Discouraged Older BJJ White Belt Wondering, “Is Even Worth It?”
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- If you're an older guy in your BJJ gym (30+ years old) do you get discouraged because the younger people in your gym are able to get good so fast?
Our friend Nelson sent in a question regarding this situation.
Basically he is training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and getting bummed out because the younger grapplers in his gym are getting good so fast.
He's also bummed by the fact that he will never be a world champion competitor.
He's to the point where he's wondering. . . "is it even worth it?"
In this video I talk about a couple of the differences I see between olders and younger grapplers.
I compare them both from my experience as a younger guy who started Brazilian Jiujitsu. But also as a coach who sees the struggles of my older students.
When you watch the video, I hope you take away the idea that you don't want to judge yourself and your experience solely based upon the experiences.
As I talk about in the video. If I was focused on just being the best competitor only and got discouraged because I'm not the best. I would have missed my own unique experiences.
I hope the video is helpful if you're an older person in BJJ and struggling with a similar situation.
-Chewy
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Started Sambo and Jiu-jitsu when I was 35-36 yrs old. Now pushing 48 yrs old... still training. Single father raising three kids alone. Work commercial construction full time. Four stripe brown belt. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Age doesn't matter.
ur a fkin hero man
holy fuck, dude your a badass even if this comment is old. hope your doing well.
First lesson today. Im 50.
Rob Atkin how is it going now?
Go go go! You rock man
Hey man you got an update? How are you doing?
I wanna know how you're doing now too Lol
@anonymous Lol let's see
I didn't start until 40...work full time (and too much ot), along with family duties. I'm just glad I started when I did. Always a nagging wish I would have started sooner, but you can't change the past. Just move forward from here.
Same here. Wish i would have started sooner but im in it now and i love it. Not only do i enjoy learning how to grapple but it keeps me motivated to eat better,excercise more and keeps me focused on my goals
Best way to think!
Really wish I would have started sooner, it's so fun, but gotta embrace where I am now...40 y/o white belt, woman, giving up 20-50+ lbs and a lot of strength to the guys I train with. I love it, but I have to have a completely different mentality/goals.
I feel that way too.Got to remember be happy with what you found even if it was too late to become the next Gracie.
Same w/me. Started at 39 and regret not having gotten into it earlier. Never the less, im aiming at a black belt by 45. Oss
As a white belt at 58 I chuckle at these old thirty year olds.
Reset you expectations and you’ll be on a happier course of bjj!
Relatively old.
Wise words my friend!
(51 year old white belt here)
oss
51 year old Purple Belt ... we have a guy 63 who used to tap me all the time when I started, he taught me so much (he was also a Wrestler)
@Jamie Smith yea if you look at the UFC probably 26 - 36 is the Prime
41 no strip white belt.
Got bored watching my son roll at practice and decided to sign up.
4-5 months in, I have lost weight and even thou I'm sore most days my body moves and listens to me better then it has in years.
That's what matters to me. I am getting better every time I step out there.
Robert Haines same here! Experienced black belt in 2 different martial arts but now I am constantly getting my ass whipped in my new bjj gym by kids half my age. Wise people like us would take advantage to practice humbleness, one of the most useful attributes in life.
same boat.....41 no stripe....but yer prob blue by now
Are you still with it?
@@DexterTheDuck well yes but only online right now due to virus lock down
@@roberthaines8951 right right. I'm in the same age range and thinking about signing my son and I up. Getting educated on the sport and looking for advice from older folks who started
As an elderly 31 year old man. I couldn't agree more (rocking on my porch chair smoking a pipe)
Damn, I didn't realise numbers went that high.
HAHA
Except it's made of glass 😂
@@Tik075 I hope you arent implying that it's the devils lettuce in my pipe 🤣🤣
@@scottauger10 make sure you eat all your green guys
48, extremely out of shape, and over weight, not athletic I had trouble just getting up off the mat and the stretching makes me out of breath, but I can move more, stretch more and do more every time I go to the gym.
