OK, Ill write what is missing here, and that is HOW to come back after a long period of non-training. Say 7 years, and you are above 35 years old now. You have sedentary job, and did not train anything else in between. You have memories of good old you dominating randori and newaza. Good. Now: 1. First two months: DO NOT GET INJURED. This sounds like easy peasy lemon squeeze but it is far from it. Old habits will get you hurt. At this point, you dont know yourself. You might be carrying that brown belt, but you dont really know what you can and cannot do. So you say: I will absolutely listen to my body and submit my ego to it. This means that you will not do any explosive stuff just because that orange belt is dominating you. You will not go try to resist too much during newaza. You are there to break that initial friction with least injures possible. I went there after 6 years and torn my knee ligaments, first training, because I worked according to the old programming, costed me full year. Meaning: You go there, and your only goal is, again, not to get injured. Feel a bit of pain in shoulder - sit down. Sudden spike in knee - sit down. Heart is racing too fast - sit down. You will loose, you will tap. BUT it gets better... 2. Second two months: SURVIVE AND MOBILIZE. By now you have understood that you are mobile as that hand cranked ikea desk. It is ok, because you are climbing up the hill. You will feel that you can do a randori or two now without breathing like a fish on land. But dont get too cocky. Avoid heavy guys. Avoid crazy guys. Fight for grips, hard, but fall without too much resistance. More importantly: strech, a lot after training. Young people dont do it. You laugh at them, you laugh because you know the truth now: they will become bricks in time, and you are already streching, You will become better. Hips, lower back, hamstrings, shoulders. At home, do mobility drill. Meaning: deep squats without weight. Squats with hands overhand, say you can also hold a bar of some sort, light one. The more the better (I get really mobile after 100 squats). Steve Maxwell has some good series on JOINT MOBILITY. You need that to get better. And then it comes... 3. 5 month and beyond: LEARN AND START ATTACKING: Yeah, my right sided guard sucks now, because my shoulder is twisted from all that desk work (and playing Diablo 2). But then again - my left sided guard feels fresh like spring strawberries. It is new. I like it, I try it in randori. No force, just timing (think in terms of Tao Te Ching). Morote Seo Nage is out, but what about foot sweeps. Yeah, I am not dominating, but I am attacking, and I just might unbalance the guy to do osoto gari. You get the point. You are not loosing that much anymore because, hey, your grip strength is much better now and you can defend. Still, you are not stupid, and know when go for fake sacrifical throw. Just to buy some time.... Your attacking spirit comes back, you tighten your belt with some anger and feeling proud. You are learning again, and you can fight again. You know your body again, and you take care of yourself. You even try that cold shower, proteins, ask your wife for massage after training (those extra muscles you earned are quite impressive she says...). The dojo has opened up to you again, in its all glory, you live again.
@@Shigashi84 Really glad to help! There are many, many older guys that would like to come back, but they just keep comparing themselves to their younger days and it is what stops them from starting over. A reboot plan is needed, which is not something coaches focus on - they focus on the boys and girls that fight on tournaments. So I tried to come up with that plan.
As someone who started Judo at 35, I can relate to these older men and their passion for the sport. I've been practicing for a year now and recently earned my green belt. It's inspiring to see these veterans still actively competing and enjoying the art of Judo. I plan to continue my journey towards a black belt in Judo before transitioning to jiu-jitsu at 40. Keep up the great work, guys!
As an old judo guy. I will say, crash pad, crash pad, crash pad! Ukemi is great to know. But when you’re old it’s also what cripples the heck out of you! 99 percent of all throws should be on a crash pad! For throws off the crash pad, randori only. Some judo coaches get it, some don’t.
I'm 44, still doing judo 3-4 times a week. It's absolutely essential to do weight training to support judo when you're older. The extra muscle mass protects you from all the bumps and bangs
@usergroupX 3x a week I just do generic bodybuilding sessions. A push session for chest, shoulders and triceps. A pull session for back and biceps. A leg session, squats and deadlifts at 1.5x my own bodyweight. These sessions pack on muscle which I believe protects me when being thrown. I also do 2x fitness sessions per week, I do a rowing machine, Kettlebell, sandbag, box jump circut. That's judo specific and helps strengthen my hips and core to prevent things like hernias. I started doing judo again at 41 after a long lay off because of injury. It took about 3 months to get my strength/fitness back. I'm training and competing against people 25 years younger than myself, so I need to do the extra gym work just to keep up. Hope that's helpful 👍🏼
I'm 62 but, I don't feel like a day over 58. I saw judo for the first time when I was 10 at the Canadian National Expo at Maple Leaf Gardens I wanted to do it as soon as we got home. My parents however, didn't want to drive me 35 miles, one way, to the nearest dojo. It got put on the back burner until I was 26 and able to start doing it in college. That was just over 36 years ago. Now, I find myself coaching a university judo club. The general age spread for participants is from age 18 to 25. There is one guy who is a brown belt and is a professor of exercise science at the university. He suggests exercises for me to do to keep my limbs from falling off my body. I think, in the fall we're going to open up membership in the club to residents of the city where the university is located. I probably should have pushed for that a long time ago. For judo, we're currently the only act in town.
