Introductions

This thread is to introduce yourself to the rest of the "over-40" members here on TKDspace.  If you are not all friends yet .... you soon will be!

 My name is Debbie and like some of you I started training in TKD later in life.I started 15 years ago at 34. And also like some of you, it was enrolling one of my children that ignited the interest to become a martial artist.

I never dreamed that I would advance to where I am today.

I earned the rank of 1st degree black belt one month before turning the big 40.

That was 9 years ago and just 2 years ago I earned my 3rd dan.

Besides being able to defend myself and others, I have found my training a great way to keep myself in shape which in turn I have found has slowed down my aging process and to keep growing mentally, physically and spiritually.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------
Tae Kwon Do is practiced by 70 million people in 180 different countries. If everyone who studied Tae Kwon Do joined hands, they could form a line that would stretch around the globe 1.25 times!

Hi Everybody

My name is Holly and I'm 45 years old. I started taking TKD in Sept '06 (about 3 months before I turned 44.)  And what a difference its made!

Even though I've only been in it for a year and a half, like KickChick, I never would have believed I could get where I am in such a short time.  I've lost weight, I've been able to get off of all meds for diabetes & high blood pressure, etc.

I'm a red belt now and in training to become a TKD instructor.  I've also begun training in JiuJitsu & Korean Short Swords recently.  I guess you would say I'm hooked on the martial arts.  Its so much more fun than going to some gym and running on a treadmill or lifting weights.

I'm really looking forward to comparing notes with other martial artists who, like fine wine, only get better with age.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Goals We Set Are Goals We Get

Hey all

I'm a 43 year old 1st Dan. WTF w/ some Muay Thai and ground fighting background, courtesy of my master instructor.

I started at 35, when my ex-wife decided to quit smoking and wanted to get in shape. I really caught the bug, and have done some competition coaching and some teaching.

I'm "on hold" until around October, when the contract I have with the school I'm at expires, they don't really have a legitimate TKD program.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Raleigh NC, 1st Dan

Hi

Hi,
    My name is Pippa. I started in TKD after my youngest son started doing lessons and I found it interesting.

That was in April last year when I was 39.

I find the TKD gives me focus and an outlet for my stress, as I am a working mother.

Since my oldest started training it also gives me more time and more in common with my boys (which I love).

We do ITF taekwondo. I am currently a yellow belt, green stripe, hopefully soon testing for my green belt.

I love TKD, it has brought a lot of positive things into my life.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it....

Hi All,

I'm Tom. I'm 40. I started TKD at the ripe old age of 14. I fell in love with it then & still am. I'm a 3rd Dan & run a small school at my church. After 4 years of marriage, I got my wife to join us in class as well. She's.....well, older than I am.

As one who has been doing this awhile, I've benefited greatly from years of training. As I've gotten older, I also appreciate the fact that I've having to change some of the ways I train.

I appreciate anyone who takes on TKD later on in life. It is no small thing.

After '40' Factor

Hi all! My name is Teri and I will be 48 in May...that sounds so surreal! My son Nash (11) and I started taking TKD, Jujitsu and Hapkido in the summer of 2003. We were at Blue belt when our Grand Master retired and moved. Grand Master Chang bought our school and we kept our rank but started over with him. It was the best thing that could of happened when I look back now. Our current Grand Master is very traditional so the art is pure. He was a champion in South Korea and comes from a family that practices and teaches the art today. I just tested a year ago this month and was awarded my Black belt. Nash is currently traing to test black. Thanks for the invite it will be nice to touch base with other practioners closer to my age!

--------------------------------------------------------------
The Journey is its own Reward

Hello

Hi all,

I come from Basingstoke in the South of England. Have been studying TKD for over 3 years.
My organisation is fairly new but is basically ITF style.
My instructor is Mr Kevin Hall - 5th Degree.

I also started TKD a couple og years after my son started and I went to a few tournaments and of course his gradings.

Dave.

Welcome to all of you!

I hope the other members will come and introduce themselves soon!

 I can see we all might have more in common then just our age!

--------------------------------------------------------------
Tae Kwon Do is practiced by 70 million people in 180 different countries. If everyone who studied Tae Kwon Do joined hands, they could form a line that would stretch around the globe 1.25 times!

Officially over 40 as of yesterday!

Hello,

I'm Daniel and I'm the oldest student in our dojang at 41 years of age.  I first got into martial arts when I was a kid and stuck with taekwondo on and off into my late teens-early twenties.  At that point, I got into sport fencing and and then my kids came a long. 

I've maintained my conditioning and practiced as time allowed.  When my kids got to be older and took an interest in kendo, that was my re-entry into martial arts and a nice, logical transition from sport fencing. 

Now, four years later, I hold a second dan in kendo/kumdo and last May, I took up taekwondo again, starting fresh at white belt.  I'm now up to blue belt (4th gueb) and started hapkido at the beginning of this month.

I've spent a lot of time in retail, but I never really had much passion for it.  I now do office and help desk work during the day, but martial arts is my passion.  My goal is to open my own dojang.  Last August, I began teaching kendo to lower belt students, so I'm one step closer to that dream.

Daniel

--------------------------------------------------------------
교사 Yidan kumdo, Ildan taekwondo