This is WHY we Have Masters Divisions in BJJ Competitions!

[@fatamsimth]

At 49 with 2 kids, 2 jobs, and 0 sleep, I find that the warmup is the most competitive division.

[@GRTakerTh]

😂😂🤸‍♂️

[@ShaneHarveyMusic]

Dude im 65 yrs this summer. I started bjj first time 6 months ago and at 3 stripes WB im totally hooked, addicted. The body is indeed saying no alot more but the brain is all over yes. And im a firm believer that jj encompasses everything one needs to fight off dementia etc. constant exercise and mentally challenging way more than a crossword puzzle. 💪🏻

[@brucehuddler7518]

69 here, started 4 months ago, 1 stripe WB, train twice a week, hobbyist of course. Fun, Social, Classmate & Great Coach, learning something new, lifetime Martial Artist. BJJ has changed my golden years of life.

[@alexrossi2215]

65 and started two months ago. Retiring from work soon and I recommend starting bjj for older folks. Great for the body and mind. I cannot stop thinking about the movements and the incredible partners I am meeting. Plan on increasing my training from 2-3 x a week (mostly fundamentals) to 3-4. Completely agree with Shane!

[@ludoka58leo]

66 here..WB in bjj with some significant judo training...old man jj: "fatter, meaner, more dangerous...kind of)😂😂

[@mtxpert]

Trust me at 55 if I didn't have Master 6 divisions I would be injured a TON at tourneys even as a blue belt. Love competing though! Pans were FUN!!!

[@frankd5119]

47, I train 5-6 times a week and there’s still no way I’m entering a younger division.

[@Dzamora612]

“As you get old at 35 years” killed me 😂 at 28 being a begginer I definitely feel old rolling with teens at the gym.

[@robcubed9557]

Nah, you're in your prime. Believe me, as a 41 year old, I'd rather roll against a teenager than a 28 year old. I can overwhelm the teens with strength and hold them down while they burn themselves out. I can't do that against the 28 year olds.

[@espartajodesastroso7892]

28 is prime age dunno wtf you talking about

[@hentaisailor5951]

@@espartajodesastroso7892 if they just started and these kids have been training for a long time it makes a difference especially if the older person is out of shape too

[@muysantos2859]

same.... im 27 but i really feel old rolling in the mats. i got a lot in the tank. but man....

[@ZakH644]

Lol 35 is old for a martial arts competitor not old for the world.

[@hamsterman844]

39 and feel stronger than ever and I’ve been training since I was 23. Recovery is slower but I just grind it out and invest in my body unlike in my 20s

[@cmcrae1989]

As a 35 year old that has competed in adult and masters, this video resonates with me. There's definitely a skill-gap between divisions, but also in mindset and emotional intelligence. I've seen such poor sportsmanship in adult categories, and more appreciation and respect in masters categories. Now I'm speaking generally because there are always outliers, but if I have to choose to compete against the younger crowd or the masters crew I'll pick masters any day!

[@RichardYu1983]

I’m 41 and a purple belt. I was asked to participate in the adult division with a kid who was less than half my age - he was 20. This kid is younger than my first pubes I got at 12. There’s really nothing to prove as a hobbyist in going against someone so young. You risk significant injury and the results (if you lose) aren’t indicative of what your level is relative to your peer group. Even the difference between Master 1 and Master 2 is significant. Proceed at your own risk.

[@geraldduenas2391]

Or if you win.. it’s a great challenge more than anything.

[@dantemolonlabe1090]

50 🙋🏻‍♂️I wish I was 35! 😉

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

Hah! 60, wish I was 50! 😂 We have a 70 year old new blue belt at the gym who wishes he was 60... and gives me a hard time about it. 😉

[@dantemolonlabe1090]

@@GlueFactoryBJJ I still wish I was 35! 🤣🤣🤣

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

@@dantemolonlabe1090 Hear that!

[@jptothetree]

As a 36 year old brown belt, I resonate _hard_ with this video lol. I cannot keep up with these crazy kids like I used to. Masters Divisions are the best for guys like me!