43 and a half. Did judo 1986 to 1992. Just got back into it in Jan 2023. So many things came back to me that I can t explain. I m soar after every practice but it feels great. Like these new kid say : I IDENTIFY as a young guy lol
Here s an nice anecdote: The first thing that brought back a slew of memories was the smell. Early this January I stepped inside the dojo to check it out ( after 30 year) , and the smell of judo gave me chills and goosebumps. A junior class was doing session of uchikomi , and strangely I found myself counting in Japanese with them... Ah human memory works in mysterious ways
@@usergroupX I got the same feeling last year when I went to a dojo with my son. First time for him, first in 20 years for me. The tatami felt like home. I was uplifted. One year later, the high is still there. There is judo tonight too, and I can't wait. ( For context : I am a french random guy, 40 years old, living in Japan. I learnt judo as a young boy in France, and stopped at 16. )
I'm a 50 yr old judoka. I started last year after starting my son in Judo. I had no desire to return after a 30 yr hiatus but my sons sensei had my sensei as a teacher so we became friendly, to the point where one day he said "you want to grab a gi and get on the mat?" So i started again. Probably shouldn't have, but i always had a love for judo. Had to quit bc of numerous knee injuries and surgeries(which now flare up). I love the sport and the art. My uncle, who passed a couple of years ago was 9th Dan and was the one who got me interested in judo when I was young. It's definitely difficult keeping up with the young kids, and being the lightest in the room doesn't help either. Thanks for acknowledging the older rust buckets. 😅
A year short of 60, and constant injuries are the killer. I never go more than a few weeks without something near crippling; back, neck, knees, ankles, shoulders. Judo and worse still, jujitsu, is hard on the body. Turn up to any dojo or gym, and if people can't throw you around in return for being thrown, you quickly find yourself being the guy that nobody wants to partner. Everyone says "Oh just do what you can do" but do you know how soul destroying it is to get a condescending metaphorical pat on the head from people with a fraction of your experience? I've not taken a week off except Christmas, since 2001, but it is definitely getting much harder. I'll also add, taller people suffer more from being thrown - it's simple leverage.
I started judo at the age of 30 and still practising at the of 47. Although I am a 2nd Dan judo black belt, I never competed to this day for safety reasons and incorporated a basic calisthenics routine of pull, push, squat to keep me fit and active to enjoy my judo class with other senior class mates. Go slow and enjoy the process of learning and getting stronger, that's all there is. I enjoy very much your podcasts and your tutorials. They helped me a lot, since I am getting older, and I thank you for that. Greetings from Greece, maximum respect Sensei!
My dad was a judoka and he can still do a lot...and he is 77 years old...he moves great...he told me he hasn't forgotten anything...so. Judo is also great. And I think age is just a number.
Thanks for facilitating this discussion. I started judo 5 years ago at the age of 46. Now a blue belt with two bad knees and a major shoulder repair under my belt, I am struggling with adjusting my practice and, equally as important, my frame of mind so that I can keep going… maybe reach Shodan someday. Hearing this really helps. 🤙
62 year old BJJ blue belt here, been training for almost 4 years. I am seriously considering some private Judo sessions to help with some of the throws and take downs we train, as we do not go over them with as much detail, structure and repetition as the ground training. Don't have the time or $$ bandwidth right now, but keeping my eyes open for the opportunity.
I started at 39. Sometimes I get dizzy, but it happens more often that I get tired. My cardio is not the best, but the group is very respectful and the sensei tells me that it is a matter of getting used to it. My health comes first, so I sit down if I feel bad. I recommend that if you are going to start judo, invest in medical check-ups, yes or yes and take it easy. The first day I injured my shoulder and intercostals. I'm fine right now. It is very demanding in every way. I love judo. I cant catch up the endurance of my group but Im ok with that. First is your health. There was one day when I had a rib pain and I sat there watching. Man I love judo. My goal is to perfect techniques at my level and improve my resistance. Good luck on your journey. Thanks for the video.
The number one thing I ask anyone, old or young, in grappling arts is “are you stretching daily.” The answer is almost universally “no.” Flexibility is the most slept on thing in grappling arts, imho. It’s amazing how much more abuse you can take with a little body pliability and some average ukemi skills. While it’s not going to save a newbie 60 year old, I’ve seen it do wonders for people 30-45 or so. People just… refuse to stretch for some reason. I’m also not saying you need to be Shohei Ono Uchimata flexible either. Just… can you put palms to the floor w/o bending your knees, can you hang out comfortably in a squat, can you lie down and put feet above your head, etc. Stuff that honestly isn’t all that advanced and totally attainable within 6-12 months if you’re consistent.
Yes, please do a series on no turn lefty judo for old guys! As a 41 year old BJJ and judo practitioner and competitor, this is basically my exact standup game: I assume there is a good chance they will get a decent righty grip on me, and that I will then re-grip in an appropriate way and spamming sumi gaeshi, uki waza, and maybe a little yoko wakare for color and fun if I can get the appropriate grip. PS: I’m right handed. Just not when I stand up!
Great video! At my dojo we've got quite a few people in their 40s and 50s. It is a great place to train as many of us are aware of each others injuries of the day. It's always something injury wise, but it's awesome to get motivated to work out and train for something at this point in my life.
I'm 35, done striking in one form or another since high school but never grappling. I hope that'll keep me from being the stiff older guy stereotype, but probably not fully. A good judo school is infinitely harder to find than a BJJ one. Best one I've found so far in my area only does classes 3 nights a week and the rest seem to be focused mainly on their kids programs.
Just 2 unreleated things: Grip isn't important for longevity, is an INDICATOR of longevity (of course, strong people tend to have strong grip and strong people tend to live longer). You don't increase your lifespan by training grip strength. If you are leaving both your feet from the ground, you are running.
