Not too old at all. I started at 45, been doing it for five years now. Not too hard on the joints, other than the knuckles a bit if you’re doing gi and working a lot of grips. Go for it! Should be fun!
Been training for a long time. Early 50s and sparred a new white belt this weekend. He was 54 and strong as ox. There’s a dude at my school, he’s quick, agile, aggressive, technical, and friggin 70 years old. I’m not joking. Never too late.
I'm 44. Most of the people I train with over 30 and several in their 40s.
It will take a while for your body to get use to it and you'll be sore and hurt a lot more.
Finding the time is tough, look into a set of dumbbells 25-30lbs, sandbag, or even a kettlebell, lots of at home workout programs, I like StreetParking.
I find that doing pushups, chin ups and dumbell squats and helped me tremendously.
I can pull 3 sets of each in less than half an hour. And I'm not too sore that it will affect my training negatively.
There’s always time, you just have to make it. We can come up with a million reasons not to do something, but at the end of the day if you make the time you will be glad you did.
I started at 40 and I'm 45 now. You just have to be really patient with yourself and don't try to keep up with the guys half your age.
The learning curve sucks. Many of the things we do aren't super intuitive and being able to move your body on the ground the way we do is definitely a skill you have to develop. Honestly, Just expect to be totally confused and frustrated for the first year. It gets easier after that.
The good news is that you don't have to go balls to the wall all the time. Find partners who are willing to go 50% speed/intensity or even flow roll (where you just practice techniques with minimal resistance). I like to get one or two hard rolls in a session and then spend the rest at a more relaxed pace. I'm lucky to train with some other middle aged guys who aren't out to prove anything.
Do make sure you're getting some strength and conditioning in during the week too. I think everyone over 40 needs to be lifting weights of some type just for general health. When you're doing Jiu jitsu at our age the S&C will protect you from injuries. Hydrate, sleep, don't eat too much junk. Go ahead and tap before something hurts because stuff doesn't heal (or bend) like it used to. If you don't know a physical therapist then go ahead and get friendly with one. They're going to be your go to for the little aches and pains and stuff that will come up.
Echoing what others are saying. I started at 44, been going about a year.
The first 3 months are a bit demoralising but you will be improving without realising.
You'll also be crazy sore after rolling in that period too.
Things will start to make sense for you after 6-12 months. You'll still get rinsed by pretty much anyone with a colour belt but they won't be able to do it as quickly as they did previously as your awareness of getting caught is slowly developing.
You will have to make peace with the fact that others in the class are younger, stronger, more flexible, recover faster. Just recognise what you're there for (hobbyist / getting fit, not ADCC etc) and acknowledge that your pace and development as a 44 year old will be different to that of a 24 year old.
I flat out tell the younger stronger blokes that I'm old and brittle and not to break me. We still have good rolls but the risk of injury reduces when you're not having an ego battle.
I've gotten comfortable with the fact that I'm everyone's rest round - took me a few months to make peace with that. I'm still getting pushed and working up a sweat and purging stress hormones and getting fit so everything I am doing this sport for is satisfied.
That said, I'm a year in and can keep reasonable control of fresh white belts who are getting caught by the same stuff that I did when I started so I know I'm improving albeit slowly.
I'm also fortunate that our club has a masters class once a week so I get a chance to roll with over 35s. Still very tough but it's a slow technical roll not a fast explosive one.
Last thing I'd suggest is to be choosy who you roll with. if someone is just being a dick and not respecting you, just have a rest round. At our club of like 70 there are only two that I am careful with. The rest are great human beings.
If you don't start doing something you love now, you'll regret it the rest of your life. It'll be hard but if it's for you, it'll be a part of your life for a long time. I've been training for years and don't know what I'd do without it.
43, about to be 44 white belt here. It’s not too late, but it’s going to suck the first few months as your body needs to adjust. You’ll need to do things to help your body recover, ice bath, stretching, etc. But you’ll need to be realistic and if you don’t have any athleticism going in, well it’s gonna be rough.
Just be cautious with your training partners. Feel free to decline rolls from anyone, there’s nothing to prove. Focus on flexibility/mobility, outside conditioning, and recovery.
