Dangers of Judo for Older Guys

What's up guys!
Hong Nguyen, 45 years old, Judo Black Belt, Bjj Blue Belt, Life Long Martial Artist and now a Yogi as well. This channel is dedicated to fitness for Judo and martial arts, for older guys.
If you're a Young Cat coming up, you'll learn how to avoid the many mistakes and pitfalls that will slow down and or even ruin you're martial arts journey.
I'll show you guys how i stay in amazing shape, prehab & rehab my injuries, and continue to get better as i get older to become the best martial artist i can be.
OG Fitness baby, Osu!
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[@Kunstdesfechtens]

Awesome video. I started Judo at 41, but was already in reasonable shape from a decade of sword work and other unarmed training. Can fully endorse sword arts as great for making/keeping your shoulders supple, and it's good for your calves and glutes too. I've never had a shoulder issue in Judo. However, as an older Judoka, be careful who you do randori with. I had my fibula and ankle broken 10 years ago doing tachi waza randori with an incredibly strong but inexperienced person (6'5" power lifter). My spidey sense said it was a bad idea, but I didn't listen. Now I've got three screws and a plate on my fibula, and a screw going right through my ankle sideways. I was laid up for three months. So if you get the sense that someone is not safe to do randori with, you're probably right. Take a break, go get water, whatever, keep yourself safe. And yes, I went right back to training as soon as I could. 👍

[@aapatoreibr2259]

Im 19 and have practice judo since a very young age (7/8) never got injured or injured someone. As the video says is very important to take care of your muscles, stretch , warm up and specially train your fall, other important thing is to avoid hurting your colleague doing risky throws and techniques like makikomis or landing on top of someone who is a lower belt or older guy. Every sport has its risks but most of the time its better than staying home getting fat, your body was design to move and fight, don't be afraid to use it responsibly.

[@raphaelgracia551]

You're 19, you'll see when you reach around 30, all kinds of pains you thought you were immune to start to pop out.

[@carlosgranah]

As a 42 year old judoka and bjj player, Kettlebells are a invaluable training tool for core strength Swings and TGUP.

[@OGFITNESS]

Personally i like to stick to super low skill stuff for resistance training. Safer imo.

[@lbredin]

Great information and perfect timing! I'm 61 and have been thinking of starting (took judo in my teens); however, I really like working out (currently with sandbags) and wouldn't be happy if I couldn't workout due to Judo injuries. Your video is helping me think it through. Greatly appreciated!!!

[@OGFITNESS]

glad it helps Larry, thx for the support

[@kitelooper311]

I'm 41 and have my first Judo class scheduled for tonight and this video is the first thing I see when I open KZbin lol. I'm in great shape except for my shoulders, I tore my rotator cuffs a few years ago from heavy lifting & overuse. I had the RC repair surgery on my left shoulder only a few years back.

[@OGFITNESS]

destiny!! Awesome man! I got rotator cuff issues too on my right side.

[@felippecorreia]

Hey man just saw your comment and I would like to know your feedback . Have the same issues dislocated my shoulder in my 20s I'm 37 and thinking about starting Judo. Do you mind share your experience? Thanks

[@jdude9002]

Updates? Are you still in judo how is it!

[@endurojimmy3109]

After decades in Judo I stopped in my 50s after never really suffered too much with my knees. It was drummed into me from a child SOFT KNEES. However both my shoulders are wrecked and sound like yours. I can't fully straighten my left elbow ( turning out of throws- totally avoidable, just take the ippon guys) left ankle ligament damaged, a lot of my finger and toe joints are calcified, and I will probably need a left hip replacement in a few years. Apart from that I'm in great shape. Totally worth it though and I have no regrets. Bang on regards shoulder excise, dumbbell side raises and Face offs.

[@OGFITNESS]

Hey Jim, i've never heard of soft knees, what does that mean exactly? Thx for tunning in, appreciate the support and you commenting on the video

[@endurojimmy3109]

@@OGFITNESS So it means keep some bend in your knees. I guess your knees are your shock absorbers. Great youtube chanel you have made, good to hear someone who talks sense. Keep up with your training when normality returns.