I have improved tremendously, but have a long way to go to just get to the point some people start at.
Best part, I found a great gym, with great people who are encouraging and challenging and help me get better.
I'm a 2 stripe white belt and I turn 38 on Friday. Very appropriate video for me. Thanks!
Thanks for commenting brother.
I'm a 30 yrs old blue belt n got beat up by a 17 yrs old who was smaller n faster than me.Turns out he was in a national team.Kinda shock but i don't care now anymore
Untouchable 2 strip 🙃
Anthony keep it up brother!! It’s. It a race my man it’s just a personal journey :)
Hey man. 39 and training for 2 months here. We just gotta take it seriouly and never quit, remember 95% of those 20yos will simply quit.
I’m 32 and a 2 stripe blue belt. I’m in no rush, enjoy the journey.
Same boat here. How's the journey going? Mine is fun but sometimes disheartening and feel like I'm drowning or they're speaking foreign languages to me when teaching. Makes me feel dumb but I do feel like I learn a little more each time I'm there
@@joshcharron6207 what’s up!!!! I’m a three stripe purple now…..always take the good with the bad. So far no injuries!
I'm 32 and I just don't fucking care. I compete with these young wolves and it really helps me to get better. It's really about your mindset.
One of the people I admire most at my gym is a physician who started BJJ at almost 70. Almost 70 and had the balls to get (far) out of his comfort zone and step into the mats. Years later and is his early 70s the guy is still there. Training, giving his best. An honor to train with him. I myself started training at 33. I just like it. I go train, I get smashed, and I come back. Next day I'm there again.
Great video! I'm a 54 y/o white belt doing only 2 or 3 lessons per week because it's all my body will take after many years of injuries/surgeries. I've come to accept that many (most?) people just starting their BJJ path will ultimately pass me as they're younger, stronger, and able to get in more time on the mat. I just focus on being the best partner possible and enjoying my own personal path.
To be honest, the story of the Tortoise and the Hare is appropriate for BJJ. I've seen many people get bit by the bug and train non-stop for weeks and months at a time. However, as with most people in BJJ, they eventually stop. Even if a person trains twice a week and doesn't stop, he will progress at a nice pace and will be able to beat most people in a few years. Taking it easy and being consistent is probably best for most non-competitors.
I started at 50 and I am now 53. BJJ keeps me in shape and I have learned a lot about what I am capable of. My advice is to trust the process and enjoy the journey.
🙋🏻♂️ 36 and a four stripe white belt, almost blue!
35 year old 4 stripe white belt here. Stay at home dad to two kids under 4 and have my first comp next weekend.
Stay at it old timer, you're doing good
I started the week of my 60th birthday. I trained for 3 years, got my bluebelt along the way and rolled pretty successfully even against the younger, and usually bigger guys. I learned alot and my only regret was not starting sooner. To whoever has second thoughts about starting, a year from now you'll be a year older. You could've started your journey and been a year into it.
I’m a fifty year old blue belt and I can hold my own pretty well. I have a wife, children work and other responsibilities. As much as I compensate as best I can (researching techniques, yoga and weight lifting) I can not compare myself to a twenty two year old who can roll six days a week, sometimes twice a day. It took me soooooo long to get my blue belt. Life can get in the way, as it needs to. I can train two maybe three days a week (more like one or two times most weeks). I try to run my own race now focusing on being a positive influence on and off the mat. I also like to focus on the self defense aspect of street applicable Jiu-Jitsu. When I hold my self up to others under that light I am very happy with my abilities and the progress I make in class. 😊🙏
Duncan Sutherland 49 year old blue belt
David Goldsborough Get’um!! 👍🙏
This is my mindset, I just wanna be a good training partner to the guys that are trying to compete, as well as just ensuring I can handle myself at work(Im a CO) & on the street.
I'll be 34 this month and when you said 33 is old it honestly broke my heart into a thousand pieces..
He did say that it's relative.