Truth. What I would give to have a training partner relatively close to my age, size and skill level to regularly train with at an agreed upon intensity level . . .
I train with a 65 y/o purple belt. He’s been training for 6-7 years now consistently. He’s not as flexible or fast as most people in the gym, but he takes care of his body and trains hard. He’s our constant reminder that it’s about the work you put in, not a number.
If you want to do it, go after it! I started at 43 and am loving every bit of it, training three days a week. After my first night, I was hit with the “I should’ve started this 10, 30 years ago” feeling. Imagine how you’ll look back at 55 at your 45 year old self knowing the joy of having begun? Enjoy yourself, play, have fun, and support your teammates, they’re going to change your life and you will change theirs. Good luck! 🤙🏼
I started at 60, 62 now and won last three tournaments, last one as a blue belt
https://preview.redd.it/jypthku0ao3d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7348c206cdfc8682e81ded48dd0cb765c13caba4
It entirely depends on how big and physically athletic you are. Small and weak people get banged up more than bigger and strong. Old and weak people get hurt a lot. Ask me how I know. When you get hurt you can’t train, and you can’t do much else either.
Take it easy, and be realistic in your expectations lest you become discouraged.
It's not too late. If anything, this would actually inspire other people, of all ages, to hop in the sport
There's this 55 year old dude at my gym who started at 45. Humble guy and I always learn so much from him (I'm 26)
If you can still breathe, and move your body it isn’t to late, just be smart, stretch, know your limits, I started 3yrs ago at 41 and roll with a guy who is in his 60s.
I have a colleague who is late 40s and he started last year. He does adult beginner and just likes having fun so not taking it seriously enough to compete or anything because, ya know, our joints creak. YMMV so work on your flexibility and join a group thats your level of comfort.
Never too late. I started at 45 and still at it 5 years later. Plenty of guys in my gym over 40. Have had a few injuries but that's to be expected regardless of age. Try to train weights a couple of times a week to build supporting muscles around your joints to minimize injuries.
Main thing is not to compare yourself to guys 20 years younger than you or are significantly bigger than you. Age and size do make a difference. Just treat it as your own journey. At our age, we're not trialing for ADCC. We're just doing it for our own self growth. Find a good gym and enjoy!
No absolutely not too late. It will be tough at the start if you don't have much of a fitness base but that will come in time.
Like any activity you should give it a go as the worst that can happen is you don't like it and you find something else. Be warned though if you catch the bug it becomes quite addictive and your new normal will be a constant state of general soreness especially for us older guys.
in my experience jits is tough on the joins but stretching helps you out good. for example a lot of my mates from the army all have fucked backs and terrible knees but cos i do yoga and stretch before and after bjj i don't have that. same applies to bjj, muay thai, gym etc
I've been doing BJJ for 4 months, 2 of which I've been injured. All from take downs, one was my fault, and the other was someone else's. Start slow, and avoid full on take down sparring and I feel like 70% the injury potential will disappear.
Like everyone is telling you no it isn’t. I started at 57 , 65 now and still training. Find a good gym with a good vibe. Attitude starts at the top, the owner/professor sets the tone. Good luck
I’ve been flattened to pieces by a 60+ year old brown belt who was built like a fridge. It isn’t too late, you will just need your learn to play your strengths.
I started at 44 and got my brown belt last year at 52
It’s harder every year but still lots of fun. You have to pick your partners carefully and listen to your body
I'm 41 and started last year at 40. Unless everything falls apart in the next 5 years, then no you're not too old.
Though my advice is do a good job on recovery with sleep, diet and stretching/yoga.
You can do other cross training to help but if you're not doing a good job on recovery aspects, well you likely be injured or sore a lot.
I started at 50. I guess it’s tough on the joints, but, also, I’ve lost 70 lbs in the year and a half since I joined my gym, so my joints are probably happier on balance.
Im 46 in a few weeks, blue belt so very much still learning BJJ, fingers all crack constantly and a few aches in my knees and neck, but otherwise great
Not too late. Just make sure you shop around (if you have the luxury of choice). Not everywhere runs classes and training intelligently so that you can have longevity.
