I lost my eyesight 7 years ago. I have limited vision in one eye and none in the other, jiujitsu allowed me to have something to do as there was less and less that I was capable of doing. I also keep at it for social interaction since I no longer work and don't get out much otherwise. Jiujitsu became therapy for me. It keeps purpose for me in life as my kids are now grown and I can share my knowledge with my grandsons
I remember getting my blue belt and thinking it meant I should be tapping any and all white belts. Then one day I got absolutely smashed by a white belt and I wanted to quit because I felt like a failure and I couldn't "represent my belt". I'm now a four stripe purple belt and the other week I got tapped by a white belt and I felt proud and happy for him! For me, it's all about having fun. I look forward to every training session, and even the days I don't do so well in the mats, I still walk away with a smile on my face because I just love this martial art!
But isn't the important question this: How much effort did the white belt had to put out tapping YOU out? I mean, isn't that the whole idea of training, to become more efficient in all the movements? Not to win all the time, but the struggle less to achieve the same amount of advancement necessary to keep rolling as long as it takes? I haven't trained that much yet but so far my main goal in training is always to keep on rolling, but every time with less energy that is acquired to keep up the same level of efficiency, which in my case certainly doesn't meen tapping out everyone below my level of experience, but to enjoy the fact that I can defend his or hers aggression on lower heart rate level compared to his or hers and better understanding of the position and movements. It doesn't matter if this opponent taps me out but if that took much more energy to accomplish compared to my defence, I know I'm developing and I could beat this person if the match lasted 10, 20 or 30 minutes. Eventually this opponent WILL wear out and then it's relatively easy for me start my aggression. I believe that's the whole point of this art. How to conserve energy, protect yourself and eventually enjoy the result that was due to your long hours of training.
As an older guy starting jiu jitsu it's just a fun work out for me. I still get aggravated some nights rolling against younger guys but at the end of the day i'm there to get healthier not to be the best 44 year old on the mats.
3 seconds into this video: Yes, I think about quitting every day. I'm 54, blue belt, 4 stripe since 2020, out for a year plus with a labrum tear and detached bicep. I also think about how amazing the BJJ community is. How BJJ brings balance to my life and allows me to center for 2 hours a class. And of course....I think about how to refine my game and get better...in fact, as I write this, I'm in my gi bottoms, spats, top and sweat jacket....getting ready to head to class to fend off the hungry white belts and work to get colored belts in bad positions. Yes.....I think about quitting....everyday. But BJJ doesn't imprint well on quitters, so......I'll see you in class.
Thank you for this. I'm a 44yo lady blue belt who just got back from class. I agree with all your reasons; I need the social outlet, I love the constant game of trying to figure out new moves and get better at old ones, and I appreciate the physical fitness aspect. I got a concussion/mTBI last year and couldn't work for a few months, and there's no doubt BJJ kept me sane and helped in my recovery because I had something to do other than stay at home alone, plus all the movement helped with my cognitive issues too. The TBI still messes with me, and I often have to sit out from rolling for a bit, but I keep going anyway. My coaches are awesome, and my gym is a safe place to run to when I need to de-stress or get out of my head. I just gotta be careful of those spazzy white belts, or the ones that just squish me because they don't know what else to do yet. And I don't mind getting tapped; plenty of white belts can still get me. So can the younger teenagers.
I started BJJ a week ago at age 73. I expect to give it at least a year to see how things go. At 22 I held a brown belt in judo and a red belt in TKD, I boxed, wrestled and was in top shape but could not afford to continue when I got out of the Air Force. I have a lumbar back injury I've been rehabbing for over a year and still not 100 percent. I realize I'm not 22 anymore but I can say I enjoy the classes, I've gone to class every day. I like physical competition and this is motivation to lose the 20+ pounds I gained with my back injury. I see it not as just a martial art or sport but as a healthy thing to do.
Good for you! Wanting to do it again at 64 but so out of shape. The first three months are the worst at any age I'm sure. Need to get into bad shape first as remote programming in a recliner has decimated my fitness.
@@vjimmers1don't get in better shape first before getting back into jiu jitsu, get in better shape DOING jiu jitsu, no one will judge you for bettering yourself.
I am 44 years old and promoted to blue belt couple months ago. Since then I have been to that emotional roller coaster you talk about, often going back home after training feeling very down as I really have the feeling I suck. Many times I thought "why I am still doing this?" and I remembered that BJJ helped me to establish a better routine, feeling healthier and younger, and even gifting me some of the best moments of my recent life when I managed to win a couple tournaments at white belt. All went south very fast when I got the blue belt, I think I got a bad case of what they call "blue belt blues". I got in a mindset with completely wrong expectations and a bit of anxiety about rolling with the white belts. I don't know why, but I started to get tapped way more, and I had the feeling that it should not happen, like the blue belt is a magical weapon that instantly allows you to beat all the white. Well, it's not that. As a result (I know it's wrong), I started to go to class less, and even thinking to quit, although I still managed to show up 2 or 3 times per week. But what you say is really true, it is the wrong expectations that kill. So, in response, I am trying to kill my ego instead. Last night I was tapped 3 times in 5 minutes by a white belt who is younger, faster and overall better than me, a guy I really admire. I accepted it as best as I could, probably better than few weeks ago. My plan for the next week is showing up every day and see if I manage to have small improvements through the days. Thanks for your videos and the insights you provide. You are 100% on the spot and even when I am training I try to remember what you say, to have a better journey with my BJJ.
One of the most inspiring guys I’ve encountered in Jiu Jitsu was a brown belt who really exhibited joy when he rolled. I think the talk of expectations is relevant here, he didn’t really seem to have any, just living for the moment, in the moment.
I'm so glad you made this video coach. I fully agree 100% I'm an older blue belt practitioner who has a lot of medical issues and joint problems and I get sidelined a lot because of it. People ask me why I keep going and I always say, "because it's FUN!". I'm the guy who might start laughing during a roll because I screwed something up or might even have a small conversation with you. I believe that it is the secret to longevity. Once you start taking your focus away from that and start looking at taps and wins/losses, your mind will inevitably take you down the road of quitting. None of us can go on forever and our mindset is what keeps us in for as long as possible.
I've had the worst imposter's syndrome since getting my brown belt last year. I can't say I've seriously thought about quitting, but I do ask myself what the hell I'm doing ... a lot. At 56 I feel like I'm on the low end of mediocre for a brown belt and worry about the approach of black. There are many ups and downs. I roll with a tough crew on Fridays and usually get my ass handed to me for at least an hour straight - by guys (and girls) 20 and 30 years younger than me. I usually have some epiphany moment during these sessions too opening up some key bit of knowledge that I can work on and get better. There's a lot more to Jiu Jitsu (for me) than just tapping people. My very best friends and brothers train Jiu Jitsu. I am so much more balanced emotionally and spiritually - not to mention how much better shape I am in than other 56 year olds. My life is just better with Jiu Jitsu in it than without it. Thanks for the video!
I thank you for this video. I have been back-and-forth thinking about quitting for months. I’ve only been doing jujitsu for about 15 months and I have been in and out of it because of injuries/illnesses for over half of it. I am 56, still with weight problems, asthma, back problems and these last few months, I have had a herniated disc and a bulging disc in my neck… among other medical issues that sprung up… keeping me off the mat. I have a hard time remembering everything and I have to keep watching them over and over to demonstrate a move. I feel like I’m one of the worst in class…. I don’t have the strength or stamina or endurance or recover as fast as everyone else. But there is some thing about this sport. I have wanted to wrestle since I was a little kid, but I’ve had health issues that prevented me from doing that. This seems to scratch that itch. I get to be a little bit competitive. When I step on the mat, everything else goes away (work issues, Home issues, my age and abilities). I really miss class and my classmates. I’m an introvert, so I’ve never really had much in the way of friends … and they have been some of the best people I’ve ever met. This is been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I hope I can get back to it. I’ve always wanted a life where I had a bunch of friends I could fight and wrestle with and still be friends with and I’m hoping I can still do that. I just pray I can recover quick enough so I can catch up. I just want to be able to hold my own on the mat, be able to protect myself , get healthier and have fun with my friends. Thank you again for your words…. I needed to hear them.
I’m a 39 year old, 8 year purple belt, and I’ve thought about quitting more times than I can tell you. When I start thinking this way, I often have to remind myself why I train. I’ve never found another activity that helps me more with my mental health and that is what keeps me going.
I'm 35, but due to a chronic illness, I've always had to humble myself, and train consciously even at 25! So now that I'm back into BJJ, this channel has been a great balance to all the competition content and max testosterone (that I still very much so enjoy). Thank you for the content. Ouuus!
Absolutely. Since I returned to training after a ~5 month injury which included surgery, I've felt like I've been in a funk. But man, this helps Rick, it really does. There's so much I get from jiu-jitsu that I don't want to give up. Thanks for the reminder!
I needed to hear this today more than any other day. Ive had ups and downs over my 10 month journey so far. I started training as a way to help with my mental state, but i find it hard sometimes to clear my mind when I'm on the mats. I do love the camaraderie and the friendships I've fostered thus far. I'm an older guy (49) and recovery has been difficult to say the least, injuries seem to pile on which strains my mental and physical state, but I keep showing up for some reason even though deep down I want to throw the towel in.