Its only old in sports
damn dude, im watching this with my shorts lying in my air mattress in a small apartment with my friend after coming back from a jiu jitsu championship in Moscow which was the day before yesterday (by the way, i got silver medal in gi and bronze in no gi)
and yeah i got no girlfriend
Do you live in russia or did you go all the way out there?
Congrats man
@@mpforeverunlimited i moved to study and i fell in love with Brazilian jiu jitsu
@@vSnooki thank you
زيكو زكارنة - zeko zakarneh when did you start bjj
I started training at about the age of 31. About 90% of my training partners back then were young soldiers, a lot of which were Army Rangers. The few people that were my age at the time were pretty badass, guys with lots of combat and fight time and one guy that would have 2 or 3 UFC appearances. 17 years later I’m about to turn 48 and I just got promoted to black belt back in October. I don’t have many competitions to my name, hell I’ve never even been out of state for a tournament. I had to learn the same lesson about comparing myself to my training partners and reset my expectations many times. The good thing about starting when you’re older is having a certain vision based on life experience and education. You might develop at a slower rate but it’s a more cautious and calculated rate. I still don’t think I’m that good but the respect I get from my training partners makes it feel like I’m some kind of guru or something, even when they tap me.🤙🏾🤙🏾
That's inspiring
i needed to hear your story and this is all I needed😊
I’m 35 yo and this was inspiring. Thank you. I hope you’re still doing well 💪🏼
started at 33 (3 years ago) and this video and comment was just what i needed - sometimes i get super bummed, almost depressed wishing i found jj when i was wrestling in hs. but now that i found it i cant not do it. also Danaher didnt start bjj till he was like 29 or something so think about THAT shit 🤙🤙
49, and I can still tap out guys in their twenties. I ache like hell and sprained my MCL a few weeks ago, but I ain't going to let that stop me.
Take it from a 62 year old purple belt, (started in my mid 50s), it’s worth it. Yeah, wish I had started earlier, but I didn’t. Biggest challenge, especially early on? Trying to not compare myself to everyone else. Stay with it, it gets more fun the more you train.
Would love to meet ya when I return for visit with my sons next summer. Purple Belt is legit. 60 yr old blue belt here but sure not the retarded ape while belt I once was. ha ha
I just turned 43 and am a purple belt. I can hold my own on the mat but am by no means able to beat all of the lower belts effortlessly. Also I really don't enjoy competing, for me its the waiting that does my head in. What I really enjoy is teaching so I've decided to try and get involved in doing as much of that as I can. I'll never be a world class competitor and I'm fine with that. Even if you think you're a middle of the road white belt, remember that you are still better than 50% of all the other white belts and you're also better than 7 billion people who don't do BJJ.
Same here. 43 year old Purple belt. Haven't competed and really have never had a desire to. I started BJJ for different reasons and I feel if I started down the competition path it would cause BJJ to become an additional stress that I don't need with along with all the others. I know it would become just that, because it happened with my lifting. I also focus on teaching and simply getting better for my own personal satisfaction.
Lol thanks buddy. I can see that. Lol. Much love brother. Im 55 and jusy got back into bjj. No thoughts of WTF. Glade im back. Thank u sir.
Herr Mayhem true that
If you are a forty-three-year-old purple belt and you are struggling with lower belts I know testosterone levels drop but this is what technique is for and even though you've made it through the white belt and the blue belt phase remember as a purple belt you're going to absorb a lot of knowledge and most trainers expect even if they don't stress it to you competition is necessary in order for promotion for higher levels I've had coaches that are 30s I've had coaches that are 40s and 50s and if they are a true black belt the exercise technique over strength and will Tapout anyone anybody in the class no matter what weight division it is this is something that comes with the knowledge rolling as a brown belt and a black belt good luck in your Journeys I myself and 41 but I started in 2002 trained till 2014 took 4 and a half years off and decided to start training and competing again because of the health benefits even though every bone hurts it's worth every second
A lesson I had to learn the hard way was to stop comparing myself to other people. Being better than I was yesterday is all that matters.
not even that, just train. thats all what matters.
