Forty Year Old Man wants to Fight Muay Thai
I am a forty year old ex-drunk who wants to fight Muay Thai. This might all seem like an impossible dream; you might even think that I’m a bit reckless to even consider it – these thoughts have crossed my mind too. Thai kick boxing is one of the fiercest fighting arts on the planet, and entering a ring with somebody trained in this art is probably not the most sensible way to be dealing with a mid-life crisis – but there it is. This idea has been playing around in my head for a few years now and it just won’t go away. The idea of actually going through with it scares the shit of me, but also fills me with a great deal of excitement too.
As well as seeming crazy and impossible, stepping into a Muay Thai ring seems a bit inevitable – my life is like that. I don’t know how exactly it is going to happen, but wheels are in motion to take me to that day. It might take a couple of years, but that’s where I’m heading. I have always found that the best way to deal with an impossible goal is to break it down into manageable little goals. Sometimes this break down into little goals happens without any conscious effort from me. My recent act of trying to get back into shape by purchasing a punch bag now seems like a small step on the path to my final goal.
So why does this 40 year old want to fight Muai Thai?
Before alcohol took over my world a big love of mine was martial arts. Throughout two decades of pissing my life away I would often stop to wonder about what would’ve happened if I’d have just kept at the martial arts. Looking back then it seemed like the only time I’d been happy in my life. I felt like I’d really missed out and I loathed myself a bit because of it.
Here I am over twenty-three years since my last martial arts class (unless you count Tai-Chi) and a part of me wants to recover that thing I lost to alcohol. Of course, I could just join a Karate class here in Bangkok; that would probably be a much more sensible choice for a middle aged person like me. This doesn’t appeal to me so much though. I want to be challenged, and Muay Thai is certainly going to do that. I also want to face my fears and the idea of learning Muay Thai here in Thailand is going to involve overcoming many of these.
Can a Man in Middle Age fight Muay Thai?
The one thing that I’ve found in recovery from addiction that anything really is possible. This is what happens when we give up booze or drugs. We get to live the life we were meant to live and we get to watch our childhood dreams come true. This is what makes life in recovery so great and it is why every drunk and addict owes it to themselves to escape addiction and love life.
The fact that I’ve made my secret dream public knowledge puts even more pressure on me to make it a reality – that’s part of my reason for publishing this post. I don’t have any real plan of action except that I want to get into better physical shape over the next few months. I’ve read the Muay Thai books and seen the videos and now is the time to take some real action.
Why not? Randy Couture fought in the octagon until well into his forties and you know how brutal mma is. Think you are doing a great thing–otherwise you will always wonder what could have happened.
By the way, I am a 51-year old 5th Dan in Kenpo who spars with my students, sometimes point and sometimes full contact. I love it! It keeps you young.
Great topic
Training MuayThai in NE off Thailand
Great fun and a great condition…but realy hard to keep up 3 min off 5 rounds tooooo tired
I did try any cardio to build more performance .nothing works
Joe
at your age , do you dare to join Muay thai competition?
I appreciate the encouragment Matt. It is good to know that we can still get a lot from martial arts after forty. I think you are right about keeping people young.
Hi.I just come across you blog about starting Thai after 40.How did you cope and did you get down to training or having full-contact fight at all.I want to start train myself to keep fit ,but no sure about full contact fight as I can not afford any injury due which I could loose my job.
well its a month later and i hope you been keeping to what to , what you want to do, i am 32 and have been doing muay thai for 2 years , before i started i was worried i was going to be the oldest guy in the class , you know what i was and i didnt care because i was doing the one thing i allways wanted to do, i was getting knocked around by young guys and sometimes did not feel good but i knew id get there someday , and you know what nobody knocks me around anymore, so if you really want it you can achieve it, good luck and hope you achiece all you want to.
Thanks a million; you talk a lot of sense. I’m actually planning to attend my first class on Monday. I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it as well.
