Is it too late for me...?

... to start training martial arts? I was thinking kickboxing! I'm 24, in decent shape, not overly flexible... What else should I consider?

do you have good stamina?

It's never too late. Just plain working out is always an option, too, but if you want to get into MA, go for it!

Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu would be my preference, but that's for actual fighting. If you want to do it for fun, just about any style will challenge you.

I'd say my stamina is pretty good. I started running about a year ago, but had some issues with plantar fasciatis. Since then, I've kind of relaxed and not worked out as much.

I plan on continuing going to the gym, but I would like to take part in a martial art that will help me use as much potential as my body can provide.

+1 on kickboxing and BJJ. I do Judo, and did kickboxing. You are probably a little old to be good at Judo, unless you have a natural talent for it, plus there are just too many injuries in that sport.

But on kickboxing?

well, I'm older than you and just started kickboxing. excellent workout

How old are you? How long ago did you start? What are your plans with kickboxing?

Originally Posted by hayabusa55

How old are you? How long ago did you start? What are your plans with kickboxing?

well, i am 27. been doing it for bout a year. dont train at a school, just receive private lessons. i have no intentions of joining any tourneys just want to be able to defend myself if a circumstance ever arises. depending on your personal reasons for taking a martial art, i would generally suggest doing MT and wrestling. BJJ is a great art but i would rather have the ability to do a double leg takedown and drop someone on their head to end it quickly. i hope to god i will never have to do it though.

Any suggestions regarding BJJ vs kickboxing/muai thai?

Originally Posted by hayabusa55

Any suggestions regarding BJJ vs kickboxing/muai thai?

well, it really depends on your reasons for taking it. BJJ is awesome as a sport and for self-defense. my only thing with bjj is, i really dont wanna be grappling with someone on the street.. while muay thai, has many applications.. i would say just do both but if i had to choose i would rather a stand up art, since i am doing it for self defense.

I'm just afraid of going there and getting owned by some 14yo

Originally Posted by hayabusa55

I'm just afraid of going there and getting owned by some 14yo

that shouldnt be the reason you dont join. you will get owned, especially in the beginning, just how it works.

Originally Posted by fgc7533

that shouldnt be the reason you dont join. you will get owned, especially in the beginning, just how it works.

Yup. There's a good chance that, in the beginning, you will get your ass kicked by both a kid who doesn't shave yet and a woman. They don't want guys with egos.

As for what is the best to take, I would take MT if I could. The style just seems to go along better with how I would naturally want to fight. Maybe you could check out some videos online and see which seems better for you.