Too old to start kendo?

[Darknails]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance

[Paikea]

Your age isn't an issue (wish I was 23 again), but perhaps your motivations need examination. If you don't become amazingly good or win lots of tournaments will you quit?

[rckenshi]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance
Kind of depends on your definition of GOOD. If by good, you mean you plan to win the world championship, well . . . let's just say, you're at a disadvantage to those who took up kendo when they were 8 (or younger), and practiced kendo at school for multiple hours - every day.

On the other hand, our 70+ year old Sensei took up kendo in his late 30s (possibly early 40s), currently holds the rank of go-dan, and can hold his own with san-dans in their 20s. To me, that's GOOD.

I don't think it's ever too late to take up kendo. I started a few years ago when I was over 40. Do I wish I had started when I was 8 - Sure do. But I also wish I had started when I was your age. I'm at least as glad I didn't wait another 10 years to start. Guess what it comes down to is, if you want to learn kendo, start now. No point in regrets about lost opportunities. Life, just like in kendo, requires you to keep going forward.

[jasmine]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance


Hey,
I'm 23 and I just begin to play kendo last year.So it is not late for you.One of my sensei 7 th dan ,begin with training when he was 37.I think it is much later than you do.Anyway,woning the match and getting "dan" is not a unique purpose on playing kendo.It depends on what you think of kendo!
Let's do :cool: it!!

[baysun]

Hey,
I'm 23 and I just begin to play kendo last year.So it is not late for you.One of my sensei 7 th dan ,begin with training when he was 37.I think it is much later than you do.Anyway,woning the match and getting "dan" is not a unique purpose on playing kendo.It depends on what you think of kendo!
Let's do :cool: it!!
-------

Very very true. There are many cases like your teacher in Japan. I know someone who started when he was over 40 and is now a 5th Dan. Another man at the last promotion test got his 5th Dan at 85yrs. !!!, 2yrs. ago. And there were women in over sixty years old who also got 5th dan. There was a very long applause for them. I will never forget it. All of them had very good movement.

[Nanbanjin]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance
I started kendo when I was 16 (which should have been young enough) but I really suck! I still like playing kendo though.

[Mike]

I started in January at the young age of 30, and although I can't say I'm good, I at least have a good time and 23 sounds young enough to me to become good, if you have enough motivation and skill and practice hard enough.

[Usagi San]

Hell, I started at 33. THAT'S OLD.
Give it a try. You'll be surprised how enjoyable it can be.

[meow]

I am 36 and started kendo about eight months ago. Probably I will never become as good as someone who started as a teenager, but I improve if I work hard enough.

The most important point is: Do you have fun doing kendo?

When your heart is really into it, then there should be no need to compare yourself with others and worry about how good you can become.

Start Kendo now!

P.S. How often you will be able to practice depends on many things like school, working hours, family and of course your dojo. If they offer practice only twice a week, then that´s all there is and you have to accept that. But you can always practice at home after you learned some basics.

[tapioka]

my brother started kendo during his college years, and altho he quit about 6 months ago, he finished off with being a ni-dan, and he's still in his twenties! :) go for it!

[tduffy]

If anyone tells you you are too old, then they are not practicing Budo. This goes for any Budo.

[saabsnob]

Son,


I'm 45 years old. I started only two months ago. I'm also taking Iaido because that is the way our Shihan teaches. I don't know what Dan rank he holds in Iaido but he doesn't hold a Dan rank in Kendo. So I won't advance, but it is still very fun. My Sempai is only 16 and He was surprised yesterday when I told him I was 45. I can almost keep up with him. And that is because I don't know a lot of the kata and warm ups and I'm the new "kid" on the block.

I expect to be good enough for tournaments in ten years.

Cheers,

Charles

[kenshin13]

......10 years? Wow. I hope I can do it that long.

[tapioka]

sure you can! as long as you don't drop out. :)

[PhoenixProfile]

Kendo... I hope i can do it as long because i find this martial arts fun and a great workout, even my gym cant beat a Kendo excercise! It really does flattern you out to the max.

