I\'m old now...and suffer a bit of pain because of years in the martial arts.
Started when I was 10 (to help solve a \"confidence problem\"). Stopped when I was 35.
Many various styles (both hard & soft. 1 meter & 3 meter)---but most of my training was in Hapkido, Shorin Ryu, Tang Soo Do, and Ryu Kyu Kempo.
The highest rank I \"held\" (out of training now, so they really don\'t count) was Sandan (or third black, if you will).
I spent 10 years of that time as an instructor.
5 years of that instructing children with ADD/ADHD as a means to help them concentrate and such.
Spent alot of time competing----some at a national level, and at one time (all politics aside) was referred to as an \"olympic hopeful\". Although I never pursued it that far.
Now, from all the beatings I took----I have problems gettin\' outta bed in the morning...
Traumatic bursitis in both shoulders. Tendenitis problems.
Arthritis problems in my hips (cane-bound for a period of time, but I recovered somewhat).
Broken toes (all of \'em at least once). Broken and dislocated fingers (just a few).
A \"somewhat\" crushed thumb.
I\'ve broken my nose about 6 or 7 times. One cracked eye socket.
A broken tail-bone.
A hyperextended knee.
Broken ribs so many times I lost count---the most was three at once.
Two or three minor concussions.
Minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises beyond counting.
I intend on teaching my daughter when she comes of age----but in a soft style that isn\'t so hard on the joints as most traditional hard styles.
Would I recommend it? Yes--definately. Would I recommend the path I took? Probably not. 8)
Kev