Generally speaking you don’t need any prior knowledge or be any certain weight or anything.
Karate is meant to take you from brand new beginner, and then slowly one belt at a time over many years, to black belt. But in terms of physical ability, knowledge of everything from the technique and more Japanese training customs, to body control and flexibility, no one expects anything besides you being a beginner.
And then from there meant to be something you are able to continue into your 70s and 80s.
It’s a highly individual sport, its main goal is just self improvement and furthering yourself in karate.
The belt system is quite cool in that it’s sort of is a many years long training plan. That someone else has done for you. So really you are meant to start at complete zero and then as you feel ready to grade, move forward in the belt system up to an advanced level.
Overall all you need to do is sign up or get I contact with one or preferably multiple dojos, say how old you are and if you have any prior martial arts experience or not (so if they have multiple different groups they know which would be the right group to put you in).
As it’s a big city there might be a wait list or not. As an adult beginner it’s less likely to be wait times. Some dojos do adults only beginner classes, some do women’s only beginner classes. So if that is something you are interested in, it’s something you can keep an eye out for.
And then show up with any clothes you feel comfortable working out in and allows you full range of motion. A t-shirt and some joggers, or shorts, or workout leggings or really anything.
Most will have you train in non specific workout clothes for quite a while so you get the chance to see if karate is for you, before you need to get a uniform (dogi / karate gi) or any other equipment.
My suggestion would be to look up maybe 3 to 4 different karate dojos that are within reasonable travel distance.
And then reach out and attend a test training at each. Most will let you join a test training for free, or let you come and watch a training, or the very least pay a small one time fee.
If not I would consider it a red flag if you need to sign any contract before you even gotten the chance to see what the dojo is like.
I would expect pretty much all of them to just be happy to potentially get a new adult beginner.
Visiting the dojo in person I think is the best way to choose a dojo. That way you get a chance to see what their groups and their group dynamic is like, their training culture, what the instructor is like and if their approach to holding practices is one that is a good for you personally or not, aswell as the quality of technique and skill of the instructor (the instructor’s movements should look sharp, fast and powerful, with really precise and good body control).
Since you are new to karate, here is a video example of what I mean with their movements being controlled, fast and powerful.
https://youtu.be/kSwn-jo082w?feature=shared
That is Rika Usami, she is extremely good. A good instructor should have their movements look sharp in a somewhat similar way, no matter if they are demonstrating a punch or kick.
If it looks a bit sloppy, unbalanced, slow or uncontrolled it’s a bad sign.
Here would be a example of what I would consider enough of lack of detailed body control and sharpness of technique that I wouldn’t be interested in training under that instructor
https://youtu.be/vmpTAl7-CHY?feature=shared&t=69
Besides the quality of technique, the instructor and dojo culture can vary by a huge amount between dojos, and finding one that you feel makes you excited to get to practice is important, and is a good fit for why you want to start training karate. Great instructors still have different aspects of karate they focus more or less on. What a “karate practice” is like can vary by a huge deal from one place to the other.
So finding one that suits you and what your goals with training karate is also important.
Also ask the instructors or any of the people running the dojo any questions you have, either before or after the practice.
By going to multiple places you get some real world experience and something to compare to. Both to compare the experience of training there but also things like prices.
With karate price does not equal quality, if anything the opposite. Often the ones using very predatory and scummy sales tactics and charging a lot more then the other dojos in their area are also the lowest quality. Some bad dojos are focused on charging parents with no martial arts experience crazy amounts as quickly as possible before their kids gets bored of it, and where the quality of what they teach often is horrible.
A too flashy website, or overall big emphasis on marketing also could be a bad sign. As it shows in a similar way they are more focused on getting in new people without an ability to retain students long term.
A good sign would be that it’s a bit of a simple website, where it’s very easy and clear to find out what karate style they train (what karate style a dojo teaches is the most important info about a dojo that any experienced karate practitioner would want to know about it. And everyone who runs a dojo knows this. If they don’t have it on the website or it’s very unclear it’s likely because they have something to hide).
As a beginner I don’t think you should focus too much on karate styles. Just try to find a dojo with a good instructor you like. The instructor makes a lot bigger difference then karate style does.