[Nishi]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance

You can be good in 12 months, or you can suck after 12 years, its right down to you. Of course your own general level of coordination and motor skills will determine what you have to work with in the beginning. But, determined people almost always do well in kendo. As for your age, your probably younger than the average North American who starts kendo...your age is not an issue.

(I was 27)
Enjoy!

[louisvandalen]

Hell, I started at 33. THAT'S OLD.
Thanks for ruining my day. Im 31, 2 years to go before I have to retire.

Best Regards,

Louis
young at heart

[Darknails]

Thanks to everyone who posted these messages! I started Kendo since two months ago and now becoming more and more involved, both physically and mentally. Though it took a year since I posted the original message, during which I felt I wasn't ready for it. Now I'm very focus and everyday looking forward to tame the shinai with my hands, making it do exactly what I want. All in all. I'm glad to have thought about it seriously and gave it a go. I've discovered a new world!

[hobbit]

Thanks for ruining my day. Im 31, 2 years to go before I have to retire.


Amateur . . .:evil: I left school before you were born, and I don't consider myself old . . . yet . . .

[shred_lord]

Good for you mate.
Now I'm very focus and everyday looking forward to tame the shinai with my hands, making it do exactly what I want.I like that, it's poetic.

[Ignatz]

I started when I was 40 and now I'm 56. I don't think I have much chance of winning the WC but in 3 years I'll try out for the team again. Tried out for the AEUSKF team last year and was about 30 years older than the average age. Didn't make the team but you had to beat me to get on.:shocked:

Tame the shinai is nice, how about BE THE SHINAI

[Lloromannic]

I started when I was 40 and now I'm 56. I don't think I have much chance of winning the WC but in 3 years I'll try out for the team again. Tried out for the AEUSKF team last year and was about 30 years older than the average age. Didn't make the team but you had to beat me to get on.:shocked:

Tame the shinai is nice, how about BE THE SHINAI

I aim to make my opponent one with my shinai.

[Rouisu]

^ Respect +1

It's never too old to start kendo, or any sort of budo. In the USYD kendo club, there are these guys who look around 50 years old who are starting. Bear in mind that I think they are experienced karate practioners, so consider that not only are they older than you, they are also working against training that has been drilled into their heads for years. If they cam put that kind of effort in kendo, I am very sure you can too

23 is quite young. I started when I was 18 , so we are not too far off. We're still young men with the fire of youth burning within our hearts! (heh...gotta love Naruto) Truth be told, personal skill and ability will be the factor in judging whether you will be good or not, but as long as you give it your all I'm sure you will enjoy kendo all the same.

[ekajati]

I am an extremely ancient starter (41) and as for being "good", I will be absolutely thrilled with myself if I manage to not move my right foot before I see the tip of the shinai in front of me :grin: Never mind coordinate that with only lifting with the left, hitting centrally, kiai and gawd knows what else! I view the bogu wearing, fully coordinated state as being so distant as to be practically mythical.... yet enjoying it all immensely :D

[Karaken]

I started Kendo when I was 42. It was only because I didn't like to go to health center ( I hated threadmill ). Here I am trying to be Yon Dan this year ( I missed last year's because business trip ) but grade is only encouragement for ones with weak motivation. Real reward is your mental and physical health. I started Kendo to be healthy. Now I find myself trying to be healthy to continue my pursuit for Kendo. Go figure.. I'll be trying for Go dan when I'm 55 if all goes as planned but with no tournament victories..

[NetGuy]

Dont start. There's always going to be somebody better than you.

[ekajati]

I'm finding these stories so inspiring! Especially about the 80 and 60 year olds! Can I deviate a bit and ask people what they reckon progress is down to? I know it's not necessarily down to the amount of practice as I've heard of people who've done it for years and didn't progress much. So what is it? Natural talent? A good teacher? I'd be interested in your thoughts. By the way, my Shakuhachi teacher just told me that in Japan someone very dedicated to flute who had been playing for ages but was totally rubbish would have a lot of respect (he knew of someone like this), while someone who was excellent technically but didn't take it that seriously would not.

[nodachi]

"So what is it?"

Good teachers help. If you lack good teachers in your area (no aim at disrespect here), frequent trips to group practices where the good teachers are.