@@riling I'm just speaking for me. I train to get better every time I step foot on the mats.
@@cowboyzfan713 sure, It's great motivation too. What I mean is that if you keep doing that +10 years. You notice that you just train to meet your buddies and for the sake of training. You are not actually coming better anymore. You just know that for stopping training would make you 100 times worse. So just keep on training.
my favorite story is that of mark law he started judo at age 50 got his black belt by 55 (wrote a book about it called "the pyjama game"), then walked straight down the corridor of the Budokwai in London and started training bjj with roger gracie black belt ray stevens he's now being doing bjj for 5 years from what I've heard. So age is a state of mind. I'm 33 years old and loving the ride I got banged up playing rugby over the years and BJJ has allowed me to get my fitness and flexibility back.
It’s always worth it ,it’s never too late to become a bad ass
Not as old as some of yall in the comments. I'm 29 and I just started this week. Active duty military but finding time after work.
I was watching one of the more advanced classes and just to put in perspective I'm 14 and am a white belt that just recently started and I was watching a no gi class wich is more advanced in my school and it filled my heart with joy watching 2 probably 60 year old men rolling and talking with each other and they were probably friends there whole life
As an older guy, much older than most of the commenters on here and living in the middle of nowhere, if you even have the chance to train, you shouldn't be complaining.......just trying to find a training partner in BFE to focus on 20 to 25 defensive roll sets is almost impossible.....so enjoy even having the ability to train.
Thanks for the vids chew
49
Never give up
Thanks for the words of wisdom! 36 years old here waiting to start all over again once schools open up from COVID. Quit when I was 16 in 2000-one of my biggest regrets. Promised myself and my newborn daughter that I would make good on this.
started Bjj when I was 28, 4 y back and about a month and half ago received my purple belt, most the guys who were in the gym left already and I'm still here doing 2-3 times a week double classes (3 h/day), literally wanted to give my belt back to the coach as I'm one of the worst defending side control and felt undeserving of it until I get better in defense. the coach took me to the side and started explaining that almost everyone is having a hard time including brown and black belt with certain positions which was a mind blowing to me, but I'm still here showing up and sparring with everyone. age is just a number commitment on the other hand that's what stick with the contact sports.
As older guy once you get around late blue belt it don't matter anymore who is better or not. You have made a lot friends. You can hang out with cool people who actually are nice to you. You are not drinking beer and watching tv or playing video games. You are doing sports with one of the rarest and coolest people on earth. You are part of something what every people should. Your own tribe.
Appreciate the video. I'll be 39 this year and just started BJJ a few months ago. Training is really hard but I'm definitely enjoying it.
Glad to hear you enjoying it. Keep it up!
I'm nearly 50 (two years into BJJ, although I wrestled growing up) and really I have not seen much of a difference between me and other WBs, with the few exceptions of those who are clearly very athletic or super big.
Set your own goals, dont compare your speed of development with others that are younger, stronger, have a background in wrestling or other martial arts or have more time or more skill.
You're doing it for yourself!
This topic made me realize how I've transitioned from the "hungry" no responsibilities young guy to the 30s white belt struggling with "adulting". Back then I sacrificed a lot just to hone my craft as an artist. Missed out on a lot of fun times with friends just so I can keep drawing/doing digital art and reading book and it's paid off and got me to a happy place now. Nowadays with the comfort of working from home I've sacrificed other hobbies just to get more time into jiu jitsu since I live close to the dojo. There are people who learn faster than me and I take it as an inspiration/challenge but at the same time I focus on my own journey. I guess art and jiu jitsu or maybe life in general has made me realize that there's always someone who'll be better/hungrier than you. And you shouldn't be put off by that because at the end of the day it is your personal journey. The mileage that you put down there for yourself and seeing how you've grown. To that same effect there will be others out there who are amazed/will take inspiration from you and would want to know how you've "done it" when all it was was giving more time and not stopping. I know this video is 3 years ago but I hope your jiu jitsu journey has been better over the years my guy!
