Beginner Early days
Honestly not to sure why I'm writing this, if I want advice or reassurance or just to vent my thoughts but here we go . . .
So I'm 41, over 300lbs
And at the start of my karate journey, I've got recent experience in lifting and because of this I have a genuinely decent strength base and engine.
But my mobility sucks, I struggle with getting down on my knees to bow, I find the basics and line work ok. I'm no stranger to squats, olympic lifts etc etc. so I'm finding learning the basic kicks ok
But I'm not light on my feet, I don't bounce etc etc
I look at the rest of the class and the higher grades and there is a part of me that just thinks physically it's impossible for me to get there. At the moment my Gi jacket doesn't even close.
I'm determined to stick it out, but it's slowly dawning on me what an uphill battle I've got.
If anyone out there overcome the same I'd love to hear about it
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u/HedgerowSurfer 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'm 50, and while I'm not quite as big as you was not far off, my mobility and flexibility was awful when I started. I couldn't bow properly, got out of breath easily, and I felt silly wearing a Gi that left me feeling sweaty and exposed.
I don't usually comment, but I've been training for a year and a half now. It's 6.30am and I sit writing this in a hotel room getting ready for my third tournament. I'm more flexible than I was as a teenager, my back pain has gone, and keeping up with Karate is the best thing I have ever done for myself! OP, please keep going. You will never regret it!