A lot of gyms have an unhealthy way of training in terms of sparring. You can't go hard for five rolls a night, five days a week. Not even the young smart pros do that. Find a way to slow it down. Asking your partner to slow down, probably will not work. Skipping rounds might not be permissible at your gym but if it is, DO IT! You might want to consider only doing one roll and going home or missing sparring all together on some days and just drill. Be smart, be humble, keep yourself in the game.
Hi folks. Background: I'm a 66 + 6 month year old blue belt. Been training for 2 years and 3 months. I train BJJ for a number of reasons. It's fun. It's a challenge. It's forced me to consider and work on my mobility. It provides me with a purpose when doing my other workouts. I laugh a lot at myself and with others when I train BJJ. I've met a number of great people. I've been injured-fractured rib, and couldn't wait to get back on the mat. As someone who's older, I'm sure it will help me if I find myself in a self defense situation. I miss it when I don't do it. BJJ is the BEST physical endeavor I've ever done.
I am a 4 yr white belt. For all but 15 months, I trained 3-6 days a week. I was out a yr after a car accident that caused nerve dmg in my arm. I trained through the pain for so long. I got decent. I can control people bigger than me on top and escape vs people worse than me. Competed at 4 events. I am thinking of calling it a day. I see people get their blue belts in 1-2 years and here I am. Jiujitsu is just all negative emotions for me. Maybe 1 day a week I have fun. Noone thinks I am good enough for a blue belt. I get the happiness is in the journey not the achievement. But, I am not happy anymore. It feels like a chore. I don't caee about compliments or platitudes. I just wanted the acknowledgement of my effort. It never came. I think I am done.
50 year old 3 stripe white belt. I have and still do think about quitting. It’s tough being the oldest guy in the room. GOOD! I’ve got a lot of mental baggage and I’m aware of this which helps me process the battle and not just give in. I have no aspirations to be great at BJJ. Honestly I just want to accomplish my Blue and be solid on fundamentals. I want to be better than the me of yesterday. I want to manufacture hardships so I continue to build grit. I want to inspire others. I want to be a protector of my family my community and myself. I’ve been a martial artist for 41 years in a Chinese art. I want to bridge that gap so other TMA see the gaps in their respective styles and at least train BJJ from a self defense perspective such as Gracie Combatives. I would love to one day be a catalyst and help LEOs get training. I’m not dead yet so I keep going!
It's definitely a harder journey when you're older, but it sounds like you are training for the right reasons. At the end of the day your only competition is the old you.
Is it possible to make a video on your thoughts and experiences about Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu? 1) The pros and cons to both styles. 2) Would it be easier for a No Gi person to transition into the Gi and vice versa. 3) Should a person focus on one, do both equally, or supplement one style while focusing on the other. 4)What are you thoughts for what a beginner should focus on when it comes to Gi vs No Gi. 5) Are both styles equal when it comes to defending one’s self in a self defense altercation. 6) Why is there such a division amongst practitioners when they side with one over the other. I have noticed that academies who focus on Gi tend to be more welcoming and humble with tradition vs academies that focus on No Gi who tend to have more egotistic practitioners and not as welcoming (again my own personal experience). I think would be amazing to listen to your thoughts on this subject and might possibly help people to have a better understanding between Gi and No Gi and which one would be better for them. Thank you in advance for any comment on this subject or video put out in the future about this topic! Love your videos and channel!!
Great topic. I"m 58 and have been doing BJJ and MMA for a bit over a year. I just recently started training again after recuperating from a rolling session injury. There are various things that motivate me and various things that make me question whether to keep coming to class. The injury factor does pop up in my mind every time before class. I actually get more injuries from rolling than from my Muay Thai sparring sessions. It makes me apprehensive and I question whether it's all worth the next injury. So far, what overcomes that is the little bit of ego boost knowing I can handle myself in a situation, but that is tamed by the understanding that I am not at the top of the food chain. I love how I'm in amazing shape, especially for my age. I'm sure this adds to my longevity. But above all, I like how it solidifies my self-confidence about who I am and what I am capable of. And this attitude can be applied to all aspects of my life from my career to my relationships.That my friend is gold.
Changing my mindset from wanting to WIN, to wanting to LEARN completely changed my experience. If I catch a submission or pull off a sweep, escape a bad position or just defend for (x) amount of time against a higher belt…that’s great,,,,If I get caught in a sub, or get swept, or lose a position… that’s also great because I get instant feedback and learn. I also completely let go of thinking about belt promotions. I don’t care if I ever get my next belt. I still learn way more than I win. But it’s all good, I’m on the mats for other, more important reason (IMHO).
Great video! Thank you. I am 58, training for 18 months. When it comes to sticking with it, I keep focusing on 3 things: 1 Show up 2 Engage with Heart, and 3 Apply Skill. I deeply value the ways the practice is changing me over time.
I feel so like quitting - sometimes I cant catch the course I want to attend since workhours. Sometimes I do enjoy other sport, sometimes I just dont feel it, right now I have a minor injury that limits my training. Then I watch a video like this and I start to cry, since deep inside I know, that this sport gave me so much and I dont want to abandon it. This is such a struggle right now for me and it drains me.
This is great advice for all martial arts, not just BJJ. Unfortunately for me, I had to quit BJJ for circumstances that were completely out of my control. I miss it and I hope one day that I can get back into it.
23 and 1 stripe white belt here. I train jiujitsu not only because of self defense but also because it teaches people to not give up no matter how many times you fail. I keep getting tapped out over, and over, and over again but I still keep trying. This is the attitude Ive taken to everything in life.
Hey Rick I wanted to say thank you. The day this video was posted I was getting ready for promotions and I got smashed so bad it almost made me quit because I felt so bad about how I performed that I felt like I wasn't worthy of even going to promotions. Well here I am a couple days later and I got my 2 stripes last night. I put in the work and did my best and performed everything I had to without thinking. I was just psyching my self out but you're video made me take a breath adjust my expectations and go back the next day to drill what I needed. Thank you a ton I look forward to more videos.
Thanks for these videos. I train with two groups here in Florida. The BTT team under Edgard Dutra in Melbourne and also with my friend and instructor Jason Adams in Crawfordville. (Small town south of Tallahassee.) It’s really fun to see the differences in style in the two regions. The Crawfordville team is very strength based. (And a little rougher on the mats.) then at the Melbourne school but I love having the opportunity to train with multiple regions for the experience, I’m a white belt at month 8 right now, and I turn 40 in a month. I’m inspired that my goal is to achieve black belt by the time I am 50. As a musician the analogy of that learning curve you described is spot on. I learned the guitar by “goofing around until it sounded good”, how much better of a musician would I be today if I had taken serious lessons from an early age? This mindset transfers to BJJ seamlessly, I’ll never be the best in the game, I just want to get my game to the best it can be. Thank you for these videos, they’re fantastic.
Thanks I needed this. 50 year old 3 stripe white belt. I was destroyed last night in rolling session. Basically got beat up by a 16 year old, and everyone else. I only got 2 hours a sleep. Really rough morning.
I’m 29, and the same thing has happened to me multiple times as a white, and currently a blue belt no stripe, but I haven’t been training the past 5 months due to a work injury. You’re problaby doing much better than you think, but of course most people won’t ever tell you that. You have good days, and some days aren’t as good that’s just how life is, Jiu Jitsu isn’t about winning as much as it is knowing you can survive, and protect yourself first, and foremost.
@@govtom4I have no plans to quitting. But I do struggle with performing poorly. I have always been gifted with my fitness level & still believe I could out work 90% of anyone any age. But jiu jitsu is hard, and confusing.
What you said. Fun, friendship, fitness - both mental and physical. I can feel down and hurting all over, step on the mat and I'm good. I appreciate you and your videos!!
Great job regarding meditation, mindset and the overall fun factor. Considering those who consider quitting may not be winning matches; "however", there are other things to consider as well, for many it may be their income, or age, or joint pain issues, injuries and not recovering or healing faster as they like, and like you stated and as well know, everyone is different. Perhaps "they are really struggling" and don't feel like they are progressing as well as others in the class. Bottom line, great job overall, I personally hope everyone will stay in BJJ, Martial Arts, physical fitness, never quit and keep going strong.
I quit about two months ago and not regretting anything. It destroyed my body and mind. I was in pain all the time and hated myself. Jiu jitsu isn't for everybody.
I've been training for almost a year and on average about 7 times per week. Although I have 4 stripes on my white belt now, I do not go to belt chase... I go because of that constant want of conquering something I may never conquer facinates me...the constant drive to figure out why I keep failing and the joy of building upon things that work for me have all become an addiction. I love it.
Great video. I’m a 41 year old black belt, been in it since 13, many years of comps in bjj/wrestling/mma. I’m only just starting to feel ok about getting wrecked by competitive purple belts in their 20s. I love it!
Thank you for that video! I have been training far less than I used to, going one day, skipping weeks of training and overall not putting the time in and in the last month or so I have been dealing with a problem in my lower back nerves and that has stopped me completely from training and I questioned if I even wanted to go back. with your video I'm going to reframe my mind when it comes to BJJ so that when I'm healed I can get back more focused than ever, thank you again!