To add to your awesome unique experience, a doctor stuck in the ICU on-call room watching your videos.. in Saudi Arabia!!
You're awesome Chewie.. keep it up
Really glad I found this video. I'm 49 and just started and thought to myself the same thing " is it worth it"? Getting your ass kicked nightly can play on the mind. But can also drive you to your best and in the end thats all you can do....your best.
I’m 36 and just going to get started training.. I’m doing it for me, not for competition. I want to be more fit, enjoy the sport and be able to defend my family better. Comes down to your motivation. Do it for yourself. No one else
How's training?
Thanks for the video. I'm 28 years old and have 2 kids under 5 years old with my partner who has bipolar and those factors have really played an impact on my jj. Instead of coming in 3 time per week, I have been averaging 2 sessions. This has frustrated me as I'm doing everything outside the gym to get in but it doesn't seem to work. It's made me question whether to go at all because I'm an all or nothing type of person. This video has helped realise I'm not a Gordon Ryan and never will be but I can still be a better version of me with minimum 2 sessions than not all. Thanks bro
White belt, 44. Totally appropriate vid. It’s so frustrating to lack the mobility, flexibility and capacity of the younger counterparts. Gotta stay focused on my own journey.
Take some time and stretch everyday. I take my guys through a series of stretches after training. Not as fun as rolling. But helps!
I just started brazilian jiu jitsu and I am about to turn 26, so I am not the oldest nor the youngest practitioner, but I love it so far. This channel and the art of jiu jitsu are great. Thanks, Chewy!
Great video, i'm 46 and started BJJ last year and loving it, regularly getting smashed by people half my age is very humbling
I started at 44. I’m 45 now and I love being the oldest guy in the gym. I love rolling with “kids” who underestimate old man strength and patience on the mat while also being humbled by people who have committed far more time to this journey. My only regret is that it took me so long to get over my fears and commit to that first session. My professor, Sean Ruiz, asked me a couple weeks ago what I would do to my old self on the mat. I got a huge grin and said, “I would crush him”.
its worth it, im 33 years old blue belt, and i always remind myself to remember when i wanted what i have now.. im so glad that im in this journey, came second in uaejjf tournement recently, and looking forward for new achievements..
This makes more sense in your 50-60’s. At 33, it’s an individual’s problem and not an age problem.
Make a shirt that says "And so brotha, thank you for the question" with the chewjitsu logo
GratificationGaming 😂
Heh, I'm just 28 and the 15 year olds who started at the same time are well ahead of me. Trained for around half a year now. In retrospect, I do kinda wish I had had the patience and mindset to start practicing as a 15 year old, but I wasn't (and still am not) very good in focusing on one thing at a time. I don't think the kids even train much more than I, they just learn faster at that age. Actually, everyone who were "worse" than me have quit by now..
I can still be the best of the country.. ..in the Masters! After I've trained 7 years I'm all ready and fresh to get into competing with the other old people. They wont know what hit them. Neither will I, as we'll probably all be senile by then.
I'm a 62 year old Bjj Blackbelt and have trained bball since 5 1962,played HS and many corporate,semi-pro,military,PBA leagues .Started with Boxing,kickboxing and wrestling early 70's.I'm due a new hip,but I still roll can't hoop like I use too lol Blessed to still teach while semi retired.Peace
Age is Nothing . My oldest Student is 40 and a Champion !
Age is nothing but your oldest student is 40? Which is relatively young. Age matters or your oldest student would be 70
That bus story nearly made me cry, I'm 34 and the first few time I went to my new gym my anxieties nearly killed me, I talked to my coach about it on my second time and no-one has been anything but helpful.
Second time I watch this video. What you say is valuable for life in general. An excellent explanation for why it doesn’t make any sense to determine our self-worth by comparing ourselves to others.
Hello I'm 36 and just started BJJ and love it that's great advice you are a legend chewy thank you for taking the time to give you knowledge freely
Thank You
First time in my life that I've been considered "old". This is a new experience.