Good observation skills to learn stuff while watching, you can learn a ton if you are carefully observant. Lots of the training involves fine details and a good eye helps to pick up on that.

Practicing with many different people, not the same dojo and only that same dojo forever.

Dedication to attend as many practices as you can fit into your schedule. Although it is not so much quantity, because some people don't have much choice, but the consistency of your attendence.

Analyzing your strengths and weaknesses outside of the dojo. Practice doesn't end at the dojo. Whether it be in the car ride home or just after dinner or in the shower, whereever, it is important to try and analyze your own kendo. See how you should be applying your sensei's advice and try and find areas that you feel you need to improve on that were not mentioned. People who just practice and stop thinking kendo when they go home don't make as much progress as someone who spends some time after practice thinking how to improve on the days training.

There are tons of factors, but these are important in my opinion.

[Kingofmyrrh]

I'm finding these stories so inspiring! Especially about the 80 and 60 year olds! Can I deviate a bit and ask people what they reckon progress is down to? I know it's not necessarily down to the amount of practice as I've heard of people who've done it for years and didn't progress much. So what is it? Natural talent? A good teacher? I'd be interested in your thoughts. By the way, my Shakuhachi teacher just told me that in Japan someone very dedicated to flute who had been playing for ages but was totally rubbish would have a lot of respect (he knew of someone like this), while someone who was excellent technically but didn't take it that seriously would not.
Obviously I'm completely unqualified to say anything about shakuhachi, but when it comes to kendo, people who practice for a long time seem to be treated with the utmost politeness, but generally passed over when it comes to being treated as any kind of authority. But that's just my experience.
On the way back from a Keio old boy practice last night I was talking to one of the guys who is always there, rain or shine. I would never have guessed this, but he said that after graduating university and starting work he quit kendo completely, only returning at the age of 60 when he retired. Since then he's had perfect attendance at kangeiko (8 days per year) every year for the 7 years since he restarted (he's now 67). I thought that was pretty cool.

[ekajati]

Obviously I'm completely unqualified to say anything about shakuhachi, but when it comes to kendo, people who practice for a long time seem to be treated with the utmost politeness, but generally passed over when it comes to being treated as any kind of authority. But that's just my experience.
On the way back from a Keio old boy practice last night I was talking to one of the guys who is always there, rain or shine. I would never have guessed this, but he said that after graduating university and starting work he quit kendo completely, only returning at the age of 60 when he retired. Since then he's had perfect attendance at kangeiko (8 days per year) every year for the 7 years since he restarted (he's now 67). I thought that was pretty cool.

Oh yes, I don't think they would take the rubbish flute player as an authority, it was more that they deeply respected his/her devotion to their playing. And I do think your old boy is tremendously cool! Thanks Nodachi for your tips. From what I've learned having to undo bad habits in Shakuhachi, the lesson I would transpose for myself onto kendo would be that if the sensei tells you to do something, take it very seriously and do your utmost to do it - don't nearly dismiss it as a nice idea to do sometime (I'm speaking to myself...)!

[Old Warrior]

I started Kendo when I was 42. It was only because I didn't like to go to health center ( I hated threadmill ). Here I am trying to be Yon Dan this year ( I missed last year's because business trip ) but grade is only encouragement for ones with weak motivation. Real reward is your mental and physical health. I started Kendo to be healthy. Now I find myself trying to be healthy to continue my pursuit for Kendo. Go figure.. I'll be trying for Go dan when I'm 55 if all goes as planned but with no tournament victories..

Since I now know how much older than you, I am, next time we meet, you better be kinder to me. It's not nice beating on your elders.

[Karaken]

Since I now know how much older than you, I am, next time we meet, you better be kinder to me. It's not nice beating on your elders.

Ha Ha, I knew you're going to come out sooner or later OW.. Is Saturday 1:00 pm still good time for visit? I'm trying very hard to get down to your dojo before the winter is over.. Please send my regard to your Master Seong.

[Old Warrior]

Ha Ha, I knew you're going to come out sooner or later OW.. Is Saturday 1:00 pm still good time for visit? I'm trying very hard to get down to your dojo before the winter is over.. Please send my regard to your Master Seong.