Hi Rick. I'm 53 years old and have been training in Jiu-jitsu for about 3 months. The truth is that I love it and I don't want to quit. My issue is that I have received 2 injuries that have taken a while to fully recover and have given me difficulties in usual life, especially sleeping positions. So I am beginning to think about quitting as I don't think I can continue to receive such injuries at my age.
The most dangerous part of the BJJ journey is when you are a white belt, but with skill your safety will increase. Eventually, you'll develop a sixth sense for keeping yourself out of harms way. Good luck, brother.
Look at increasing flexibility if you haven't already. I was in reasonably good shape when I started training at 40, but had some long standing mobility issues in my hips and back which caused me to get injured a few times. BJJ challenges your body in ways which going to the gym or running doesn't and the more flexible you are, the better your body will handle it. I know a lot of people find yoga helps. Good luck, from someone who is thinking about quitting BJJ as I type 😂
I train as a long time martial artist because I find it the most practical application of the arts where you can use full resistance and usually not get injured - I just so happen to be out injured 😂
Very heartfelt. I took a week off, still on my first month as my body is readapting to new musles developing. All my other training work has been almost impossible, even turning in bed at night has been challenging. I totally feel the nervous system reboot. Totally at peace after having rolled on the mat. Definitwly not quitting although my ego might come up with that discourse 🤪 Thank you for this sharing! Karsten 🙏🏼🥰
That cerebral aspect of BJJ ("Chess with the body") is the main thing that keeps me going. It's a never-ending puzzle to solve and is totally fascinating. Love the fact that I can scratch that intellectual itch and get wonderful physical exercise and build a self-defense repertoire at the same time.
I'm 46. Got my blue belt 3 months ago. I nearly talked myself into quitting about 6 times in the first 3 months of starting BJJ. I've done various martial arts for years, instructed in some. And I was getting dominated in class (I'm 6ft, 250lbs). Took me awhile to change my thinking from "I need to tap this person" to "what can I learn today". Since then... it's been good. I sometimes think about quitting, but nothing like that first three months. I've learned to recognize that roller coaster. Sometimes, I'll just take a day off and say "I'll be back on Wednesday" or such. Sometimes I change my rolling style for the night... fully knowing that this "other approach" is horrible for me, but it's more about forcing myself to learn... changing my mindset. Do I think I'll consider quitting in the future? sure. Will I? I don't plan on it. :)
what motivates me is the constant learning and challenge. plus I work from home so it's my main social outlet outside my wife and kids. also no amount of money or sheer athleticism is necessarily a determinant in success in this sport
Im almost ten years into bjj.. still only a one stripe purple belt. Thought about quitting i dont even know how many times.. have switched academies four times now. What i have come to realize is that why my progression has been taking so long, is because myself is the biggest enemy. My own self pitty and distrust in the process has caused my progression to be extraordinary slow. Also as you said in the video, jiu jitsu is a performance based art. I have the mental diagnosis of ADD, wich severly inhibits my performance a lot of times. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate , our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frighten us"
@@unitewithch awesome man! I know a lot of asthmatic people that are total killers on the mat. Usually they get really good at the pressure game. Happy training and regards from this Swedish 25yo purple belt 😁
I’ve been training 8 years on and off. I got my blue belt a year ago. Sometimes I think I am just not very good and this isn’t the sport for me so maybe I should give up
I sure liked this video, yes great , physically and mentally , you will find the real you, survive, pushes you to become the best representation of yourself.
I have 3 kids that wrestle and I want to lead by example I’m too old to wrestle but not to old to train bjj I’ve been training for almost 2 years and have learned so much … I’ve thought about quitting but always seem to go back to we have an awesome team and I just seem to love it
Same, broke my lower rib in two places and didn’t take enough time off and re-injured it in my first year into jiu jitsu. Broken ribs will make you want to quit life lol
I WILL NOT QUIT! The only issue I have at 55 and a purple belt is the sheer frustration at not completely dominating even the younger blue belts on the mat. Some days I feel like I can't string my techniques together and some days I feel like I'm unstoppable. But after two poor displays in competition class I feel like I have to re-think the amount of time I'm spending rolling. vs drilling. I'm into jits not just for the workout ( I'm far more fit than even the average 30 something) but it's more about overcoming the stubbornness to learning more new things on a physical level. It's the "old dog ,new tricks" mindset.
I continue to train for the "brotherhood" the mental clarity and resilience. It has been very helpful for my anxiety as well. Also because I also feel like if I miss a class my training partners are getting better and I'll have to catch up. I'm glad you're doing better.
Some great advice there Rick. I especially like the point about keeping your expectations under control and only set expectations for yourself that you can control. That's a keeper! Thank you very much for this.
Yes, I'm 44 this year and started in January. I do it for my daughter who is 9 and joined last year. It's a great bond we have built and its a nice journey learning and growing together. It's not every day we get an opportunity like this. The community is fabulous here in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) which makes it easier to keep going. Thanks for sharing some insightful thoughts, this video helped.
I quit BJJ as a purple, after two back to back injuries sidelined me for two years. What got me back into it was taking my 9 year old daughter to BJJ and sitting on the sidelines watching. The coach would yell to me across the room asking when I was coming back.
God bless you Rick. I love your channel and have already recommended you to two of my fellow jiu jitsu warriors from the academy. I was on this roller coaster when I did Karate and I pretty much understood how to get out of it as well. Jiu jitsu for me is different though. It's the ultimate humbling martial art. It will show you how much you suck and I've just embraced the sucking part. Karate saved me from myself and I've found jiu-jitsu to further enhance the wellness I cultivated through my practice of Karate. Jiu jitsu has not only calmed my inner self but it's also given me another perspective in my own practice as a human being. I understand I don't need to know everything and it's ok. Once I started embracing it doesn't really matter if I get my guard passed or not, something shifted in my mind and I really want for that feeling of "flowing" to persist through all my jiu jitsu belts. I practice jiu jitsu because it has the same effect on me as it does on you. It's like a reboot. It's given me so many tools to deal with life better, at home, at work, family. And even though Aikido and Karate were my first loves, there is simply nothing that can ever compare to Jiu Jitsu, and only a few people really understand.
I train because I love it. Just got told I'm getting my blue belt 2 years in and I can't tell you how much more I enjoy BJJ now that I have a base to build on. It's just my favorite place to be.
As always Professor Rick, you rock, and your content is so on point and timely. I’m going to flow with the go and grab some swag. I’m going to support your channel so you can continue to bring the goods and support us old BJJ folks. Lol. I’m a struggling 48 year old purple belt. Made it past the blue belt blues. Actually I never felt the blues because I love the art so much. But as an older purple belt I have younger opponents (blue and purple) that smoke my ass, a lot, and it’s demoralizing. I sometimes feel like I’m not worthy of my rank. I have the knowledge, but I can’t get my body to do what I want it to do (timing). Sometimes it seems like my body says fu, you can’t do that anymore. The frustration, fatigue and recovery issues are real. Especially as we age. I’ll never quit, but sometimes I feel like I’m just stuck where I am. 15 years in as an old practitioner, but still enjoying the journey. Peaks and valleys. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I haven't been on the mats in about 2 years now. I'm older and smaller. The injuries just kept adding up. At some point it just got frustrating to always start to make progress, then get yet another set back via injury. I just couldn't do it. God bless all of you older athletes able to stay healthy. I was always "that guy" - the injured guy. It pissed me off. But it is, what it is.
motivation is Health. Ive been training for 2 months. Im 47 and its BRUTAL but I've gained cardio strength and also lost almost 10 pounds so far. I'm starting to see small improvements in my sparring. I have had a couple of moments of wanting to quit mainly due to pain but I keep going!
I'm Quitting. The drama isn't worth it and every coach nowadays is either a Nogi Leg locker trainer or a old Brazilian type that just but scooter that focuses on guard returning instead of sweeping and playing Top. None of you can agree upon a ruleset because everyone wants to garner it so their athletes can do better so all you get is infighting among people finding preferences and being mad at people that do others. I'm Quitting because everyone focuses on the sporting side and not the self defence aspect in understanding standing game and that you should be studying guard from an aspect of "I fucked up and I need to get up to top". The mindset that people get when dealing with standup is really sad in modern BJJ and how much its ignored. I'm Quitting because the coaches push you to compete before your ready or don't even help you with a gameplan unless you are the star athlete black belt in the gym. I'm Quitting because the coaches sandbag lower belts to get in more medals for their club and only grade people if they pay for seminars or for the grading. Which alot of people pay for it and then don't even get graded then manipulate other athletes into the same avenue of only giving them promotions if they compete and win even when they can beat the breaks off everyone in the gym.
Thank you for this video. I needed it. I train to be around like minded people, i love being in fellowship with martial artists who desire to be better. I train to also get a mental reset, i consider it as my meditation albeit the body is in contienous motion. I train to stay hard so i can handle anything that comes my way and finally i train so i can have the skills to protect the people i love. Thank you again. Oss.
Thank you for the advice. Just feeling overwhelmed about the fact that a lower belt could submit me when should not but, shit happens and after listen to this vid, I told to myself, damn I'm not having fun anymore is like competition time every day when it should not. So I'm back to square one: let's have fun.
Thanks for your transparency right at minute 11. Your content is great. I relate to it on a personal level and view you not only as a bjj teacher but as a life teacher/counselor as well. Thanks you for your continuing positive contribution.