Get used to the words. But what is cool, you will be stronger and fitter than many of those "young" as time goes on.
@@slaffkas Funny you say that. Over the last 12 months since I posted this, I've gotten a LOT fitter and stronger (thank god for a home gym). Ready to smesh all the kiddos if and when our gym ever open again.
Perfection of character and all of its participants. Thats the ultimate goal of all martial artists I believe. :)
This is my second week in bjj, and thank you man, your videos are amazing, you really do have imapact on people!
I'm 35 now and have been doing jits since September 2017. I have thoughts similar to Nelson's every now and then, but, fortunately, my coach has been successful in choking those mothers out. He once told me that it's important to find a goal, whatever it may be, and pursue it. For me it's becoming a coach one day to help people sort out their lives.
Thanks for the video, Chewy! Oss!
I’ll be 40 at Masters this year. I’m at the top of age bracket, and I’m going to give those 35 year olds the fights of their lives.
Chewy.... Thanks so much for your videos. I’m one of the OLE GUYS (48) watching your videos. I’ve never rolled officially in a BJJ class. I’ve had some experience in other MA training while in the Army. I’ve really been wanting to start a BJJ class in my area where I live now, but I’ve been hesitant due to my age and some knee injuries and surgeries I’ve had in the past (5) knee surgeries. But after watching your videos I feel like BJJ may be the only way I can ever get back into shape again. I know it’s gonna SUCK for a while. But I can make it through the tough times.
The best time to start is when you are younger
The second best time to start is now
Oh and THANK YOU for that great video again. Came at the perfect time for me.
Even though it‘s 3 years old
63 yo white belt. I noticed young people have a better knowledge of where their body is in space at any time, something older people seem to have forgotten. JJ is slowly bringing that knowledge back but I never expect to be as good as the younger people, I will be better than those who don't practice JJ.
I'm 38. I got to blue belt and then due to circumstances took several years and so busted myself back down to white belt. I can say as an older player, I do not give a single shit about belts, competitions, tapping during rolls. I love jiu-jitsu but I will never compete again. I just want to train to stay in shape and to learn more and more and more (shout out to Raphael Placid do Santos, my coach and friend). What I know is two things: 1)I will lose to any number of people of all belt ranks. 2)i will push the shit in on anyone who tries to fuck with me at the bar. Chreie is exactly rigt that bjj is a superpower and this should be respected as such. Use it wisely my friends
My son (9yrs) started last Tuesday and I (42yrs) started last Wednesday. Totally hooked! I'm doing it because I want to challenge myself to learn something new, meet new people and improve my overall health and fitness, being world champ isn't my goal so I'm good with being older and only just starting out.
I love you dude.
signed,
Almost-56-year-old, sucky, 6-year-in (yes brother, SIX YEARS in) Blue belt- who is married w/2 kids age (6 and 11), works full time and happens to be not a very good athlete lol.
Thanks bro.
CHEWY. Amazing video REALLY HELPED.. your the man.
Myself and fav. training partner had this conversation. We started at 37 and 43. We have professions and families. Our priorities dont allow for us to go balls to the wall and risk our bodies the way the kids that roll in are. And that's ok, we still love it!
31 no strip white belt, i just feel frustrated at my own injuries more than anyone elses progression! hate how injury prone i am, but focusing on recovery
Ok, I'm 45 and just getting started in BJJ. I look at it this way: BJJ is great exercise, not only is it great exercise but it is also teaching me a practical skill. Additionally, the training and competition are fun recreational activities. So in my mind asking if it is worth it is akin to asking if having fun while getting a great work out is worthwhile. Obviously only the questioner can answer those questions for himself but to me BJJ is definitely worth it.
Great video. The thing that people tend to forget is that younger also tends to mean less life experience. It seems obvious when you think about it but a lot of the newer 18-25 year olds that train with us get so frustrated when things don't work or just try to go harder to push their way through. I learned right away that at 34 I can't keep up with the 18 year old kid who wrestled in high school. I have to slow down and think my way through what is happening instead of going all ham and hoping to catch a break. Then, when something doesn't work, instead of becoming upset and getting down about it I just say "OK, what went wrong and how can I fix it." I've failed before, a lot. I know I'm going to fail again and I accept that, it's apart of the learning process.