[@mdavissq3d]

Same here man, 34 year old brown belt coming up on a tournament soon. My brain has been going thru it training with these blue and purple belt 20 somethings hitting their comp seasons. Wondering what the heck am I doing and is there something wrong with me? Masters divisions was definitely a nice gear change just the daily grind to get there is just bleh.

[@alexbambam1]

I started training jiujitsu at 33 years old, and in competitions, 9 out of 10 times I was placed in the adults division, and didn't felt like I could not keep up, when I turn 45 is when I started feeling old and needed to be put against "old guys" like myself, in your 30s you should be in the prime of your life. Lifestyle needs to be priority.

[@benzun9600]

40 is only old if you didn't take care of your body

[@alexbambam1]

@@benzun9600 50 is only old if you didn't take care of your body

[@dbl8656]

I'm 52 and have been a "hobbyist" since 97.

[@shawnmartin1306]

The masters division should be called the TRT division 😂😂

[@Guitarial_arts]

39 year old blue belt on “trt” 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@magcitrate]

This is true for some competitors. I met a lightweight at Master 5 that could mop the floor with 20 year olds. 😂

[@HornsandHeels]

😂😂😂

[@sunnykobe3210]

The buffest, leanest person I’ve ever faced was in masters. Def not natty.

[@timproc9355]

Better going against a 40 year old trt user than a 20 year old user 😂

[@Disc0spider]

I'm 36 years old and a shodan (first degree blackbelt) in judo, been doing the sport for over 15 years, started a bit late at age 21... and I am grateful that masters or veterans divisions exist. I'd rather compete with someone around my age (36 to 40), then compete against a 21 year old who has been doing judo since they were five, wants to go to the Olympics, and sees me as an obstacle in their way, ha ha. One of the blokes I train with at the state squad training sessions, he is 26 years old and a nidan (second degree blackbelt) in judo, and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) as well... absolute weapon, and he almost always destroys me during randori (free practice). I'm not an "old" person, but in the realm of combat sports, I am becoming "older". On top of that, I'm not as quick as I used to be, and do have injuries which I will carry for the rest of my life (arthritis in my right shoulder and my right knee, missing ligaments in my right knee, as well). My judo technique and mindset has greatly improved, but even then, it is difficult to fight someone who is faster and stronger than you... and even more difficult when they also have more experience and better technique than you! In competitive judo, the senior division is where the hungry folk are at. They want to go to the world championships or the Olympics one day. The masters and veterans divisions on the other hand? That's often for folk who want to test themselves, while also having a good time and going home in one piece.

[@TheRexReview]

About to start my judo journey and I’m on the cusp of 36. Good to know masters has ppl who still compete but aren’t going to try and kill me lmao

[@Disc0spider]

@@TheRexReview Good luck and all the best with your judo! I hope you enjoy it. :)

[@reigninblood123]

It's interesting because judo doesn't tend to have much in masters competition and certainly not at the local level. I suspect you are from a country where judo is relatively popular

[@Disc0spider]

@@reigninblood123 Where I live, judo is quite a "niche" sport in comparison to other sports. Locally, there isn't any masters/veterans divisions, but national competitions within the country have them. That being said, they are honestly not as populated as the typical senior or young men/women's divisions.

[@tichtran664]

And sometimes they WANT you out of judo as soon as you hit your THIRTIES. Especially if you are a woman. Like Laetitia Blot. When she went " old" they wanted her to leave competitive judo. That when she then jumped into training AND competing in freestyle wrestling, sambo, and now MMA ( with training in bjj and Luta Livre as well as striking).

[@Silentwatcher23]

43 blue belt here!!oss

[@cong1920]

43 white belt clicked Like

[@domdadomdom_2733]

Snap

[@jimasturias3952]

43 blue belt enjoyijg the journey

[@thebuzzcjc]

48 Blue belt

[@JeremyHollabaugh]

43 year old 3 stripe white belt.

[@schkoum24]

40 here. First competetion next sunday :) In Masters of course.

