I want to dive straight into the article, as I think it’s one of the most important topics we’ll discuss. If you currently have some limiting beliefs and it stops you from kicking off your Muay Thai training, we’ve got some talking to do. There’s no way you’ll be able to train and see results if you think you’re past your prime.
What we’ll do in this article is review eight misconceptions and false beliefs you might hold. I, although currently younger than 25, have had some of them as well. I didn’t start my Muay Thai training until I was 21 years old, although with previous martial arts background. So naturally, I also had some of these doubts.
My goal here is to break them down as deeply as possible, so you can throw them to the side and start your journey as soon as possible. But first, let’s examine the uncommon but true answer to whether Muay Thai has an age limit.
Muay Thai doesn’t have an age limit because it’s a dynamic combative sport, designed for everyone. The class you’ll attend will be able to shift their training specifically to you, so you’ll be going at your own separate pace without jeopardizing the training session for others. If you can’t spar, for instance, then you won’t spar.
Now, let’s dive into the eight misconceptions your brain might currently latch on to—to stop you from attending your first class. Remember, sometimes, our brains stop us from achieving our real potential since it wants to stay in our comfort zone.
Age-Related Excuses for Avoiding Muay Thai
The first part of this article will be all about age-related excuses people use to avoid Muay Thai. I think it’s one of the most important articles I’ve ever written, as it might get you off the couch and onto your fighting gym. If that’s the case, then I’ve accomplished my goal.
#1 – Concerns About Safety
The first excuse we’ll review is safety concerns. This is the easiest one to debunk, as I have quite a lot of experience with martial arts and fight training. Let me tell you something, other than a single neck injury, which was caused by me being stupid and overtraining, I have experienced ZERO injuries.
Literally, the most dangerous combative sport in the world has caused me zero injuries. I, as you know me already, was foolish enough to work out three times per day, including strength training to understand my limits. However, this only caused my body fatigue and lack of recovery.
Nonetheless, that won’t apply to you, as you won’t get injured if you’ll keep yourself safe. You don’t have to spar or compete or fight if you don’t want to. At first, you’ll work the heavy bag, do pad work, and perform light sparring. That’s it. No risk.
Some people may worry that Muay Thai is too intense or physically demanding for their age and fear potential injuries or health risks. That’s the first misconception your brain can make up to avoid Muay Thai training.
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#2 – Lack of Flexibility
The second common belief, which is once again—false, is that a lack of flexibility means an inability to train and see results.
If you’re over 60, you’re probably less flexible than you were when you were 15. That’s what is supposed to happen; that is unless you’re doing Yoga or simply working on your flexibility, which is one of the healthiest things you can do to your body.
Anyways, people think that you need to have a dancer’s flexibility to train in Muay Thai. That is, as the previous one, an excuse. The training adapts to you, and not the other way around. If you’re inflexible, you won’t be required to throw Roundhouse kicks until you feel ready to do so.
In fact, I would argue that your flexibility will improve as a result of training in Muay Thai. It’s like not going to the gym for not being in shape; that’s the point!
As people get older, they might feel less flexible than they once were and believe this limitation would hinder their ability to perform Muay Thai techniques effectively.
#3 – Fear of Slowing Down Others
The third, not less common, is a fear of slowing down your class. What we understood thus far is that the training adapts to you. You can do heavy bag work while everybody else is doing intense sparring. Is that not a possibility in your mind?
Older individuals might be concerned about holding back the pace of the class or being unable to keep up with younger, more agile participants.
You won’t have someone by your side doing everything you do. I’ve actually trained with a 60-year-old woman, who was crazy strong by the way. And she did everything I did, including sparring and pad work. I didn’t go all-out when I did pad work with her, as you can imagine. However, she knew she could keep up with everything we, younger trainees, did. If she thought otherwise, she wouldn’t have put herself at risk, and therefore, would have done a different training method.
That’s how it works. You’ll never slow anyone down because you’re older.
Think about it.
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#4 – Perceived Frailty
You can get injured quicker when you’re older. That we all know. However, that doesn’t equal not training in Muay Thai; let me explain myself.
The training adapts to you, as I’ve said already. As a result, while you might not be able to do intense sparring and get away with it, you’ll be able to do everything else, including light sparring. Takedowns and throws might even be something that helps you.
Some may consider themselves physically weaker due to age and worry that they won’t be able to endure the training’s rigors.
That’s simply an excuse. You won’t have to do anything you think you’re incapable of doing. I avoid doing groundwork in my MMA class because of my neck injury. I avoid it because I’ll end up more hurt—and that’s not something to play around with.
#5 – Previous Injuries or Health Conditions
It’s quite funny to me how every excuse on this list comes back to the same point. Now, I didn’t make up these excuses. I actually took the time to research people’s reasoning online for not starting their martial arts journey. It applies to all martial arts, including:
Older individuals might have pre-existing health conditions or old injuries that they believe would prevent them from participating safely in Muay Thai.
In fact, I would argue the opposite. By exercising, you’ll be able to improve your physical conditioning, even if you only do heavy bag work and stretches. You’ll be moving your body, which will inevitably result in a better physical condition, aerobic shape, and a happier life.
#6 – Social Apprehension
The next common reason not to start Muay Thai when you’re older is social anxiety. While youngsters are more prone to feel anxious in social situations than adults, it’s something that you might feel regarding joining your first Muay Thai class.
Joining a new physical activity group, especially if it’s perceived as being popular among younger individuals, can make some older people feel socially uncomfortable.
I would say that this is 100% false, from the eyes of someone rather young who is already a part of a class that is mostly filled with young people. We have trainees who can’t run because of previous injuries, so they walk quickly when everyone runs. We have trainees who have various types of injuries, such as myself, so we avoid hard sparring for now.
The training adapts to you, and not the opposite. So I would see no reason that an 85-year-old man wouldn’t be able to join us. In fact, I would argue that diversifying the group’s age would be great for everyone in the class.
I’m still waiting for a senior to join us!
#7 – Misconceptions About Age Limits
Some individuals may assume that there’s an age limit for participating in Muay Thai or similar sports and use this assumption as an excuse not to try it.
Again, I won’t go into further detail; this is just an excuse. Your mind is trying to stay in your comfort zone. You must, sometimes, fight your mind to make positive changes in your mind.
#8 – Self-Imposed Limitations
People may have internalized societal stereotypes about aging, leading them to underestimate their own physical capabilities and potential.
You know what? I want to expand on this point and say that people have internalized societal misconceptions and limiting beliefs about themselves, regardless of their age.
Of course, you think you’re incapable. This is an excuse your mind tells you, regardless of your current age. Your mind tells you that so you won’t need to work hard and get into the gym every single week to eventually better yourself.
You have limitations, and that’s fine. You solve them by working hard and proving—to yourself—that you’re a competent human being, capable of achieving whatever you set your eyes to, regardless of your age.
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Can You Do Muay Thai Over a Certain Age?
You can practice Muay Thai whether you’re over 20, 25, 26, 30, 40, 50, or even 60. What’s so beautiful about Muay Thai training is that the training adapts to your capabilities, and not the other way around. If you can’t do hard sparring because of age-related reasons, you’ll do heavy bag work while everyone spars.
Final Words
As you can see, Muay Thai truly knows no age limit. It is a martial art and sport that welcomes practitioners of all generations, offering an oversupply of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for everyone willing to step into the gym.
From young children developing discipline and focus to seniors maintaining their vitality and strength, Muay Thai has something unique to offer to each individual, regardless of their age.
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