Chewie - man, I love your videos. As a 52 year old blue belt I know I'm never going to be a world champion, and I'm not even worried about it. I used to be that bullet proof mid-twenties martial artist, but now I'm not, and I have to be OK with it. There's always somebody bigger, better, stronger, faster, younger - that's just how it is. I gotta be comfortable where I am. This is my journey, and I have to face those challenges along the way. That's just life anyway. Yep everything hurts more, and it takes a while to get going. I still enjoy it though. Jiu Jitsu is worth all the struggle. It's worth it mentally, physically - and spiritually. Even when I get beat by those 20-something guys. I learn something every time. It really is about my progress and my ability - how much I have improved. Not that fricken prodigy purple belt who moves like a spider monkey and gets finishes everywhere. I look at other people my age and am thankful everyday that I got back into the martial arts and started BJJ. Benefits of being older are I have the time (mostly) and the money to train. I have been training for just long enough to see some of these younger, tougher guys drop out because of whatever - life, jobs, money, injury - but I'm here for the long haul just plugging away. When things start coming together and that light bulb turns on, it keeps me going and excited to train.
Thanks Chewie! Inspirational words as always.
I’ve just started at 46 and loving it 👍🏻
Beautiful reminder & encouragement for us "older" & newer BJJ practioners (just started at 43)! Thank you Chewy 🙏🏼
Started 21 months ago just shy of 62. Still at it. Don't care where this ends up. Just glad to be able to do this after losing 100 lbs prior.
Man, I am 46 and I'll take my first proper BJJ lesson tomorrow... I never questioned my age though... Actually, I was even thinking that one day I may try a competition :D Am I crazy?
I graduated from the Army Special Forces qualification school when I was 30, I was blown up in a building when I was 46, I broke my femur in half from a bad parachute jump when I was 50. I had a total hip replacement when I was 58, I have had 3 strokes and 6 broken bones, I started as a white belt in BJJ when I was 60.What is your excuse, baby
Sir !!! You have good vids. Thank you for your knowledge
Getting your black belt at 45 is different than getting your black belt at 25. Although, the belt is the same, there are many things you won't be able to do that a younger person can do
Thank you for this perspective man. It helps a lot. Turning 30 soon and I just started.
44 now and been doing if for just over a year. enjoy the process and your only opponent is your own mind!
Thank you for this video. I'm 31 and haven't been to bjj in about 9 years. I was a blue belt back then, but life got in the way. I work full time and I am finishing my masters degree. I've always had that itch/regret in the back of my mind to go back but I'm hesitant. I have bills and family responsibilities now, and finding the energy is much harder. This video inspired me to go out and give it another shot. Thanks again.
This is interesting. A lot of us who started later wish we'd started earlier. But there's no guarantee we would have been able to stick with it in the same way we do now. Life would have gotten in the way. We started it now, and not then, because the conditions are in place to do so. No use looking back thinking about how good we could have been if we started earlier. Maybe not as consistent, or good, as we think.
Application to life as a whole, not just BJJ. Great point(s).
One of the key reasons children learn so much faster than adults is because they do not have elevated concepts of shame or embarrassment which hinder them from trying out their skills, they are not pre-occupied with distant goals, and they do activities just because they enjoy them. Just focus on your techniques, and the enjoyment you can get out of each session and you'll do just fine.
i'm 41, i've started and quit BJJ at least 6 times. I love the art. Its beautiful. I'm about to start again but I a little worried that i'm going to just quit again. Don't get me wrong i'm going to start just hope it takes this time
Nice positive video Chewy. I had no idea of your sacrifice but it's TRUE that older people tend to have more responsibilities and less time to spare. You compete with yourself only and that way you can't lose. Same with anything, be it study or weight training. Everyone is different with various attributes - be the best you can but enjoy it as it's part of the journey. To be your best takes discipline - see Arnie's video (6 hrs sleep he said and if you need more sleep faster!)