"The key to happiness is keeping our expectations under control." "What can we do to manage expectations? It's okay to have expectations, but you should only have expecations about things you can control. You can control your attitude." That is honestly a big thing most people need to hear. Including me. I ride that roller coaster since the begininng. I do tend to laugh a lot during rolls. Not at my or my partners performance, but because BJJ makes me happy. I always have fun regardless how I feel. I love the brotherhood, the knowledge, the humbling atmosphere. Getting in shape and learning how to defend yourself is just a bonus. My coach gave great advice the other day about being on the mats. "We all come from different backgrounds. Different levels of stress. Different jobs and availability. Leave all that at the door. You take the time and spend the money to be here. Take that time for you and focus what's in front of you. Eveyrthing else in your life can wait for you when you leave." Why I train is a lot like brushing my teeth. I dont have to. No one tells me to do it. I do it because in the long run, it will keep me healthy and save me lots of pain and money. Well, not much the last part. I hope you know what I mean. OSS and great video.
It took me years of the mat to actually mentally get ready for bjj. I came back still as a white belt. Can beat newcomers (who are usually heavier cause i'm skinny) rather easy. But I learned that it is not about CATCHING people and boosting your ego. Even if I know I can win I try to make it beneficial for both of us. I don't rush it, work from the guard. No matter the belt, I am not go out to win or 'survive'. I'd rather lose to a person in 5 different ways (changing positions) than stuck in one and "survive" by freezing the whole thing. Rolling is not about result. It's about learning.
My bad days honestly motivate me to become better it’s the injuries and longevity( I’m only 26) factor I constantly hurt my back doing jiu jitsu that’s why I’m considering quitting
I train because it is fun and there's a super culture at the school I train at. One thing I've learned from training in Kyokushin Karate and now as a three-stripe blue belt is not to worry about performance and belt/stripe ranks. I try to keep my head down and attend classes regularly three to four times a week. Physically this conditions my body as a 54-year-old and mentally I feel my I am progressing with my comprehension of jiu jitsu through regular attendance (this also helps my confidence). The major difference between Kyokushin and BJJ is my performance as a slow and steady climb upwards. I took a lot of beatings early on, but I started to figure a sparring (kumite) style as a brown belt. With BJJ, my experience has been more of ebbs and flow---I make gains and then I have a rough stretch where I am getting tapped consistently. Rolling with young guys can temporarily bruise my ego, but I put it in perspective of the age and size differences of my training partners. I also remember what my coach said to me early on: "Jiu Jitsu keeps you humble."
Concussion from rolling from a fluke knee made me want to quit. I came back two months later gun shy, but after a round of no gi I remembered how much I love grappling and still rolling.
I train because I enjoy the pshyical problem solving vs a resisting opponent and learning how to use my body in the most effective and efficient ways to achieve victory. I also find the way two human bodies interact fascinating in a jiu jitsu context
Don't quit, try a new gym or new training partners or a different class. There's so many styles and people to learn from. You'll never be bored if you're always seeking new knowledge. If you get hurt then figure out why that happened and learn from it. Could you have done something else to prevent the injury, if not then find new training partners who will avoid hurting you. I'm doing the second one right now.
I’ve been at this point lately. But between this video and the one on killing the white belt mindset, I’ve felt a renewed resolve. I train because of the physical requirement. I’ve always struggled with my weight and BJJ has helped me with that. Another reason is because it’s taught me that struggling isn’t the end. That lesson as well as others have carried over to the rest of my life.
We all know being a white belt is not an easy task! Everyone starts from the bottom and most forget that. My main issue is why when most students are promoted to a higher belt they forget where they came from, you approach a higher belt to roll with you so they can teach you and learn from them. They turn down the request. Most gyms talk about oh we are family we all work together when it comes down to it is all bs. All color belts should embrace beginners they need it. Stop being selfish and put your ego aside extend your knowledge don't wait for someone to come and ask. It is frustrating to see this crap going on now at days in most gyms.
At age 46 I finally had to quit after 8 years of training. I love my school but life work and injuries slowly chipped away at my burning desire to train. Sucks, if you are still training stay as long as u can
With any sport I’ve done and loved the only thing that stops me are injuries. I’m hoping I can stay away from injuries. Not small calves strains or rib pain but injuries like progressive back pain stuff that takes multiple months to recover from. Specially being over 40. Ty for the inspiration
Enjoy your content, timely video. 47 yr old white belt, training over a year. Not wired to quit, but I'm tired of being completely dominated, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I guess I just have to get in a different head space as you said
I was studying BJJ and FMA, I could not do both with my family, nobody in my BJJ class was older than forty, but my FMA instructor was over sixty and doing full contact stick fighting and beating much younger men, so I continued in FMA.
Thank you for sharing! You made many interesting points as always. I never thought about quitting until I started at a new school and the instructor was super abusive. I was 48 at the time and thought maybe my time was over. I was so discouraged with how easily I was being manhandled. His rational was, he is not going to go easy or let me work at all. Because that is what I would encounter in the streets. Chances are i'm not going to face a black belt competitor in the street. lol. As the months went on the abuse worsened to the point where he wouldn't let go when I tapped. I finally asked him very nicely if he could please let go when I tap. At that point he exploded on me and threw me out of the school. I am at a new school now and feel much better about my jiu-jitsu and training. So yes I almost gave up but it was due to an extenuating circumstance but that will never happen again.
@@TheArtofSkill he is a high level black belt who only has 30 students and many quit and tell the same story. Because one thing he had me questioning was my heart. Something I never doubted before.
Brown belt here under Melqui Galvão. Just my ass whooped today by a bunch of black belts and a full time competitor almost put me to sleep due to my pride 😂. . They train 6 - 8 hours a day if you consider their workout and technique study. There is no way to compare a junior blue with 10 years of bjj that only do that all day long. 😅 . Jiu-Jitsu is like coffee. Bitter but you can’t live without it.
I had to quit at brown belt. Its been 8 months since I quit. I have really bad flat feet. And jujitsu has torn up my feet even worst. Snapped a tendon in my foot in 2020 just from walking because of the deformaties bjj has caused on my feet.. Since then I have never been the say. Tried to come back several times but only made my feet and other body parts worst. Have to have double feet flat feet reconstruction surgery next month because my feet are so deformed now from 15 years of grappling including wrestling. Both my hips have torn labrum's and my neck has a pinched nerve (which I plan on getting all this fix). I'm a heavy weight. Always been a bulky dude even when I was a light weight. So needless to say BJJ has took a toll on my 43 year old body. Maybe one day I'll return to the mats. But at this rate being able to walk is more important.
I love to train jiu jitsu, but I quit, becouse I currently dont have a stable job. Would like to continue training in the future as it is an amazing, fun, keeps you healthy, sociable and it is difficult to master. The goal seems to be: to prove to yourself and to others that you can defend yourself. I find this all, very cool.
I’m not thinking of quitting. But I do have a request though… as a 60 yo blue belt, my weakness is the open guard as it uses so much energy. However, an unpassable guard is needed to advance. I know there is a good chance that I will never reach purple belt, but I do want to keep improving. I haven’t seen any posts regarding addressing the open guard as an older, slower grappler and what theory or techniques that might help me.
Open guard can certainly be a challenge. One strategy that works well is to give your opponents the impression you are conceding the pass, but you're deliberately funneling them into a position (let's say half guard) that you are more effective at. You might work with your coach to arrive at one or two such strategies.
I lost my eyesight 7 years ago. I have limited vision in one eye and none in the other, jiujitsu allowed me to have something to do as there was less and less that I was capable of doing. I also keep at it for social interaction since I no longer work and don't get out much otherwise. Jiujitsu became therapy for me. It keeps purpose for me in life as my kids are now grown and I can share my knowledge with my grandsons
86% disabled here. BJJ is also my therapy.
This is inspiring, thank you for sharing your story. I hope your grandsons are rolling with you.
I remember getting my blue belt and thinking it meant I should be tapping any and all white belts. Then one day I got absolutely smashed by a white belt and I wanted to quit because I felt like a failure and I couldn't "represent my belt".
I'm now a four stripe purple belt and the other week I got tapped by a white belt and I felt proud and happy for him!
For me, it's all about having fun. I look forward to every training session, and even the days I don't do so well in the mats, I still walk away with a smile on my face because I just love this martial art!
Great attitude!
I’m a blue belt and I feel the same way. It’s hard to see progress
But isn't the important question this: How much effort did the white belt had to put out tapping YOU out? I mean, isn't that the whole idea of training, to become more efficient in all the movements? Not to win all the time, but the struggle less to achieve the same amount of advancement necessary to keep rolling as long as it takes? I haven't trained that much yet but so far my main goal in training is always to keep on rolling, but every time with less energy that is acquired to keep up the same level of efficiency, which in my case certainly doesn't meen tapping out everyone below my level of experience, but to enjoy the fact that I can defend his or hers aggression on lower heart rate level compared to his or hers and better understanding of the position and movements. It doesn't matter if this opponent taps me out but if that took much more energy to accomplish compared to my defence, I know I'm developing and I could beat this person if the match lasted 10, 20 or 30 minutes. Eventually this opponent WILL wear out and then it's relatively easy for me start my aggression. I believe that's the whole point of this art. How to conserve energy, protect yourself and eventually enjoy the result that was due to your long hours of training.