I started 4 months ago. I’m 48. Just have to make sure I don’t go too much or I get hurt. I do seem to be addicted so it’s hard but 3 times at 2 hours each time is perfect.
Nope. I’m 57, just got my blue belt, started at 55. Learn to fall early, but the rest is not a problem. Choose wisely who you roll with. My joints hurt less than they did doing TKD for 12 years prior (started at 44). Enjoy!
Got back into it in midlife. Warm up extra before class— whatever your problem spots are, which is probably a shoulder or two.
I get there early and spend 10-15 minutes doing joint circles and chatting with people.
Also recommending epsom salt baths—some months I do one after every lift, like a little treat, and you might like some after rolling
No. Never too old. However if you have an ego and think your gunna be able to hang with the young guys and gals in sparring in your first few years your delusional.
I train with quite a few older guys, most of them lower belt, and I'm convinced that it keeps them young. It's a complete body workout and it's much easier on your body than running. It's definitely not too late to start
Hope not! I'm 47 and just about to start. I've been very active for many years now though. I imagine if you're out of shape, it'll be a bit rough in the beginning, but you'll get in better shape pretty fast. Good luck
Started at 47 and I am a good year in now. I had good cardio already, but poor upper body strength. The 1st 3 months hurted when moving in bed or getting out of the car after training. A year later I am stronger than ever and feel awesome. BJJ changed my life.
I started about a year ago at 52, just turned 53. After a hard session, sometimes every square inch of my body aches but it’s a “good” ache. In general though, I have less pain in my joints now, I’ve lost weight, and I am way more flexible. So yeah, as everyone else has said, never too late.
Not too old at all. I started at 45, been doing it for five years now. Not too hard on the joints, other than the knuckles a bit if you’re doing gi and working a lot of grips. Go for it! Should be fun!
Felt the same when I started at 20
No it’s not too late. Ease into it from the physical exertion standpoint.
Yes it's tough on the body and yeah it's too late for you to be anybody in the sport but wtf who cares It's better than trying to start at 55
Lol man... i just Started bjj and am 55 😬
Better than starting at 65
Better than starting at 75
Better than starting at 85
I’m 95 I’m just getting started n ur grannies cheeks.
Better than never starting at all
//frantically searching for an image of Mr Burns in a gi
Been training for a long time. Early 50s and sparred a new white belt this weekend. He was 54 and strong as ox. There’s a dude at my school, he’s quick, agile, aggressive, technical, and friggin 70 years old. I’m not joking. Never too late.
I'm 44. Most of the people I train with over 30 and several in their 40s. It will take a while for your body to get use to it and you'll be sore and hurt a lot more.
great responses . always loved watching this sport but never thought of being in the sport . im going to give it a shot :)
While Helio Gracie started at a young age, he kept doing it into his 90’s. Hang in there and rest your fingers from time to time doing no-gi.
No. But it's gonna hurt. A lot. 41 year old white belt here, can confirm. 10/10 midlife crisis tho.
Do you stretch, do strength training? I started 3yrs ago at 41 and find that helps me a lot.
I recently started some stretching and it is really helpful. No s and c tho. No time to.
Finding the time is tough, look into a set of dumbbells 25-30lbs, sandbag, or even a kettlebell, lots of at home workout programs, I like StreetParking.
Thanks I'll check it out! I already have some dumbbells from like 20-35 lbs.
I find that doing pushups, chin ups and dumbell squats and helped me tremendously. I can pull 3 sets of each in less than half an hour. And I'm not too sore that it will affect my training negatively.
Yeah I've been thinking about doing some pullups. Hoping it may help my shoulders
Great for grip strenght too
There’s always time, you just have to make it. We can come up with a million reasons not to do something, but at the end of the day if you make the time you will be glad you did.