Well I'm 21 and i thought I was too old to start BBJ. You're making me reconsider my beliefs
mial C I’m going to start really soon and I’m 21 too and I felt like I was too old to potentially compete. I’ve been watching a lot of videos and once I start I’m going to train super hard
Shout of from Miami chewjitsu, we love you brother! Osss
I’m 36 and this video makes total sense. Not going to quit tho, I love Jiu Jitsu.
I started at 40 with a long term lower back injury , i been rolling 3 days a week now for 10 months and recently received my 3rd stripe and no more lower back pain , bjj changed my life
I’m 39 years old. I started almost a year ago. I am white belt with one stripe. I go 2 or 3 times a week or as time and responsibilities allow me. I love the time I spent in the gym and the people. What I would say is to enjoy the journey and have fun while at it.
Mostly agree with you, good advice but: You said: "In JuJitsu if you are out of your twenties you are considered old"That's true In BJJ, not as much in traditional Ju Jutsu, like Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu or styles that have a Ju Jutsu heritage, like Judo or Aikido. BJJ has moved more to a sport than the more traditional Japanese styles. Don't get me wrong; BJJ is a great martial art, a good sport and is effective..but..it relies heavily on strength, speed and size, technique is important but not the main focus (just my opinion) where as technique is more "emphasized" in some other arts, which means that sometimes experience and good technique is an equalizer (to a point) to size and strength. so...age can be less a factor in some other "martial arts" than in BJJ. Again, just my opinion.
I can only train 2-3 times every other week, I will be lucky to get to blue belt in 5yrs at 45yrs old. But I don’t intend to stop training till I physically cant. I just want to train when I can, im in zero rush.
I appreciate you, Chewy. Thank you for your words. I took a lot of time off from training because of family obligations and now that my kids are older I feel like I'm putting everything else first and don't do much for myself. I also see the level of competition out there, aka Nicky Ryan, and it's unbelievable! So much has changed. I would eventually like to get back to training, but it's all in my head. Like you said, I just have to go at my own pace and enjoy the ride. Thank you!
Started BJJ when I was 39, first tournament when I was 40. Wish I started earlier, glad I didn’t wait any longer.
I can relate to this video so much. I'm 40,married with kids, and over weight. I was in a very dark place till a friend made me start bjj. I can honestly say him and bjj saved my life. I have a whole different mind set and out look since I started and it's only been 3 months. Watch your videos all the time. Not just for new moves or tips but for lessons like this. Thank you
i love the end of this video, thank you for your videos. you seem like an awesome person
I'm a 54 yr old Black Belt. My friend is testing for his Black Belt (in Dec.) and he's 75!!!!!!!!! I have to face it that I'm not going to be as good as a younger guy and why should I try to be? I do JJ for self defense and health. I think when you discover WHY you're training, lots of things come into to focus.
For those over 30 with big aspirations the masters division is for every 5 years after 30 (masters1 30 to 35 masters 2 35 to 40). You know what's great about masters blue belt division? You won't by chance come up against a kid that's a blue belt because age but has been training since they could walk.
40 years old 3 stripe white belt.. I let down my ego now. whenever younger Guy tap me out, I just smile. I don't feel bad at all. I know now I have different goal. learning new things, tried to be fit that's all.
Im 32 and a 1 stripe white belt. Ive always wanted to BJJ but never had the money or my life together til now. Its been about 3 months and Im losing weight, learning self defense, meeting new people and like others say its like therapy for me. I honestly dont care about what belt iam as long as im learning and getting a little better every time.
I do think some time is ot worth it? That is me getting injured or hurt. But I roll smart and tap early. As for age, my professor started BJJ at 35! And is now in his 50s. Hes a Gracie black belt and tapping anyone in the class all ages haha. So that inspired me. I never thought of my age once. Just happy and grateful I get a chance to train
43 year old white belt here. Loving it every day