Allowed it to Hey mate am 47 and Bin bullies most of my life for different reasons that I am only just realising now the cause of this bullying and y it to make me a extremely angry and now motivated and obsessive about never allowing another person or coward as that’s all they are as the saying goes all bullies are cowards is mostly the case but I have
come across very few people who were Do you not wanna talk with me really then?bullies and would also take on guys twice their siZe an would never back down to anyone big small mouthy etc but these people Are rare an just badass they go from being withdrawing from heroin an placed in jail and have to fight on empty maybe the toughest guy in the jail whilst they are sick from drug withdrawAls imagine having the worst flu And you just wanna b wrapped up an in blanket in bed probably would want ya mummy there too An then be confronted by the big boy of the wing who may not of known nor cared about your past reputation as a pro boxer with outstanding punching power n texhnique who was a promising boxer in his early teens known throughout the local Liverpool ameteur boxing scene as a brawler who had knockout power in both hands and was well known for it but boxing being an art that’s not always an never will be to reach the top although mike Tyson nearly tested that theory An came close to overturning the status quo anyway am waffling now back to the point I was always told by guys that could fight that I didn’t have the heart an all that shit an the guy who told me was the same rough tough bastard I had ever met at that time he was known allover Liverpool an surrounding jails as a tough mean madman who would fight the top boys of the jails aswell as beat the weakest of the jail I think he was just a mad man who happened to know me from toxteth a place that hAs produced world champ boxer karAte kickboxing elites An generally tough people my problem was I moved from the area An was living in a middle class part of town away from the chaos of Liverpool in the 1980s a place that was akin to a third world country an toughness was built into your makeup I lived there till the Age of 9 and so had seen things thAt I shouldn’t of at that age but that had defined who I was an what I thouhght of the world I had seen so far and once your exposed to that way adults behaved in those areas it really is ntoo late to then move to a protected civilised community An for few years I was confused with the new types of kids tan parents and had my first taste of snobbery an didn’t understand what it was I just New I hated it after few years and many fights at my new school with the so called top lads who I easily beat the shit out of it was as if I was dancing with them it was devastating the ease with which I put all these kids away it was so natural and devasting to them I remember one lad who confronted me for a fight and in seconds after I had punched few times An he got closer as most fights do end up clinched up I remember not being angry just in A state of mental natural flow almost as if it was a relaxed state that I was so aware of my opponents body shape as he tried to hit me back that as soon as I got near his hair I was pulling his head down and kicking him in the face very brutal and something I hadn’t practiced or seen before it just presented itself and I very quickly took advantage of it before I knew it was happening it was like a very quick vision that I capitalised on with out thinking about it you see it on ufc fight s Anderson Silva was classic example of what I mean am sure he practiced the techniques but he hAd ability to see it before it was really presented itself or as it presented itself as I got settled into this new quitwer school were most of the kids were sheltered and had parents working and owned their own homes I strarted to settle in an quiten down antwith it my fight skills dropped too and by the time reached high school all though no body messed with me I was still a bit of a thought fighter or so till I realised I just didn’t have the same flow of agrsssion that I once had and lost many many fights not even winning one for most of my teens an adult hood And lost so many that I lost my confidence as a man I knew I could be And was humiliating to be beaten up Halfway uthru a fight an u knew your gonna getwooped is not a nice feeling as much as I would never back down I would never win an as I started getting older An went to jail and got beaten badly I eventually lost my confidence and was not the man I knew deep down I could be I just would make the same mistake every fight I would get angry and wear myself out throwing pathetic stupid arm punches but I always knew that I had it in me once too fight naturally and after mAny years of bullying by idiots as I would totally be scared stiff and had many beatings when I dreamed about only one thing in life and that was to be able to kick a bullies head in I tried all sorts of things weight lifting but wen it came to the crunch An was challenge as my arms were not always impressed by people I would back down and remember what people told me I just not a fighter I knew that wasn’t true and some people who I met over the years could see that there was more to me than I knew so I started Thai boxing I was so scared of getting hit as I had taken nasty beatings for years I was also scared to sparring as I treated as real fight then after few years I would get hit and realised that I Bin hit worse than this an once I learned to throw a punch combo with body weight and decent well drilled technique it made me sparring a little easier as I don’t mind getting hit hard as long as it is two way and all the bullies that thought I was a weak scouse very rare and uncommon would take delight in bullying a scouser as it’s not a common thing so u can imagine the stick I got well I got them all back and smacked the crap out of theses coward bullies it’s changed my life martial arts and I respect everyone until it’s time to not be nice then I go so I say whatever you’re age go train a good martial art MMA is the best it’s got everything involved Thai boxing is a brutal centuries old fighting system you can’t go wrong with that one and of course are very own brilliant and deadly highly respected boxing that has become the most respected hand combat of all the other arts sadly we are still have a foot in the door for creating the best fighters but other countries have made it better in some ways that they dominate the game for now but time is a very strange thing and it evolves all the time
I just started practicing muay thai frm yesterday i, so guys wish me luck and iam 35 too
Good luck Sanjay, I’m finding it to be great fun. Apparently there are people practicing Muay Thai well beyond their fifities.
