View Full Version : Too old to compete?


Sylo
09-02-2008, 07:54 PM
All over the internet/youtube. I see videos of competitions.

95% of what I have seen is XMA, and the younger age groups. The only thing I ever see older people doing is brick breaking (which is awesome) but I'm wanting to do some competing. Take what I've learned to the next level. But at 27.. I feel like I am a bit old for this new wave of XMA type competition.. what are my options?

thoughts?

tshadowchaser
09-02-2008, 07:56 PM
why should age make a difference if you are able to do what is required for the competition

Sylo
09-02-2008, 08:49 PM
It shouldn't.. but I'm not sure I am physically capable of doing it.

Also, noone around here teaches the gymnastics stuff. I go to a traditional school.

tshadowchaser
09-02-2008, 09:42 PM
You can but try, if that is your harts desire.
The gymnastics may mean that you need to contact your local high school or college and talk to whomever teaches such things there. You can transfer what they are able to teach you to XMA.
The breaking can only be accomplished by practice

Sylo
09-03-2008, 06:38 AM
I guess my real question was hidden.

Are there any large scale traditional tournaments left?

or is it all XMA?

Nomad
09-03-2008, 08:00 PM
What kind of "traditional" are you looking for? I think if you have a good look, you'll find plenty of tournaments (karate, taekwondo, open, etc.) that don't give many points to the XMA flash, but are instead looking for martial applications (for example, with weapons).

Sylo
09-04-2008, 01:20 AM
any on the same national level as the XMA type stuff?

I wouldn't mind learning some of that flashy stuff, but I am more concerned with practical application.

All the videos I see online are of XMA or the ATA which is all flash. Where are the national traditional tourneys?

Pacificshore
09-08-2008, 05:12 PM
I'm sure you can still find them around. How about just starting local and getting you feet wet so to speak, just as you are doing with your return to training. Many open tourneys have specific categories anyhow that you can enter not only at your rank leve, but your choice of staying more grounded with the traditional styles of you art, or the high-flying XMA you speak of.

Sensei Tom O'Brien
09-08-2008, 08:09 PM
If you want traditional japanese competition try the AAU. They have branches in every state. The AAU has local, state, regional & national tournaments. They have rules that are universal & strictly enforced. Respect & comraderie are prominent. You can compete in kumite, kata or kobudo for both individuals & teams. They have age divisions up to 45+.
I'm going to be 60 next month but I compete in kata & kobudo. Give it a shot.

Thanks,
Tom

qwksilver61
09-09-2008, 12:03 AM
My answer,you should be able to compete,yes age could be a factor at some point,I'm older (40+ )and better than ever......

tshadowchaser
09-09-2008, 10:27 AM
I am in my sixties and I still love to compete

tko4u
09-20-2008, 07:11 PM
never too old too compete! just train for the event, and make sure you try local stuff before going to the world championships or anything

terryl965
09-20-2008, 11:58 PM
As long as you have the fire compete it is wonderful.

ArmorOfGod
09-21-2008, 01:00 AM
In the southeast, it is hard to find xma tournaments. Most of them are traditional or semi-traditional tournaments.
Go to www.karatetournaments.com for a pretty good list.

AoG

Sabo
09-22-2008, 03:57 PM
I will turn 40 this winter. My biggest problem with competing is not my age but rather my physical condition. I think my reflexes are above par. I feel like I am in the best shape of my life for the most part but my joints are feeling the affects of a rather hard work life. It kills me to be barefoot on a hardwood floor all day. Recovery time is a lot longer these days too.

Regardless of what you decide. I wish you the best of luck.