[@arturolm1464]

I started bjj at 17yo, now I'm almost 34yo, black belt and I've no plans to compete in masters. I understand a 35yo blue or white belt to not want to face a kid who has been training since 6yo in a tournament. But for me I prefer to be smashed by a 20yo black or brown belt rather to compete with masters. So I think I will compete in adults till I retire. I can still teach those kids a couple of things. 😂

[@Tyler16bit]

I'm also a 35 year old white belt hobbyist, and I'd like to compete at some point, but I want to also get in better shape before I consider it.

[@aquaman5257]

53 purple. You don’t get many fights in the older divisions. I Win some and lose some but the whole point is to get experience and the only way to do that is to enter the adult divisions for more than 1 or 2 fights. Doesn’t make sense to drive 3-5 hrs and pay $200 for one fight. Word of caution….the youngsters don’t let go to a tap. They let go when the ref notices the tap.

[@hawjfamily321]

I'm 40 now and in the exact same situation. I train 2 to 3 days a week because I work 12 hours a day. I started at the same time as some younger white belts 5 months ago but they are improving so much more compared to me.

[@DreX-8810]

I’m 44 and work a 2-2-3 (12 hr shift ) also. I do 2-3 times a week maybe 4…..I e trained for 1.5 years so far. 3 times is good n trust you will get good. At an older guy, I use a lot pressure n slow the younger guys down….its tires them out as we tend to be stronger than them really ( ole man strength )…………..Trust n believe our gonna be dope! It’s a personal journey to find yourself n work with what you got n become lethal the it! Nobody will ever be able to do it like you…..who care if they learn faster , those youngsters are not fathers n husbands n sole providers high health insurance wife the whole family n car insurance. This is a prescription for us older guys! Be patient with yourself n HAVE FUN! OSS! 🤙🏿

[@SuperHouseTV]

I love that over time Chewie's intro phrase gets faster and faster. "What's up, guys?" is now about 37 milliseconds

[@GamesGunsAndGuitar]

I started 2 years ago when I was 32, and even the difference from then to now being 34 is noticeable! More rest days than before, more ice baths, etc. still fun to train and compete!

[@kbeadle23]

Masters 1 seems like the most competitive skill wise division in my local area for alot of belts

[@Hector-bj3ls]

I'm 34, been training for 2 months, and I've got my first competition this weekend. So far, I don't feel old at all. Everyone I train with, except two, are under 30. My gym did a 2.5 hour ironman last week as prep for the competitors. By the end of it I could barely move. I thought I'd be aching like mad the next day, but I was weirdly fine. Prior to joining my gym I'd just been sat in a chair all day doing software development. I signed up for the Gi, No Gi, and absolute masters. The absolute didn't have enough competitors, so I accepted being dropped down into the Adult for that. I'm not expecting to do super well, but I'm not planning on losing either.

[@neddy170]

Thanks for the video! Just completed my third comp yesterday at 42. Masters is definitely the way to go for me. I did my first comp in the adults devision and competing in the masters devision felt much better as we were all in the same boat, I was talking with the other guys un the division after and we all kind of felt the same and we were all happy that there were a few of us at the competition...

[@Nickoshot]

Good advice from Chewie as always, I'd only add to the questioner if you are winning some, losing some that isn't a bad competition place to be in. You get encouragement and get areas to work on highlighted. If the Masters events are as easy to access then why not but if it's additional travel, cost etc then don't let that stop you having a go in the Adult division

[@InnerLondonViolence]

39 blue belt here, I 've started bjj in the age of 36.I 've competed in every local tournament I could, mostly in Master 1 division in white belts but since I got my blue belt I 've only played in adults and most of the times I did really well. Totally agree with what you re saying , but I try to fool my self that I am younger than I am , since I can - for the time - be competitive with people half my age. In my recent plans are some bigger tournaments in Europe so there I will try play at masters as I suppose to , but until then I will be the older guy playing with the youngsters. Maybe cause I have good physical condition and I have a healthy lifestyle , body still can play well but when as you say the weight of the world on my shoulders is what is holding be back most of the times. Great video, keep giving advice to older kids like me !

[@michaelwheeler9364]

I competed in a tournament a couple of years ago. There weren't enough people in my age/weight class, so I was moved to an adult division for people 10 years younger and 20 lbs heavier. I placed first in no gi and third in gi. And afterward, my joints hurt so badly that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to go to work for the week. I've never done grappling since. That was it. Done.

