all comments, so I'm probably repeating someone's đ
First - excellent, that you went to dojo and even more so, that you liked it.
I wouldn't recommend doing any karate specific excercises with the help of YT at the beginning. Focus on joint movement, flexibility and let your instructors guide you through kihon. Don't learn it the wrong way, because it is really heard to "unlearn" when you get a pattern wrong.
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u/Bowd8t5 9d ago
Can only echo what others have said, I don't have any specific videos. But honestly just attend class and you will pick it up. You will find lots of repetition, that's a good thing. Stay focused and give it your all. You will be amazed how quickly it becomes second nature. Hardest part is stepping through the door. Good on you
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u/CodeFarmer Seido 10d ago edited 10d ago
I don't have recommendations for content, only encouragement.
We are the same age. I started karate about a year ago and it's been wonderful... Obviously I wish I'd started earlier, but the next best time is now, as they say.
Be patient with yourself and your body (flexibility comes very slowly, but it is coming... a bit), and just keep showing up. We're all on our own journey and it's one foot in front of the other, but the process and the practice are just so enjoyable.