As a kid, I started off in the United States Judo Federation - Nanka division At the end of the competitions on Sundays, there was always randori with 90 year old Judaka who were for the most part elderly Japanese gentlemen who moved to the US with their families after the war. My Sensei would grab us the Sushi lunch in the styrofoam trays that the ladies of the Japan Cultural Center would make for us and make us watch them. I would be like SENSEI they aren't doing anything but holding on to each other. And he would be like. "That's the point, hope that you too will be standing up at that age, holding on"
I’ve been a wrestler and wrestling coach for over 40 years. I found my way to judo because there is no way to train in wrestling after college. There simply is no structure for it. Grappling arts are the only exercise I actually enjoy. Judo lets me keep training in a way that keeps it fun and is reasonably close to wrestling.
The only judo school near me that isn't more than an hour drive is for young kids and teenagers, while there a whole bunch of other martial art gyms to choose from. I'd love for a judo gym to cater to people older than 12-16 year olds be near me, but oh well
I’ve always found it interesting how a lot of BJJ schools have little to no children programs. While in Judo clubs, it’s the opposite. There are little to no adult programs.
I think it really depends on your previous level of athleticism. I'm 25 (started at 22) and even though I'm a beginner I don't have an issue doing those athletic techniques that put a requirement on my mobiity etc. Of course if by "judo for old guys" your prerequisite is that when somebody starts judo, you assume they have no prior experience in any sort of athletic endevour, yeah most guys at 25 who have not lived an active lifestyle before then will have an issue performing
65 yo nidan judoka here; been playing since I was 12. Simple rule: play smarter not harder. No longer doing lots of ukemi; that’s a beatin’ these bones don’t need anymore. Saving majority of my falls for kata and randori. Playing ‘crafty vs crashing’ on attacks; more ashi-koshi combos vs big koshi or te waza attacks, and doing more ‘set-ups to counter’ Happy with waza ari tachiwaza for ne waza awase te ippon. It’s not the intensity, but the injuries (and the ‘bounce back latency time) that have become more focal.
Background in Gracie BJJ, Japanese Danzan Ryu JuiJitsu, Yoshinkan Aikido and Kosho Ryu Kempo. Been in the corporate world at a sedentary job for years, but have been drawn to judo now in my 50s. I can attest to its challenges, but the strength training and proper nutrition help. Currently, I am 3 months in and plan to keep on with Kodokan Judo until I reach proficiency. Injuries abound, but I’m staying cautious.
Excellent podcast. My judo game has also been gradually but steadily changing with age. grip fighting for good position, throws mainly when i get side to side angle with partner- uchimata(or uchi- momo😅), sumi gaeshi on both side, hikikomi gaeshi, tomoe nage, yoko gake(as a defence when partner turns in for front throw). Ocasionaly makikomi throws as well and very occasionally drop seio(wearing knee pads always) My game is 100% old mans judo😅
I did Judo from 8-15 years old. Im now 40 and my son has been training for 2 years, he dragged me back in and im competing again 😂 the fire is still there but my recovery rate is in the bin now haha
I think for me my only reluctance of going back to Judo is the fact that they only people there are kids/teens...not knocking their talent or clear experience but having wrestled in college and of course my size/strength it is hard to tell if one is improving vs when training with an adult.....also the fact that the only tournaments seem to be for black belts and they aren't held often
Have you trained any blind or visually impaired judo players? I started Judo five years ago at the age of 48, when I lost my eyesight suddenly.I wanted something that would keep me fit, give me more self-confidence as I felt vulnerable walking around with my white cane and wanted some goals, such as techniques to learn and grading is to go for. I am part of a really good community at the club and everybody is supportive and there are quite a few people in their 40s and 50s, so we always have a roll Kong of injuries before we do Randoori LOL
The open mindedness presented in youtube experiences, by Sensei Seth, brought me to your channel to subscribe, albeit way late. Question, is an adult aged 50-something too old to start Judo? Presently on doctor orders to avoid impact related exercises after undergoing a full hip replacement surgery in March. Rehab, agility exercise, and weight lifting is going reasonable, on a positive. Basic google keyword searches leads to a basic "No", given my age and hip replacement. Maybe it's a no brainer, but would like to hear your professional advice on the topic. Also do you have older adult student aged 40, 50 something? Peace. ~ Eric PS: after fifteen, twenty-odd years of a Northern Shaolin based training I do miss training
Yeah, I’m only 19 years old, but I can already see that in 10 to 20 years that I may have to go back to BJJ; for the sake of my body and my lack of youth in the future.
Depends. I’m 30 and am in way better shape than I was 20 and recover quicker now. Just don’t get too injured and the next 10 years should be alright 👍🏻
Im 45,bjj bb.i train bjj 7days a week. Of coarse i have light days. Our room is full of young national ranked wrestlers. My wrestling is average. My question is there is a judo club near me the instructor is a brown belt. Im really just began to fall in love with learning judo. Me and my son (20) practice foot sweeps every day. Should i go?