i am 39 for last november 6, only this december i am starting to learn how to box, all my life i wanted to this but time was a matter, and i was a alcoholic addict too. in my mind i don’t feel i am late to learn, i am sure i can be a bit older to be a professional, but i will not give up. i will find a ring either to beat some one or to get beaten up, it will energise me, make me happy, my fears will go away, certaionly it wiull keep me young
Hi Thasleem Mohamed Reza, thanks for commenting. I’m not sure that wanting to beat people up or get beaten up is a good path to happiness, but learning to discipline mind and body is a good choice for anyone. For me martial arts is not about fighting other people, but about fighting who I was yesterday.
hello Paul,
i am 44 years old. I have taken up Muay Thai Since 2009, traveling to train in Sinbi Phuket for a few weeks, Sor chitlada now and then. But like you i still think i am not ready to fight.
I got married 2 years back and planning a family. so need to take all these into consideration although it would be my ultimate dream to step into a muay thai ring to fight a real fight.
i am very intrigue with you website and the challenges you face and overcome them. keep it up !
Thanks kcgoh, I think there is a lot of good stuff in Muay Thai even for those of us who are not ready to fight
hi Paul,
i really need to have at least one pro fight before i drop off from this earth. I am training everyday in my muay thai gym in malaysia and going to phuket. Most times i train at Sinbi. hope they can get me a fight.
regards,
It sounds like you are taking your fight preperations seriously. When are you planning to fight? I have heard that they have some good gyms in Phuket that I’d love to try out.
i go to this gym, SINBI and they are great. i shall be there this april, likely on the songkran week. hope to see you there!
i will be in bangkok from feb 14-17 on business. hope to be able to visit and train in one of bangkok’s finest, any ideas? i will be at sukhumvit 21
There are some good options in central Bangkok. Fighting Spirit Gym is apparently good – that is near Lumpini. I highly recommend Sitsongpeenong, but it might be too far from where you are staying.
Its also been a dream of mine to step into a ring, I’m 39 and been training for about 9 months and absolute love it. I’m now just as fit or even fitter than the young lads in their early 20s. I want to have a fight hopefully by early Summer 2012, so I’ll be slowly increasing my training regime. It doesn’t matter about your age as long as you can keep up with the others and your confident in yourself your be fine. Good luck!
Hi Dave, I agree with you. In many ways the limitations of age are just in our minds.
Hi guys, im adam 28 from uk
What an interesting blog i found it by chance when
Googling ‘im i ti old fir a fight career’ ive been
Martial arts on and off through mylife abit flakey if
Im honist! 6 years ago i went from western kickboxing
To MUAY THAI….. Now im obsessed! Have been ever since
Ive been planning to to Thailand for a few yeara now and at last
I have chance to do it, so ive sold up and off to pesue fight career
Who know i might get my asses beat….but MUAY THAI Is in the heart!!!!
I think you guys are amzing! I hopf im still throwing elbows at 40
Why slow down! Like the majority! …. Good luck guys all the best
Hi Adam, it is good to hear that you are going for your dreams. I don’t think you are too old for a fighting career at all. You sound determined so I’m sure your decision to move to Thailand will be one you won’t regret. There are some dreams that we just can’t give up on.
I am fixing to be 38 and have been fighting pro Thai for 9 years. You can be in condition to fight into your 40’s but the concern would be bone density and overal recovery. Calcium and vitamin D will help and bag bag bag. Go get em!!!
Thanks E,it does take my a long time to recover from injuries these days. I suppose it is just a case of working with these changes associated with middlge age.
