MMA Question, might seem awkward

[Andy]

How do I convince my friend that it's okay to be the youngest in a new MMA class? He's always wanted to take it before, and upon visiting one for the first time, he's rethinking joining MMA even though he loves it. Everyone in his class is almost 19+. I don't really know how to explain to him that it's okay, with the fact that a lot of people that are professionals today started around his age, 15-16. Any help?

EDIT: I think it's more intimidation than his age, not sure though.

[Ryan]

Explain to him that he will only grow better being with experienced people. Its best to learn in that environment then one in which your the best and can't be challenged.

[Tom Gavrilos]

Have him talk to the instructor.
And what do you mean "MMA" is he watching people spar in a cage?

He should be seeing different disciplines at different times. Tell him people are very respectuful and that he will have fun and regret it if he dosent try it!

[Ghosted3]

Tell him that there are stars in the game that started at 14. Look at the kid from the Anacondas in the IFL (sorry I dont remember his name but his nickname is the Polish Hammer). Shawn Tompkins use to have hims spar with top guys at 14 and 15, and he started his IFL career at 17.

[Tom Gavrilos]

Chris Horodecki

You better remember his name he wore my BJG Poland shirt on his IFL interview behind the scenes and I never asked him to or anything!:)

[Ryan]

Chris Horodecki

You better remember his name he wore my BJG Poland shirt on his IFL interview behind the scenes and I never asked him to or anything!:)

The IFL makes me nervous..... while I like the team concept and think the logos and stuff are really cool (would love to see a BJJG jersey) I don't like the ring or the fact that the names I have never heard of is mixing it up with old UFC guys or guys who had a couple UFC fights and then went to another organization.

-Rory Singer is one of them and I can't remember the other guy... but he lost to Forrest Griffen on TUF 1.

-The superfights are cool but the IFL is doing what boxing is doing and that is having 5-6 ok fights and then 1 great fight.

[Ghosted3]

the IFL is making alot of stars though. You really can't argue the talent of alot of the people in there. Granted alot of them couldnt cut it in a larger org, but there are a few handfulls that could easily make a very nice showing too.