For me, it was the recurrent concussions that aged me out of judo to something like bjj, after two, your concussive threshold gets lowered and one gets some post concussive symptoms evne after a light impact that is unavoidable iwith any throw
I can see why you need to be young to do sport judo - that's obvious - but what about older guys who want to do judo for self-defence or those (like me) who are already experienced in other martial arts and want to do judo to expand their repertoire. The problem with judo is that 99% of dojos teach only sport judo and have neither the inclination nor the time to offer specialised classes for self-defence judo. Despite my age (60) and a litany of injuries after practicing martial arts for 40 odd years on and off, I am still super fit and fairly strong and know how to manage my injuries. I have done judo before and absolutely love it but I need to find the right school where I can practice at a less intense pace and not with competition mindset. Or do I just go and do BJJ instead as the likelihood of injury at my age is much less?
almost 53 and doing 3 times a week with a lot younger crowd. Eventually, I will compete with my old fart companions on a world tour/circuit. Yeah, I am sore, but hey, eventually, I will rest. I don't want to be on my death bed and say, dang, I wish I would have done XYZ
Shintaro I'm about to be 56- started Judo 8 years ago but went to BJJ 4 years ago and suck at both but am WORSE at Judo. I truly wish I was taught Judo in a way where Sensei taught "goals"- like: "All I want you to do for the next month is to get a sleeve and lapel grip and then I want you to make Uke take 2 steps forward because of your pull. That's ALL. Nothing else. After that, we'll go to step 2." (Btw PLEASE understand I'm not giving LITERAL, ACTUAL pretend directions-- I just completely made that up as an example of "All I want you to focus on is A; THEN we'll go to B, C & D." Instead it's "Here's how to do Harai Goshi. Now- try it." That's the way I was taught and because I'm retarded with this kind of stuff I NEVER GOT ANY THROW "DOWN." Instead, I have like 6 shitty throws that I can almost never pull off, except on a brand new white belt. Point is I suck, but might suck less if Judo was taught to me in a more compartmentalized manner, giving me easier-to-attain-goals.... Or maybe not lol...
I did judo when I was a teen for a very small while, I was naturally very good because I was strong and athletic. I’m 30 now and since then I’m even more athletic and stronger, I do BJJ but I dislike it because it lacks “athleticism” by that I mean I feel like I can’t use my full potential. Judo seems like it provides me with the opportunity to express my strength and athleticism more. BJJ seems great for guys that want less impact, but it’s just “boring”. Is it worth doing it at 30 provided my situation?
Well well, I'm the 40 years old guy trying to get physical and close to the 18's opponents here, but THEY stiff arm me. Very annoying. Learning is great though, I like everyone at the dojo. Getting thrown is a great way to learn too ( what not to do ! ). I am this guy, trying to get close, slowly, get the collar, block the attacks... because I cannot fire very quick. Well, it is enjoyable for me at least.
The stiff arm should go away once you show them it doesn’t matter, you can still throw them. Well, the “permanent” stiff arm type deal, a quick stiff arm here and there for defense is going to happen. I’d strongly suggest Tomoe or a left O Soto. That is how I deal with stiff arming righties.
@@fennec812 Thank you for the insights. I am a righty, and I am struggling against some lefties : stiff arming me, and quickly turning to thrown uchi mata. What I learned from them is : never give them my left sleeve or I am dead. Well, I'll see what I can do tonight. I have some plans and strategies prepared. Let's go "Old Guy Judo style" !
I started Judo when I was 25 (I'm turning 27 in a couple of months), my instructor also started judo in his mid 20's (26-27). By the standard of Olympic Judo, yeah we're technically old in the sport. The odds of us being remotely capable of competing in the Olympics is the reference. That doesn't mean that you can't learn and if anything, 24 is a great place to start. You're old enough to understand what's required, and old enough to make the most of your training. Yet at this point, you're young enough to take punishment and keep going. So I think this is a worthy endeavor.
I got a feeling that kids these days are, gener, so unathletic and anti-athletic, that to grow your standard gym, we need older people that were used to rough housing and wrestling as kids.
OK, Ill write what is missing here, and that is HOW to come back after a long period of non-training. Say 7 years, and you are above 35 years old now. You have sedentary job, and did not train anything else in between. You have memories of good old you dominating randori and newaza. Good. Now:
1. First two months: DO NOT GET INJURED. This sounds like easy peasy lemon squeeze but it is far from it. Old habits will get you hurt. At this point, you dont know yourself. You might be carrying that brown belt, but you dont really know what you can and cannot do. So you say: I will absolutely listen to my body and submit my ego to it. This means that you will not do any explosive stuff just because that orange belt is dominating you. You will not go try to resist too much during newaza. You are there to break that initial friction with least injures possible. I went there after 6 years and torn my knee ligaments, first training, because I worked according to the old programming, costed me full year. Meaning: You go there, and your only goal is, again, not to get injured. Feel a bit of pain in shoulder - sit down. Sudden spike in knee - sit down. Heart is racing too fast - sit down. You will loose, you will tap. BUT it gets better...
2. Second two months: SURVIVE AND MOBILIZE. By now you have understood that you are mobile as that hand cranked ikea desk. It is ok, because you are climbing up the hill. You will feel that you can do a randori or two now without breathing like a fish on land. But dont get too cocky. Avoid heavy guys. Avoid crazy guys. Fight for grips, hard, but fall without too much resistance. More importantly: strech, a lot after training. Young people dont do it. You laugh at them, you laugh because you know the truth now: they will become bricks in time, and you are already streching, You will become better. Hips, lower back, hamstrings, shoulders. At home, do mobility drill. Meaning: deep squats without weight. Squats with hands overhand, say you can also hold a bar of some sort, light one. The more the better (I get really mobile after 100 squats). Steve Maxwell has some good series on JOINT MOBILITY. You need that to get better. And then it comes...
