Starting Judo Late – Looking for Guidance, Not Glory

[StillnessInMotion]

Osu, everyone.

I’m Edvinas — mid-30s, tall and lean, starting my martial arts path now with an open heart and grounded mindset. I’m most drawn to Judo and Karate, and while I haven’t trained seriously yet, I’m committing to starting soon.

What pulls me in isn’t the competition, but the form, focus, and calm presence it builds. I admire fighters and martial artists, who combine strength with humility.

I’d be really grateful for any tips on how to begin this journey — especially as someone who didn’t grow up on the mat.

What helped you build consistency and stay connected to the practice long-term?

Appreciate any wisdom — and glad to be here.

Osu.
– Edvinas

 

[isshinryuronin]

I’d be really grateful for any tips on how to begin this journey

First step, visit schools and decide which art you want to begin. Then jump into it.

What helped you build consistency and stay connected to the practice long-term?

After you've done the first step you can worry about this. No sense discussing this now as you have nothing to relate it to.

 

[StillnessInMotion]

First step, visit schools and decide which art you want to begin. Then jump into it.

After you've done the first step you can worry about this. No sense discussing this now as you have nothing to relate it to.

Thank you. Visiting dojos is on the list — just trying to orient my mind and energy first. I learn best when intention leads the movement. Appreciate the guidance.

 

[Simfers]

Welcome! My only real advice is to remember that you're doing this for fun. If you're enjoying yourself, the rest will follow.

I look forward to hearing about your journey!

 

[StillnessInMotion]

Welcome! My only real advice is to remember that you're doing this for fun. If you're enjoying yourself, the rest will follow.

I look forward to hearing about your journey!

Thank you — that’s really grounding to hear. I’m someone who learns best when there’s space to enjoy the process, not just push through it.
I’ll keep that in mind as I begin. Appreciate the welcome.

 

[HighKick]

Osu, everyone.

I’m Edvinas — mid-30s, tall and lean, starting my martial arts path now with an open heart and grounded mindset. I’m most drawn to Judo and Karate, and while I haven’t trained seriously yet, I’m committing to starting soon.

What pulls me in isn’t the competition, but the form, focus, and calm presence it builds. I admire fighters and martial artists, who combine strength with humility.

I’d be really grateful for any tips on how to begin this journey — especially as someone who didn’t grow up on the mat.

What helped you build consistency and stay connected to the practice long-term?

Appreciate any wisdom — and glad to be here.

Osu.
– Edvinas

Welcome to the forum.
NEVER TOO LATE!!!

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

any tips on how to begin this journey ...

In order to learn the throwing art, you need to coordinate your hand with your foot. You may do that in striking art, but you will need more detail coordination in the throwing art.

For example, an overhead throw (includes set up) may require:

1. Coordinate right hand with left foot.
2. Coordinate right hand with right foot.
3. Coordinate both hands with left foot.
4. Coordinate both hands with both feet.

This way, a 8 steps move can be reduced down to 4 steps move.

When you walk, try to coordinate your punch with foot landing can be helpful.

 

[StillnessInMotion]

Welcome to the forum.
NEVER TOO LATE!!!

Thank you so much for the warm welcome.
I’m glad to hear that — it gives me even more motivation to keep going, step by step.
Looking forward to learning and growing alongside this community.

 

[StillnessInMotion]

In order to learn the throwing art, you need to coordinate your hand with your foot. You may do that in striking art, but you will need more detail coordination in the throwing art.

For example, an overhead throw (includes set up) may require:

1. Coordinate right hand with left foot.
2. Coordinate right hand with right foot.
3. Coordinate both hands with left foot.
4. Coordinate both hands with both feet.

This way, a 8 steps move can be reduced down to 4 steps move.

When you walk, try to coordinate your punch with foot landing can be helpful.

This is super helpful — thank you for breaking it down in such detail.
I hadn't yet considered how important that level of coordination between hands and feet really is.
I'll definitely start observing how I move while walking or shadowboxing, and how that relates to balance and timing.
If you have any recommended drills or slow warm-up exercises to feel this better in the body, I'd be really curious to try them.
Appreciate the support. I'm walking this path slowly and mindfully — glad to be here.