Think you're too old to pick up the art of Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, or Tae Kwan Do? Then think again.

Half way through Sport Bay of Plenty's ‘Indoor Month' and the fun filled activities encouraging people to keep active heading into winter keep coming.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor Nathan Sowter, Kung Fu instructor Robert Smith and Tae Kwan Do instructor Christine Young at the Tauranga Martial Arts Academy. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Top of the list is The Martial Arts Academy in Tauranga offering beginners sessions to improve lifestyle and fitness, plus gain strength, stamina and self-defence skills.

'We offer several different martial arts for beginners. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwan Do, a dynamic kicking art, Kung Fu, a type of self-defence art from China, and Muay Thai from Thailand,” says the academy's Tae Kwan Do instructor Christine Young-Jasberg.

'People think ‘am I too old to start martial arts?' and the answer is no, you're never too old.”

The classes are the perfect way to learn the art and boost fitness, and are suitable for those 11 years and older.

For more information call Christine Young-Jasberg on 021 980 878. The sessions run every Tuesday from 5.20-6.20pm at The Martial Arts Academy, First Avenue West, Tauranga, for a gold coin donation.

On Monday there is an Omokoroa Movement in Life Class. Run from 9.15am-10.15am the class is part exercise and part dance set to energise and strengthen the whole body, and aids flexibility.

Held at the Omokoroa Settlers Hall the class is suitable for those aged over 50. For more information call Dorothy Barker on 07 549 3378.

Thursday is the Kaumatua Games and Golden Olympics at ASB Arena. Run from 9am-1pm it is a chance for those aged over 60 from hapu, groups, retirement villages and social clubs to join together for a morning of fun sports and games.

For more information contact Erica Ross on 07 577 8560.

For details on these and more activities for all ages, from under-fives to over 85s, download a copy of the programme at www.sportbop.co.nz