3. 5 month and beyond: LEARN AND START ATTACKING: Yeah, my right sided guard sucks now, because my shoulder is twisted from all that desk work (and playing Diablo 2). But then again - my left sided guard feels fresh like spring strawberries. It is new. I like it, I try it in randori. No force, just timing (think in terms of Tao Te Ching). Morote Seo Nage is out, but what about foot sweeps. Yeah, I am not dominating, but I am attacking, and I just might unbalance the guy to do osoto gari. You get the point. You are not loosing that much anymore because, hey, your grip strength is much better now and you can defend. Still, you are not stupid, and know when go for fake sacrifical throw. Just to buy some time.... Your attacking spirit comes back, you tighten your belt with some anger and feeling proud. You are learning again, and you can fight again. You know your body again, and you take care of yourself. You even try that cold shower, proteins, ask your wife for massage after training (those extra muscles you earned are quite impressive she says...). The dojo has opened up to you again, in its all glory, you live again.
Thank you for this!!!
@@Shigashi84 Really glad to help! There are many, many older guys that would like to come back, but they just keep comparing themselves to their younger days and it is what stops them from starting over. A reboot plan is needed, which is not something coaches focus on - they focus on the boys and girls that fight on tournaments. So I tried to come up with that plan.
As someone who started Judo at 35, I can relate to these older men and their passion for the sport. I've been practicing for a year now and recently earned my green belt. It's inspiring to see these veterans still actively competing and enjoying the art of Judo. I plan to continue my journey towards a black belt in Judo before transitioning to jiu-jitsu at 40. Keep up the great work, guys!
As an old judo guy. I will say, crash pad, crash pad, crash pad!
Ukemi is great to know. But when you’re old it’s also what cripples the heck out of you!
99 percent of all throws should be on a crash pad! For throws off the crash pad, randori only.
Some judo coaches get it, some don’t.
I'm 44, still doing judo 3-4 times a week. It's absolutely essential to do weight training to support judo when you're older. The extra muscle mass protects you from all the bumps and bangs
Yo man, what do you suggest for weight training exercises and how often (let me when you get a chance. Thanx)
@usergroupX 3x a week I just do generic bodybuilding sessions. A push session for chest, shoulders and triceps. A pull session for back and biceps. A leg session, squats and deadlifts at 1.5x my own bodyweight. These sessions pack on muscle which I believe protects me when being thrown.
I also do 2x fitness sessions per week, I do a rowing machine, Kettlebell, sandbag, box jump circut. That's judo specific and helps strengthen my hips and core to prevent things like hernias.
I started doing judo again at 41 after a long lay off because of injury. It took about 3 months to get my strength/fitness back. I'm training and competing against people 25 years younger than myself, so I need to do the extra gym work just to keep up. Hope that's helpful 👍🏼
I've started using an app called Strong Lift 5x5. I'm having good results with it !
I'm 62 but, I don't feel like a day over 58. I saw judo for the first time when I was 10 at the Canadian National Expo at Maple Leaf Gardens I wanted to do it as soon as we got home. My parents however, didn't want to drive me 35 miles, one way, to the nearest dojo. It got put on the back burner until I was 26 and able to start doing it in college. That was just over 36 years ago. Now, I find myself coaching a university judo club. The general age spread for participants is from age 18 to 25. There is one guy who is a brown belt and is a professor of exercise science at the university. He suggests exercises for me to do to keep my limbs from falling off my body. I think, in the fall we're going to open up membership in the club to residents of the city where the university is located. I probably should have pushed for that a long time ago. For judo, we're currently the only act in town.
43 and a half. Did judo 1986 to 1992. Just got back into it in Jan 2023. So many things came back to me that I can t explain. I m soar after every practice but it feels great. Like these new kid say : I IDENTIFY as a young guy lol
Same here. Going back to the mats feels great !
Here s an nice anecdote: The first thing that brought back a slew of memories was the smell. Early this January I stepped inside the dojo to check it out ( after 30 year) , and the smell of judo gave me chills and goosebumps. A junior class was doing session of uchikomi , and strangely I found myself counting in Japanese with them... Ah human memory works in mysterious ways
@@usergroupX I got the same feeling last year when I went to a dojo with my son. First time for him, first in 20 years for me. The tatami felt like home. I was uplifted. One year later, the high is still there. There is judo tonight too, and I can't wait.
( For context : I am a french random guy, 40 years old, living in Japan. I learnt judo as a young boy in France, and stopped at 16. )
If a 40 year old can identify as a baby why can't a 43 year old identify as a young man lol!? Oss!
Did you start with the same belt as you wore back then?
I'm a 50 yr old judoka. I started last year after starting my son in Judo. I had no desire to return after a 30 yr hiatus but my sons sensei had my sensei as a teacher so we became friendly, to the point where one day he said "you want to grab a gi and get on the mat?" So i started again. Probably shouldn't have, but i always had a love for judo. Had to quit bc of numerous knee injuries and surgeries(which now flare up). I love the sport and the art. My uncle, who passed a couple of years ago was 9th Dan and was the one who got me interested in judo when I was young.
It's definitely difficult keeping up with the young kids, and being the lightest in the room doesn't help either.
Thanks for acknowledging the older rust buckets. 😅
A year short of 60, and constant injuries are the killer. I never go more than a few weeks without something near crippling; back, neck, knees, ankles, shoulders. Judo and worse still, jujitsu, is hard on the body. Turn up to any dojo or gym, and if people can't throw you around in return for being thrown, you quickly find yourself being the guy that nobody wants to partner. Everyone says "Oh just do what you can do" but do you know how soul destroying it is to get a condescending metaphorical pat on the head from people with a fraction of your experience? I've not taken a week off except Christmas, since 2001, but it is definitely getting much harder.
I'll also add, taller people suffer more from being thrown - it's simple leverage.
I understand that.