Hello Paul – I am also an ex drunk and friend of Bill W. I have been sober two and a half years now. Like you described, I spent most of my 20’s and all of my 30’s in the bottle. 2 divorces, numerous jobs and a ton of personal and financial wreckage in my rear view mirror. Since I quit drinking life has come to mean so much more. I don’t think it’s easy to understand unless you have come out of the hell of addiction. It truly is like being re-born. I am eager to improve myself and face new challenges. I came across your origanal post about beginning training in Muay Thai and was curious as to your progress. Has it been what you expected? More or less difficult? I have my first session next week. I am 43 and have ZERO martial arts experience. I am excited and of course nervous. Looking forward to your response. James, Oklahoma, USA
Hi James, I was training for about 18 months and full-time for a few of those months, but I haven’t so much as aimed a knee at a punchbag in over a year. Muay Thai does feel like unfinished business to me so maybe I’ll have a chance to return to training at a later date. I sort of miss it. Good luck with your training.
Are you serious? Lol
Hi guys, its so good to read so many differences and experiences, Im 45, just in Love with Muay Thay…As a Brazilian Woman, could exist without Tasted, have some concerns about the age….but..Im just go foward.
Good for you Vilma. I’m 45 in August, and I’m feeling good.
I am 38 and been involved in Muay Thai since I was 15. Like many I had potential but never saw it through to conclusion (titles). I have restarted again after 5 years away. I don’t feel like I ever left. I don’t think I’ll be able to let the dream go until I fully pursue a title shot even just a national. Unfinished business never goes away, even at 38. All you can do is try. Nothing is worse than taking a dream to the grave.
I am a Sports/physiotherapist and Personal Trainer who thinks the world is changing. People in their middle years are becoming more exercise savvy. I see a new age of people in their 30’s and 40’s becoming champions. If you have the heart, the body will follow, regardless of age.
I love the way you say “nothing is worse than taking a dream to the grave” – very inspirational Leon.
Hi Paul,
Just wondering how far you got in your dream of wanting to fight Muay Thai?
Either way, was admirable reading your determined statement from a few years back.
Hi Zach, I trained full-time for a few months a few years ago, but getting into the ring is still on my to-do list.
Hi Paul,
I happened to chance upon this blog. I hope its not too late to salute you for getting yourself out of the problems that you have had and I hope you are into Muay Thai now. I am 50 years old, have 3 grown-up kids, living in Malaysia and have been practising Muay Thai for the past 2 years. It’s not easy for me as I am not really a sports person and the training was extremely painful to me. There were times when I was wondering when my heart will burst out or my legs dislodged from me. My trainer, Kru Watcharachai was extremely supportive and had me sparring in the ring (him being a veteran of over 220 fights with an approximate record of 180 wins and only 40 losses and a former WMC champion, 2000 Thailand Fighter of the year and Rajadamnern stadium fighter of the year) with him after 5 months of training. Believe me, Paul, all these training not only gave you a perspective of life, but I was rather proud (with a slightish smile on my face) when my son told his friends that his dad practises Muay Thai and they just went “oooooo!!!!”.
Hope to see you taking the next step, i.e. into the ring.
Hi Eddie, you are inspiring. I haven’t been training in recent months, but I am itching to get back to it. I would like my son to be able to tell his friends his dad practices muay thai.
I am going to be 50 in July. I have been training boxing for a year in 2013-2014 and now training Muay Thai for whole year. I have no intention to stop for another 3-4 years and then I will see. Still love to drink my beer on weekend though 🙂
Guys keep kicking and punching! Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger!
Very inspirational Vlad
Hey there Paul.
Just read your post and loved it. I’m 43 and have been training Muay Thai for the past 5 months. I’m not a recovering alcoholic but a middle aged guy who felt something missing in his life. I would wake up, go to work, come back watch tv go to sleep -rinse and repeat. I absolutely love the sport and passionate about it. This martial art has really made an incredible change in my life. I train with guys from all ages although admittedly i’m one of the older guys. I feel stronger more confident and lost alot of weight. Loved to hear that others from my stage in life share this passion as well. All thr best.
Benny
Hi Paul,
Loved your blog post.
Where do I start, I, like you have always been into martial arts, since I can remember. I use to watch enter the dragon, bloodsport, kick boxer literally all the time, huge Bruce Lee, Van Damme, Jackie Chan fan. Anyway, I first went to thailand in 2010, where i trained for the first time Muay Thai. I was 28yrs old then. Through out my late teens and 20’s I have been a heavy pot smoker, and addict. That is where my money went. I am 33 now, turning 34 this year, I have now not smoked anything for a good few months. The first month i wanted to kill myself and didn’t see a way out, there was no light. I couldn’t sleep, sweats, shakes, vivid dreams, it was absolutely horrible. I can now see light though, and coming through it, i have found what i want to do, and have been wanting to do for a long time. That is to pack up here in the UK and head over again to Thailand, but this time to train full time for 1 year and see where it leads me. I’d like to change my life around and become a fitness trainer one day.
