How old is too old?

[Randy B]

I am asking for opinions on how old people here think is too old to fight in competition. I have been asked if I want to take an upcoming fight and am not sure what to do. I started kickboxing to get in shape and have pretty much accomplished that goal. I do want to continue down that path but fighting was not something I had thought much about. I have done a lot of sparring but you all know that ain't even close to the same thing. On the one hand I think it would be the ultimate test of my kickboxing skills acquired during the last year (or lack therof) and on the other hand I have a good job that pays very well and does require the use of whatever gray matter I have upstairs. One good kick to the head and I become a slobbering idiot would not be good!

Any opinions are welcomed! I promise I won't call anyone names or anything like that!

Thanks

Randy B

[Jason (fight geek)]

Do it!
You will regret it if you don't.
I think a good promoter will match you evenly and you will do fine. You should be challenged, but you will be fine.

Gray matter is over rated.

You have a great trainer who will look out for you, so that is one less worry.
Plus if you recently started you have the advantage of not having the wear and tear as say a boxer or kickboxer who started at 12 and is 25 or 30.

geek

[Pammypanda1]

Geek,

but you have to remember.. we may not have the "wear and tear" of a fighter, but we do still have the "wear and tear" of life! LOL. Randy is still healing a broken foot from a sparring match with "big john".

Randy,

I still think if you can get in the ring with Big John and hold your own, that you should be fine trying a bout with someone your own weight. There may be more speed, but John isnt "slow" either.

There will always be more, if you are unsure. Then you would have more time to actually train with fighting in mind.

We know how bad "old men" can suck wind. :D

[Austin "OT" Baitman]

From a legal standpoint in a lot of states, 36 is the limit, but there are exceptions to this. If you live/fight in a non-regulating state you can fight as long as you like, but I strongly reccomend addtional yearly medical tests once you hit 36, like an electrocardiogram or stress test to make sure your heart is still OK, and a bone density scan (especially for female fighters over 40) to make sure you dont have osteoperosis or something like that.

then if you and your MD feel you are fit, go out and FIGHT! :)

[Randy Pogue]

Oh boy. Randy, Randy. Why do you make me do this? I feel like I'm being set up. My feeling about older fighters mirrors my opinion of female fighters. I like to watch good fights. When girls want to live a little, I don't want to watch the slapfight. When guys just sort of wanna give it a shot, it's the same thing.

Do I think an older fighter can be a player? Abso-friggin-lutely. The best boxer in the free world is Philly-boy Bernard Hopkins. At age 39, he just spanked Oscar de la Hoya. If you ever have the chance to see some old guys move around, even point karate guys, some are really smooth. I've watched Don Wilson, Joe Lewis, and Keith Vitali move around at seminars, and they are great to watch.

On the amateur level, a couple of months ago I watched 56 year old Ron Murray look pretty good while beating up a much younger opponent. To be fair though, Ron has been in the martial arts a very long time. I think it is very difficult to get your chops smoothed out, and have the conditioning, and all of the other stuff, when you are starting later in life.

It would be a definite yes if you could find a fighter in your age bracket, or if guys you look up to now start honestly feeling like you are kicking their butts.

But, at the same time, as with the female fighters, do what makes you happy. If having a ring fight gives you a sense of accomplishment, which it will, then do it. You will have more of that feeling if you PERFORM at a level that makes you proud to show the video in ten years, IMO. I can still have my preference of what I like to watch, but you aren't thinking of having a fight because you seek my approval, you are doing it for you.
After re-reading this, I'm fairly certain that I haven't helped you one bit, but thanks for asking. Good luck, or bocca lupo, as they say in the mother land.

[jay23]

Hey Randy
If you're coming on here asking about it then its obviously playing on your mind, the only way that feeling is ever gonna go is if you step in the ring and do it! If you dont you'll always be wondering what might have been. Even if you only fight once, you'll get an immense feeling of pride and accomplishment from it, and I think the headgear will protect your grey matter for 3 two min rounds, who knows you might stop the guy in the first!!! Go for it and best of luck!!!