I started judo at the age of 30 and still practising at the of 47. Although I am a 2nd Dan judo black belt, I never competed to this day for safety reasons and incorporated a basic calisthenics routine of pull, push, squat to keep me fit and active to enjoy my judo class with other senior class mates. Go slow and enjoy the process of learning and getting stronger, that's all there is. I enjoy very much your podcasts and your tutorials. They helped me a lot, since I am getting older, and I thank you for that. Greetings from Greece, maximum respect Sensei!
My dad was a judoka and he can still do a lot...and he is 77 years old...he moves great...he told me he hasn't forgotten anything...so. Judo is also great. And I think age is just a number.
Thanks for facilitating this discussion. I started judo 5 years ago at the age of 46. Now a blue belt with two bad knees and a major shoulder repair under my belt, I am struggling with adjusting my practice and, equally as important, my frame of mind so that I can keep going… maybe reach Shodan someday. Hearing this really helps. 🤙
62 year old BJJ blue belt here, been training for almost 4 years. I am seriously considering some private Judo sessions to help with some of the throws and take downs we train, as we do not go over them with as much detail, structure and repetition as the ground training. Don't have the time or $$ bandwidth right now, but keeping my eyes open for the opportunity.
I'm 32 and have been doing Jujitsu since I was 27 (with a pandemic 2 yr break), and just started Judo this year. Thank you so much for this, Sensei!
I started at 39. Sometimes I get dizzy, but it happens more often that I get tired. My cardio is not the best, but the group is very respectful and the sensei tells me that it is a matter of getting used to it. My health comes first, so I sit down if I feel bad. I recommend that if you are going to start judo, invest in medical check-ups, yes or yes and take it easy. The first day I injured my shoulder and intercostals. I'm fine right now. It is very demanding in every way. I love judo. I cant catch up the endurance of my group but Im ok with that. First is your health. There was one day when I had a rib pain and I sat there watching. Man I love judo. My goal is to perfect techniques at my level and improve my resistance. Good luck on your journey. Thanks for the video.
The number one thing I ask anyone, old or young, in grappling arts is “are you stretching daily.” The answer is almost universally “no.”
Flexibility is the most slept on thing in grappling arts, imho. It’s amazing how much more abuse you can take with a little body pliability and some average ukemi skills. While it’s not going to save a newbie 60 year old, I’ve seen it do wonders for people 30-45 or so. People just… refuse to stretch for some reason.
I’m also not saying you need to be Shohei Ono Uchimata flexible either. Just… can you put palms to the floor w/o bending your knees, can you hang out comfortably in a squat, can you lie down and put feet above your head, etc. Stuff that honestly isn’t all that advanced and totally attainable within 6-12 months if you’re consistent.
many adult judo hobbists are horribly unflexible
Thanks for clarifying this point for me. I'm starting Judo this summer and I've been stretching daily since I've made up my mind.
Flexibility is good but without mobility or the strength to hold or stabilize that movement you will suffer an injury.
Judo for old guys is a great topic. I had to quit BJJ cause of a serious back issue and still miss it
Yes, please do a series on no turn lefty judo for old guys!
As a 41 year old BJJ and judo practitioner and competitor, this is basically my exact standup game:
I assume there is a good chance they will get a decent righty grip on me, and that I will then re-grip in an appropriate way and spamming sumi gaeshi, uki waza, and maybe a little yoko wakare for color and fun if I can get the appropriate grip.
PS: I’m right handed. Just not when I stand up!
Great video! At my dojo we've got quite a few people in their 40s and 50s. It is a great place to train as many of us are aware of each others injuries of the day. It's always something injury wise, but it's awesome to get motivated to work out and train for something at this point in my life.
I'm 35, done striking in one form or another since high school but never grappling. I hope that'll keep me from being the stiff older guy stereotype, but probably not fully. A good judo school is infinitely harder to find than a BJJ one. Best one I've found so far in my area only does classes 3 nights a week and the rest seem to be focused mainly on their kids programs.
Just 2 unreleated things:
Grip isn't important for longevity, is an INDICATOR of longevity (of course, strong people tend to have strong grip and strong people tend to live longer). You don't increase your lifespan by training grip strength.
If you are leaving both your feet from the ground, you are running.
As a kid, I started off in the United States Judo Federation - Nanka division
At the end of the competitions on Sundays, there was always randori with 90 year old Judaka who were for the most part elderly Japanese gentlemen who moved to the US with their families after the war.
My Sensei would grab us the Sushi lunch in the styrofoam trays that the ladies of the Japan Cultural Center would make for us and make us watch them.
I would be like SENSEI they aren't doing anything but holding on to each other. And he would be like. "That's the point, hope that you too will be standing up at that age, holding on"
I’ve been a wrestler and wrestling coach for over 40 years. I found my way to judo because there is no way to train in wrestling after college. There simply is no structure for it. Grappling arts are the only exercise I actually enjoy. Judo lets me keep training in a way that keeps it fun and is reasonably close to wrestling.
I am 46 doing Judo. I find that a sprung floor and crash mat is highly recommended. Less aches and pains after. Faster recovery.
The only judo school near me that isn't more than an hour drive is for young kids and teenagers, while there a whole bunch of other martial art gyms to choose from. I'd love for a judo gym to cater to people older than 12-16 year olds be near me, but oh well
I’ve always found it interesting how a lot of BJJ schools have little to no children programs. While in Judo clubs, it’s the opposite. There are little to no adult programs.
Good point about breakfalls in older judoka. Judo Quebec has a program teaching breakfalls to seniors to help prevent injuries. Such a great idea.
