Is It Too Late to Start Kung Fu? (No, and Here’s Why)

Almost every adult who walks into our academy says some version of the same sentence: “I know I probably shouldn’t be here for this.”

They say it with a smile while feeling a bit embarrassed, often holding a gym bag they’re not sure they should have brought. And every time we love to reassure them and say: you’re exactly where you need to be.

At KEI Kung Fu in Amsterdam our students range from 4 years old to well past 50. The adults in our classes didn’t grow up doing martial arts. They come from all kinds of jobs and all kinds of backgrounds. What they share is a moment where they thought: I’d like to feel strong in my own body again.

What’s really holding you back?

Usually it’s one of three thoughts.

“I’m not fit enough.” Fitness isn’t the entrance exam. It’s something you build by training. Nobody counts your push-ups at the door. You start where you are and we adjust the exercises to you.

“I’ll look silly.” Yes for about a class and a half. So does everyone. Kung fu is full of movements your body has never done and every person in the room (instructors included) once stood there wondering which foot goes where. Beginners are welcome here because the rest of the group remembers exactly how it feels.

“I’m too old.” Kung fu is a martial art you can keep practising for years, even decades. You train at your own level and your own pace and you learn to work with your body instead of against it.

What you get besides the technique

You will be taught kung fu and the basics of self defence along the way. But the things people tell us they value most are usually different. For example, the confidence that follows you to work and home. The habit of doing hard things in small steps. And the odd, refreshing feeling of being a beginner again.

You’re not too late. You’re someone who is thinking about it and that is often the hardest part. Come and try a class at KEI Kung Fu. Wear something comfortable and bring your curiosity. And we’ll take care of the rest.