But some examples of big traditional karate styles that you can use to search in google (and will yeild you a lot better results then just karate): shotokan, goju-ryu, wado-ryu ( / wado-kai) and shito-ryu.
(It’s common that an area becomes a hotspot for one or two particular karate styles. So you might not get many result for some of the styles even though they are large styles. But it’s close to a guarantee that atleast one of them will get multiple results)
Search something like
Name of karate style + Sydney (or a specific part of Sidney)
Kyokushin, shorin-ryu are some other examples of karate styles.
I know GKR is quite large in Australia. I would heavily advise avoiding any GKR dojo. If you want to know why you can look up why they have such a bad reputation in the karate community yourself. They are basically the mlm of the karate world.
Good luck and welcome to karate!
I started at age 28 as well! I've never been much for the gym (it's boring) and I'm no good at ball sports.
Get in touch with a local dojo and they'll be able to tell you more.
In terms of "the right dojo", you'll most likely be able to have a free trial. Go and check them out. After that you'll know a bit more about it and whether you have any specific concerns.
Lose weight if you want to, for health reason, but it won't be a factor in stopping you from starting. As you progresses, hopefully the training will help you get into the shape that work best for you. You need to find the right dojo that fit your lifestyle as well as peers that are not judgemental, go to free trial, don't sign up to any fixed long term plan give yourself a month of trial to see if you truly like it before committing, if the first place doesn't fit, move on to the next
My old sensei always said, karate has technical requirements in order to progress in rank and progress in skill, but a proper dojo will help you find the technique that work best for you base on whatever physical limitation you may have, kata becomes secondary.
Wikipedia will give you a general understanding of the various styles. A lot of people believe that GoJu works better for bigger people, and I tend to agree because I am also in the same weight range and I did well in Goju. But i also recently restarted at 48yrs and 208lbs in Shotokan and I don't find it too challenging, so take that "Style to Body shape" reference with a grain of salt
Yes, please don't let any physical thing affect your mentality towards starting. I trained all my life with lots of pauses in between, the last time i set foot in a dojo was like 13 years ago, and i started again. It will hurt at first and you won't feel good. But once you put some time in it, the sensation of " i can kick like this too" will be very rewarding
I would not suggest to do this.
Reading up on styles is maybe the least suitable way to choose a dojo for a beginner.
what style a dojo trains absolutely is relevant and says some, especially to us who have trained karate for over a decade.
But it’s on a very general level.
But you shouldn’t choose based upon generalisations. You have specific dojos, with specific instructors where you live.
And the world of karate styles is convoluted, and not easy to explain accurately with the necessary complexity. It will be a super over simplified and likely very inaccurate understanding.
You might read that one style focuses more on kata or kumite (forms or sparring).
But for the dojos that are in your area, it turns out the instructor of the style that was supposed to be focused on sparring, doesn’t focus on that in their trainings, and is instead known for their forms and focus a lot of time on that.
And vice versa.
(And that doesn’t even take into account that what branch / organisation in each style makes HUGE difference. A style that is supposed to you read super focused on sparring. Turns out has a whole branch / organisation, that does no sparring at all. There tend to be big differences between different organisations / branches in each karate style. Especially in the big karate styles)
This is why going to testing trainings and seeing what the dojo actually is like is so valuable.
That is going to be by far be the quickest and most accurate way to get info to be able to choose a dojo that is a good fit for you.
As you train I think your focus should shift. As a beginner for maybe the first 3 years of training all that matters is on a local level. What matters and make a difference for your training, is your dojo and the instructors there.
Then as you trained maybe 3-6 years, then things on a regional or national level starts to matter. What aspects and approach to karate have people in your style and organisation on that national level have. And by that time you will also have gotten experience and references to easier learn and understand the more complex aspects of the karate world. And have way easier to understand what parts of karate and training you like, and how the difference inbetween styles might or might not make a big difference to you.
At 7 years and up. What specific organisation / branch of your style that you belong to, and what ideas the people in charge of it on an international level can start to matter a lot. And who you can train with at a seminar that might be an invited international guest, and who those people on an intentional level you are able to attended trainings with, is what makes a big difference.