I feel sometimes that 33 is too old to start Muay Thai training, probably because paranoia is set in my head still from years of abuse. I think that i obviously am not conditioned and even if i trained and conditioned myself through out a year, if i was up against someone who has been conditioned for say 2-5 yrs, he would snap my bones in terms of shin kicks etc. This may just be a head thing that i need to get around. Believe me i am scared to hell of the thought of going in the ring, but on the other hand, the excitement and the buzz ill get from just getting in the ring for the first time i think will have a profound effect on me in a good way.
I am planning my trip to head out and literally do muay thai full time, 6 days a week, live on camp, and change camps every 1-3 months to meet new people, techniques and trainers, and also blog about it lol.
Reading your post and the many comments has made me think it is possible for sure.
I have family back here, but nothing else really, i need to find myself if that makes sense and i have had this urge in me to fight / train since i was very young. It’s now come back even stronger to the point i think about it at work everyday, when i get home, etc.
Addiction was hard to overcome, it was hard for me to admit i was an addict, when i use to say i just smoke to chill out, but it was a much deeper problem.
Really happy i found your blog man! How are you doing now a days? In 2016 are you training still? Have you been out to thailand to train at all?
Be great to hear how things are going in regards to this. Did you ever train in Phuket?
Anyway, my blogs up, its empty at moment, but would be great if some of you guys can check it out later in the year.
I have purchased everything i need for my trip, cameras, go pro, MacBooks, clothes, set my bank up so i have enough funds to do this. Man i am so bored over here with groundhog way of life you know. I need to live lol, and knowing you are a bit older than me, and some of the guys in here who commented are also, I feel now that i am not that old to do this.
Anyway, sorry for the long message, got carried away. Hey at least you have shown me inspiration 🙂 Take care man, be good to hear from you.
All the best
Hi Kei – it sounds like you are about to set off on an amazing adventure. I think 34 years old could be a great age to do some full-time training. I continue to live in Thailand (I’ve been here 16 years), but I haven’t done much Muay Thai recently (unless you count skipping for 30 minutes per day). I do sometimes miss it, but I have other priorities in my life now. The idea of getting in the ring doesn’t appeal much to me any longer – it was more the training I enjoyed. I did do a little bit of training at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, just a few days, and it was an exciting place to visit. It will be interesting to hear how your adventure works out – enjoy.
Guys v interesting reading these posts all inspiring & good to find. In Thailand I’m now training MT after never having done it before. Like other posters here have been addict in past , now 39 & wondering if it’s sensible to be training Muay Thai twice per day (0730-0930&1630-1830) ie 2 hours each time. Any input? Recently i pulled a muscle in lower leg / calf whilst jogging prior to MT. Trainer at gym said should run every day to build up fitness & not just run when i feel like it. Anyhow, Iced it up & seems ok after a few days & appears i been verly luck as specialist reckons a micro cramp in a few muscle fibres is all thats wrong. It gets me thinking how much training should i be doing? Almost 40 yrs old. Should I take a couple of days off per week. Mix up the MT with maybe gym sessions. Start jogging every day. Or not jog at all. Tentative now as I don’t want to really screw up calfs. Feel good though. Diet is another issue for me though. I’ve friends who seem to be able to eat anything & stay trim. I eat a pizza & it shows. I know the cliches about can’t out train a bad diet but any older guys tips on nutrition? I’m pondering cutting out carbs /sugar & trying to get a high protein and high intake veg/salad into me but jeez it’s tough. 🙂
Hi Paul my name is Judd I am 46 years of age and have been involved with martial arts for well over 30 years muay thai/k-1 specifically for over 20 years. I am currently in Thailand training over in Pattaya with Ramba M-16 Somdet. The biggest challenge that we all face in our mid to late 40’s is the time it takes for the body to recover. For me it’s after a long clinching session with younger Nak Muays. .. The recover time takes a little longer as you get older… In terms of conditioning that is another story. … i you maintain a good and discipline regimen then your good to go… but the real issue lies in the recovery time when you get injured. Also at our age risk of concussions and damage to the brain is a big possibility remember this is a very brutal sport. But regardless I admire and respect your dream and goals… I too have the idea in the back of my head to take a fight. . In thailand… Most important thing is your conditioning and skill development. After that If You are at a point whereas you feel confident and secure with your conditioning and skills then why not?!! Go for it!! A close friend of mine Michael “The blacksniper” McDonald fought into his mid 40’s and look at the boxer Bernard Hopkins… he’s fighting in his 50’s!! The key thing is taking care of your body… giving it the proper rest, a good healthy diet (no street food ) and again being discipline with your training and stay injury free when training. Train smart and hard!!