[@guillermo4851]

Masters in BJJ is the competition of the future. Its the only sport I know (besides Golf) that has created a competitive and enjoyable competition for senior participants. A nice way for us, "old" people, to grasp and experience what would have been like if we had entered BJJ younger and compete.

[@nicocontreras5366]

And still can be done ! I train almost everyday in judo and BJJ plus some weights and became purple belt champion in ultra heavy division of a small tournament last year. Nobody showed up by the way but champion is champion :) .

[@lllDrGonzolll]

Yep, realized all of the points mentioned a few weeks ago after losing all my matches in a tournament. I’m 41, have a toddler at home, a lot of work, renovating our house, two mortages. All my opponents were in their twenties or very early thirties. All were bigger (doing a proper weight cut is not so easy anymore), more athletic and much more dedicated to fighting. For a guy like me, it’s sometimes challenging to even get a proper sleep before tournament because of the kid. It’s a hard thing to swallow after being a lifelong athlete, but I finally stopped viewing guys fighting in masters as an adorable bunch of senior citizens trying to stay active, but realized I’m one of them now :).

[@JohnCorley13]

I'm a 42 y/o 🔵 belt. I have been hearing it's important to compete at least once to get to know yourself a bit better and understand the sport etc. This video confirms my thoughts about competing in the masters. Ty!

[@jheers1]

Awesome video! At 37 I have really wanted to compete with the younger guys, and physically my fitness and strength attributes show that I can. However this video has helped me to see the number one reason I think i should stick to the masters. These young guys are potentially training bjj 5+ times per week, multiple times per day, and even looking to make BJJ a career. I should class myself with other guys who are in the same area of life as me. Training bjj 3-4 times per week max, careers outside of bjj, family, other obligations, etc. Thanks again Chewy!

[@KL4life]

This is why I come to this channel cuz Chewie always provides raw real perspective lol. Everything he said is exactly what I'm experiencing.

[@Abettergrappler]

Bro, I was a D1 wrestler and when i turned 30 I said. "fuck adult, that's too much effort. I'm doing Master's now".

[@MTNMAX88]

I’m 35 and compete in adult divisions. Not enough competition in masters where I live

[@vincechanhealthy6373]

never even thought about the off-the-mat aspect. Makes so much sense

[@christinedonnelly]

I’m a 43-year old hobbyist that competes at Masters 3. Sometimes I would go down to Masters 1 as there is no one in my age bracket. I do feel that my body needs maintenance. Yesterday I was in the shower and all of a sudden my upper back started to spasm on its own for no reason at all. It’s frustrating 😢

[@daryl_Jem]

As a 37 year old purple belt with kids and a career, i feel this. Way harder to commit to training, and when I do, my body is so sore lol

[@DoggosAndJiuJitsu]

From 36-39 I’ve competed in 13 at-age comps and one Adult comp (at 39, Purple Feather). I won, but those young thundercats took every bit of jiu jitsu I could pull out. It’s just different from the 20’s to late 30’s.

[@tamamalosi]

I'm a 48-years old white belt Ultra Heavy who competes in Masters 4. Not once have I competed against anyone my age. Usually the Ultras get rolled together (pardon the pun), Opens and Masters. Three comps in three months. Bronze, Gold and Silver. It can be done. Lift. Roll. Recover. There are no excuses. PS. Have four kids and own/run my own business.

[@ryanbamfordslife9650]

💪🫡

[@chriswalkin4952]

Well said

[@HornsandHeels]

Hell yeah, same here brother 3 days a week two days of lifting.. 🤙🤙🤙 keep rocking

[@tamamalosi]

Ossa Boys! Bring it! 💪👊😎🦍.

[@carldunai7341]

Thanks for this Chewy, I’m 33 and been training for almost 10 years and have a question. Here in Melbourne Australia, the no-gi divisions at masters are small, particularly as you move higher up in rank. In this situation, how do weigh up paying $120 bucks for a division with 1 guy that you might beat vs. adult division with multiple young guns, and multiple matches where you’re likely to get smashed?