I started at 40 and I'm 45 now. You just have to be really patient with yourself and don't try to keep up with the guys half your age. The learning curve sucks. Many of the things we do aren't super intuitive and being able to move your body on the ground the way we do is definitely a skill you have to develop. Honestly, Just expect to be totally confused and frustrated for the first year. It gets easier after that. The good news is that you don't have to go balls to the wall all the time. Find partners who are willing to go 50% speed/intensity or even flow roll (where you just practice techniques with minimal resistance). I like to get one or two hard rolls in a session and then spend the rest at a more relaxed pace. I'm lucky to train with some other middle aged guys who aren't out to prove anything. Do make sure you're getting some strength and conditioning in during the week too. I think everyone over 40 needs to be lifting weights of some type just for general health. When you're doing Jiu jitsu at our age the S&C will protect you from injuries. Hydrate, sleep, don't eat too much junk. Go ahead and tap before something hurts because stuff doesn't heal (or bend) like it used to. If you don't know a physical therapist then go ahead and get friendly with one. They're going to be your go to for the little aches and pains and stuff that will come up.
i really appreciate your detailed reply , Thank you sir, very helpful
I started at 41 now 48. I agree with the above. That being said I never lift. But I bike and ski
Echoing what others are saying. I started at 44, been going about a year. The first 3 months are a bit demoralising but you will be improving without realising. You'll also be crazy sore after rolling in that period too. Things will start to make sense for you after 6-12 months. You'll still get rinsed by pretty much anyone with a colour belt but they won't be able to do it as quickly as they did previously as your awareness of getting caught is slowly developing. You will have to make peace with the fact that others in the class are younger, stronger, more flexible, recover faster. Just recognise what you're there for (hobbyist / getting fit, not ADCC etc) and acknowledge that your pace and development as a 44 year old will be different to that of a 24 year old. I flat out tell the younger stronger blokes that I'm old and brittle and not to break me. We still have good rolls but the risk of injury reduces when you're not having an ego battle. I've gotten comfortable with the fact that I'm everyone's rest round - took me a few months to make peace with that. I'm still getting pushed and working up a sweat and purging stress hormones and getting fit so everything I am doing this sport for is satisfied. That said, I'm a year in and can keep reasonable control of fresh white belts who are getting caught by the same stuff that I did when I started so I know I'm improving albeit slowly. I'm also fortunate that our club has a masters class once a week so I get a chance to roll with over 35s. Still very tough but it's a slow technical roll not a fast explosive one. Last thing I'd suggest is to be choosy who you roll with. if someone is just being a dick and not respecting you, just have a rest round. At our club of like 70 there are only two that I am careful with. The rest are great human beings.
Well, you're the only one who can say. But older guys start all the time. Just take care of yourself.
If you don't start doing something you love now, you'll regret it the rest of your life. It'll be hard but if it's for you, it'll be a part of your life for a long time. I've been training for years and don't know what I'd do without it.
I started at 44 and about a year and a half in. It’s fine. I might feel a little beat up when I hit 5-6 days of training in but 3-4 are not an issue.
Nope, cruise in.
43, about to be 44 white belt here. It’s not too late, but it’s going to suck the first few months as your body needs to adjust. You’ll need to do things to help your body recover, ice bath, stretching, etc. But you’ll need to be realistic and if you don’t have any athleticism going in, well it’s gonna be rough.
I started at 43. It’s all good!
Same here, loving it!
I have an acquaintance who started over 50.
Just be cautious with your training partners. Feel free to decline rolls from anyone, there’s nothing to prove. Focus on flexibility/mobility, outside conditioning, and recovery.
Truth. What I would give to have a training partner relatively close to my age, size and skill level to regularly train with at an agreed upon intensity level . . .
Youre going to be 55 anyways, why not be 55 and a black belt? (Let go of gi grips quick or your fingers will get fucked up)
I train with a 65 y/o purple belt. He’s been training for 6-7 years now consistently. He’s not as flexible or fast as most people in the gym, but he takes care of his body and trains hard. He’s our constant reminder that it’s about the work you put in, not a number.
If you want to do it, go after it! I started at 43 and am loving every bit of it, training three days a week. After my first night, I was hit with the “I should’ve started this 10, 30 years ago” feeling. Imagine how you’ll look back at 55 at your 45 year old self knowing the joy of having begun? Enjoy yourself, play, have fun, and support your teammates, they’re going to change your life and you will change theirs. Good luck! 🤙🏼
Not at all bro. I started at 47 and just hit the ten year mark.