Just my 2 cents!
Sawasdee khrab, Khun Paul.
I like your post. Seeing your more recent replies to comments, I wish you the confidence, determination, stamina, and mental & physical strength to return to training and tackle your dream of fighting a match. I imagine the difficulty of training with a body that has already been impacted by alcohol. You are brave — some might say, unwise — to set foot into a Muay Thai gym… in Thailand… at 40 years old. I applaud you. (Besides, wisdom resides not only in the mind, but in the body and spirit.) I just started training as a nak muay in January and also wish I’d come to it earlier. But, as the saying goes, I’m here now. I love the intensity, comradery, challenge and sportsmanship of it. It’s a huge part of my life now. And, I will fight for it. Especially the toughest fight — against slipping back into the slow death I was calling a life. So, as the Koreans cheer each other on, to you I say, FIGHTING!!
P.S. I’m 53. 🙂 really
Very inspiring Dean
I am aged 72 and did martial arts 35 years ago. I have had several weeks training at muay thai and loving every minute of it. the guys do not go made at me but they do not pussy around me either as I do not want that. I wore a watch that registers my heart beat and it averaged 40 and peaked at 155 several times during sparring and in 90 minutes used 800 calories. I have ordered all the padding as I intend keeping at it. I not fool enough to think that I could enter a contest as much as I would like to
Very inspiring Joe
Good for you Joe. I am 60 myself and thought I was the oldest person reading this blog.
I dont know if the shin bone strengthening can still be done but I suppose it would keep a person young in spirit.
Just started doing Muay-Thai AND Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu aged 49, four times per week, 60mins each session. Been at it for 5 weeks and love it.
Previously I had done the usual fitness stuff: running, weights, Crossfit, etc…but my deep-passion was always for boxing, which I was never able to do in my youth.
Now, living in Brasil, Muay-Thai and MMA is pretty much as common everywhere you look.
I´m the oldest in my gym by about 8 years, but have no issues or problems with either training or sparring (unless I get my pre-workout calorie-calculation wrong and I feel like throwing-up/passing out during a lesson, lol).
Being pretty athletic for my age, tall and long-limbed, and some knowledge of ´how to box´does help and gives me some ´advantage´ over shorter, faster, younger men (and women) in my gym and the use of 14-16oz gloves ensures you don´t see too many stars when you get hit flush in the face!
All-in-all, its a great feeling to be able to go and endure the physical endurance and throw the MT kicks that you initially thought you couldn´t…plus, it stops you drinking alcohol and eating a bad diet – if you don´t, then you suffer for it when you do train.
I´m not going to fight properly at my age – there´s no deep-desire to for one and the feeling I get and the improvement in stamina, physique and libido(!) make the reasons for me doing this worthwhile!
Hi Paul,
I am 41 and I have just 6 months training Muay thai here in Brazil where I am living. I liked so much, that I am practicing 5 times per week plus some running during the week. I was always sport fan but, I had to lose 23 kilos from my two pregnancies. Still I have to lose 6 of them but I am now in very good physical condition, even better than my younger colleagues at the sport center. My instructor says that I am very strong, even stronger than the young ladies there. So, he is preparing me for combat next year. I am doing everything step by step, losing just half kilo per week of fat and keeping up my cardio and muscle. Probably next year when I get the 6 kilos off and more technique I will have my first official fight. I am looking forward to that 🙂 I do not feel any close to old, I am full of energy and I always felt like a warrior so why not trying?