[@boyscout_86]

38 and WB with only 4 months in. I pretty active in my 20s and I definitely feel the slow down in recovery. Ive been considering competing but have had these concerns. Good info.

[@ramirosarabia]

I’ve only done one competition which was NAGA last year. 28.5 yrs old at the time and went up against two very early 20s young adults (video is on my profile). This is all to say-preach! Can’t wait to do Masters vs adults moving fwd

[@reigninblood123]

As an old guy i feel i want to go against the younger guys simply because the masters division has such few entrants. Sometimes only two or three others entering

[@joshuawood362]

The issue with masters divisions is that there arent enough typically, and you get in combined weight classes

[@joshuawood362]

@@sensimiller420 im 180, at 41 yrs old they put me with a 31 yr old at 240 of in shape 240

[@joshuawood362]

and yes im on trt lol

[@erikszalai283]

Thx Chewie! I'm 41, doing this less than a year, don't even have a stripe and have my first ever competition tomorrow. There was noone in the "senior" XD division for my weight (still holding 150 ^^) so I gonna roll with masters. Check-engine.... xD uhh I know that feeling.

[@ndaking]

Thank you for posting Chewy!

[@jtorc]

Very timely video. Just competed in adults, blue belt, submission only. No one else was in my group so I joined under 70kg, Adult, Blue belt. Gi and NoGi. Very little turn around between NoGi matches. I'm 57. It hurt. And I'll be hurting for days. Still worth it. At least i made those young guys work a little for their subs 😅

[@patrickreagan7784]

Nice job,Chwstr.Good explanation.

[@minutemanfl]

I'm a 35 year old blue belt that started training in March of 2023. I train 5 days a week, sometimes 6 or 7. I've probably got about 600 hours on the mat at this point and my body hurts all the time. The only time is doesn't hurt is while I'm on the mat lol. I have my first Masters competition next month in the Jiu Jitsu World League.

[@bil-alak3382]

34 year old, blue belt here, fought against 100s of young blue belt and didn't find any problem except one exceptionally talented guy.

[@namenotfound8747]

Sounds like you need to move up.

[@kimsamson2545]

I'm 36 and will have my first masters competition in PAN Asia this June. No Gi. I'm excited

[@jonatho85]

Such great discussions on this page.

[@Igoriann]

I’m 35, train 5x a week for 8 months still white belt of course, went to adult got destroyed in all 4 fights. Talked to my opponents, they’re all like 25, been training other martial arts, eating healthy, no kids, etc. just go to masters. Those people have kids and other responsibilities in life. It will make sense

[@adamlooping]

45 year old featherweight blue here. I enjoy competing but there's almost never anyone in my division, so often wind up getting smashed by guys young enough to be my son. 😄 Never thought about the training frequency part of the age divisions - that's a very good point.

[@DefconUnicorn]

I am 40 yr old brown belt, married 2 kids. I understand what it takes to be competitive. I have a family and a job I am not giving them up to reach that level. This is my choice and I am happy with it, still love BJJ.

[@xTwistedFleshX]

I'm a 35 year old white belt but with a greco background. I'm 6'1" 250lbs at around 20% body fat. I personally feel like adult division would be better for me but I don't know too beginner at BJJ to have the best idea.

[@ratamahatta1300]

41 here I feel like my shape is still above many of my younger training/competing partners, got decent cardio and feel strong. BUT I aint that fast any more and I am more concerned about my health/risk-reward when rolling with younger guys. And another reason why I start in masters division is, that I want to encourage more „older“ guys to going to competition.

[@HeyoWhatUp]

Purple belt lightweight Masters 2 is straight up pimp city, best non-blackbelt division in the whole sport. I'm sure chewy can extrapolate why haha. Good video. Cheers y'all 👽🤙🍻

[@strongwiseandfree]

I sometimes compete in Masters Nogi with a 2nd division in Adult Nogi as a bonus. Lately, I've been doing Masters Gi as my bonus division though

[@younghong5946]

Hi Chewy. First off, congrats on your first pregnancy I really love your videos! Your wife is so lovely♡ I wanted to ask: So i usually weigh between 58-60kg without gi. Im entering a -63 tournament in 3 days and i'm wondering if this is a smart choice. This is the last competition i can apply to as a white belt and i was wondering if i should have been cutting weight instead. 2. I'm planning to compete more regularly after i get my blue belt, but im not sure which weight division i sould go for.