As an older guy starting jiu jitsu it's just a fun work out for me. I still get aggravated some nights rolling against younger guys but at the end of the day i'm there to get healthier not to be the best 44 year old on the mats.
I train at 43 to build and maintain grit. The highs and lows, the wins and losses-it all builds character and mental toughness.
3 seconds into this video: Yes, I think about quitting every day. I'm 54, blue belt, 4 stripe since 2020, out for a year plus with a labrum tear and detached bicep.
I also think about how amazing the BJJ community is. How BJJ brings balance to my life and allows me to center for 2 hours a class. And of course....I think about how to refine my game and get better...in fact, as I write this, I'm in my gi bottoms, spats, top and sweat jacket....getting ready to head to class to fend off the hungry white belts and work to get colored belts in bad positions.
Yes.....I think about quitting....everyday.
But BJJ doesn't imprint well on quitters, so......I'll see you in class.
Very inspirational!! So why do you think about quitting every day?
Thank you for this. I'm a 44yo lady blue belt who just got back from class. I agree with all your reasons; I need the social outlet, I love the constant game of trying to figure out new moves and get better at old ones, and I appreciate the physical fitness aspect. I got a concussion/mTBI last year and couldn't work for a few months, and there's no doubt BJJ kept me sane and helped in my recovery because I had something to do other than stay at home alone, plus all the movement helped with my cognitive issues too. The TBI still messes with me, and I often have to sit out from rolling for a bit, but I keep going anyway. My coaches are awesome, and my gym is a safe place to run to when I need to de-stress or get out of my head. I just gotta be careful of those spazzy white belts, or the ones that just squish me because they don't know what else to do yet. And I don't mind getting tapped; plenty of white belts can still get me. So can the younger teenagers.
I started BJJ a week ago at age 73. I expect to give it at least a year to see how things go. At 22 I held a brown belt in judo and a red belt in TKD, I boxed, wrestled and was in top shape but could not afford to continue when I got out of the Air Force. I have a lumbar back injury I've been rehabbing for over a year and still not 100 percent. I realize I'm not 22 anymore but I can say I enjoy the classes, I've gone to class every day. I like physical competition and this is motivation to lose the 20+ pounds I gained with my back injury. I see it not as just a martial art or sport but as a healthy thing to do.
Good for you! Wanting to do it again at 64 but so out of shape. The first three months are the worst at any age I'm sure. Need to get into bad shape first as remote programming in a recliner has decimated my fitness.
@@vjimmers1have you started yet ?
@@vjimmers1don't get in better shape first before getting back into jiu jitsu, get in better shape DOING jiu jitsu, no one will judge you for bettering yourself.
I am 44 years old and promoted to blue belt couple months ago. Since then I have been to that emotional roller coaster you talk about, often going back home after training feeling very down as I really have the feeling I suck. Many times I thought "why I am still doing this?" and I remembered that BJJ helped me to establish a better routine, feeling healthier and younger, and even gifting me some of the best moments of my recent life when I managed to win a couple tournaments at white belt.
All went south very fast when I got the blue belt, I think I got a bad case of what they call "blue belt blues". I got in a mindset with completely wrong expectations and a bit of anxiety about rolling with the white belts. I don't know why, but I started to get tapped way more, and I had the feeling that it should not happen, like the blue belt is a magical weapon that instantly allows you to beat all the white. Well, it's not that. As a result (I know it's wrong), I started to go to class less, and even thinking to quit, although I still managed to show up 2 or 3 times per week. But what you say is really true, it is the wrong expectations that kill. So, in response, I am trying to kill my ego instead. Last night I was tapped 3 times in 5 minutes by a white belt who is younger, faster and overall better than me, a guy I really admire. I accepted it as best as I could, probably better than few weeks ago. My plan for the next week is showing up every day and see if I manage to have small improvements through the days.
Thanks for your videos and the insights you provide. You are 100% on the spot and even when I am training I try to remember what you say, to have a better journey with my BJJ.
At least you won in public.
One of the most inspiring guys I’ve encountered in Jiu Jitsu was a brown belt who really exhibited joy when he rolled. I think the talk of expectations is relevant here, he didn’t really seem to have any, just living for the moment, in the moment.
I'm so glad you made this video coach. I fully agree 100% I'm an older blue belt practitioner who has a lot of medical issues and joint problems and I get sidelined a lot because of it. People ask me why I keep going and I always say, "because it's FUN!". I'm the guy who might start laughing during a roll because I screwed something up or might even have a small conversation with you. I believe that it is the secret to longevity. Once you start taking your focus away from that and start looking at taps and wins/losses, your mind will inevitably take you down the road of quitting. None of us can go on forever and our mindset is what keeps us in for as long as possible.
You have the right attitude, brother!
I've had the worst imposter's syndrome since getting my brown belt last year. I can't say I've seriously thought about quitting, but I do ask myself what the hell I'm doing ... a lot. At 56 I feel like I'm on the low end of mediocre for a brown belt and worry about the approach of black. There are many ups and downs. I roll with a tough crew on Fridays and usually get my ass handed to me for at least an hour straight - by guys (and girls) 20 and 30 years younger than me. I usually have some epiphany moment during these sessions too opening up some key bit of knowledge that I can work on and get better. There's a lot more to Jiu Jitsu (for me) than just tapping people. My very best friends and brothers train Jiu Jitsu. I am so much more balanced emotionally and spiritually - not to mention how much better shape I am in than other 56 year olds. My life is just better with Jiu Jitsu in it than without it. Thanks for the video!
I thank you for this video. I have been back-and-forth thinking about quitting for months. I’ve only been doing jujitsu for about 15 months and I have been in and out of it because of injuries/illnesses for over half of it. I am 56, still with weight problems, asthma, back problems and these last few months, I have had a herniated disc and a bulging disc in my neck… among other medical issues that sprung up… keeping me off the mat. I have a hard time remembering everything and I have to keep watching them over and over to demonstrate a move. I feel like I’m one of the worst in class…. I don’t have the strength or stamina or endurance or recover as fast as everyone else. But there is some thing about this sport. I have wanted to wrestle since I was a little kid, but I’ve had health issues that prevented me from doing that. This seems to scratch that itch. I get to be a little bit competitive. When I step on the mat, everything else goes away (work issues, Home issues, my age and abilities). I really miss class and my classmates. I’m an introvert, so I’ve never really had much in the way of friends … and they have been some of the best people I’ve ever met. This is been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I hope I can get back to it. I’ve always wanted a life where I had a bunch of friends I could fight and wrestle with and still be friends with and I’m hoping I can still do that. I just pray I can recover quick enough so I can catch up. I just want to be able to hold my own on the mat, be able to protect myself , get healthier and have fun with my friends. Thank you again for your words…. I needed to hear them.
Very relatable!
I’m a 39 year old, 8 year purple belt, and I’ve thought about quitting more times than I can tell you. When I start thinking this way, I often have to remind myself why I train. I’ve never found another activity that helps me more with my mental health and that is what keeps me going.
Almost 4 years in as a 4 stripe white belt this was a good video thanks professor Rick always enjoy your content 🙏
I'm 35, but due to a chronic illness, I've always had to humble myself, and train consciously even at 25! So now that I'm back into BJJ, this channel has been a great balance to all the competition content and max testosterone (that I still very much so enjoy). Thank you for the content. Ouuus!
Absolutely. Since I returned to training after a ~5 month injury which included surgery, I've felt like I've been in a funk. But man, this helps Rick, it really does. There's so much I get from jiu-jitsu that I don't want to give up. Thanks for the reminder!
I needed to hear this today more than any other day. Ive had ups and downs over my 10 month journey so far. I started training as a way to help with my mental state, but i find it hard sometimes to clear my mind when I'm on the mats. I do love the camaraderie and the friendships I've fostered thus far. I'm an older guy (49) and recovery has been difficult to say the least, injuries seem to pile on which strains my mental and physical state, but I keep showing up for some reason even though deep down I want to throw the towel in.
A lot of gyms have an unhealthy way of training in terms of sparring. You can't go hard for five rolls a night, five days a week. Not even the young smart pros do that.
Find a way to slow it down. Asking your partner to slow down, probably will not work. Skipping rounds might not be permissible at your gym but if it is, DO IT!
You might want to consider only doing one roll and going home or missing sparring all together on some days and just drill.
Be smart, be humble, keep yourself in the game.
I swear i love these type of videos!!!!!!! 😍 thank you so muchh
Hi folks. Background: I'm a 66 + 6 month year old blue belt. Been training for 2 years and 3 months. I train BJJ for a number of reasons. It's fun. It's a challenge. It's forced me to consider and work on my mobility. It provides me with a purpose when doing my other workouts. I laugh a lot at myself and with others when I train BJJ. I've met a number of great people. I've been injured-fractured rib, and couldn't wait to get back on the mat. As someone who's older, I'm sure it will help me if I find myself in a self defense situation. I miss it when I don't do it. BJJ is the BEST physical endeavor I've ever done.
61 and just started. 07
If only for the blood flow to the brain to ward off dementia.