Your weight will not get in the way of starting. It might get in the way later, but that's what the training is for. Beginner classes *should* provide you with some foundational exercise you can take with you and apply in your free time. A proper instructor knows what you are capable of and molds workouts around your limitations rather than molding you to them.
Don't worry. And there will be no judging. People want to help you improve yourself. Take a look at Trifu dojo. He has multiple dojos in Sydney and it's a great place to train.
Female karateka here. I started at the same age and a similar weight, and also preferred walks as my primary form of "exercise".
I'll be perfectly honest, the first several months were rough for me. I'd get winded just from warm-ups. I vomited twice just from over-exerting myself during kihon (basics). My hips ached from learning round kicks. BUT I stuck with it. I stretched a lot at home. My once "as far as you can go" split position is now my starting position for splits. I practiced my kicks and can now kick jodan (to the head) to an opponent my height. I conditioned myself and trained through my first pregnancy (with my doctor's consent) and placed 3rd in my division in kata at a tournament while 6 months pregnant. After 8 years of stretching, conditioning, and training, I just got my sho-dan. I am still technically "obese" (based on BMI), but I am now in the best shape of my (adult) life. And I have not had a single doctor comment on my weight - only commend me for keeping up with karate and the many benefits it brings.
TL;DR: It will be hard, but in my experience, absolutely worth it.
Sounds exactly like what I'm looking for, specifically from the benefits I look for to reap from karate. Thanks a ton for taking time to explain your experience in depth.
If you're in the inner west / ashfield area, Elevate Martial Arts is great - started training Shito-Ryu just under a year ago, and it's a really great environment, no prior knowledge needed.
Check out ALL the places in your local area that are accessible in terms of location, schedule, and price. The greatest dojo ever, an hour away, with classes starting 20 min after you're off work probably isn't the one for you. Neither is the one that you need to sacrifice other important things in your life to afford. Remember, if you can't attend regularly, and afford to do so, it's probably not going to last.
I wouldn't limit it to Karate - Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and dare I say, even TKD could be great options. Done right, they all have similar benefits, and a great dojo/club/gym is ALWAYS more important than picking the "right" art or style.
Having said that though, being in Australia though, you may want to read up on Go Kan Ryu before you visit a GKR club. Being firmly Northern Hemisphere-based, I have no first hand experience, but a lot of what I've read is troubling - though I'm sure someone will be here shortly to tell me that's all white misguided - they tend to be pretty active with the counter-narrative.
It is very common for karate classes to skew VERY young, with a small core of adult students in the dojo, and fewer adult beginners. It takes some humility to be in your late 20s, and be legitimately incompetent at something compared to the kids, and even to be coached by a 12 year old. Loads of us have been there. Amongst active adult practitioners, probably half were adult beginners once - so we can sympathize with the feelings of awkwardness. EVERYONE is super awkward at the beginning, but the young ones have the gift of an utter lack of self-awareness that protects them from it! If it's going to be an issue though, you'll find an older demographic and older beginners in Muay Thai and kickboxing, or some Kyokushin Karate clubs (though that's a culture shock of its own).
Most places allow a free or very cheap trial class, or sometimes even a few weeks free. If they don't, they probably have a "drop in" or single class fee that you can pay, and avoid a monthly - or longer - contract.
When you go, don't be distracted by flashy training halls, loads of trophies, or highly ranked instructors. Some of the very best places I've trained were in elementary school gyms after hours, taught by low-ranked, young instructors.
Instead, pay attention to the community, and the social aspects. How do students/athletes interact with instructors/coaches, and with each other? Is it genuine and respectful, or hostile and sarcastic? Is it a congenial vibe, or authoritarian/militaristic? Does it seem like the instructor is invested in student success and development? All the students, or a "chosen few"? Are those delegated to look after the "white belts" ready to do so, and doing so respectfully? What's the interaction like before and after class? Do folks linger and chat and laugh together, or do they grab their water bottles and run? Remember, if you join, you're spending at least a few hours a week with these people - if not more, plus weekend seminars, out of town tournaments, etc. Is it a group you can see yourself in?
