Are You Too Old to Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
It’s quite sad to hear some people say that they are too old to learn a martial art, let alone Jiu Jitsu. I can feel the burning interest in their hearts but they feel like their body has already aged. This article is going to point that out. Point out that is age a big deal or are you too olSd or start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
There is no age limit is starting Jiu Jitsu. You can start at 30,40,50 or even 60 years old. There are notable people who started studying Jiu Jitsu in their 50s. A master trained until 95 years old. You can start Jiu Jitsu any time but there are some precautions to look out for.
There are notable people practicing Jiu Jitsu at an old age. A famous chef Anthony Bourdain started at 58. Look at a group photo in Jiu Jitsu classes and you will see some people in their 40s and 50s. This article is aimed to answer doubts and will give tips to people who want to start Jiu Jitsu even at an older age.
Is the 30s too Old to Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Some people ask that they are in their 30s and not 18 anymore so they think that Jiu Jitsu might be too harsh on them. Let me tell that it is not. If you are asking is if that being in your 30s is too old to start learning Jiu Jitsu. My answer is.
People in their 30s are not too old to start Jiu Jitsu. In fact, they are at an advantage when it comes to balanced strength and skills. Jiu Jitsu is called human chess because it is not a strength based fight but a skill based competition.
People in their 30s might not be as strong and as flexible as people in their 20s. Futhermore, you might not train like the others who train for 3-4 hours a day without properly taking care of their body.
Improvement might not be as fast as those people who train that much, but you have the knowledge which they don’t.
People in their 30s have more knowledge and experience. Plus, their strength is still in condition unlike people in their 40s where care is much more needed.
People in their 30s are in a balanced stage where they have the strength and wisdom to become someone great in Jiu Jitsu.
That doesn’t mean that people in their 40s and above can’t do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In fact, that is the topic for the next part of this article.
Is 40 and above too Old for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
You can start Jiu Jitsu in your 40s, even your 50s and 60s. The thing to look our for is to compare yourself to others at this stage. You need to work at your own pace, and apply good habits in taking care of your body. Plus, Jiu Jitsu is a good martial art for the older population.
These are the range where I feel really bad that people are doubting themselves in starting a martial art.
I mean you can see their eyes burning with desire on learning but they think that their body won’t allow them.
Let me tell you this.
The best time to start is now.
“The best time to start training was 10 years ago. The second best time is now.”
an old Jiu Jitsu saying
Wait, I said that the best time is now. That is because you can’t go back 10 years ago and right now, this is the best time.
In fact, with proper habits such as diet, recovery, good sleep and warm ups. You can do Jiu Jitsu without any worry.
I hear people saying that Jiu Jitsu is hard when they start and they blame it to their old age.
The answer is everyone even people starting at 18 is having a hard time to learn Jiu Jitsu.
This is because you are learning the basic. In fact, everything in this world is hard at first. But with the perseverance and the extreme desire to learn the sport, you can learn them too.
Also, Jiu Jitsu is actually not that bad for older people. In fact, its moves are older people friendly. If you are looking for exercises, then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very good martial art for that,
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a Good Martial Art for Older People?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is good martial art for older people. This is because this martial art rarely teaches of strikes and throws. Throws are inherently bad to practice in the older population. BJJ is focused on ground fights instead, making it a good choice.
Yes, you’ve read it right. This is a good martial art for the older generations.
This is because it is focused on ground fighting and rarely involved any throwing that are prone to injuries.
The biggest problem of people in their older age is that their spine is not that good. Well that is true and that’s why older people should take note of that and take care of their body when doing any form of martial art.
But Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also called human chess. That is because it is a battle of wits while fighting on ground.
It rarely invovled throwing that is a source of a lot of injuries.
Remember that the older generation don’t have a body as sturdy as the ones in their 20s.
But Jiu Jitsu is a battle of skill. And in this sport, strength does not account as much as skill.
That’s why you can see people who beat enemies bigger than them because of their skill.
And older people can beat young people because of their wisdom, skill and application of techniques.
However, doing Traditional Jiu Jitsu is quite dangerous for the older generation. This article is talking about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you are interested in their difference, here is an article you can read: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs Traditional Jiu Jitsu
Tips for People Who are Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at an Older Age
I hope this article gave you hope that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a battle of skills so strength doesn’t matter much but this is a martial art that doesn’t involve much throwing thus friendly to the older generation. Here are some of the tips that I can give so you can start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu smoothly.
1. Warming Up Is Important Before Starting a Class in Jiu Jitsu
Most sessions start up with a good warm up. While some youngsters can skip this step because they have stronger bodies, as someone who is starting at an older age, you have to take note of this step.