[@cafeapaka7501]

There is nothing wrong with entering and competing in a few competitions even if it includes younger competitors- you have to temper your expectations and change your training towards such competitions - that means training specifically for one or two competitions a year and being specific and metered in your sessions which definitely include cycling your training to peak for a specific competition - it can happen but your training will have to change to meet the needs of recovery while balancing skill training, strength, endurance etc. yes this is not an easy feat but possible if it is your goal to compete at an older age.

[@MarcDoesThings]

I’m 52 and just did my first white belt competition after training 6 months. Check out the 3 youtube videos I did on first 6 months training, the decision to compete, and the outcomes.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

I remember being a decade into it in my 30s and this young dude who trained everyday asked to roll with me. He was two belts lower than me but he caught me in a mean footlock and popped my ankle. I felt really old that day. ;)

[@Hfd678vcdg]

43yo white belt competitor... only competed in open. Love it!

[@kylebrown2665]

What about those 45 year old on TRT that still move like they were in 21 but weirdly dense muscle maturity? Always a handful.

[@stuartclubb4302]

That's just about "everyone" over 40 in BJJ. You know, just a little "replacement" to get into the 1000's ;-)

[@dustincintron1682]

What is TRT?

[@stuartclubb4302]

@@dustincintron1682 Testosterone "Replacement" Therapy. Though many people "Replace" way more than they ever had.

[@dustincintron1682]

@@stuartclubb4302 wow I never heard of that.

[@robertneale858]

Hi chewie I competed at 49 years old the organiser couldn't get anybody to compete with me in the masterclass so to be able to compete I had to drop down 2 classes it was very hard competing against the 31 35 year olds but my first competition I came away with 2 bronze medals im hoping to compete again sometime this year again thanks for a great video.

[@ianhenderson3078]

"Old Judoka ..." "I do BJJ ..." "Jitz-roller, sorry. What knight lives in that castle?" "I'm 35 ... I'm not old."

[@martingibbons2488]

It's the big 50 in a few weeks. Deffo takes longer to rest and recover. But I'm mixing it up with all ages and weights. Like chewy says 1 or 2 times a week is all I can muster, 3 max with family and business commitments.

[@rodrigozombie]

Blue masters 2 IBJJF is all I plan on doing moving forward.

[@stuartclubb4302]

Don't forget that even at masters, the prevalence of PED's is ridiculous. The older we get, the more we can physically diverge.

[@Dogzallday]

39 year old blue belt here. I find what keeps me going is nutrient dense foods, good sleep, good training partners and good weed,Take stretching and warmups serious. And stay hydrated

[@ScottieMittelstaedt]

im 25. have a career, wife, home and son. i can confirm it changes the way you train

[@muscletribe]

37 year old competitor just had a match with Mighty mouse 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@hollismallory2757]

How’d it go?

[@dankaplan844]

I did my first two white belt comps 38 years old as a white belt in adult because I wanted that experience. As a blue belt, I'll never compete in adult divisions again.

[@joshuaspaulding8074]

What do you do if you sign up for masters but the tournament puts you in adult division because no one was in masters all the time?

[@ChocolatesAndChai]

Take a breath, find your headspace, step on to the mats, and go get that win.

[@MyHandle007]

I agree with most of what you said, but the real reason there are Masters and Seniors divisions is so the tournaments can make more money, not to even things out as far as the competitive playing field. If everyone could only compete against the adult division, for a 35+ year old chances are they're not going to sign up. Competitive athletes at a high school, college and professional level don't categorize by age divisions. I love jiu-jitsu, but at the end of the day it is a recreational sport at this point.

[@geraldduenas2391]

Got caught w a great arm bar last weekend at SD Open IBJJF by an adult competitor.. I dropped down from master 4 since no one was in my division.. would do it again.