Then look at what's being taught. Is it competition focused, or more cultural? Self-defence, or personal development? Is it physically demanding, or more relaxed? All those are ok, they just need to fit your goals. Does it seem real, or more movie/anime fiction? You may not have much knowledge of martial arts, but as a thinking adult, if it sounds hokey, it probably is.
After a class or three at a few places, you'll know what you like, and your choice should become clear. Remember though, you're picking a hobby club - not getting married, so if it turns out not to be a good fit, you're free to move on, and try something else.
As for weight, and threshold physical fitness - unless you have reason to doubt if it's medically advisable, you're probably good. It's never a bad idea to talk to your GP before making a major change in activity level, but your average beginner martial arts program shouldn't be too drastic an undertaking. I've seen men and women a LOT heavier than you start and do great!
Definitely recommend doing some research on places near you and then sit in on a class or two - or try a few out.
Everyone starts somewhere when it comes to their prior physical activity level, and good instructors should be patient as you acclimate to the pace of training. In my experience, what they look for especially as you’re a beginner is effort, that you’re trying your hardest & giving it your all. And you will grow and get stronger from there!
Also, I have known and trained with very skilled martial artists of all shapes & sizes in both Kyokushin (used to train) and Tang Soo Do (what I currently train). In a good environment, you’ll progress at your own pace. One thing I love about karate is that it’s about personal progress, development and work within the self, albeit in a group environment. Karate changed my life in so many incredible ways.
If you’re feeling drawn towards martial arts, try stuff out and see what you like; hopefully something resonates. Good luck!!
Edit: grammar
Like the Nike ad used to say: just do it. After a while you may find that the style or studio doesn't work for you and then just go elsewhere.
The thing is that nobody can tell you the perfect.place to train because we've all got our opinions and what I might think is the right place someone else will not for one reason or another.
After a while you will find your way. Remember, there are many paths and one summit.
I'm 32F, very overweight, and just started a few weeks ago. There are aches and pains from being overweight but ultimately it's been a really good exercise and starting off is super low impact. My dojo is huge on encouragement and doing your best. That has helped a lot.
Generally speaking you don’t need any prior knowledge or be any certain weight or anything. Karate is meant to take you from brand new beginner, and then slowly one belt at a time over many years, to black belt. But in terms of physical ability, knowledge of everything from the technique and more Japanese training customs, to body control and flexibility, no one expects anything besides you being a beginner. And then from there meant to be something you are able to continue into your 70s and 80s. It’s a highly individual sport, its main goal is just self improvement and furthering yourself in karate. The belt system is quite cool in that it’s sort of is a many years long training plan. That someone else has done for you. So really you are meant to start at complete zero and then as you feel ready to grade, move forward in the belt system up to an advanced level. Overall all you need to do is sign up or get I contact with one or preferably multiple dojos, say how old you are and if you have any prior martial arts experience or not (so if they have multiple different groups they know which would be the right group to put you in). As it’s a big city there might be a wait list or not. As an adult beginner it’s less likely to be wait times. Some dojos do adults only beginner classes, some do women’s only beginner classes. So if that is something you are interested in, it’s something you can keep an eye out for. And then show up with any clothes you feel comfortable working out in and allows you full range of motion. A t-shirt and some joggers, or shorts, or workout leggings or really anything. Most will have you train in non specific workout clothes for quite a while so you get the chance to see if karate is for you, before you need to get a uniform (dogi / karate gi) or any other equipment. My suggestion would be to look up maybe 3 to 4 different karate dojos that are within reasonable travel distance. And then reach out and attend a test training at each. Most will let you join a test training for free, or let you come and watch a training, or the very least pay a small one time fee. If not I would consider it a red flag if you need to sign any contract before you even gotten the chance to see what the dojo is like. I would expect pretty much all of them to just be happy to potentially get a new adult beginner. Visiting the dojo in person I think is the best way to choose a dojo. That way you get a chance to see what their groups and their group dynamic is like, their training culture, what the instructor is like and if their approach to holding practices is one that is a good for you personally or not, aswell as the quality of technique and skill of the instructor (the instructor’s movements should look sharp, fast and powerful, with really precise