I am a 4 yr white belt. For all but 15 months, I trained 3-6 days a week. I was out a yr after a car accident that caused nerve dmg in my arm. I trained through the pain for so long. I got decent. I can control people bigger than me on top and escape vs people worse than me. Competed at 4 events.
I am thinking of calling it a day. I see people get their blue belts in 1-2 years and here I am. Jiujitsu is just all negative emotions for me. Maybe 1 day a week I have fun. Noone thinks I am good enough for a blue belt.
I get the happiness is in the journey not the achievement. But, I am not happy anymore. It feels like a chore. I don't caee about compliments or platitudes. I just wanted the acknowledgement of my effort. It never came.
I think I am done.
Just read your comment. Hope you’re still at it. Cheers from Texas, bro.
50 year old 3 stripe white belt. I have and still do think about quitting. It’s tough being the oldest guy in the room. GOOD! I’ve got a lot of mental baggage and I’m aware of this which helps me process the battle and not just give in. I have no aspirations to be great at BJJ. Honestly I just want to accomplish my Blue and be solid on fundamentals. I want to be better than the me of yesterday. I want to manufacture hardships so I continue to build grit. I want to inspire others. I want to be a protector of my family my community and myself. I’ve been a martial artist for 41 years in a Chinese art. I want to bridge that gap so other TMA see the gaps in their respective styles and at least train BJJ from a self defense perspective such as Gracie Combatives. I would love to one day be a catalyst and help LEOs get training. I’m not dead yet so I keep going!
It's definitely a harder journey when you're older, but it sounds like you are training for the right reasons. At the end of the day your only competition is the old you.
Is it possible to make a video on your thoughts and experiences about Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu?
1) The pros and cons to both styles.
2) Would it be easier for a No Gi person to transition into the Gi and vice versa.
3) Should a person focus on one, do both equally, or supplement one style while focusing on the other.
4)What are you thoughts for what a beginner should focus on when it comes to Gi vs No Gi.
5) Are both styles equal when it comes to defending one’s self in a self defense altercation.
6) Why is there such a division amongst practitioners when they side with one over the other.
I have noticed that academies who focus on Gi tend to be more welcoming and humble with tradition vs academies that focus on No Gi who tend to have more egotistic practitioners and not as welcoming (again my own personal experience).
I think would be amazing to listen to your thoughts on this subject and might possibly help people to have a better understanding between Gi and No Gi and which one would be better for them.
Thank you in advance for any comment on this subject or video put out in the future about this topic! Love your videos and channel!!
Great topic. I"m 58 and have been doing BJJ and MMA for a bit over a year. I just recently started training again after recuperating from a rolling session injury. There are various things that motivate me and various things that make me question whether to keep coming to class. The injury factor does pop up in my mind every time before class. I actually get more injuries from rolling than from my Muay Thai sparring sessions. It makes me apprehensive and I question whether it's all worth the next injury. So far, what overcomes that is the little bit of ego boost knowing I can handle myself in a situation, but that is tamed by the understanding that I am not at the top of the food chain. I love how I'm in amazing shape, especially for my age. I'm sure this adds to my longevity. But above all, I like how it solidifies my self-confidence about who I am and what I am capable of. And this attitude can be applied to all aspects of my life from my career to my relationships.That my friend is gold.
Changing my mindset from wanting to WIN, to wanting to LEARN completely changed my experience. If I catch a submission or pull off a sweep, escape a bad position or just defend for (x) amount of time against a higher belt…that’s great,,,,If I get caught in a sub, or get swept, or lose a position… that’s also great because I get instant feedback and learn.
I also completely let go of thinking about belt promotions. I don’t care if I ever get my next belt.
I still learn way more than I win. But it’s all good, I’m on the mats for other, more important reason (IMHO).
Great outlook, sir! I am over 5 years in and hope to mature nicely
'jiujitsu is dynamic meditation'-- that's it! 💎💎💎🙏🙏🙏
Great video! Thank you. I am 58, training for 18 months. When it comes to sticking with it, I keep focusing on 3 things: 1 Show up 2 Engage with Heart, and 3 Apply Skill. I deeply value the ways the practice is changing me over time.
I feel so like quitting - sometimes I cant catch the course I want to attend since workhours. Sometimes I do enjoy other sport, sometimes I just dont feel it, right now I have a minor injury that limits my training.
Then I watch a video like this and I start to cry, since deep inside I know, that this sport gave me so much and I dont want to abandon it. This is such a struggle right now for me and it drains me.
I think about quitting every week. I figure it is just better to be doing something, than nothing, to exercise.
This is great advice for all martial arts, not just BJJ. Unfortunately for me, I had to quit BJJ for circumstances that were completely out of my control. I miss it and I hope one day that I can get back into it.
23 and 1 stripe white belt here.
I train jiujitsu not only because of self defense but also because it teaches people to not give up no matter how many times you fail. I keep getting tapped out over, and over, and over again but I still keep trying. This is the attitude Ive taken to everything in life.
I never comment on anything. Such a great meaty answer to the question. Keep up the great work.
Hey Rick I wanted to say thank you. The day this video was posted I was getting ready for promotions and I got smashed so bad it almost made me quit because I felt so bad about how I performed that I felt like I wasn't worthy of even going to promotions. Well here I am a couple days later and I got my 2 stripes last night. I put in the work and did my best and performed everything I had to without thinking. I was just psyching my self out but you're video made me take a breath adjust my expectations and go back the next day to drill what I needed. Thank you a ton I look forward to more videos.
Glad it helped!
What belt are you?
Thanks for these videos.
I train with two groups here in Florida. The BTT team under Edgard Dutra in Melbourne and also with my friend and instructor Jason Adams in Crawfordville. (Small town south of Tallahassee.)
It’s really fun to see the differences in style in the two regions.
The Crawfordville team is very strength based. (And a little rougher on the mats.) then at the Melbourne school but I love having the opportunity to train with multiple regions for the experience, I’m a white belt at month 8 right now, and I turn 40 in a month.
I’m inspired that my goal is to achieve black belt by the time I am 50.
As a musician the analogy of that learning curve you described is spot on. I learned the guitar by “goofing around until it sounded good”, how much better of a musician would I be today if I had taken serious lessons from an early age?
This mindset transfers to BJJ seamlessly, I’ll never be the best in the game, I just want to get my game to the best it can be.
Thank you for these videos, they’re fantastic.
Thanks I needed this. 50 year old 3 stripe white belt. I was destroyed last night in rolling session. Basically got beat up by a 16 year old, and everyone else. I only got 2 hours a sleep. Really rough morning.
I’m a 56yo, two-stripe blue belt and I wish I was 50. Lol. Keep at it, bro. Don’t quit.
I’m 29, and the same thing has happened to me multiple times as a white, and currently a blue belt no stripe, but I haven’t been training the past 5 months due to a work injury. You’re problaby doing much better than you think, but of course most people won’t ever tell you that. You have good days, and some days aren’t as good that’s just how life is, Jiu Jitsu isn’t about winning as much as it is knowing you can survive, and protect yourself first, and foremost.
@@govtom4I have no plans to quitting. But I do struggle with performing poorly. I have always been gifted with my fitness level & still believe I could out work 90% of anyone any age. But jiu jitsu is hard, and confusing.
What you said. Fun, friendship, fitness - both mental and physical. I can feel down and hurting all over, step on the mat and I'm good. I appreciate you and your videos!!
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing
Great job regarding meditation, mindset and the overall fun factor. Considering those who consider quitting may not be winning matches; "however", there are other things to consider as well, for many it may be their income, or age, or joint pain issues, injuries and not recovering or healing faster as they like, and like you stated and as well know, everyone is different. Perhaps "they are really struggling" and don't feel like they are progressing as well as others in the class. Bottom line, great job overall, I personally hope everyone will stay in BJJ, Martial Arts, physical fitness, never quit and keep going strong.
I quit about two months ago and not regretting anything. It destroyed my body and mind. I was in pain all the time and hated myself. Jiu jitsu isn't for everybody.
I've been training for almost a year and on average about 7 times per week. Although I have 4 stripes on my white belt now, I do not go to belt chase... I go because of that constant want of conquering something I may never conquer facinates me...the constant drive to figure out why I keep failing and the joy of building upon things that work for me have all become an addiction. I love it.
Great video. I’m a 41 year old black belt, been in it since 13, many years of comps in bjj/wrestling/mma. I’m only just starting to feel ok about getting wrecked by competitive purple belts in their 20s. I love it!
Thank you for that video! I have been training far less than I used to, going one day, skipping weeks of training and overall not putting the time in and in the last month or so I have been dealing with a problem in my lower back nerves and that has stopped me completely from training and I questioned if I even wanted to go back. with your video I'm going to reframe my mind when it comes to BJJ so that when I'm healed I can get back more focused than ever, thank you again!
Hi Rick. I'm 53 years old and have been training in Jiu-jitsu for about 3 months. The truth is that I love it and I don't want to quit. My issue is that I have received 2 injuries that have taken a while to fully recover and have given me difficulties in usual life, especially sleeping positions. So I am beginning to think about quitting as I don't think I can continue to receive such injuries at my age.
The most dangerous part of the BJJ journey is when you are a white belt, but with skill your safety will increase. Eventually, you'll develop a sixth sense for keeping yourself out of harms way. Good luck, brother.
