In the western world, particularly the United States, martial arts tends to be defined by stereotypes: People who train are either eight year olds learning Karate kicks, or bloodthirsty brawlers who hope to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. But the notions that define mainstream popular conceptions of the martial arts aren’t true, and there are plenty of reasons why normal, well-adjusted adults can benefit from beginning their pugilistic journeys later in life. And you don’t have to bow alongside a fifth grader if you decide to explore the martial arts past your 30th birthday.
Training gives you tangible goals
Kids train martial arts for various reasons, such as building self-esteem and defense against bullies, but a lot of the time, their training is an after school activity that’s tantamount to daycare. At the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school where I’ve trained the last eight years, many kids come and go, and only a few stick with the sport seriously enough to pursue it on a competitive level as teens and later adults.
Other than that, though, various grappling martial arts and other striking disciplines such as boxing and Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing), can whip you into fantastic shape. Many people struggle to find an enticing means of exercise once they reach adulthood, but martial arts give you reason to keep coming back, even if you’re getting your ass kicked—because you’re learning and improving with each minute spent in the gym.
You’ll build community
Sometimes, adults find it difficult to build community outside of traditional social venues. When it comes down to it though, there’s only so much time you can dedicate to hanging out in bars before the presumable community you’re building crumbles without alcohol.
Personally speaking, I’ve met so many interesting people who I’d never have the privilege of knowing if not for my foray into grappling and striking. It’s easier to get to know someone when you’re learning together and pushing each other to become better with each passing training session. If you’re similarly dedicated to a craft as someone else, you’ll invariably spend a lot of time together and potentially form strong bonds.