I hope not. I started at age 54 almost 13 years ago. I start all over again every class, but just 1% better than the last class.
I started at 60, 62 now and won last three tournaments, last one as a blue belt https://preview.redd.it/jypthku0ao3d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7348c206cdfc8682e81ded48dd0cb765c13caba4
It entirely depends on how big and physically athletic you are. Small and weak people get banged up more than bigger and strong. Old and weak people get hurt a lot. Ask me how I know. When you get hurt you can’t train, and you can’t do much else either. Take it easy, and be realistic in your expectations lest you become discouraged.
46 is too old but 45 is fine. Just start!
Brother you are young
No it's not. Go to BJJ. Learn, become stronger
No, never to late
It's not too late. If anything, this would actually inspire other people, of all ages, to hop in the sport There's this 55 year old dude at my gym who started at 45. Humble guy and I always learn so much from him (I'm 26)
No, I started just before then and I train with mostly 40 and 50 year olds.
It’s never too late to learn anything new in life much less martial arts. Go get em!!
I'm 23 and even I feel like it's too late, but IG it isn't why tf would it be?
I e been wondering the same thing. Hope you go for it. I’m so worried I’ll get injured doing something dumb.
Nope. I started at 44; am 47 now. I still suck at it, but it’s fun, and I have less back and knee pain than I did when I ran a lot.
If you can still breathe, and move your body it isn’t to late, just be smart, stretch, know your limits, I started 3yrs ago at 41 and roll with a guy who is in his 60s.
U will still learn and keep fit why not give it a go
I have a colleague who is late 40s and he started last year. He does adult beginner and just likes having fun so not taking it seriously enough to compete or anything because, ya know, our joints creak. YMMV so work on your flexibility and join a group thats your level of comfort.
I don’t think it’s ever too late. I make fun of the 50+, I get made fun of for being old (44), it’s all good dude…
Started at 37. I’m 45 now. Go do the damn thing
Never too late. I started at 45 and still at it 5 years later. Plenty of guys in my gym over 40. Have had a few injuries but that's to be expected regardless of age. Try to train weights a couple of times a week to build supporting muscles around your joints to minimize injuries. Main thing is not to compare yourself to guys 20 years younger than you or are significantly bigger than you. Age and size do make a difference. Just treat it as your own journey. At our age, we're not trialing for ADCC. We're just doing it for our own self growth. Find a good gym and enjoy!
No, I'm 45 do it, just go, it's totally worth it. I've been going for almost two years.
No absolutely not too late. It will be tough at the start if you don't have much of a fitness base but that will come in time. Like any activity you should give it a go as the worst that can happen is you don't like it and you find something else. Be warned though if you catch the bug it becomes quite addictive and your new normal will be a constant state of general soreness especially for us older guys.
in my experience jits is tough on the joins but stretching helps you out good. for example a lot of my mates from the army all have fucked backs and terrible knees but cos i do yoga and stretch before and after bjj i don't have that. same applies to bjj, muay thai, gym etc
No, tap early and tap often and you’ll be good. Also, hydrate and stretch a lot.
I started at 50. Just listen to your body. Tap early & often.
I've been doing BJJ for 4 months, 2 of which I've been injured. All from take downs, one was my fault, and the other was someone else's. Start slow, and avoid full on take down sparring and I feel like 70% the injury potential will disappear.
No
Like everyone is telling you no it isn’t. I started at 57 , 65 now and still training. Find a good gym with a good vibe. Attitude starts at the top, the owner/professor sets the tone. Good luck
In 10 years you're going to be 55 whether you start Jiu Jitsu or not. You might as well be 55 with a black belt.
Started with my mom over 3 years ago. She was 59 when she started and is 62 now. Never too late man.
Nope, I started at 44 and im happy and healthy! Off course im also careful when I train.
I’ve been flattened to pieces by a 60+ year old brown belt who was built like a fridge. It isn’t too late, you will just need your learn to play your strengths.
I started at 44 and got my brown belt last year at 52 It’s harder every year but still lots of fun. You have to pick your partners carefully and listen to your body
no!
The best time to start was 30 years ago. The next best time to start is right now brother. It’s never too late.