Definitely need more of this, excited for further expansions on this
I started Judo at 34. I'm 36 now and green belt.
Thanks, very useful advices and you are funny.❤
Drop seoi is banned for us?😢😂
You can never do enough videos on Judo for Old Guys
I think it really depends on your previous level of athleticism. I'm 25 (started at 22) and even though I'm a beginner I don't have an issue doing those athletic techniques that put a requirement on my mobiity etc. Of course if by "judo for old guys" your prerequisite is that when somebody starts judo, you assume they have no prior experience in any sort of athletic endevour, yeah most guys at 25 who have not lived an active lifestyle before then will have an issue performing
65 yo nidan judoka here; been playing since I was 12.
Simple rule: play smarter not harder.
No longer doing lots of ukemi; that’s a beatin’ these bones don’t need anymore. Saving majority of my falls for kata and randori.
Playing ‘crafty vs crashing’ on attacks; more ashi-koshi combos vs big koshi or te waza attacks, and doing more ‘set-ups to counter’
Happy with waza ari tachiwaza for ne waza awase te ippon.
It’s not the intensity, but the injuries (and the ‘bounce back latency time) that have become more focal.
Thanks... 53 in two weeks so this is helpful.
Background in Gracie BJJ, Japanese Danzan Ryu JuiJitsu, Yoshinkan Aikido and Kosho Ryu Kempo. Been in the corporate world at a sedentary job for years, but have been drawn to judo now in my 50s. I can attest to its challenges, but the strength training and proper nutrition help. Currently, I am 3 months in and plan to keep on with Kodokan Judo until I reach proficiency. Injuries abound, but I’m staying cautious.
Learning is good; specially standing stuff that you can use for self defense.
You no gi videos are so good 👍
Can't wait for the series
If you did an instructional video I'd definitely buy it.
Excellent podcast. My judo game has also been gradually but steadily changing with age. grip fighting for good position, throws mainly when i get side to side angle with partner- uchimata(or uchi- momo😅), sumi gaeshi on both side, hikikomi gaeshi, tomoe nage, yoko gake(as a defence when partner turns in for front throw). Ocasionaly makikomi throws as well and very occasionally drop seio(wearing knee pads always) My game is 100% old mans judo😅
1995 2000 practiced with Ogden sensei in Long Beach. I remember his cat. ❤❤❤62 I used judo in Shepardvill Kentucky. Reflexes. Thank you Sensei.
I did Judo from 8-15 years old. Im now 40 and my son has been training for 2 years, he dragged me back in and im competing again 😂 the fire is still there but my recovery rate is in the bin now haha
Hey Shintaro. You should be in the Season 2 of the USDC. Call Rokas and tell him you want in.
The hardest guy in our gym is a 2nd dan in his 60s. Absolute unit of a man
I think for me my only reluctance of going back to Judo is the fact that they only people there are kids/teens...not knocking their talent or clear experience but having wrestled in college and of course my size/strength it is hard to tell if one is improving vs when training with an adult.....also the fact that the only tournaments seem to be for black belts and they aren't held often
There actually used to be a channel, OG Fitness, that just focused on Judo for older guys. It was awesome but he stopped posting
If Judo was more “old man friendly, it would be more popular than BJJ. (BJJ blue belt, no gi, 43)
Its the trainingpartners who decide if its "old man friendly" or not. Should keep your partner safe,so you have someone to train with the next day.
They do belts in nogi?
@@MTNMAX88 yes in 10th planet system you are awarded belts
This is a great topic. Perhaps you can repeat it but distinguish between degrees of 'old'. Eg. 30's vs 50's vs 70's +. There can be judo for all ages.
Did Judo as a kid. Really want to get back into it.
You should do a show about how the height disparity of modern Judo affect shorter athletes
Is judo worth starting at 15 ?
Certainly!
Great tips 👍OLD MAN JUDO 🥋 🤩
Have you trained any blind or visually impaired judo players? I started Judo five years ago at the age of 48, when I lost my eyesight suddenly.I wanted something that would keep me fit, give me more self-confidence as I felt vulnerable walking around with my white cane and wanted some goals, such as techniques to learn and grading is to go for.
I am part of a really good community at the club and everybody is supportive and there are quite a few people in their 40s and 50s, so we always have a roll Kong of injuries before we do Randoori LOL
The open mindedness presented in youtube experiences, by Sensei Seth, brought me to your channel to subscribe, albeit way late.
Question, is an adult aged 50-something too old to start Judo? Presently on doctor orders to avoid impact related exercises after undergoing a full hip replacement surgery in March. Rehab, agility exercise, and weight lifting is going reasonable, on a positive.
Basic google keyword searches leads to a basic "No", given my age and hip replacement. Maybe it's a no brainer, but would like to hear your professional advice on the topic. Also do you have older adult student aged 40, 50 something?
Peace. ~ Eric
PS: after fifteen, twenty-odd years of a Northern Shaolin based training I do miss training
Yeah, I’m only 19 years old, but I can already see that in 10 to 20 years that I may have to go back to BJJ; for the sake of my body and my lack of youth in the future.
Depends. I’m 30 and am in way better shape than I was 20 and recover quicker now. Just don’t get too injured and the next 10 years should be alright 👍🏻
We say in wrestling that all wrestling trends towards Greco-Roman (all upper body) as you get older. 😂
I started judo at 14, is it too late to be a judo professional?
Im 45,bjj bb.i train bjj 7days a week. Of coarse i have light days. Our room is full of young national ranked wrestlers. My wrestling is average. My question is there is a judo club near me the instructor is a brown belt. Im really just began to fall in love with learning judo. Me and my son (20) practice foot sweeps every day. Should i go?