Hi Martha – you certainly don’t sound close to old 🙂 You are very inspiring
Hi Paul, I’m 47 been training MT for 2 years. Train 3 days a week maybe 4 when I get a chance from home. Thinking about fighting a smoker this summer. I do drink occasionally but have a stressful job. I always like teating myself. My question is, to train for a smoker can my body hold up? If I go two days in a row I feel it. Any suggestions.
Hi Ben, I kept on getting injured, and I never made it into the ring, so I’m probably not the best person to ask. Perhaps, one of the other readers of this blog could offer you some advice?
Thank you for the quick reply. I agree at our age we can’t go with out injury but when u still got the fire in ur belly U have to try lol.
Did you ever get a mt fight Paul? I periodically check this article & comments to see if you have any updates.
Hi Jordan, nice to hear from you. I never did get to fight, and I can’t see it happening any time soon. To be honest, I decided in the end it was the training I enjoyed most.
I’m a 41 year old asthma sufferer and have just had my first amatuer fight (which I won). The guy was my age and it was a good match up. I had competed in 4 interclubs before that and my 4th interclub was against a guy half my age and much heavier too). However,age is a problem for me and at the back of my head constantly. I train hard 3 to 4 times a week (5 times occasionally)but with 2 kids and work it can be very hard. I started training 2 to 3 years ago and was around 10 kilo(1 and 1/2 stone) heavier. I had my first fight at 39 years old which was also against a much heavier (7 kilo) and younger guy….For the record I got hammered in rounds 3 and 4 in that fight. The important part is I never gave up and kept going at it. This proves that MOST of everything you do in life is in your head and not govened by your birth certificate!
Injuries take much longer to heal the older you get and diet is as important as the training itself due to a much slower metabolism over 40.
Rest inbetween training which allows the healing is something I have also learnt is very important the older you get.
Catch my last 2 fights on You Tube-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzKDCXMJMgc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C83JOKsKvJo&t=62s
I hope this post helps inspire someone to get out and do it at an older age.
Keep training and even if you don’t fight then remember you are still doing alot more than most your age.
Hi Hello , Namste,
I am 28 years old guy ho have no previous entry into martiall/defensive arts ,can i start learning mu thai at this point ,will my body/bones handle the rigorous mu Thai training
Note : training is strictly to fulfill my personal interest ,i dont want to participate in any competitions.
Thanks in advance :
“Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Nir-Aamayaah
Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu
Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih”
im turning 38 in a few days and have been doing muay thai for about 6 months, before that I had never done anything related to martial arts or exercise for that matter. I think mid life crisis is just over the horizon and its starting to creep in on me. I had always loved fighting but could never commit to anything, I literally spent my entire 20’s high as a kite and drinking everyday. I wasnt a drunk in the sense that you would rarely see me totally drunk but I was(maybe am still) an addict. I have smoked all drugs I ever came across and still smoke pot on a daily basis (but really only smoke a couple of drags just to ease the addiction and be able to sleep). I read a comment above where the person said they went through hell when they quit and I have gone through the same but it is soooo hard on your head, cant sleep, mood swings, desperation, the works. I think I need to really commit to quitting pot before I can think of actually even considering fighting in a ring, or even sparring for that matter .
Not really sure this would happen even if I did that since I think the damage to my bady is already done , now i get hurt like an old man….i hurt my elbows training and they wont heal, my hips are so sore most days, my wrists as well, small punches totally shake my brain. Yet I never quit, I go to muay thai 3 times a week, sometimes 4 if i can manage to get balance work and family, and run with handweights on off gym days, no exception. I dont feel llike im even close to the younger lads in the gym but im way fitter than I have ever been and serious about continuing. I think we all need motivation and mine is with my boss wife, she is into her 50s and recently competed in an iron man competition!! I mean she has waaaay more stamina than me, how humbling it is! Thats when I said if she can do it than so can i, though i must admit shes been doing this forever and was never a drunk and stoner.
I think we all get this doubt within us when we near the 40s mark and we start feeling older and like our time has gone by, that marvelous decade of your 20s when you think you can take the world on yet some of us spent it working as a barman drinking and getting high on a daily basis. what a waste, i guess that will always stick with me, the time gone that cannot be taken back.