[@Renku07]

Here's is my ten cents. I'm a black belt in shito ryu karate do. But judo is way more demanding than karate and more prone to injury. If you're a 40 something dude and want to learn judo, well, it can be done. And this's the way I'd do it. Just learn the techniques as well as you can; do some randori so you know the flow of the techniques but do NOT complete. Strengthen your body, and know how to fall properly; this's essential. Competition is good;' it's the ultimate test to know how well you can apply a technique. But you need to understand that age is real, so acknowledge that. Judo is such a good martial art that you're gonna benefit from it even if you don't compete.

[@VincentTamer]

Doesn't one need to compete to get to higher ranks? I'm curious.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

Good advice that. I have no intention of competing I just want to get fit, build confidence and know I could look after myself if someone tried it on. I've only been doing it a few weeks and already started eyeing up random people walking about and saying to myself I could smash them haha only kidding. It's a real buzz and makes you feel alive, but hell it's a wake up call to how fit you think you are!

[@MrPhillipgraham]

​@@VincentTamerno, not in the UK anyway? To get all the belts up to black you are tested in front of your sensei and then judges from the federation?

[@Renku07]

@@MrPhillipgraham Way to go, man. Don't give up and learn as mush as possible.

[@asaiya705]

Thanks alot for this, as a 36 year old about to start back into martial arts, Judo and BJJ, I needed this. very helpful thanks bro!

[@OGFITNESS]

My pleasure, let me know if you have any questions, always happy to help, Osu! @ogfitness79 on IG

[@DietVionis]

Hello my friend..Padelis judoka from greece if y remember me...i so mych agree with your opinion...it was very well adressed and analysed..keep the good job..i heard your advise and i will follow judo while i am still young(41:)..i hope at 46 i will have tha black belt..i am orange now :) take care my friend..

[@OGFITNESS]

hey Padelis! How you been brother? Orange belt! congratulations on that. Thanks for the support as always.

[@karatekid1252]

I've been injured more often and severe during general training than competing. I may have spent the majority of time training but I feel it's the attitude and approach of your training partner that makes a huge difference

[@OGFITNESS]

Absolutely! Im very careful at this stage who i practice with, its super important for your development and longevity

[@iandavies6575]

I've had a few injuries in the past. broken toes, dislocated collar bone, torn abductor muscle, torn stomach muscles and a cauliflower ear.

[@---Jaime-MEXICO-1962]

Graet Video !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙋🏻‍♂️🇲🇽 60 years White Judo Belt

[@OGFITNESS]

Awesome!

[@jongler9775]

40 years old here. Back to the mats after a 20 years break. ( rather light weight, average build and size ). One year in, my problem is my fingers. I injured my ligaments ( nothing too serious ) and now I have to take a break for maybe two months. Muscular exercice is a great advice.

[@WolframtheBlessed3499]

Brother, I needed to see this video. Thank you. Subscribed with bell notifications!!

[@optimusmaximus9646]

A good judo coach will instil in his students and assistant instructors a duty-of-care for their older students, especially those who do not or cannot compete anymore. A lot of injuries occur when younger people are hell bent of proving themselves in some way and use new or much older students as rag dolls to show how good they are on the mat. It is normal human behaviour but it should not be allowed in the dojo. We should all park our egos should at the door before entering. If you want to prove how good you are, do it in competition, not against lower belts or older practitioners during training. You will find that older students are generally not there to compete against anyone as they have nothing to prove; they are there for the love of it so please exercise caution when training with them. I don't mean we should wrap them in cotton wool - just be mindful that they are more vulnerable to injury. The thing is, injuries take a lot longer to heal, it at all, when you get older. I am now 60 and after 4 decades of doing martial arts, including both striking and grappling arts, all the injuries I sustained during my martial arts journey limit what I can do now. But as long as remain fit and healthy and don’t push myself too much, I hope I can continue to train. Younger, stronger and more agile students can learn from their older but more experienced students, so treat them with respect and they will enjoy training with you.

[@AeolethNionian]

I can't stress enough stretches and flexibility enough. I'm not older but I had really tight hamstrings and hips and pulled my groin in randori. Since then I've been doing stretches every day to target my whole body so I don't have to go through that pain again. Before I pulled my groin I couldn't touch my toes and a year later I was able to put my hands flat on the ground. There's almost no chance of my pulling my groin again because I'm at the point where I can swing my foot over my head. I take 20 minutes a day to stretch everything and 50% of that is just me laying on the floor. I could do it in 10 or 15 minutes if I wasn't lazy about it.