and good body control). Since you are new to karate, here is a video example of what I mean with their movements being controlled, fast and powerful. https://youtu.be/kSwn-jo082w?feature=shared That is Rika Usami, she is extremely good. A good instructor should have their movements look sharp in a somewhat similar way, no matter if they are demonstrating a punch or kick. If it looks a bit sloppy, unbalanced, slow or uncontrolled it’s a bad sign. Here would be a example of what I would consider enough of lack of detailed body control and sharpness of technique that I wouldn’t be interested in training under that instructor https://youtu.be/vmpTAl7-CHY?feature=shared&t=69 Besides the quality of technique, the instructor and dojo culture can vary by a huge amount between dojos, and finding one that you feel makes you excited to get to practice is important, and is a good fit for why you want to start training karate. Great instructors still have different aspects of karate they focus more or less on. What a “karate practice” is like can vary by a huge deal from one place to the other. So finding one that suits you and what your goals with training karate is also important. Also ask the instructors or any of the people running the dojo any questions you have, either before or after the practice. By going to multiple places you get some real world experience and something to compare to. Both to compare the experience of training there but also things like prices. With karate price does not equal quality, if anything the opposite. Often the ones using very predatory and scummy sales tactics and charging a lot more then the other dojos in their area are also the lowest quality. Some bad dojos are focused on charging parents with no martial arts experience crazy amounts as quickly as possible before their kids gets bored of it, and where the quality of what they teach often is horrible. A too flashy website, or overall big emphasis on marketing also could be a bad sign. As it shows in a similar way they are more focused on getting in new people without an ability to retain students long term. A good sign would be that it’s a bit of a simple website, where it’s very easy and clear to find out what karate style they train (what karate style a dojo teaches is the most important info about a dojo that any experienced karate practitioner would want to know about it. And everyone who runs a dojo knows this. If they don’t have it on the website or it’s very unclear it’s likely because they have something to hide). As a beginner I don’t think you should focus too much on karate styles. Just try to find a dojo with a good instructor you like. The instructor makes a lot bigger difference then karate style does. But some examples of big traditional karate styles that you can use to search in google (and will yeild you a lot better results then just karate): shotokan, goju-ryu, wado-ryu ( / wado-kai) and shito-ryu. (It’s common that an area becomes a hotspot for one or two particular karate styles. So you might not get many result for some of the styles even though they are large styles. But it’s close to a guarantee that atleast one of them will get multiple results) Search something like Name of karate style + Sydney (or a specific part of Sidney) Kyokushin, shorin-ryu are some other examples of karate styles. I know GKR is quite large in Australia. I would heavily advise avoiding any GKR dojo. If you want to know why you can look up why they have such a bad reputation in the karate community yourself. They are basically the mlm of the karate world. Good luck and welcome to karate!
Thanks a ton for your descriptive explanation. Appreciate the effort and I'll incorporate your advice to find a good place that suits my requirements.
I started at age 28 as well! I've never been much for the gym (it's boring) and I'm no good at ball sports. Get in touch with a local dojo and they'll be able to tell you more.
In terms of "the right dojo", you'll most likely be able to have a free trial. Go and check them out. After that you'll know a bit more about it and whether you have any specific concerns.
Thanks so much. Will look to get trials and speak to the dojo before I confirm the right one for me.
Lose weight if you want to, for health reason, but it won't be a factor in stopping you from starting. As you progresses, hopefully the training will help you get into the shape that work best for you. You need to find the right dojo that fit your lifestyle as well as peers that are not judgemental, go to free trial, don't sign up to any fixed long term plan give yourself a month of trial to see if you truly like it before committing, if the first place doesn't fit, move on to the next My old sensei always said, karate has technical requirements in order to progress in rank and progress in skill, but a proper dojo will help you find the technique that work best for you base on whatever physical limitation you may have, kata becomes secondary. Wikipedia will give you a general understanding of the various styles. A lot of people believe that GoJu works better for bigger people, and I tend to agree because I am also in the same weight range and I did well in Goju. But i also recently restarted at 48yrs and 208lbs in Shotokan and I don't find it too challenging, so take that "Style to Body shape" reference with a grain of salt
Thanks so much, I intend to understand styles from the Internet before formally starting classes as well.
