How Old Is Too Old For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Another great question about training! There are a lot of things that go into this answer and while I believe that being a senior has it's own health concerns it does not necessarily mean that you can't train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

As with all of these videos this is my personal opinion and should never be taken over a medical professional in your life. Protecting your body and listening to the medical professionals in your life is important in living a healthy life.

[jamesroth]

I started training 3 years ago at age 65, and it has been great, I am slower than anyone else, but everyone accepts me as just another student. But I had to stop a couple months ago because of arthritis in my spine, and the pain and possible injury was too much. My instructor, Andre at Cia Paulista, is the best, and he made accommodations for me to continue to train after my doctor said not to, but my personal physical problems prevailed. Jiu Jutsu had become a part of my lifestyle, but you are right, we must listen to medical professionals in making life decisions.

[jimmac]

I was a lucky to find a great instructor. I'm 58 years old and I recently started BJJ with my 13 year old son. I have previous injuries, neck, lower back, arthritis in hands. I joined for my son because I wanted him to have some self defence skills and I knew he wouldn't go on his own. After the first few classes I was in a lot of pain do to these previous injuries and I wanted to quit but with just a few weeks in I'm finding that my mobility is getting better and the pain is lessoning. It's an amazing martial art. I'm not sure if I will ever get my black belt but I'm gonna give it the college try.

[abcs]

I'm 50 a 3 stripeblue belt I've been training for 4 years straight and I'm off for two years prior. Know your limitations and tap often don't be stubborn or who fueled it just leads to injuries and a bad attitude with you your training partners.

[edmcguigan]

Genetics and lifestyle are a huge factor. I am 54 and started at 49 when I was in the worst shape of my Life but that still wasn't really bad shape. we have a 53 year old who looks like he's drunk from the Fountain of eternal youth, another 53 year old who is having serious issues. He was recently promoted to Black belt but his back issues seem to be limiting his ability to train and progress. the young guys need to be sympathetic to the fact that we old farts think we've still got it.

[edcunningham]

I started training 18 months ago at age 67. It has changed everything about me physically. I am moving in ways I thought were gone for good. I am 20-50 years older than everyone else. I was taken in by the group and treated gently....for a couple of months. Now they don't hold back. I have had a couple minor injuries and a few black eyes, but this ain't ballet. My offensive skills are still crap as I will never be as strong or as fast as the younger guys. My defense is really good. I can roll with 8 different people far above my level (4 stripe white belt) and not be submitted. I really need some strength training if my offense is every going to get better. In the mean time, I am having fun. I hbutave arthritis in my back and knees, and a few other conditions doctor says to continue as long as I can.

[danielwilson]

I started BJJ when I was over 40. Arthritis in my back ... accompanied with knee, hip and shoulder issues that I could at time time work thru but represented some issues. I was looking for primarily self defense and fitness. I tried two different schools. I had two long discussions with both instructors before satarting about what I was looking for and my limitations and both promised me that they completely understood and promised to start me off slow and work with me at a pace that wouldn't destroy me. Both ended up being meat grinders that were primarily focused on sport and competition. Every night was very rough andI was beat up pretty bad every time. Seemed to be no mercy for the weak. Both instructors were nice guys and very talented, but it does seem that most schools cater to the younger crowd with no real plan for old guys like myself. I made it to 2nd stripe white and finally had to bow out. Just couldn't do it anymore. Was depressing. Love BJJ but there's just not a school in my area that seems to have a program that starts people like myself off slow and allows us to build up. I know it's hard for them as well because they have to cater to more than just the old man in class. I'm now 50. I've dropped over 50 pounds so I know that would be to my benefit, but the issues persist so watching from the sidelines seems to be all I'll ever be able to do at this point. I know that's my problem, not theirs so I guess it just is what it is. So my advice is if u can start young and enjoy it.

[perfectsplit]

I have finished recovering from my ACL reconstruction surgery. My doctor's physician's assistant told me that if I resume BJJ, then I have to wear my knee brace. For the next 2 years of training. Anyone experienced in BJJ knows that you cannot practically train live with a knee brace on.

I have heard of other jiu-jitsukas resuming training after ACL reconstruction surgery, and none of them had to wear the brace. Why am I the only one?

[beaverstreefarm]

I'm 77 years old and in great shape. Can I train in Jiu-Jitsu?

[cheshire_skatkat]

Im 40. I cant do jj because I dont have the reflexes or fitness. I move like old people screw.

[koberowland]

Me at 18 thinking how many years of fun I have left

[cbsteffen]

I think that’s really based on a person’s brain health. People might be chronologically old but know how to keep themselves young on the inside and therefore age like how fine wine does, so I guess those people couldn’t be too old if they don’t feel that way!

[Perfectly_Balanced]

“Gulp”. I’m hesitant to go back because I’m approaching 50.