[@s1r155]

Yes, flexibility is very important to avoid injuries. I need to add time for stretching to my own training routine.

[@antonioflores425]

Thank you so much for your videos man, You have no idea how much they inspired us / me, would you please consider making a video on comparing on sambo and judo, AND how there are some athletes that compite in bouth disciplines. Thankyou AND congrats for your channel.

[@OGFITNESS]

I put it on my list, definitely a interesting topic, thx for the support, im glad you enjoy my content. Osu!

[@Sam-rb1id]

I've done judo for around 4-5 months now. I'm 47 and yeah, I've already had ankle, knee and shoulder strains and sprains (forcing me to take some weeks out in total). Injuries are a real thing. I've started implementing more specific weight training for injury prevention and just started stretching a bit more and working on mobility and do feel some difference. The biggest thing though is learning to spar more gently and focus on technique rather than trying to 'muscle' through everything and find partners who also want to go 50-60% intensity and aren't trying to do 100% competition rounds every session. I definitely think its worth mentioning that despite the injuries and the dangers I'm having so much fun with a great group of people that its totally worth it! And on the other side I've lost a stone of fat and got stronger faster and healthier since I started! :)

[@OGFITNESS]

Its hellafun! Injuries kinda come w the territory unfortunately, but a lot of it can be prevented i believe, not the freak accidents of course. I gotta make a video on hard sparring. I think for the OG its once a week at most. And there tremendous benefit to this.

[@Sam-rb1id]

@@OGFITNESSDo! I'll be looking out for it :)

[@dreadinside654]

Very informative. I subbed. I'm a 39 years old guy. New to judo. Thank you for the advice.

[@judoka2k]

Good points. I think one danger worth mentioning thats often overlooked, is the dreaded cauliflower ear. showing some pics of judoka with stubs for ears would be enough to discourage many older ear entact guys . I was fortunate enough to have been spared from its effects. yuck.

[@Renku07]

Use ear protectors like the wrestlers. I don't know why they don't use it in judo.

[@gengotaku]

Thanks for the video man!As someone who got back to judo at age 49 yy I thought it was very realistic. Personally I only hurt my knees ONCE when doing "uchikomi", which was a shock to me. However, it was a minor ligament injury and I'm back on track again. I never hurt my shoulders but it must be because I have a lot of strength and my experience in aikido must help with the ukemis. Keep it up bro!!

[@OGFITNESS]

Thank you brother! I will.

[@chengezhussaini1464]

Also lower back muscle should be emphasized in order to avoid long-term tears or injuries.

[@eddienewton587]

Hello people I am a practicing judo black belt 59 years old train every week had more injuries playing football in my twenties than doing judo

[@OGFITNESS]

Football is hardcore shit.

[@Keeganbrian70]

Man I needed to hear this ! I just started judo and i am 54

[@holdenmuganda97]

I find being light on your toes will save you from knee problems a lot. For me since I’m light on my feet the leg just comes out when I’m thrown awkwardly rather than it getting stuck underneath me and popping. I’ve had some scares though but I’ve never needed more than a few weeks without randori. I’m 32 and have done judo for 7 years btw and we do randori for 75% of class and complete about 4-5 times a year just for background.

[@OGFITNESS]

i agree, being light on your feet definitely helps. Thanks for the background info, i always enjoy hearing about guys in the community experience levels. Osu!

[@hocinebelkahla8253]

Which belt are you at?

[@holdenmuganda97]

@@hocinebelkahla8253 shodan(black belt)

[@basse9914]

Sorry but what do you mean by "light on the feet"?

[@thagrifster594]

Really good info. Thanks

[@OGFITNESS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-md2fm7ik2z]

Subscribed bro 😎 could you bring us through some gym weights sessions ? I’m starting judo at 26, I’ve been lifting weights for about 7 years but would like to know what movements could be beneficial

[@ramondiaz2851]

Man, those throws look so kool how can one get bored of being a judoka!

[@OGFITNESS]

peeps dont get borred, they get injured, lol

[@gabesegun7966]

You're crazy. I'm already hurt just watching those throws.

