darko, the most important aspect of martial arts training lies within the mind I believe. And from your words I can tell that you are already walking that path.
You will never be too old. However, it is always better to START today, than to PLAN starting tomorrow.
(martial arts should not cost a lot in my opinion. If you are unlucky enough to only have over-expensive clubs / teachers nearby, than beginning to train and study on your own IS an alternative. Of course more difficult, but with no less potential I would say. In our modern times all material is available everywhere (good and of course also bad things). All you need is dedication and endurance.
Also, training itself is far simpler (NOT "easier") than most non-martial artists would think. In traditional methods students practised basics (simple punches, kicks, stances) many hours a day for YEARS without a change. Modern people would run away from such schools, schools go broke, only the over-complicated modern schools and methods survive (more change and fun, less boring, 'visible' progress through impressive certificates and neatly coloured belts), as they better suit our lifes. The art itself deteriorates more and more, but since martial arts emerged from the tougher circumstances of ancient times, this deterioration is a tragic but natural co-development of our civilization.
But I would NEVER want to fight someone who traines like in ancient times.
Sorry I rambled. All I wanted to say is: if you want to start to train, you can do so. Now.
I share your opinion about MMA.
And most martial artists will probably know what you mean in your last point.
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CrazyRobban
17 years ago
MMA is what you want it to be, since it has no cultural history, no honor bound samurais who followed the discipline.
But one thing I want to get out there, is that just by practicing mma wont turn you into a brutal idiot who start fights.
If you feel it's wrong to punch someone at random, you'll still feel that way after practicing MMA.
Though a spiritual art with some cultural background might teach a brutal person to be more gentle, humble and human, MMA will only teach you how to fight "effectively".
But still, it wont turn you into a mindless street fighter.
/Robert
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david-krug-1
17 years ago
Yep, fully agreed.
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Ryojin20
17 years ago
I've started my martial journey when i was 10 years old starting with taekwondo. Then i trained in Goju-Ryu karate when i was in middle school. I currently train in Shito-Ryu Karate, Kobuto, Shinkendo, and Capoeira. I also for a while trained in Shaolin Kempo. Over the years i have learned that all martial arts are like people: different, but equal. All have their strengths, and weaknesses. There is no superior martial art, strength in in the person, not in the style. Bruce Lee and Ryu inspired me to take martial arts. What I like about Ryu is his journey is not only to perfect his martial skill, but to seek spiritual perfection of character, to meet and learn from masters of different martial arts and backgrounds.
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