Beginning Hung Gar at over 40?

[Qasim]

Greetings all,

I'm looking at possibly taking Hung Gar here in NY City at Yee's Hung Gar. My goal is to teach martial arts after I retire and at my age, I don't think I'll have enough of the martial aspect in Tai Chi 16 years from now.

I'm of course looking to get back into shape after too much weight gain and sedentary life. Would any of you recommend Hung Gar in my case?

How long does it take typically for someone to begin to use it for self-defense and with competence if that person puts in a reasonable amount of days of class time (of course have to practice when not in class)?

I want to retire at an age where I can enjoy it and still be able to teach.

[jutsow]

Go for it! I love hearing guys my age thinking of trying it.
To answer your question, it takes time that differs from person to person. Some self defense techniques work right away, some moves from forms take sparring time to develop. There is an old saying that goes something like this:

study for a year and you can fight two men
study for 10 and you will fight no-one.

Do not worry about the time your ability will take, it will come. Enjoy the journey, it starts as a curiosity, and can develop to a way of life.

I know this does not exactly answer your question, but your question has no exact answer. Have an open mind and train as often as you can, at the school at home...Good luck and have fun:bow:

[sean_stonehart]

Greetings all,

I'm looking at possibly taking Hung Gar here in NY City at Yee's Hung Gar. My goal is to teach martial arts after I retire and at my age, I don't think I'll have enough of the martial aspect in Tai Chi 16 years from now.

I'm of course looking to get back into shape after too much weight gain and sedentary life. Would any of you recommend Hung Gar in my case?

How long does it take typically for someone to begin to use it for self-defense and with competence if that person puts in a reasonable amount of days of class time (of course have to practice when not in class)?

I want to retire at an age where I can enjoy it and still be able to teach.

Man... Hung Ga at 43... balls man!!!! Balls...

You'll be fine... it's just gonna suck... but it sucks for everybody at first!! :up:

Actually Hung Ga isn't a blazing "fast" system like some other Southern Longarm styles. It likes the one punch kill idea so it puts lots of emphasis on isometrics, arm conditioning, strength training, etc...

You'll be fine!