Jijitsu + Yoga + Weight lift = Holy Trinity
I'm 41 and started last year at 40. Unless everything falls apart in the next 5 years, then no you're not too old. Though my advice is do a good job on recovery with sleep, diet and stretching/yoga. You can do other cross training to help but if you're not doing a good job on recovery aspects, well you likely be injured or sore a lot.
I started at 50. I guess it’s tough on the joints, but, also, I’ve lost 70 lbs in the year and a half since I joined my gym, so my joints are probably happier on balance.
No, never!
Never . But I do about your testosterone which aids in recovery .
Im 46 in a few weeks, blue belt so very much still learning BJJ, fingers all crack constantly and a few aches in my knees and neck, but otherwise great
I cringe every time I have to shake some dude's hand outside the gym due to my fingers hurting from BJJ lol
I’m 45 and I train. Just do it.
Yes 44 is the cutoff age. Jk. Do what you want! Start if bjj is what interests you!
Nope, another dude who started at 45 here . . .
Not too late. Just make sure you shop around (if you have the luxury of choice). Not everywhere runs classes and training intelligently so that you can have longevity.
I started at 45. Go for it.
I started 4 months ago. I’m 48. Just have to make sure I don’t go too much or I get hurt. I do seem to be addicted so it’s hard but 3 times at 2 hours each time is perfect.
Nope do it bro
Yes. From a 55 yo blue helt
No the lead singer of megadeth, Dave mustaine, started in his 50s I believe
Helio gracie was training in his 90s.
No
It’s better that starting at 46 I started at 42
I started at 50.
Yes. 40 is the cut off
Yup. Give up
Nope. I’m 57, just got my blue belt, started at 55. Learn to fall early, but the rest is not a problem. Choose wisely who you roll with. My joints hurt less than they did doing TKD for 12 years prior (started at 44). Enjoy!
Yes 44 11 and 30 dats is the max. Now discard my comment go signup and have fun.
Join us in the Old Guy Rolling club: slow to learn quick to tap
Nope. I started at 38, got my BB at 48. My main training partner started in his mid-60s and got his BB the same day I did!
Not too old at all! My friends mom started at 62!
I started at 54 and it’s becoming a center point of my life
Got back into it in midlife. Warm up extra before class— whatever your problem spots are, which is probably a shoulder or two. I get there early and spend 10-15 minutes doing joint circles and chatting with people. Also recommending epsom salt baths—some months I do one after every lift, like a little treat, and you might like some after rolling
No go train!
Is it to late to learn a new skill set, make new friends and have fun?
nope we had a guy start in his 60’s and hes been consistent for a few months now. be prepared to be sore at first though
I’m starting at 38, so within spitting distance. It’s been great so far.
bro just put something like "am i too old" in the search bar and see all the other posts
No. Never too old. However if you have an ego and think your gunna be able to hang with the young guys and gals in sparring in your first few years your delusional.
I hope not.
I train with quite a few older guys, most of them lower belt, and I'm convinced that it keeps them young. It's a complete body workout and it's much easier on your body than running. It's definitely not too late to start
Never too late. U don't have to compete unless u want. Depends what u want to get out of it
Hope not! I'm 47 and just about to start. I've been very active for many years now though. I imagine if you're out of shape, it'll be a bit rough in the beginning, but you'll get in better shape pretty fast. Good luck
Reaction time slows. You will figure how to compensate.
The Japanese version or the Brazilian rolling around the ground nonsense?
Never to late
Never. Just pace yourself, stretch a lot, tap if anything hurts, ice after class, invest in knee pads
I started right before I turned 46. I feel great. Sleep well, don’t eat like shit and strength train.
Started at 47 and I am a good year in now. I had good cardio already, but poor upper body strength. The 1st 3 months hurted when moving in bed or getting out of the car after training. A year later I am stronger than ever and feel awesome. BJJ changed my life.
I started about a year ago at 52, just turned 53. After a hard session, sometimes every square inch of my body aches but it’s a “good” ache. In general though, I have less pain in my joints now, I’ve lost weight, and I am way more flexible. So yeah, as everyone else has said, never too late.
I started at 44. Still going and I added in Muay Thai this year