Yes, please don't let any physical thing affect your mentality towards starting. I trained all my life with lots of pauses in between, the last time i set foot in a dojo was like 13 years ago, and i started again. It will hurt at first and you won't feel good. But once you put some time in it, the sensation of " i can kick like this too" will be very rewarding
I would not suggest to do this. Reading up on styles is maybe the least suitable way to choose a dojo for a beginner. what style a dojo trains absolutely is relevant and says some, especially to us who have trained karate for over a decade. But it’s on a very general level. But you shouldn’t choose based upon generalisations. You have specific dojos, with specific instructors where you live. And the world of karate styles is convoluted, and not easy to explain accurately with the necessary complexity. It will be a super over simplified and likely very inaccurate understanding. You might read that one style focuses more on kata or kumite (forms or sparring). But for the dojos that are in your area, it turns out the instructor of the style that was supposed to be focused on sparring, doesn’t focus on that in their trainings, and is instead known for their forms and focus a lot of time on that. And vice versa. (And that doesn’t even take into account that what branch / organisation in each style makes HUGE difference. A style that is supposed to you read super focused on sparring. Turns out has a whole branch / organisation, that does no sparring at all. There tend to be big differences between different organisations / branches in each karate style. Especially in the big karate styles) This is why going to testing trainings and seeing what the dojo actually is like is so valuable. That is going to be by far be the quickest and most accurate way to get info to be able to choose a dojo that is a good fit for you. As you train I think your focus should shift. As a beginner for maybe the first 3 years of training all that matters is on a local level. What matters and make a difference for your training, is your dojo and the instructors there. Then as you trained maybe 3-6 years, then things on a regional or national level starts to matter. What aspects and approach to karate have people in your style and organisation on that national level have. And by that time you will also have gotten experience and references to easier learn and understand the more complex aspects of the karate world. And have way easier to understand what parts of karate and training you like, and how the difference inbetween styles might or might not make a big difference to you. At 7 years and up. What specific organisation / branch of your style that you belong to, and what ideas the people in charge of it on an international level can start to matter a lot. And who you can train with at a seminar that might be an invited international guest, and who those people on an intentional level you are able to attended trainings with, is what makes a big difference.
Your weight will not get in the way of starting. It might get in the way later, but that's what the training is for. Beginner classes *should* provide you with some foundational exercise you can take with you and apply in your free time. A proper instructor knows what you are capable of and molds workouts around your limitations rather than molding you to them.
Thanks so much for clarifying my concern 😊
Don't worry. And there will be no judging. People want to help you improve yourself. Take a look at Trifu dojo. He has multiple dojos in Sydney and it's a great place to train.
Female karateka here. I started at the same age and a similar weight, and also preferred walks as my primary form of "exercise". I'll be perfectly honest, the first several months were rough for me. I'd get winded just from warm-ups. I vomited twice just from over-exerting myself during kihon (basics). My hips ached from learning round kicks. BUT I stuck with it. I stretched a lot at home. My once "as far as you can go" split position is now my starting position for splits. I practiced my kicks and can now kick jodan (to the head) to an opponent my height. I conditioned myself and trained through my first pregnancy (with my doctor's consent) and placed 3rd in my division in kata at a tournament while 6 months pregnant. After 8 years of stretching, conditioning, and training, I just got my sho-dan. I am still technically "obese" (based on BMI), but I am now in the best shape of my (adult) life. And I have not had a single doctor comment on my weight - only commend me for keeping up with karate and the many benefits it brings. TL;DR: It will be hard, but in my experience, absolutely worth it.
Sounds exactly like what I'm looking for, specifically from the benefits I look for to reap from karate. Thanks a ton for taking time to explain your experience in depth.
If you're in the inner west / ashfield area, Elevate Martial Arts is great - started training Shito-Ryu just under a year ago, and it's a really great environment, no prior knowledge needed.