But never look back and only look forward. I havent stopped alcohol 100% but I only drink ocasionally, I quit smoking cigarretes for 9 years (after smoking another 12 years) then started again for a year (for no good reason really) and quit for good 6 months ago. Will never go back! My wife smokes and that is a bad influence though not an excuse, I know.
for everyone nearing their 40s, dont give up, dont give in, press on! you still have it in you if you can dig deep enough and commit. Hopefully I will come through my challenges and maybe get my chance to at least get beatup in a real ring fight.
Hi Paul ,
I am 42 years old and I started training last night : – ). its humbling being the old fat man , when you are used to once being the young fit guy. Like you , I pissed most of my life away. My Sensei kept on coming to me and asking me If I was ok , and told me to slow down a bit. Like you , for me it isnt going to be about the fighting , but more about the training. Lately I have been feeling huge ( 117kgs ) , flexibility seems to have gone to the shit , and always tired. Lets see what some training does.
Shaun.
I hope it worked out for you mate.
Just get on with it and stop making excuses! Injury is part of the art, it’s a fighting sport so it’s part of the territory. I started at 40 and had my first full contact fight 5 months after I started, I lost by tko in the second round. I had my second fight a year latter whislchi 100% won but unfortunately I did not get the decision, it would have been very easy to just give up and ‘pretend’ to myself that it’s the injuries that are making it difficult blah blah bullshitting to yourself blah. If you wanna have a fight them you will have one, it sounds to me like you wanna lose calories rather than experience a fight (fair enough) but you started this whole thing woth a goal of having a fight! So what the fuck are you letting it all slip by for? I’m now 44 and in the best shape of my life, I train every day of the week (although Sunday I just go for a very gentle and easy 2 – 3 mile run) I have had 7 more fights and won all of them, I currently have 2 broken middle toes, tennis elbow, my shoulder is always coming out of its socket, my lower back kills me most of the time, my hamstrings are ridiculously tight and cause a lot of pain in the back of my thighs, my hands throb through training so hard in the pads and bags, both elbows are sore and swollen and bruised from hitting pads so much and my body aches constantly but, I would not change one single thing about what I do, i feel great about myself 24hrs a day, I have learned stuff about myself that has made me very proud of what I do. I train my absolute arse off and have worked tirelessly on my mental strength to keep pushing even when every single part of my physical body is screaming for me to stop, I spar hard with guys much bigger and younger than me and I hold my own with them, i could sit here writing loads of stuff about what martial arts has done for me but I don’t want to bore you…. I will leave you with this though. I am no different from you, I was 40 when I started and I too had a dream to experience a fight, the indifference is I went and bloody done it and now sit here with a 7-2 record and a valued member of my club, get the fuck out there and put tour heart into it and stop making lame excuses about being injured or just preferring to train! Bollox, utter bollox mate, look deep in yourself and you will realise you are totally lying to yourself and the excuses are only there to make you feel justified about the fact that you never sore your goal through. If I sound slightly pissed off in my post it’s because I am…. you started so positively and then just gave up and are willing to ket it pass you by! Get the gloves, get on the pads, get on the bags and get the fuck in the ring and experience what it was you set out to experience. Good luck
Your tale very much mirrors my own life experience. I boxed with a family member from about 6 until 13 and loved it. Tragically lack of interest in the remote dump i was born lead to it closing down, I started boozing and quaffing narcotics at 14/15, by 20 was a flat out drunkard and continued in that vein until my mid thirties, BOOM two decades gone. Muay Thai was my salvation, i took training trips to Thailand for a month here and there and slashed back the booze but still had the odd binge, finally now at 40 going on 41 i do not touch a drop. 83 days from now i am flying to Thailand again to train fanatically non stop for 6-8 months. Zero tolerance to booze and eat right. All going well i will have a fight. Have come down from 120kg to now 83 kg, 75 is the target. IMO i win even if i lose ! Bring it on
Dave
Very inspiring Dave. My 40s have beeb the best decade of my life, and it kind of made up for my wasted twenties, so I hope it is the same for you.
Paul
So stoked to see this. Just started writing online about my own experiences starting Muay Thai at 50(!!!). It’s super intense, and I love it. I see this is a pretty old post. Any updates?
I’ve been training Muy thai for almost 4 years I’m 44 and started at 40. I can easily keep up with the younger guys and some surpass them due to how much I push myself. So if you still haven’t done DO IT!!
I only started this as away to get in shape but now I really want to fight.
If you want I’ll fight you? That would be great! I had a party past myself !!