[@BanksProject]

I am about to turn 43 and I am beat the hell up from a lot of Judo a decade ok. And a lot of BJJ. With that said, I think when your older and less explosive you need to get more creative and sorta sneaky with your attacks or better yet combination of attacks.

[@illiJomusic]

Just started judo at 42. Done Taiji Quan and Baguazhang for years amongst other arts but haven't had a regular sparring group for ten years. My skills during Randori have been surprisingly decent against higher belts but I injured my left knee (patella tendon I think) and the impact on my ribs when getting landed on has taken its toll. Should have gone at it like a 42 year old rather then like I did thinking I was still young. The impass is the way

[@miopera40]

White belts and your knees are they #1 danger for old judokas, because you do not commit as it should to the throw to avoid damaging them and you end up getting injured with a bad executed leg throw, not to mention the kicks on your legs at the begining of every randori. Practicing judo with black belts should be ok and injure free for the most part, though competition is another story.

[@mbarkevich]

Concussions or just basic trauma to the head and neck

[@themmaboom8045]

Dam son you look like your in your 20s, cant believe your 40 lol

[@OGFITNESS]

Thanks! 42 now lol

[@rns7426]

I think the knees go from ukemi. Taking hard throws without crash pads.

[@OGFITNESS]

You have to build your body up it when your older.

[@hermannvalsson4237]

What about stroke which older Judokas are getting in strangles.

[@lajuanjohnsonbtc9634]

This was very helpful since I'm going to try Judo at 51

[@OGFITNESS]

I have a bunch of vids on how to approach it safely, let me know if you have any questions

[@jdude9002]

I'm 51 thinking about starting judo don't want to be injured how is it?

[@OGFITNESS]

@@jdude9002 youd have to do old man judo, a different approach all together, will make a video on it.

[@donmanolo4875]

It's called randori... not about building muscles, it's about strengthening the joints.

[@TheTomasVerse]

Great video! I'm 45, pretty out of shape (working in front of a computer all week long etc) and just tried a bit of aikido because it seemed easy on the body. But the downside was that it was not that fun and not much of a workout. Now I want to try judo instead because of the higher intensity etc. If I do judo 2 times a week and then add an extra "workout for judo" (at the judo club) and some weight training at a regular gym, does it make sense for me to focus in judo, even in my age?

[@OGFITNESS]

Yes that makes sense, watch all my other vids on Judo, there’s a lot of insight there for guys out age, im 44 right now. Take slow, listen to you body, and lose weight if you have too. Im going to make more videos bout fat loss, i think a lot of guys struggle with that at this age. I’ve connected the important dots, its mostly about how you approach it.

[@TheTomasVerse]

Great, thank you@@OGFITNESS!

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

Good info. What about tape to stabilise the joints while training?

[@OGFITNESS]

All the Judoka are taped up, 🤣

[@rexhamilton6381]

I’m 48. I tore my groin bad as uke for uchi mata. Some one fell on my wrist non randori when I wasn’t expecting it at all. Kumi kata drills hurt my fingers. Now my back is starting to act up. I might be nearing the end or at least limit what I do. I don’t heal like unused to. I wish I started when I was younger.

[@OGFITNESS]

Take a break and rehab that body properly, thats what im doing, osu🙏🥋🙇‍♂️

[@husenali5956]

This is very frustrating. I am 24. Does this mean that if I enter judo, I will definitely get injured?

[@OGFITNESS]

Yes, any combat sport for that matter

[@MrPhillipgraham]

I just started judo at 41! Ive only had about 7 sessions and already my left knee is smashed! Well the muscle on the inner side anyway. When we were doing o goshi i felt my knee go right through the mat and hit the floor. Its so tender and saw now im worried further traning will make it worse 😩. Any advice on how to treat it? Thanks.