[@Youttubeuser20932]

Meh.. At 30-31, I'm going to compete in the Adult division as long as they let me. Once I can't beat the best guys (in local/regional comps since I don't care to do world level comp), I won't really care to compete, anymore.

[@JefffRushton]

35 never even thought about masters. You make some very good points though

[@HornsandHeels]

I’m 47 😂😂 just train and not worry about the young gunners . 🤙🤙 just enjoy Jinjistu any learn. I hurt every day but love it!!

[@therhythmatic]

I’m 46 and I like competing in masters division. I gotta provide for my family so I can’t get my foot ripped off or my knee torn to shreds. Us older folk have a certain understanding when we compete. You don’t break my stuff, I don’t break your stuff. 😅

[@dl6225]

52 y/o purple belt, I'd like to compete a bit more but @ 149lb, I often have 1 to 0 people in my division. It often times doesn't make sense to travel the 350 miles to the closest hub (LA) to compete where I'm likely to spend a ton of $$ for one or two matches at best! Let alone jumping right into the lions den. Try being old and skinny and then your chances of competing go way down....

[@MCBarracudo]

Wise words my friend.

[@chrisvanniekerk200]

I'm 47, competing against 20 year olds, it is tough Trying to roll smarter ,.. trying

[@slayerbot1394]

Im a 36yr old hobbyist white belt 😂 Never thought about competing - this is just cardio for me

[@jtriplet]

That’s why I’m glad I didn’t start jiu jitsu until I was 46. I have no clue of how much worse I am then I would have been in my 20’s 😂. But I do love rolling with the 20 year olds at my gym. Keeps me young.

[@WolfCubMMA]

I started competing at 43 just for fun. First match was against a strong 25 year old. 😅 I held my own against him and it was a nice test of my jiu jitsu, but in my second tournament I got opponents closer to my age which was way less intense. 😅

[@superfisto]

It's all fun. I was able to compete against young men when I was 40+

[@fteambjj]

Just turned 39. Im soooo tireeeed and lazy to roll with teens and 20+ guys wtf. Somehow always injured little bits here and there.

[@CallMeO08]

I officially started at 34 this year, a month ago actually, and I’m aiming for my first white stripe

[@ZWhiskey]

Don’t be scared homie. Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.

[@andrewmontgomery5266]

I’m a 37 year old purple belt and I think there are benefits to the adult division too. The matches are longer so the pace is slower, even with the athletic guys, because they can’t be explosive for a full 7+ minute round, round after round, so maybe certain style of game it can be an advantage, versus a five minute round with a guy on TRT.

[@denismefaev3983]

I’m 35 and I don’t compete with young guys because I need to make money for my family. I’m in sales and cannot afford a bruised face or a broken arm. At our gym I know who I roll with and I trust the guys to go full speed on the mats. In comps I don’t know and don’t trust an opponent, so I stay away.

[@Omartinez0341]

I feel it all at the age of 36. Nothing compare to when I first started

[@darkmatter1129]

55 yo, 1 year of training, got smoked in my first comp (there was no one in my bracket), hoping to compete against people my own age in a larger comp coming up, looks like they only have a 40+ bracket. My 40 yo self could kick my ass...

[@amnfox]

I've seen too many hobbist get their knees blown out, their neck and back injured. Chronic injuries all from chasing the competition side of BJJ. I don't even start sparring standing. I drill take downs, but won't let someone have a go at injuring me rolling while attempting to try some new Instagram takedown they saw 30 minutes ago.

[@stacybehrens7152]

This is something BJJ does well that wrestling messed up. Wrestling is up or out and there is basically no training or competition with peers available post college. Sports aren’t fun unless you can compete with peers. Older folks that stay in the sport make great fans, have lots of disposable income to pump into the sport, and lots of us still want to participate.

[@vuongluong3327]

I’m small 135 lbs, old 43, and lower belt purple. I can’t get anyone in my bracket, they always group me up with the adult division. I’m to spent after the first match. Guys in my weight class are too fast.

[@adamlooping]

I'm in the same boat as you but a blue belt - can totally relate!