There are many older people out there that are interested in BJJ training but are afraid they’re too old. They believe that BJJ is a young person’s game, and they can’t do the movements.
Let’s answer the question if you really are too old to start BJJ. Along with answering this question, we’ll go into all of the benefits of BJJ training, even if you’re a little old.
Are You Too Old For BJJ?
No, you are never too old to begin your BJJ training. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art for everyone, regardless of age.
This is one of the many reasons that BJJ is a beautiful art. Anybody can train and gain numerous benefits from learning Jiu-Jitsu.
What Is The Best Age To Start BJJ?
Obviously, the best age to start BJJ is when you are young. Those that begin Jiu-Jitsu training at around five years old have an incredible advantage over new older grapplers.
By the time they reach the age of 16, they have become killers on the mat and have developed the abilities of a high-level purple belt.
You may be at a disadvantage beginning Jiu Jitsu when you’re older, but that shouldn’t keep you from starting.
What Age Is Too Old To Compete In Professional BJJ
If you are over 60 and starting BJJ, becoming a professional BJJ athlete may be off the cards. But that is not to say that you cannot compete.
The IBJJF, for example, has divisions up until master 7 for those born in 1961 or before. In BJJ, you’re able to compete against other athletes closer to your age.
7 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late To Start BJJ
You are never too old to start BJJ, and there are numerous reasons why you should start training. Here are 7 of the best reasons why it’s never too late to begin your Jiu-Jitsu training.
BJJ Will Keep You Fit And Active
It is essential to stay fit and active when you’re at an advanced age. BJJ is one of the best choices you can make to achieve this.
Every training session works every muscle in your body. It’s both a cardio workout, as well as a strength workout. You get the best of both worlds and can burn up to 500 calories per session.
Also, avoid trying to keep up with your younger and faster teammates. You are not in a race, so move at your own pace and focus on improving your jiu-jitsu skills.
Challenge Yourself And Compete In BJJ
Challenging yourself and competing in BJJ could benefit your physical and mental health. Having the goal of competing in BJJ will force you to stay on a schedule and train regularly.
Going through a competition camp will put you in the best shape of your life and mentally prepare you to compete.
It’s also essential to compete and challenge yourself.
Doing so will help you see where you stand as a grappler and even help improve your skills. You might not win, but as the old saying goes, even if you lose, you still learn.
Training BJJ Will Help You Feel Younger
As we age, it becomes harder to burn off stubborn body fat that makes us feel and look older. BJJ training has a unique way of getting rid of stubborn body fat on students of any age.
Tighten up your skin and make you look younger than you really are. BJJ isn’t the fountain of youth, but the training can make you feel younger. Although it has been proven effective in helping you feel younger and even look more youthful.
The martial art can even extend your life. Just look at the many red and coral belts that are still killing it on the mats at advanced ages.
BJJ Will Help You Learn Self-Defence Skills
At any age, you must learn how to defend yourself properly. There are bad people in the world that will not hesitate to use violence against you, and you must be ready.
Jiu Jitsu is a tried and tested martial art that has often proven effective for self-defense. It was specifically designed for smaller, weaker, and even older people to defend themselves against bigger and stronger attackers.
You never know when someone may try to hurt you, so you must be ready for anything.
Social Aspect Of BJJ
No matter our age, we all need a group of friends we can meet up with weekly and hang out with. BJJ allows you to meet some of the nicest people in the world who want to be your friend.
It’s one of the best ways to make friends while learning a great martial art. Getting to laugh with your friends while trying to strangle them are some of the best times you’ll remember.
There’s No Striking In BJJ
If you’re older and worried about getting hurt in BJJ, then don’t be. There is no striking allowed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of any kind.
You may get an accidental knee or elbow, but you should never worry about getting ground and pounded. BJJ isn’t MMA, so you should not fear getting hit while training.
BJJ Helps Your Mental Health And Confidence
For many of us who train, BJJ is our therapy. No matter our age or background, we can get stressed out and lose confidence.
But when we participate in BJJ training, all those doubts and stress seem to wash away. We feel like we can take on the world after we finish class.
For an older person that needs to boost their mental health and confidence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can really help with that.
Don’t Be Afraid To Start Training
BJJ is a beautiful martial art that is for everyone, no matter what age you are. You will get in great shape, boost your confidence, and make many friends on the mats. No matter what age you are, Jiu-Jitsu is for you.