Warming up stretches your muscles and joints. This prevents them from any damage while in a Jiu Jitsu class.
There is a reason why warming up is in almost all martial arts in sports. It is a good way to prevent injury.
Stretching loosens your muscles. So that it can move more flexibly.
2. Cooling Down is a Must and Helps in Recovery after a Class in Jiu Jitsu
Most concentrate on warm ups when starting a class or session but not all focuses on cool down.
It pains me to see that most young people just skip cooling down so some people might think that it is not needed.
It is wrong. Because while warm ups prevent injuries during classes, cooling down speeds up recovery.
One of the biggest difference between someone starting Jiu Jitsu at age 20 and someone starting at an older age is that their recovery is not fast.
Cooling down speeds up your recovery and it is important for people who are practicing Jiu Jitsu at an older age.
Remember that Recovery is one of the most important things you should focus on.
3. Do anything you can to speed up recovery such as Diet
People who are in their 20s can recover fast even without a proper diet.
This does not mean that they should not eat well. They also need to have a good proper diet.
But you should be extra careful with diet. Have a diet that is a good source of protein to speed up muscle recovery. This is because it is normal for people after having their first session to experience muscle pain.
And recovery is harder for older people.
A healthy balanced diet will bring you a long way in speeding up recovery.
4. Sleep is Your Recovery Best Friend in Jiu Jitsu
Most young people can recover well without the need for a good sleep. However, it is completely different for older people.
Sleep is vital and most of you will know how important sleep is to bring your energy back.
In sleep, your muscles recover and not just recover. It becomes bigger making you stronger day by day.
In time, with proper recovery practices, you can be really strong in Jiu Jitsu.
Plus, exercises such as Jiu Jitsu exercises will tire you out and give you good sleep which is a big plus.
5. Do not overdo things and practice at your Own Pace
Most people will get excited starting in their class and work like no tomorrow.
This should not be the case for older people.
Older people get tired quicker than young ones. And you should not blame yourself if you can’t keep up.
It is a lot better to just work your way up and get better slowly but surely.
In fact, most Jiu Jitsu experts say that a beginner should only practice for about 2 times a week.
This is to account for muscles recovery which we talked about.
Because if working with muscles that haven’t been fully recovered yet can lead to injuries which we should prevent at all cost.
6. Learn to Give Up when Necessary Especially on Spars
There will be spars and you can win with proper techniques. However, if you got held, and your spine and neck is at risk. It is better to tap and give up.
Remember that we can strengthen our back muscles but our spine can’t. Old age really affect’s a person’s spine.
It is better to prevent injuries than just winning on spars and competitions.
7. Do not Forget Your Protective Equipments
Knee Pads
I am one of the victims of knee injury and I always make sure to include this for the safety of others. Knee pads are cheap compared to the price you pay for injuries.
Don’t be like me who got knee injury at age 24. If I got one, older people might be more prone to injuries.
So if there is one thing I recommend from all of this. It is knee pads. I don’t want anyone to experience what I’ve experienced.
Here is the one I recommend and I’m using. It is a medical grade knee pad for more protection and comfort. Plus, it has gel pads for impact, and most importantly side stabilizers which would definitely prevent my injury. Here is the link for you to check it out: Knee Pads
Rash Guard
Rash Guard Protects you from too much sweat which can actually be uncomfortable. Plus, it prevents any injury because sweat can be a lot slippery.
Do not underestimate this. I really saw someone slip up because of sweat, it may not be in a Jiu Jitsu class but I always make sure to remind people to prevent injuries. That’s why I put it 2nd in the list.
I have found a good deal in amazon where you can check which size you need and a color you prefer. It is also cheaper compared to others. You can check it out here: Rash Guard
Groin or Cup Guard
This is definitely a must when doing Jiu Jitsu to prevent any injury in the groin area which is extremely painful.
I recommend this item from Amazon since it gives good protection, and its price for the quality is really good. Their brand is also well known in the industry: Cup Guard
Make sure to Pick the Right Size Before Buying.
Ear Guard
Jiu Jitsu is a ground fight. Which means that your ears might get constant rubbing causing injuries. We don’t want any injuries so I also put it here in case you think you might need it.
I suggest this one because they came from a reputable brand. Also it is very secure to prevent the rubbing I’m talking about: Ear Guard
The rest such as headgears and more are usually provided in the gym or class so you don’t have to worry about them when starting out. Just these 4 are enough as a starter set.
