im nearly 50 years old ,, am i to old to start martial arts what do you think would b the be est for me?

Like others point out, you're never too young or old. However, your age suggests at-risk, which is also true of teens and younger.

That means, you need to find an instructor who's at least your age in order that they have a personal frame of reference to understand the issues you face. It does no good for us to say "you're never too old", then you go enroll in a class where the instructor is a 19-year-old on steroids who expects the class to attempt back flips and high falls.

You have to consider your stamina, cardiovascular functioning, pulmonary functioning, and issues surrounding muscles, tendons, and bones. For what you want, you don't need to do the extreme things that some schools will have their students perform.

As such, your instructor must be acutely aware of body physiology of all of his/her students. That being said, we've had a 72 year old student start up in Taekwondo, and a 55 year old nun start up in Aikido. Many people say that the softer styles like tai chi and qi gong are best, but the reality is that any style can be good as long as the instructor is worth his/her salt.

So shop around, and focus on the places you would feel safe doing the things you see. Be frank about your questions and challenge the instructor to answer questions about topics that are important to you. I, for instance, have exercise induced asthma; I'd get winded and choked on the extreme sparring drills we used to do. The instructor told me to just do what I felt I could safely do. Ok, so here I was a 2nd degree black belt occasionally sitting out because I was too winded to keep up with the 15-year olds in the class. Not a very good example I'm setting, and not very responsible on the instructor's part. Overall, not a good fit for me, so I left. Lesson learned: a 30 year old instructor has never had a student with asthma, nor does he have asthma - what the hell was he thinking relying on the student to stay out of trouble?? My most recent instructor (who's much more knowledgeable about asthma, and he's older than I am) constantly tailored the class activities in ways that were beneficial for me as well as everyone else. I didn't have to feel like I was holding everyone back, and everyone benefitted.

So regardless of he style, the most inmportant thing to consider is instructor competency. The rest depends on your priority.

At 48 you can still begin any martial art. I know many people who work out far beyond 48 (I'm nearly 59), and I have started successful students at ages of over 50. You should not expect to develop championship skills, but you have stated your reasons, and those reasons are all valid. Fitness, the ability to defend, and meeting some good people are all within your reach. Forget those who say you can't, that is your decision alone, and I, for one, believe you can. You'll never know until you go try, so I suggest you do that very thing, and keep your own council, you know what you want, we here on the internet don't, and we may not decide for you. Best of luck with your training.

edit: I also agree with possum, your instructor will make all the difference. Do take his advice, and find an instructor who understands the challenge you face.

You are never too old to start martial arts. So long as you can walk you can train. the best approach is to simply Google a list of schools in your area. From here, compile a list of arts you feel are the most interesting or that you like the most. Once you have this list down, go visit the local schools of the style of your choice. While visiting these schools, make sure the instructor is knowledgable and that the school is not a McDojo. Once you have visited all the schools in your area and you have a good list of schools, decide which school you like the best or which one is cheaper, or closer, etc.

It's never too late to start, which one is the best for you is based on a lot of different variables. Number one and most important is which one would you enjoy doing the most. I like Mixed Martial Arts, you may be different though. The next thing to focus on is your health, if you are in good shape and health your good to start anywhere, but if you have any physical conditions consult someone before starting any martial art.

Who told you 50 years is old? Dude, you can start martial arts at any age. However, if you have physical ailments, I would recommend Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a great place to start, you will learn to control your muscles, breathing, focus, balance and so much more without any physical strain. This art uses an opponent's energy to your advantage, so this way you don't have to use much of your own energy. Try it, you won't regret it.

You are never to old to start! Better late then never, right?

I would recommend first seeing what local martial art schools are in your area. Then research the art they teach. If it sounds interesting, call them and try and see if you can watch or try a class. If you like it, consider signing up, if not, move on to the next one.

a good martail arts for any one is good for you see even in bad shape martial arts tones the body very well with some off your other questions brazilian ju jitsu and akido are both good martial arts akido is great for real life situations while brazliain ju jitsu is great for the more intense fights on the ground but for some one who needs to learn simple yet effective moves akido i believe to be best for you hope this helps

Age is but a number. Trust me, you are NEVER to old to do a martial art. I do Karate and getting that black belt will be the biggest achievement, not many people can say that they have a black belt(especially at your age)! It will be something to admire, not laugh about.

GO FOR IT....=]

What is your purpose in starting? Exercise, fitness, self-defense, inner peace? Makes a difference.

tae kwon do is good im in it and its fun and boring sometimes self-defense and everything