Is 40 too old for BJJ? | Jiu-jitsu for older people

Is 40 too old for BJJ? Is 50? João Mansure started training at 50 and became a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. In this video, he shares a little bit about his journey, how he feels training with younger generations and his favourite techniques to deal with them.

[dpdrums]

53 years young, 112 pound brown belt here. Started when I was 45. Getting smashed by the bigger, stronger, younger ones all the time. Some times I win, some times I lose, every time I learn. Don’t chase the belt. It is waiting for you when the time is right. The gift is in the lesson, during class. Anytime is the right time to start. Repetition, refinement, discipline, loyalty, respect! You have the rest of your life to get it right.

[fuloran]

Started at 48, now a 52 year old blue belt . One of the best decisions I have ever made.

[popsmorris]

I just started a couple months ago at 64. I am really enjoying it. Getting smashed a lot but I don't care. Starting to get the hang of it, I have small victories here and there. Heck, me just being on the mat is a victory.

[OneNvrKnoz]

Started when I was 40, now a 42 year old blue belt. The best realization for me was that younger guys are generally faster, with more stamina and recover faster. You need to keep them locked down. Control the position and rely more on technique to conserve energy. Don’t try to keep up with them, you’ll only burn out and get injured. Also, more training is better than harder training.

[CrappyBJJBlueBelt]

I started BJJ at 51 years old. I get challenged on a daily basis (physically and mentally). I’m 53 now and am one of the oldest people in my school but I love training. I’ve made great friends at my school who have taught me a lot. I don’t plan on ever stopping.

[ChrisTankCrasher]

I have just started bjj at Gracie Barra, I’m 43 and previously injured in the British Army. It’s THE best thing I’ve ever done. It’s given me back that family feel I’ve missed since the Army, I have a clear goal and a plan. I love it.

[andrewkarl]

Forgot to mention, I’m now 63 and a blue belt in both disciplines.

[xerifekimura]

Very informative video, thanks for posting. Started at 48, got my black belt at 57. Whether you can start BJJ at 40+ and be successful depends on the school. I'm fortunate that my school focuses on technique, has normal people from all walks of life that are respectful on the mat, and kicks out the knuckleheads and MMA wanna-be's who refuse to listen to the professor and put other students at risk. By the way, note how Joao and Marcelo roll with each other in this video You can do this "flow roll" all day without getting injured. A good school teaches and promotes this kind of sparring as a training option. Now 62, this is how I roll most of the time with fellow advanced belts. I've got nothing to prove and would prefer to stay injury free since it now takes way to long to heal.

[ajperkins]

I started BJJ last year at the age 59 and I feel great. It is the beat work out in my life. I feel like I'm 35.

[stevenboswell]

I'm 64 and have a black belt. Still enjoying the training

[muaythaiforever]

I’m 42 but started when I was 41. I am on the journey to get my black belt and I am excited to do it! I trained Muay Thai for 15 years but I still wanted to be active in some form of martial arts. I still have the energy to lift weights and I started my kids early, 4 and 5...a son and a daughter. I want this to be part of our legacy...being a part of the Gracie Barra legacy

[glenroe]

I am 39 and went to my first lesson yesterday! I enjoyed it but am aching in places i didn't know existed!

[lowreedman]

I turned 50 in July. I started BJJ just a couple of months before my 45th birthday. Last October I received my Purple belt.
It can be done. There are certainly days where it is harder, but that's life.

I will train as long as I can.

[dragosristici]

Started at 50 and black belt at 57? He must be a natural talent.

[jlvfarm]

I started bjj when I was 37, now 42 a blue belt, training is the best feeling train smarter not harder

[pkraus]

I'm 49 will be 50 in June. The hard part about Jiu-jitsu is waiting for cv19 to end so the gyms will open up. I'm dying to get started. I'm excited to see it's still possible for me to start my own journey. Thank you for this video.

[Restiff]

I am 45 years old and I am a blue belt, sometimes I feel old training with guys who are ten to 20 years younger than me, but this video has inspired me a lot, in the end it is key to take care of yourself, inside and outside the mat, but the benefit that the BJJ gives for life is irreplaceable, thanks for sharing it!

[humbertosolorzano]

I turned 29 years couple of weeks ago, getting a lot of motivation from you guys. Respect!

[bradquigley]

I'm 50 and I just started Jiu Jitsu. This was an inspiring video for me. I especially liked the footage of the roll as you were talking.

[danielrichwine]

I'm 52 and wanting to start. Glad to see I'm not the only one.