@shintarohigashi if you could or anyone could answer this
For me, it was the recurrent concussions that aged me out of judo to something like bjj, after two, your concussive threshold gets lowered and one gets some post concussive symptoms evne after a light impact that is unavoidable iwith any throw
I can see why you need to be young to do sport judo - that's obvious - but what about older guys who want to do judo for self-defence or those (like me) who are already experienced in other martial arts and want to do judo to expand their repertoire. The problem with judo is that 99% of dojos teach only sport judo and have neither the inclination nor the time to offer specialised classes for self-defence judo. Despite my age (60) and a litany of injuries after practicing martial arts for 40 odd years on and off, I am still super fit and fairly strong and know how to manage my injuries. I have done judo before and absolutely love it but I need to find the right school where I can practice at a less intense pace and not with competition mindset. Or do I just go and do BJJ instead as the likelihood of injury at my age is much less?
How to avoid injury in judo like avoid breaking arm leg neck etc.
Thanks
The same way we flow roll in bjj
We need flow randori in judo
More technical and movement based randori training for older judoka
Actually, I believe I have heard of studies around longevity due to capabilities pertaining to squats and get ups.
Hey Peter, Shintaro, Well that is my favorite subject matter, lol
Judo for old guys should be a video series lol. 48 y/o this year 👴🏻
almost 53 and doing 3 times a week with a lot younger crowd. Eventually, I will compete with my old fart companions on a world tour/circuit. Yeah, I am sore, but hey, eventually, I will rest. I don't want to be on my death bed and say, dang, I wish I would have done XYZ
I practice Aikido today😮❤
exactly
Shintaro I'm about to be 56- started Judo 8 years ago but went to BJJ 4 years ago and suck at both but am WORSE at Judo. I truly wish I was taught Judo in a way where Sensei taught "goals"- like: "All I want you to do for the next month is to get a sleeve and lapel grip and then I want you to make Uke take 2 steps forward because of your pull. That's ALL. Nothing else. After that, we'll go to step 2." (Btw PLEASE understand I'm not giving LITERAL, ACTUAL pretend directions-- I just completely made that up as an example of "All I want you to focus on is A; THEN we'll go to B, C & D."
Instead it's "Here's how to do Harai Goshi. Now- try it." That's the way I was taught and because I'm retarded with this kind of stuff I NEVER GOT ANY THROW "DOWN." Instead, I have like 6 shitty throws that I can almost never pull off, except on a brand new white belt.
Point is I suck, but might suck less if Judo was taught to me in a more compartmentalized manner, giving me easier-to-attain-goals....
Or maybe not lol...
I started at 32 and being off and on till the last two years im a 56 year old brown belt. I could offer insight.
I did judo when I was a teen for a very small while, I was naturally very good because I was strong and athletic. I’m 30 now and since then I’m even more athletic and stronger, I do BJJ but I dislike it because it lacks “athleticism” by that I mean I feel like I can’t use my full potential. Judo seems like it provides me with the opportunity to express my strength and athleticism more. BJJ seems great for guys that want less impact, but it’s just “boring”. Is it worth doing it at 30 provided my situation?
Well well, I'm the 40 years old guy trying to get physical and close to the 18's opponents here, but THEY stiff arm me. Very annoying.
Learning is great though, I like everyone at the dojo. Getting thrown is a great way to learn too ( what not to do ! ).
I am this guy, trying to get close, slowly, get the collar, block the attacks... because I cannot fire very quick. Well, it is enjoyable for me at least.
The stiff arm should go away once you show them it doesn’t matter, you can still throw them. Well, the “permanent” stiff arm type deal, a quick stiff arm here and there for defense is going to happen.
I’d strongly suggest Tomoe or a left O Soto. That is how I deal with stiff arming righties.
@@fennec812 Thank you for the insights. I am a righty, and I am struggling against some lefties : stiff arming me, and quickly turning to thrown uchi mata.
What I learned from them is : never give them my left sleeve or I am dead.
Well, I'll see what I can do tonight. I have some plans and strategies prepared. Let's go "Old Guy Judo style" !
I'm 24 yo, so what's the scale here? Am I considered too old or I'm still there?
I started Judo when I was 25 (I'm turning 27 in a couple of months), my instructor also started judo in his mid 20's (26-27).
By the standard of Olympic Judo, yeah we're technically old in the sport.
The odds of us being remotely capable of competing in the Olympics is the reference.
That doesn't mean that you can't learn and if anything, 24 is a great place to start.
You're old enough to understand what's required, and old enough to make the most of your training.
Yet at this point, you're young enough to take punishment and keep going.
So I think this is a worthy endeavor.
LOL.
I'm 40. Started Wrestling and then BJJ aged 33. I'd love to do Judo but I don't feel it's accessible for me as an adult
how old are you two? both the guys on this podacst)
This could be a good series l…
I got a feeling that kids these days are, gener, so unathletic and anti-athletic, that to grow your standard gym, we need older people that were used to rough housing and wrestling as kids.
What is Shintaro drinking? Cough medicine?
Makikomi! LOL!
BJJ= Bodybuilding= older guys.
Judo= Weightlifting= Younger guys
Spot on. Great analogy.
judo for old guy is called aikido
I am 43. I lift weights and train wrestling, Judo and Jujutsu. I don't think I am old. But I could be wrong.
Hey you're only as old as you feel..
@@Babygirlly555 oh yes.