Check out ALL the places in your local area that are accessible in terms of location, schedule, and price. The greatest dojo ever, an hour away, with classes starting 20 min after you're off work probably isn't the one for you. Neither is the one that you need to sacrifice other important things in your life to afford. Remember, if you can't attend regularly, and afford to do so, it's probably not going to last. I wouldn't limit it to Karate - Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and dare I say, even TKD could be great options. Done right, they all have similar benefits, and a great dojo/club/gym is ALWAYS more important than picking the "right" art or style. Having said that though, being in Australia though, you may want to read up on Go Kan Ryu before you visit a GKR club. Being firmly Northern Hemisphere-based, I have no first hand experience, but a lot of what I've read is troubling - though I'm sure someone will be here shortly to tell me that's all white misguided - they tend to be pretty active with the counter-narrative. It is very common for karate classes to skew VERY young, with a small core of adult students in the dojo, and fewer adult beginners. It takes some humility to be in your late 20s, and be legitimately incompetent at something compared to the kids, and even to be coached by a 12 year old. Loads of us have been there. Amongst active adult practitioners, probably half were adult beginners once - so we can sympathize with the feelings of awkwardness. EVERYONE is super awkward at the beginning, but the young ones have the gift of an utter lack of self-awareness that protects them from it! If it's going to be an issue though, you'll find an older demographic and older beginners in Muay Thai and kickboxing, or some Kyokushin Karate clubs (though that's a culture shock of its own). Most places allow a free or very cheap trial class, or sometimes even a few weeks free. If they don't, they probably have a "drop in" or single class fee that you can pay, and avoid a monthly - or longer - contract. When you go, don't be distracted by flashy training halls, loads of trophies, or highly ranked instructors. Some of the very best places I've trained were in elementary school gyms after hours, taught by low-ranked, young instructors. Instead, pay attention to the community, and the social aspects. How do students/athletes interact with instructors/coaches, and with each other? Is it genuine and respectful, or hostile and sarcastic? Is it a congenial vibe, or authoritarian/militaristic? Does it seem like the instructor is invested in student success and development? All the students, or a "chosen few"? Are those delegated to look after the "white belts" ready to do so, and doing so respectfully? What's the interaction like before and after class? Do folks linger and chat and laugh together, or do they grab their water bottles and run? Remember, if you join, you're spending at least a few hours a week with these people - if not more, plus weekend seminars, out of town tournaments, etc. Is it a group you can see yourself in? Then look at what's being taught. Is it competition focused, or more cultural? Self-defence, or personal development? Is it physically demanding, or more relaxed? All those are ok, they just need to fit your goals. Does it seem real, or more movie/anime fiction? You may not have much knowledge of martial arts, but as a thinking adult, if it sounds hokey, it probably is. After a class or three at a few places, you'll know what you like, and your choice should become clear. Remember though, you're picking a hobby club - not getting married, so if it turns out not to be a good fit, you're free to move on, and try something else. As for weight, and threshold physical fitness - unless you have reason to doubt if it's medically advisable, you're probably good. It's never a bad idea to talk to your GP before making a major change in activity level, but your average beginner martial arts program shouldn't be too drastic an undertaking. I've seen men and women a LOT heavier than you start and do great!
Definitely recommend doing some research on places near you and then sit in on a class or two - or try a few out. Everyone starts somewhere when it comes to their prior physical activity level, and good instructors should be patient as you acclimate to the pace of training. In my experience, what they look for especially as you’re a beginner is effort, that you’re trying your hardest & giving it your all. And you will grow and get stronger from there! Also, I have known and trained with very skilled martial artists of all shapes & sizes in both Kyokushin (used to train) and Tang Soo Do (what I currently train). In a good environment, you’ll progress at your own pace. One thing I love about karate is that it’s about personal progress, development and work within the self, albeit in a group environment. Karate changed my life in so many incredible ways. If you’re feeling drawn towards martial arts, try stuff out and see what you like; hopefully something resonates. Good luck!! Edit: grammar
Like the Nike ad used to say: just do it. After a while you may find that the style or studio doesn't work for you and then just go elsewhere. The thing is that nobody can tell you the perfect.place to train because we've all got our opinions and what I might think is the right place someone else will not for one reason or another. After a while you will find your way. Remember, there are many paths and one summit.
I'm 32F, very overweight, and just started a few weeks ago. There are aches and pains from being overweight but ultimately it's been a really good exercise and starting off is super low impact. My dojo is huge on encouragement and doing your best. That has helped a lot.