Advice for Doing BJJ When Over 50 • Ft John Frankl and Matt Thornton

BJJ is one of the few combat sports that you can still do as you get much older, but there are certain strategies worth knowing that help you practice efficiently even when over 50. Join this video where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experts John Frankl and Matt Thornton share their suggestions.



#bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #SBG

[WConn]

I'm 73 and just started this week, four lessons, four days in a row. I'm retired so I have the time and the money. Have a Judo, TKD, boxing, wrestling and KravMaga background. Hurt my. back a couple of years ago and just now am feeling okay, not 100 percent but well enough to move forward.

[PaulPedrazzi]

"Like Jiu-Jitsu more than you like winning." - Professor John Frankl

[phantiasmic]

Started within last year at 50 and loving it. Lot to learn and holy hell it is HUMBLING.

Takes longer to recover though, strained ribs due to my ignorance did not help haha but just have to adjust and I embrace it.

[leebruno]

I trained at a john frankls affiliate gym in korea. They really emphasize what he says about technique being supreme over any short term success. Best gym ive trained at by far.

[ssgdean]

I have been doing BJJ for about a month and I'm 54. It is very humbling to be in a position where I have absolutely no clue as to what I'm doing at this age, and I thought I was in good shape but I see how much I need to improve. I love it.

[braddixon]

Thank you, Coach Frankl and Coach Thornton. This is important instruction for me. Beginning Juijitsu in my 50's and having a knee that is not structurally sound, likely reinforces the need to heed the message that you share here; trust that technique and breathing control will become better with time and allow my results to become more optimal.

[TheOnlyOneStanding]

I'm 52 and I would just learn BJJ for preservation of my body not chasing a belt which is fine if your young

[bdmaash]

90 yo white belt here, just started last week. Was put in side control and woke up in hospital, but will try and roll again soon.

[hoppy]

I would add that cardio/conditioning diminishes quicker when you take time off in your 50s. In my 30s I could take 2 weeks off and still get back on the mat and feel pretty good. Not so in my 50s.

[danielmccarthy]

Hey John. It is Dan McCarthy. John was one of my first teachers. Amazing bJJ.

[michaelmaddux]

The book "Breath" by James Nestor is good if you want to learn more about the physiology of breathing.

[owmcommunityasiapacific]

@47... on my way to a bjj trial class....

[stevenslawson]

I'm not sure I agree with this breathing focus. 53 years old, 4 stripe brown belt (Judo brown too), 19 years training. My best advice - choose your training partners very carefully. My main goal is not to maximize anything - including breathing, strength and conditioning, etc. My goal is to not get hurt in day to day training. Find training partners who know how to keep it playful. If they can't do that, you shouldn't be rolling with them. Your cardio is best improved with Zone 2 training, not esoteric breathing practice.

[johnwill]

Breathing ... yes. Just wish I could. Farkin covid! Thanks for the good work guys. x

[blockaderunner]

My problem is I'm white belt right? new, and the blue belt I'm partnered with puts his shoulder into my nose (can't breathe), and I've got a mouth guard in, so I tap.

[JamesSpurgeon-wp]

I am 61 years old. I started at 58 and have lost time due to multiple injuries that put me out for weeks at a time. I saw the guys I started with promote well ahead of me and it was mildly discouraging. I earned my 4th stripe 6 months ago and never quite felt I should have when rolling with new guys. I still feel that way now and I still feel like (know) that I totally suck. But, apparently, I suck less. That's what the OG's tell me. I had my first class as a blue belt last night and got absolutely DESTROYED by everyone I rolled with. Granted, these were a black belt, 3 purple belts and a 4 stripe blue belt, but I still did not even feel competitive. It was VERY discouraging.

I think my biggest problem is "imposter syndrome." I roll with higher belts CONSTANTLY and rarely get advantageous positions, let alone the occasional (super rare) submissions. Now that I am a blue belt, I still feel like the worst guy on the mat. Last night did not help that insecurity. I try to give myself a break because I realize most of these guys are 25-40 years younger than me and it's kind of a miracle that I'm even on the mats. However, I still see the world through my "Young Man's Eyes." Hopefully, resilience, practice and continuing to "show up" will help my game. Its all I think about. I train 3-4 days a week (not counting the weight room at the gym) and still get crushed on nearly every roll. I'll never quit though.

[bananapatch]

59, overweight, been to 4 classes and GASSED after rolling a few times. Going to practice nose breathing.
My only problem is knee stiffness. I have never had knee issues but being on the mat on my knees....wow. If I do classes two days in a row I hobble like I’m 100. I know muscle soreness will get better with time but the knee stiffness ??? Thx !

[russellbray]

Martial arts in middle age cannot be trained the same way as in your twenties. Definitely time to focus on technicality rather than brute force.

[thedudeabides]

I've found that the biggest lie being told by practitioners of the sport is "leave your ego at the door". It's said by all by practiced by few. Yes, your ego is crushed and left at the door in the beginning. But eventually you get that first win in class or a tournament and don't want to lose that feeling. Then you go for tapping everyone, then not losing to anyone. I think this leads to injuries and slowing development of your skills. I am 52 now, did i practice this at 30? Nope, because my body was not the shape it was in now, and vice versa.

[MonacoRocha]

I was in Great Shape since 1967 Boxing Karate Swimming Long Distance running Gymnastics Cali. Yoga I train every day .. I'm 63 now & AM I TOO OLD TO START BJJ.. I HAVE TONS OF FIRE LEFT IN ME....