[Ross Jones]

Wow, did I just see Mr. Pogue soften his position? He opened with his very consistant "Don't make me watch your sorry skills". Then later I saw him say that it was Ok and that it would offer a sense of accomplishment. Pretty soon randy will have a school for "GIRL FIGTERS ONLY". Perhaps he will even focus on 30 something soccer moms wanted to get started in kickboxing. LMAO :D . I just kidding I haven't commented in a couple of days and had to say something.
War
Ross

[Pammypanda1]

[QUOTE=Randy Pogue] But, at the same time, as with the female fighters, do what makes you happy. [COLOR=MediumTurquoise]If having a ring fight gives you a sense of accomplishment, which it will, then do it.[/COLOR] You will have more of that feeling if you PERFORM at a level that makes you proud to show the video in ten years, IMO.[/QUOTE]

Why Mr. Pogue, I do believe we actually agree on something! :D So what you have been saying all along is it does not matter if the fighter is female or male, if they step into the ring, you want to be able to enjoy the bout. So you really arent against women fighters as much as fighters that don't want to train and put the time in to look good and stand a chance in the first place.

Did I win, Did I win?!?! :p

[Randy B]

Let's not turn this into a 'I agree or disagree with Mr. Pogue' thread please......... Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am asking for opinions on a certain topic listed above.

[Randy Pogue]

ewww...Randy B is gettin' all possessive of his thread.

Fine. But yes, Pam. And because there aren't enough opportunities for women, it makes for a really long road and, in my opinion, the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

Now, let's not steal any more of Randy B.'s thunder. Those old guys get pretty cranky.

[Pammypanda1]

Aw Randy B, C'mon, where is your sense of adventure? To agree with RP is a historical event for me. :D

I think anyone that has started a physical activity/sport later in life, should take the time for extra conditioning before testing their skills. O.T. made some excellent points. You may need to have a physical too, before competeing, that is something we should check into.

Randy, you know you have improved yourself physically over the past year, you've lost weight, stopped smoking, improved your self confidence, even improved the quality of friends ;) LOL, j/k, but to compete at ....... what is it? 44? for the first time, I think needs extra training. Training with fighting in mind, not to just get into shape.

O.T.--Does the IKF have special rules on fighting in their sanctioned events at a certain age that we would need to be aware of?

[Randy B]

:D It's not about the thunder man - it's about staying on topic for something that is important to me........... Also if I decide to do this it will NOT be a half assed attempt - no I kinda sorta think I might want to try it. I will either DO IT and give 110% or I will not even make the attempt.

Pam - It's 42 as of yesterday.

[Pammypanda1]

RP,

You can't say the "juice isnt worth the squeeze", unless you are talking about someone that wants to be pro. There are still plenty of amateur lady fighters and more each day as girls get the "ok" that they can compete. I agree, "pro" may not hold much promise for a female, but why should a girl not even train or try to learn the art, just because she may only get one or two matches a year? Did I not read your whole thoughts and complete sentences on that? :D

oops, we're changing topics again from Randy fighting.

Randy, I think because you have a curiousity, you should attempt it, so you will NEVER have regrets, which is exactly what will happen. HOWEVER, as the team "mom", I suggest the physical and training with fighting in mind, then go out and kick some *ss. :eek:

[Randy B]

Pam,

Your opinion has been noted - thank you. :mad:

[Randy Pogue]

Pam, I like the dialogue. Maybe we should switch threads though, so cranky-crankerton doesn't get his Depends all in a bunch.

[Jenna Droluk]

Randy,
How far away is the fight you were offered?
I think that, without a bunch of fights under your belt, it's hard to step into the ring to fight with not a lot of notice.
There are fights all over the place for beginning fighters, and my opinion is that you'd be better off planning something out for a later date. That way, you'll have time to train harder and develop and work on a game plan for your fight.
Hope that helps.

