Quote Originally Posted by LawHoops
im 31 and have always been a die hardboxing fan (and an apologist for the fighters i love---you guys probably know that already--but ill admit it)

anyway im not looking to be a competitive fighter or anything i just want to learn the art, get back into top shape, and learn how to fight basically---looking really to improve my overall self image and self confidence really

anyway just to give you some background on me--ive lost 36 pounds in the last eight weeks with diet and exercise --from 302 to 266--i was never fat at 302 i had a powerlifters physiique, benched about 380+ , and i always looked lighter than what i was............ at 302 people would tell me i looked 250 or so and now people tell me i look like im 220ish---

im a little over 6'3, former college basketball player, also played HS football, baseball, and a little volleyball actually so im pretty athletic and always have been---i always thought id make a good fighter but i never took that first step

now at 31 i realize i wont be young forever and id like to learn how to fight

what do u guys thnk?
Too old?!?!? no way...My backround was much like yours, HS Football, Baseball, lifting(only 340lbs bench) and martial arts...started boxing at 35yrs old and it is by far the most fun I've had training...in a short time I was sparring and within a year sparring with very good amatures and a few decent pro's...I do it for the love of the sport and the fitness aspect...if your training to fight in the octagon then its probably not the ideal discipline to learn...but I can tell you first hand in a bar room situation facing some jerk with a point to prove it's more than effective, more so than many martial arts...because boxing teaches you how to "let your hands go" at full speed and power ....where most martial arts have you working at half speed and not trying to make full contact....If you train seriously you'll be a better fighter inside of 3 months gauranteed...