@@TheArtofSkill Thanks Rick. Please keep creating the content. You are an inspiration
Look at increasing flexibility if you haven't already. I was in reasonably good shape when I started training at 40, but had some long standing mobility issues in my hips and back which caused me to get injured a few times. BJJ challenges your body in ways which going to the gym or running doesn't and the more flexible you are, the better your body will handle it. I know a lot of people find yoga helps. Good luck, from someone who is thinking about quitting BJJ as I type 😂
I have learned that I need to compete with myself. ❤❤❤Love your channel and I love my FLOW rashguard too.
I train as a long time martial artist because I find it the most practical application of the arts where you can use full resistance and usually not get injured - I just so happen to be out injured 😂
Very heartfelt. I took a week off, still on my first month as my body is readapting to new musles developing. All my other training work has been almost impossible, even turning in bed at night has been challenging. I totally feel the nervous system reboot. Totally at peace after having rolled on the mat. Definitwly not quitting although my ego might come up with that discourse 🤪
Thank you for this sharing!
Karsten 🙏🏼🥰
That cerebral aspect of BJJ ("Chess with the body") is the main thing that keeps me going. It's a never-ending puzzle to solve and is totally fascinating. Love the fact that I can scratch that intellectual itch and get wonderful physical exercise and build a self-defense repertoire at the same time.
I'm 46. Got my blue belt 3 months ago. I nearly talked myself into quitting about 6 times in the first 3 months of starting BJJ. I've done various martial arts for years, instructed in some. And I was getting dominated in class (I'm 6ft, 250lbs). Took me awhile to change my thinking from "I need to tap this person" to "what can I learn today". Since then... it's been good. I sometimes think about quitting, but nothing like that first three months. I've learned to recognize that roller coaster. Sometimes, I'll just take a day off and say "I'll be back on Wednesday" or such. Sometimes I change my rolling style for the night... fully knowing that this "other approach" is horrible for me, but it's more about forcing myself to learn... changing my mindset. Do I think I'll consider quitting in the future? sure. Will I? I don't plan on it. :)
Yes, today. 48 year old purple and a white belt 30 yrs old gave me a fight that struggled with.
what motivates me is the constant learning and challenge. plus I work from home so it's my main social outlet outside my wife and kids. also no amount of money or sheer athleticism is necessarily a determinant in success in this sport
Im almost ten years into bjj.. still only a one stripe purple belt. Thought about quitting i dont even know how many times.. have switched academies four times now. What i have come to realize is that why my progression has been taking so long, is because myself is the biggest enemy. My own self pitty and distrust in the process has caused my progression to be extraordinary slow. Also as you said in the video, jiu jitsu is a performance based art. I have the mental diagnosis of ADD, wich severly inhibits my performance a lot of times.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate , our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frighten us"
Good thoughts! I’m 38 and an asthmatic so I get the whole limitation factor in getting better. I’m just trying to enjoy the process of learning.
@@unitewithch awesome man! I know a lot of asthmatic people that are total killers on the mat. Usually they get really good at the pressure game. Happy training and regards from this Swedish 25yo purple belt 😁
I’ve been training 8 years on and off. I got my blue belt a year ago. Sometimes I think I am just not very good and this isn’t the sport for me so maybe I should give up
I needed to hear this. Thank you. Bjj brown belt.
This...really hit home man.
I sure liked this video, yes great , physically and mentally , you will find the real you, survive, pushes you to become the best representation of yourself.
I have 3 kids that wrestle and I want to lead by example I’m too old to wrestle but not to old to train bjj I’ve been training for almost 2 years and have learned so much … I’ve thought about quitting but always seem to go back to we have an awesome team and I just seem to love it
I've hurt my ribs twice.. It's brutal
Rib injuries are the worse.
I've hurt my rib just yesterday
I have a permanent bump where my rib came out lol the grind is real
Same, broke my lower rib in two places and didn’t take enough time off and re-injured it in my first year into jiu jitsu. Broken ribs will make you want to quit life lol
@@paulmoore3319same!
I WILL NOT QUIT! The only issue I have at 55 and a purple belt is the sheer frustration at not completely dominating even the younger blue belts on the mat. Some days I feel like I can't string my techniques together and some days I feel like I'm unstoppable. But after two poor displays in competition class I feel like I have to re-think the amount of time I'm spending rolling. vs drilling. I'm into jits not just for the workout ( I'm far more fit than even the average 30 something) but it's more about overcoming the stubbornness to learning more new things on a physical level. It's the "old dog ,new tricks" mindset.
I continue to train for the "brotherhood" the mental clarity and resilience. It has been very helpful for my anxiety as well. Also because I also feel like if I miss a class my training partners are getting better and I'll have to catch up. I'm glad you're doing better.
I genuinely never thought about it.
i quit and shut down my gym just before covid. best thing i ever did. big waste of mental energy that can be focused on better things in life
agree 100% . bjj is a sport full of psychopats and groomers .
Why? How long have you Trained for?
@@michaelsmelt5218 10 years
What happened?
Some great advice there Rick. I especially like the point about keeping your expectations under control and only set expectations for yourself that you can control. That's a keeper!
Thank you very much for this.
Yes, I'm 44 this year and started in January.
I do it for my daughter who is 9 and joined last year. It's a great bond we have built and its a nice journey learning and growing together. It's not every day we get an opportunity like this. The community is fabulous here in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) which makes it easier to keep going.
Thanks for sharing some insightful thoughts, this video helped.
I quit BJJ as a purple, after two back to back injuries sidelined me for two years. What got me back into it was taking my 9 year old daughter to BJJ and sitting on the sidelines watching. The coach would yell to me across the room asking when I was coming back.
@@TheArtofSkill That is awesome, it's pretty neat how a lot of our stories are similar.
God bless you Rick. I love your channel and have already recommended you to two of my fellow jiu jitsu warriors from the academy. I was on this roller coaster when I did Karate and I pretty much understood how to get out of it as well. Jiu jitsu for me is different though. It's the ultimate humbling martial art. It will show you how much you suck and I've just embraced the sucking part. Karate saved me from myself and I've found jiu-jitsu to further enhance the wellness I cultivated through my practice of Karate. Jiu jitsu has not only calmed my inner self but it's also given me another perspective in my own practice as a human being. I understand I don't need to know everything and it's ok. Once I started embracing it doesn't really matter if I get my guard passed or not, something shifted in my mind and I really want for that feeling of "flowing" to persist through all my jiu jitsu belts.
I practice jiu jitsu because it has the same effect on me as it does on you. It's like a reboot. It's given me so many tools to deal with life better, at home, at work, family. And even though Aikido and Karate were my first loves, there is simply nothing that can ever compare to Jiu Jitsu, and only a few people really understand.
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words, and your perspective.
I train because I love it. Just got told I'm getting my blue belt 2 years in and I can't tell you how much more I enjoy BJJ now that I have a base to build on. It's just my favorite place to be.
Great video man. Really nice philosophy
My coach made me feel like quitting, so I quit him. It was very hard to leave by mat brothers, but I'm much happier now
As always Professor Rick, you rock, and your content is so on point and timely. I’m going to flow with the go and grab some swag. I’m going to support your channel so you can continue to bring the goods and support us old BJJ folks. Lol.
I’m a struggling 48 year old purple belt. Made it past the blue belt blues. Actually I never felt the blues because I love the art so much. But as an older purple belt I have younger opponents (blue and purple) that smoke my ass, a lot, and it’s demoralizing. I sometimes feel like I’m not worthy of my rank. I have the knowledge, but I can’t get my body to do what I want it to do (timing). Sometimes it seems like my body says fu, you can’t do that anymore.
The frustration, fatigue and recovery issues are real. Especially as we age. I’ll never quit, but sometimes I feel like I’m just stuck where I am. 15 years in as an old practitioner, but still enjoying the journey.
Peaks and valleys. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I can relate to everything you said. Good luck to you, brother! And thank you for your support.
I haven't been on the mats in about 2 years now. I'm older and smaller. The injuries just kept adding up. At some point it just got frustrating to always start to make progress, then get yet another set back via injury. I just couldn't do it. God bless all of you older athletes able to stay healthy. I was always "that guy" - the injured guy. It pissed me off. But it is, what it is.
We all get impostor syndrome sometimes. I'm not immune to it.
Great video ! I needed to hear this . Thank you 🙏
motivation is Health. Ive been training for 2 months. Im 47 and its BRUTAL but I've gained cardio strength and also lost almost 10 pounds so far. I'm starting to see small improvements in my sparring. I have had a couple of moments of wanting to quit mainly due to pain but I keep going!
I'm Quitting. The drama isn't worth it and every coach nowadays is either a Nogi Leg locker trainer or a old Brazilian type that just but scooter that focuses on guard returning instead of sweeping and playing Top.
None of you can agree upon a ruleset because everyone wants to garner it so their athletes can do better so all you get is infighting among people finding preferences and being mad at people that do others.
I'm Quitting because everyone focuses on the sporting side and not the self defence aspect in understanding standing game and that you should be studying guard from an aspect of "I fucked up and I need to get up to top". The mindset that people get when dealing with standup is really sad in modern BJJ and how much its ignored.
I'm Quitting because the coaches push you to compete before your ready or don't even help you with a gameplan unless you are the star athlete black belt in the gym.