[@OGFITNESS]

Id say wear knees pads from now on, no more dropping to your knees to execute or finish a throw. If its just muscular damage, its no big deal, just need some r&r. And just do grip fighting w some sweeps and or ne-waza until the knee is better. If you feel its more then just sore/banged up muscles you’ll need to have it check to see which ligament(s) were damaged and do the appropriate rehab work. Did you fall on your knee after throwing w O-goshi?🤔. I’ve never fell on my knee on a ogoshi.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

@@OGFITNESS thanks for the reply mate. Yeah I think it's muscular more than anything so an ice pack and rest should sort it! It doesn't help that I have really knobbly knees haha. It happened when I was thrown I'm sure it was o-goshi. We had a conveyor belt sort of thing going on each taking turns. Great channel I'm enjoying the content plus I've subscribed. Big hello from Wales👍.

[@Askar-e6z]

Hello! Im a beginner at Judo and orange belt, I’ve been practising for almost 3 years. I have a problem when doing randori or getting thrown by tori. My instructors all black belts telling that I am too tense and I need to relax. To be honest, I am very unaware of it when I get thrown by someone espacially by somestronger beginner. Please, can you tell my any advice I need to know about before going to the mat. How can I keep myself not to tense and relaxing? I appricate you comment your advice.

[@OGFITNESS]

You have to get really comfortable breakfalling , and you have to accept and take the fall when you feel you got caught

[@philcruz99]

Yes yes and yes but how about ankles?

[@OGFITNESS]

Yes ankles can get messed up as well.

[@StatSeeker-is9jx]

I'm 24 years old, and some people told me it's too late already to start practicing Judo ... What do you think, bro?

[@StyxDicks]

That's absurd, you're still very young. Don't worry about it.

[@OGFITNESS]

I started at 36, too late for olympics yes , not judo

[@Kunstdesfechtens]

I started at 41. Go for it!

[@pohkimcheng59]

So essentially just be as bulky as possible to walk in the dojo and start judo.😢

[@OGFITNESS]

Yes, try it and see, it aint that easy to build muscle unless genetically gifted.

[@pohkimcheng59]

@@OGFITNESS ya seriously I wanna start judo too I'm 33 currently and I was worried about if I have problems keeping up the training...

[@OGFITNESS]

I started at 36 just start and see where your fitness level is at and take it from there.

[@pohkimcheng59]

@@OGFITNESS love you man 💕 lot of time I don't have the courage to start but watching your video I somehow gained some confidence 😉 thanks man

[@OGFITNESS]

My pleasue osu🙏🥋🙇‍♂️

[@xmanlegend550]

iam 33 yo is it danger for me if i start???

[@LizzardKaze]

You absolutely look like you’re 30! How are you 41 😮

[@OGFITNESS]

44 now, osu!

[@ramondiaz2851]

That is why I run with 60 pounds 2 times a week to strengthen my knees and of course stamina!!! This is a spartan method of training!!

[@OGFITNESS]

You crazy Ramon!!!

[@myhandlehasbeenmishandled]

We just need thicker mats and stronger arms and shoulders. Think gorilla arms.

[@OGFITNESS]

Thats that aspiring body type😂,

[@guyetundi5501]

Jada Pinkett Smith

[@OGFITNESS]

Huh?🤔

[@raphaelgracia551]

I think you should be more careful in you advices. Judo can cause all kinds of pains in all kinds of places, not specifically in the places and ways you mention. I, for example never had knee problems, and falls never hurt my shoulders, although, believe me, I had loads and loads of other injuries/pains. And, also, the solutions/prevention are not always as straightforward and easy to apply.

[@OGFITNESS]

You’re a lucky man,no shoulder and knees injuries and you do Judo?🤔 whats tour secret. Careful in advice what sense? Im curious

[@raphaelgracia551]

Well, to say the truth, I had some shoulder issues, but it did not happen because of the falls and opponents' pulling. That never hurt me for some reason. I had a lot of pain when going into shoulder flexion, when doing morote for example. And my knees never hurt. But I have developed hip arthritis over the years, I would often jam my neck or my lower back, I had pubalgia, broke several fingers and toes, etc. Each of us is different and reacts differently to the constraints of judo. That's why I am saying to be careful in your advice, as they won't suit everyone.@@OGFITNESS

[@antoniooreguy6478]

This is not true if you have a good teknique this doesent happen and the actual profesors teaches very badly . And the actual tatami are no good.

[@Brandon-ob9rg]

So basically, just strength train. LOL

[@OGFITNESS]

mobility and flexibility too, but yup, get them gains bro!! :)