I mean, not that I won't suck either way, but.

[raisedbymoogles]

Fellow picked-last kids, I could use some advice.

Comments

[rusti_knight]

I started Tae Kwon Do/Ching Sai Do (less high impact) in July last year and I'm loving it. Sensei focuses really heavily on self-defense for the women but I'm still learning things like hip throws, and I sucked pretty badly as a white belt.

There are still some things I need to practice a lot more heavily than I do, like the spin kicks that I *can* do, but I've made it to green belt and I still enjoy kicking and hitting stuff, even though I can't kick as high or stretch like the 12 year olds I'm in class with.

ETA: As far as advice goes, if you do decide to start a martial art, give yourself some time. You're going to suck at first, there's no easy way to say that. Nobody gets their white belt and immediately does a perfect front stance or roundhouse or even punch. Listen to your instructor and what they're trying to say to you. Watch their entire body when they demo for you, pay attention to where they place every part of it.

You won't get it right the first second or even third time, but with practice you will get the hang of it

[princess_kessie]

I have a dear friend locally who is a Very Big Girl. Bigger than me. She does MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and totally kicks butt. She's been there about a year, and over time, has become better than many people a quarter of her size. Oh, and she's very short. Around 5ft even. And she has no problem flipping guys much taller and stronger and thinner and fitter than her. She is getting incredibly fit and strong, and is losing a little weight into the bargain (she is not dieting or doing anything else but her MMA). She is living proof that doing what makes your heart sing is a Good Thing.

Yes, you will suck at the beginning. Just like everything anyone ever tries. But if you persevere, practice and go consistently, you will get better. Of this I have no doubt. But giving it a try is the most important thing. Trying and failing is fine - but regretting never even trying is soul-crushing in the long run...

You can do this. I know you can <3

[newsy891]

If you can arrange to "audition" places, to do a one-time or short-term thing without making a commitment, do it. That way you won't lock yourself in to years of paying for and going to a place that isn't suited to you. (This was my mistake with gyms years ago: I signed up for a membership, then got stares and ridicule from assholes who happened to be in better shape than me, and the pain of that turned me off of gyms permanently

[raisedbymoogles]

This is actually really good practical advice. Thank you.

[playswithworms]

I think it depends a lot on the teacher(s) and attitudes of the studio that's teaching martial arts. Are they supportive of all levels and able to build confidence in beginners, start off with appropriate moves, hit the right balance of encouragement and fun? Do you see people of all body types and skill levels taking classes or all they all cut from a single mold? I'm happiest in low pressure "hey all in good fun" "ha ha ha look how bad I am at this, ok, gonna try again" type environments with a lot of other flailing, fumbling, laughing beginners, and I'm pretty sure there's a martial arts studio and teacher somewhere that fits that bill. I'd say check 'em out, see what kind of vibe you get and if you feel the welcome, go for it! If not, maybe shop around.

[raisedbymoogles]

This helps a lot. Thanks.

[tainry]

Seconding newsy and worms. Audit dojos if that's what draws you - find one that is welcoming and suits your style. Or even a specific martial art might suit you better. A lot of them are too macho-bullshit for me, but danzan ryuu jujitsu - with the people I learned from - was awesome! The tai chi might be fantastic, particularly if you'd done it before and enjoyed it!

And the main reasons I don't do the jujitsu any more are that the people I wanted to learn from moved to fucking Redding - 3 hour drive wtf - and I can't drive, so that'd be me bumming rides off people, one of whom who would be totally willing is unfortunately someone I do not ever want to be alone in a car with again.

Soooooo I took up belly dancing, and have found a sequential run of good luck with really supportive, accommodating groups and it is suuuuper fun! And low impact and I haven't sprained anything this entire four years + so that's also fabby. :D

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