Yes, it’s true. There is at least one female fight fan over the age of 50 practicing mixed martial arts on a regular basis. That woman is me.
To see me in action, view the video below:
I was contacted by the producer of the Yahoo! Second Act show late last year. Kristen Beissel and her crew traveled from California to Boston to film me, my instructors, and my fellow students training at Florian Martial Arts Center in Brookline, MA.
Before I discovered MMA, my first passion was boxing. Then after watching The Ultimate Fighter on TV, I wanted to find out more the sport of mixed martial arts.
Being on my back—on the ground—was very unsettling. It’s taken me a long time to get comfortable. I’ve had to fight through my own phobias and fear about being attacked—and being able to fight—from the ground and on my feet.
My point of view has always been self-defense first.
However, in the two and a half years that I’ve been training in MMA, I’ve come to understand men in new ways.
There’s not much talking that goes on when you’re sparring and training. I’ve learned to trust men and myself more. I also listen differently. I’m slower to respond to what they’re saying. Because as we women know, men say some stupid shit sometimes. Now, when that happens, I just ignore it. The same way you do when someone passes gas unexpectedly.
Well, actually, depending on who it is and their proximity, they generally get a dirty look from me. “Hey, we all have to breathe this air, buddy!”
Ah, life with the fellas of FloMAC.
Niamh Griffin from the Inspiring Sports Women blog asked the following question: “Do you know anyone else taking up intense sports at an, umm, unusual age?”
Dirty Harry seconds the question: “Well, do ya, punk?”
I’m curious to know who else is out there doing MMA or any other extreme sport at an older age. I know there are rock climbers and other dare-devils who would love to share their enthusiasm for their sport and inspire the rest of us to reach for something more than we might otherwise expect of ourselves.
I’m 50 and I am a former competitive martial artist and boxer. I still train in MMA and I am the creator of Fighting Spirit Warriors, a fitness for self-defense program for girls and women. No need to slow down because of one’s age. Fitness keeps a person youthful, fit and fierce.
Inspirational post, I love hearing from other “older” martial artists! I started MMA 2 years ago at age 42 (more recently, focusing solely on BJJ) after a 16 year hiatus (previously studied karate and jeet kune do). Not only do I sometimes feel “too old”, but on top of that I regret ever stopping. By the time I’m an advanced rank, will I even have enough time left to enjoy training at that level? But I just keep telling myself, it’s pushing the “Edge” that’s important. My “edge” is not the same as a 20 year-old’s, but so what? Even… Read more »
Yeah, It’s not old. Btw, about the girl on the picture. is she learn Mix Martial Art?
Hey Cheryl,
Love your blog and your positive energy.
We corresponded some time ago on a MA forum.
Was looking for blog post material today and will feaure you at
TheMartialArtsReporter.com shortly.
Keep up the great work and continue having fun on and off the ground!
Tiger/TheMartialArtsReporter
Hello Tiger,
Yes, I remember you. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Wow! I’d be honored to be featured on theMartialArtsReporter.com
I’m looking forward to hearing your take on women in MMA and what you think about MMA’s drift towards the mainstream.
Hi Dan,
So glad you get my sense of humor – haha! It’s true what you say about how people feel when they first start training in martial arts. It takes awhile for our bodies to adapt.
Good job! Martial arts is definitely one of those things that, no matter when people start, they think that they’re too old. I’ve heard 20 year olds say it! Congrats on the blue belt.
Also, loved “I just ignore it. The same way you do when someone passes gas unexpectedly.” That’s a pretty solid comparison to unintentionally saying something stupid, too.
Hi Henry,
Never too late to start. Jiu jitsu is gentle (enough) and mixes in well with karate. Why not visit a school and try out an hour of grappling? You might like it 🙂
Cool. I’m 66, and I’ve done lots of aikido and karate. I’ve been wanting to try a grappling art.