Sabumnim is teaching at E. Brunswick, as well as Closter, so I would call him before contemplating a visit. When he is not at Closter, Myung Min takes over. While Min has much to teach, if you are making the pilgrimage, I'm sure you'd rather get pounded by the Grand Master. It would be a pleasure to see you again.

[Karaken]

Sabumnim is teaching at E. Brunswick, as well as Closter, so I would call him before contemplating a visit. When he is not at Closter, Myung Min takes over. While Min has much to teach, if you are making the pilgrimage, I'm sure you'd rather get pounded by the Grand Master. It would be a pleasure to see you again.

We should visit E brunswick dojo too. Master Seong told me sensei there is fabulous.

[Old Warrior]

We should visit E brunswick dojo too. Master Seong told me sensei there is fabulous.

This is not a topic for online discussion. The E Brunswick school is a great facility but its probably underutilized. Sabumnim needs to get Kumdo "out there" and to penetrate more than the "word of mouth" Korean community. When Master Lee was in charge of all the classes, he was right - he is fabulous. Although a 5th Dan, he is big, strong and has a very clean straightforward style. He has pounded me into the floor on many an occasion. Each has been a an instructive lesson.

Actually, the best class to visit is probably Monday night at 8PM in Closter. Sabumnim is usually there and the turnout is okay. If you are going to go E Brunswick, I would go on a Sat. If you let me know, I'll drive down to meet you or we can meet in Closter and drive down together.

[mark]

I'm 23 years old ...And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Starting at 23, you have a chance to make your national team and make it to the worlds. Of course you will have to practice, practice, practice, go to all your local seminars, be in great shape (see xtraining threads), have talent, and stick with it.

[Gessho]

I just stated kendo last month. I'm 40 years old and I know that I have long road ahead of me. I think of it the same as traveling. The destination is just part of the experience.

If I keep at it and work hard I'll be as good as I ever could be, no matter when I started.

I once read somewhere that the body, which is mostly water, will adjust to the demands and direction placed on it by the mind.

[Morvran]

Perfect place for my first post! I'm 31, going on 32, and just started last month. I wish I'd started when I was young, which is when I first became interested, but I'm starting now and I'll make the most of it.

It's funny, when I saw the title of the thread I expected the original poster to be like 40. 23? lol, you're fine. Kendo can be a life-long endevour if you commit yourself and enjoy what you're doing.

[Newbie]

Hell, I'm a beginner and I'm 27. There's one guy who's just started (a mate of mine's dad) and is doing the beginners' with me.

Never too late to start something you think you might enjoy :)

[lemi]

Heh,

Same here - I am 28, started 6 months ago and when yes, most of the group is younger (around 18-20), there are some guys in their 30s-40s....

So I guess it's never too late to start :silly:

cheers,

[andrew_kumdo]

Hello..
I'm 23 years old and have always been interested in Kendo somehow
never got around to do it. And now I'm not sure if it's too late for me
to start because I know a lot of people start during their teens, and
if I do it I want to be GOOD. So is there anyone who can tell me
whether it's possilble to become amazingly good (say winning
tounaments) if one starts at such age. And how much time per week
is normally required to practise to become that good?

Please excuse my somehow naive questions.. thanks in advance
wow 23 years is old? =[ ppl start at 35 yrs? anyways i don't know if youll be extremely good but youll be good atleast

[rfoxmich]

You will never know how far along the path you can walk if you don't take the first step.

[Morvran]

Unless of course you're born a Wolverine, in which case you *know* that you'll never be better than a Buckeye. :cool2:

["Rojindo"]

23 is a great age to start, because you can enjoy many many more years than us old geezers. You could achive a lot if you choose to continue. Kendo has been a great experiance in personal dicipline for me, that much is certain.

A lot of it is perservering when it hurts. Kendo is a lot of fun... provided one can keep fit enough for it... even when one has no victories on the boards to speak of, surviving a tough class can be reward enough (sometimes).

Hope you enjoy Kendo!

[samurai]

You shouldn't worry about your age. Your young and capable of becoming whatever you want to. One can't tell you that you need to practice XXX hours per week to become as good as you want to. It's up to your skill, ambition and you of course.