I'm Quitting because the coaches sandbag lower belts to get in more medals for their club and only grade people if they pay for seminars or for the grading. Which alot of people pay for it and then don't even get graded then manipulate other athletes into the same avenue of only giving them promotions if they compete and win even when they can beat the breaks off everyone in the gym.
Thank you for this video. I needed it. I train to be around like minded people, i love being in fellowship with martial artists who desire to be better. I train to also get a mental reset, i consider it as my meditation albeit the body is in contienous motion. I train to stay hard so i can handle anything that comes my way and finally i train so i can have the skills to protect the people i love. Thank you again. Oss.
Thank you for the advice. Just feeling overwhelmed about the fact that a lower belt could submit me when should not but, shit happens and after listen to this vid, I told to myself, damn I'm not having fun anymore is like competition time every day when it should not. So I'm back to square one: let's have fun.
I didn't realise you were back, I've go a bunch of vids to catch up on now👌
Thanks for your transparency right at minute 11. Your content is great. I relate to it on a personal level and view you not only as a bjj teacher but as a life teacher/counselor as well. Thanks you for your continuing positive contribution.
Thanks. I needed to hear this.
"The key to happiness is keeping our expectations under control." "What can we do to manage expectations? It's okay to have expectations, but you should only have expecations about things you can control. You can control your attitude."
That is honestly a big thing most people need to hear. Including me.
I ride that roller coaster since the begininng. I do tend to laugh a lot during rolls. Not at my or my partners performance, but because BJJ makes me happy. I always have fun regardless how I feel.
I love the brotherhood, the knowledge, the humbling atmosphere. Getting in shape and learning how to defend yourself is just a bonus.
My coach gave great advice the other day about being on the mats.
"We all come from different backgrounds. Different levels of stress. Different jobs and availability. Leave all that at the door. You take the time and spend the money to be here. Take that time for you and focus what's in front of you. Eveyrthing else in your life can wait for you when you leave."
Why I train is a lot like brushing my teeth. I dont have to. No one tells me to do it. I do it because in the long run, it will keep me healthy and save me lots of pain and money. Well, not much the last part. I hope you know what I mean. OSS and great video.
I keep training because I love it! Not just the training but the lifestyle. It's everything that I am! Oss 🤙🏿
It took me years of the mat to actually mentally get ready for bjj. I came back still as a white belt. Can beat newcomers (who are usually heavier cause i'm skinny) rather easy. But I learned that it is not about CATCHING people and boosting your ego. Even if I know I can win I try to make it beneficial for both of us. I don't rush it, work from the guard. No matter the belt, I am not go out to win or 'survive'. I'd rather lose to a person in 5 different ways (changing positions) than stuck in one and "survive" by freezing the whole thing. Rolling is not about result. It's about learning.
My bad days honestly motivate me to become better it’s the injuries and longevity( I’m only 26) factor I constantly hurt my back doing jiu jitsu that’s why I’m considering quitting
I train because it is fun and there's a super culture at the school I train at. One thing I've learned from training in Kyokushin Karate and now as a three-stripe blue belt is not to worry about performance and belt/stripe ranks. I try to keep my head down and attend classes regularly three to four times a week. Physically this conditions my body as a 54-year-old and mentally I feel my I am progressing with my comprehension of jiu jitsu through regular attendance (this also helps my confidence). The major difference between Kyokushin and BJJ is my performance as a slow and steady climb upwards. I took a lot of beatings early on, but I started to figure a sparring (kumite) style as a brown belt. With BJJ, my experience has been more of ebbs and flow---I make gains and then I have a rough stretch where I am getting tapped consistently. Rolling with young guys can temporarily bruise my ego, but I put it in perspective of the age and size differences of my training partners. I also remember what my coach said to me early on: "Jiu Jitsu keeps you humble."
Concussion from rolling from a fluke knee made me want to quit. I came back two months later gun shy, but after a round of no gi I remembered how much I love grappling and still rolling.
I train because I enjoy the pshyical problem solving vs a resisting opponent and learning how to use my body in the most effective and efficient ways to achieve victory. I also find the way two human bodies interact fascinating in a jiu jitsu context
This is gold. Wisdom.
Very beautiful to listen to you! Oss 🤙🏿
It’s fun. It feels great after training. It helps you deal with stress. It’s good for the mind and the body.
Don't quit, try a new gym or new training partners or a different class. There's so many styles and people to learn from. You'll never be bored if you're always seeking new knowledge. If you get hurt then figure out why that happened and learn from it. Could you have done something else to prevent the injury, if not then find new training partners who will avoid hurting you. I'm doing the second one right now.
I’ve been at this point lately. But between this video and the one on killing the white belt mindset, I’ve felt a renewed resolve. I train because of the physical requirement. I’ve always struggled with my weight and BJJ has helped me with that. Another reason is because it’s taught me that struggling isn’t the end. That lesson as well as others have carried over to the rest of my life.
Glad to hear I was able to help you. Good luck to you on your journey, brother!
We all know being a white belt is not an easy task! Everyone starts from the bottom and most forget that. My main issue is why when most students are promoted to a higher belt they forget where they came from, you approach a higher belt to roll with you so they can teach you and learn from them. They turn down the request. Most gyms talk about oh we are family we all work together when it comes down to it is all bs. All color belts should embrace beginners they need it. Stop being selfish and put your ego aside extend your knowledge don't wait for someone to come and ask. It is frustrating to see this crap going on now at days in most gyms.
At age 46 I finally had to quit after 8 years of training. I love my school but life work and injuries slowly chipped away at my burning desire to train. Sucks, if you are still training stay as long as u can
For me constant injuries, shame as i love it.
With any sport I’ve done and loved the only thing that stops me are injuries.
I’m hoping I can stay away from injuries. Not small calves strains or rib pain but injuries like progressive back pain stuff that takes multiple months to recover from. Specially being over 40.
Ty for the inspiration
Enjoy your content, timely video. 47 yr old white belt, training over a year. Not wired to quit, but I'm tired of being completely dominated, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I guess I just have to get in a different head space as you said
Give it 6 more months, I was in the same space. Something happened at 18 months things got better. Keep the faith
testosterone replacement therapy ... i use it and at 40 years old made me feel like i am 30 again.
I was studying BJJ and FMA, I could not do both with my family, nobody in my BJJ class was older than forty, but my FMA instructor was over sixty and doing full contact stick fighting and beating much younger men, so I continued in FMA.
Thank you for sharing! You made many interesting points as always. I never thought about quitting until I started at a new school and the instructor was super abusive. I was 48 at the time and thought maybe my time was over. I was so discouraged with how easily I was being manhandled. His rational was, he is not going to go easy or let me work at all. Because that is what I would encounter in the streets. Chances are i'm not going to face a black belt competitor in the street. lol. As the months went on the abuse worsened to the point where he wouldn't let go when I tapped. I finally asked him very nicely if he could please let go when I tap. At that point he exploded on me and threw me out of the school. I am at a new school now and feel much better about my jiu-jitsu and training. So yes I almost gave up but it was due to an extenuating circumstance but that will never happen again.
Wow! That guy has no business teaching anyone. I'm glad to hear you found a better environment.
@@TheArtofSkill he is a high level black belt who only has 30 students and many quit and tell the same story. Because one thing he had me questioning was my heart. Something I never doubted before.
Brown belt here under Melqui Galvão. Just my ass whooped today by a bunch of black belts and a full time competitor almost put me to sleep due to my pride 😂.
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They train 6 - 8 hours a day if you consider their workout and technique study. There is no way to compare a junior blue with 10 years of bjj that only do that all day long. 😅
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Jiu-Jitsu is like coffee. Bitter but you can’t live without it.
I had to quit at brown belt. Its been 8 months since I quit. I have really bad flat feet. And jujitsu has torn up my feet even worst. Snapped a tendon in my foot in 2020 just from walking because of the deformaties bjj has caused on my feet.. Since then I have never been the say. Tried to come back several times but only made my feet and other body parts worst. Have to have double feet flat feet reconstruction surgery next month because my feet are so deformed now from 15 years of grappling including wrestling. Both my hips have torn labrum's and my neck has a pinched nerve (which I plan on getting all this fix). I'm a heavy weight. Always been a bulky dude even when I was a light weight. So needless to say BJJ has took a toll on my 43 year old body. Maybe one day I'll return to the mats. But at this rate being able to walk is more important.
I simply love grappling. Quitting would be too easy, anyone can do that.
I love to train jiu jitsu, but I quit, becouse I currently dont have a stable job. Would like to continue training in the future as it is an amazing, fun, keeps you healthy, sociable and it is difficult to master. The goal seems to be: to prove to yourself and to others that you can defend yourself. I find this all, very cool.
Awesome advice ric
I’m not thinking of quitting. But I do have a request though… as a 60 yo blue belt, my weakness is the open guard as it uses so much energy. However, an unpassable guard is needed to advance.
I know there is a good chance that I will never reach purple belt, but I do want to keep improving. I haven’t seen any posts regarding addressing the open guard as an older, slower grappler and what theory or techniques that might help me.
Open guard can certainly be a challenge. One strategy that works well is to give your opponents the impression you are conceding the pass, but you're deliberately funneling them into a position (let's say half guard) that you are more effective at. You might work with your coach to arrive at one or two such strategies.