[Pammypanda1]

Yeah RP, I agree. Ya know what is amazing though... that he can fit his cup inside of his depends. :p

Randy B, ya know I luvs ya and only tease ya cause you have such a good sense of humor. :D I honestly think you will do awesome when you step into the ring for the first time! You show heart, good technique, and have a mind that can think things out quickly (except after a few beers. LOL). And you can take a punch from Big John! THAT tells me you will be fine! :)

[Randy B]

[QUOTE=Jenna Droluk]Randy,
How far away is the fight you were offered?
I think that, without a bunch of fights under your belt, it's hard to step into the ring to fight with not a lot of notice.
There are fights all over the place for beginning fighters, and my opinion is that you'd be better off planning something out for a later date. That way, you'll have time to train harder and develop and work on a game plan for your fight.
Hope that helps.[/QUOTE]

The fight I was originally asked about is this weekend in Omaha but I have already turned that down. WAY too short of a time! I was thinking of something next Feb-Mar to give me time to prepare. Thanks for the reply!

[Michael Dean]

This depends on the Athlete in question. Let’s face it; there are some old timers out there that can still kick some ass! Speed, Strength, flexibility, endurance, technique, and mind set are some of the things that need to be considered. Because you are considering this, I assume that you are in good health. From reading your posts, I also believe that you are still very unsure of what you want to do. Before you fight, be positive that this is what you want to do. The ultimate test of your kickboxing skills or any fighting skills that you have acquired over the years will not take place in a ring; hopefully it will never take place. It sounds to me like you have already reaped many benefits from kickboxing. Also keep in mind that when you step in the ring, there is always risk involved. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different. I’m not trying to discourage you from fighting, just stating the obvious. Never fight because you are being pressured. Go with what is in your heart, and only fight when you are ready.

If you decide to fight, do some heavy sparring with someone who is going to bring it to you. First I recommend bringing in someone from another school that you don’t know. Start out with a couple of warm up rounds and then do one round full out. If you feel like another round, go another round. This is a good sign you might be ready! Better to get a taste of someone trying to take your head off in front of a small group of people you know than a large crowd that spent money to see you fight. It will also test your nerves better than someone would that you know or have sparred with before. It still will not be the same as your first bout. There is nothing in this world that will be the same. Not even a street fight is the same. In a street fight or a self defense situation, there is no time to think. There is only time to react. When a bout is scheduled, the time from then to the actual start of the fight will provide plenty of time for thinking (Ex. James Wakefield
http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/SuspensionsLife.htm). The list could go on and on! Most promoters are faced with this problem when scheduling bouts! Fighters back out in many cases due to this pressure!) The mind can be your worst enemy or your best friend. This is where your mind set plays an important role in your success and survival in the ring. Randy, I’m not implying that you will back out of a fight. I don’t think this will be a problem for you. I am just giving an example of how great the pressure is on a fighter before a bout. Mind set becomes a very important factor. If you are ready physically and mentally, than “Bring it on”!

Sincerely, Michael Dean

[Randy Pogue]

Fantastic post, Michael.

[Randy B]

Thank you very much for your replies everyone - Michael that is EXACTLY the kind of post I was looking for, but most of you gave some very good advice. I will post again when I decide. Anyone else that can add to this feel free,

The mind can be your worst enemy or your best friend.

How very true..........

[Austin "OT" Baitman]

Quote from IKF fighter requirements

"40 and older: For Insurance and safety/health reasons, All Fighters 40 years or older must attain direct IKF Approval to fight on an IKF Sanctioned event. To do so, the fighter or trainer must send to the IKF a "RECENT" video of them "SPARRING" hard for 3 straight rounds with the round breaks left in. If the video shows "CUTS" or has been edited, it will not be accepted as a review video by the IKF. Upon review the IKF will notify the trainer or fighter if they have been approved to fight in a bout on an IKF Sanctioned event."

This is the IKF rule only, state regulations apply when applicable

[Randy B]

Thanks OT, I will keep that in mind.