[Mark123]

44 and took up kendo about a year ago.

Still alive, but generally aching like hell.

Highly recommended.

[bullet08]

i always thought i started kendo late.. or took too long waiting for the dojo to come to my area.. but after seeing all the posts, 38 ain't so old, and i picked it back up when i was.. 36 or something.

once my kids grow up, i would definitely like to see more as to how koreans.. or kumdo dojang trains.. i guess that means i have to go to kim clan reunion up in north.. urgh..

pete

[Althe]

Hey, there's a guy in our dojo who had recently joined and he's in his mid 40s. On another note, there's a 60 year old man who could kick my arse any day.

It doesn't matter how old you are when you join. Like everyone says, it's just a matter of patience and a little determination to get you through! Kendo should be enjoyed so don't get too stressed if you don't see yourself progressing. It's all in the learning process :D

[Old Warrior]

Hey, there's a guy in our dojo who had recently joined and he's in his mid 40s. On another note, there's a 60 year old man who could kick my arse any day.

Two things of note for older guys. We need to listen to our bodies and know when enough is enough. Secondly we need to remember that old age and treachery beats youth and skill - anyday. Being smart about our limitations is the key to surviving for the long run.

[Morvran]

So true...the older I get, the more I realize that my body is started to give me warning signs when it's time to rest or stop something for a bit. Ignoring them only leads to bad bad things.

[Santiman]

You are always as old as your mind and your soul tell you that you are (although, our body will never stop aging.) I started kendo 1 year and a half ago when I was 53 years old and ever since I have never stopped practicing.
Without been neither greedy nor selfish allow me to say this: my classmates are much younger than me and at times I have given them “a run for their money" in keiko practice. This year (2008) I won a third place trophy competing against competitors half my age in a local tournament (Tamarac BSO Fallen Officers Memorial.) So, if I can why wouldn't anybody else? Self-fulfillment is my goal; not a belt or rank. Borrowing a slogan from a manufacturer: just do it!

[rcheung135]

Age should not be seen as a problem, but an obstacle that everyone should go through. I remember there was a great quote by a judan who practiced kendo way into his 80s. It went something like this:

"You must practice the fundamentals of kendo until fifty. The basics then become a part of you. when you think for the basics, they are often assumed to be something that was mastered in the early stages of a kendo career. This is a misconception. Many people bury the fundamentals deep in their minds without giving them a second thought. It took me fifty years to learn the fundamentals, and to make them a part of my body and soul. I did not enter the true discipline of kendo until I was fifty. This was because I was determined to practice kendo with my mind.

The back and lower extremities begin to deteriorate at 60. The mind will complement the weakness of the body. I practiced kendo by utilizing my mind to compensate for my physical weakness.

At 60, the whole body begins to weaken. I practiced to make my mind immovable and not to be disturbed. when the mind is immovable and focused, the opponent's mind will reflect like a mirror. I have tried to retain this focus. when I reached 80, my mind became focused and immovable. I admit that I have occasional distractions. I seek to eliminate interfering thoughts.

Mochida Moriji, Kendo Hanshi Tenth Dan"

This quote gave me a new perspective and wisdom that kendo is for any age within reason, and that "mind over matter" is key. Also, kendo is for a lifetime of learning... but I think a sensei's words would be infinitely better than mine in regards to this.

Just my two cents :)

[cidergeorge]

As Dwez said earlier you want to fence Wilf at the Bramhall Dojo. He's 80 this year! If I'm anywhere near that when I grow up, I'll be made up!

[Maku-san]

Secondly we need to remember that old age and treachery beats youth and skill - anyday.

Ayyyy-men! :D My motto, exactly! :laugh:

[1speed]

I just started about 4 months ago two months before I turned 37. I certainly don't feel too old, and can't express how excited I was to hear last week that I was ready for dogi. Maybe I'm just easily motivated :rolleyes:
Anyone reading this who is questioning whether they're too old to start is wasting time- get to the dojo already! As much more eloquent kendoka have already stated, the mental aspect of kendo make it available to any age.

Carlos