Easing into Judo at 40+

[@waikikisurflesson528]

It's never too late to start Judo. I started in Japan in 1968 at age 6 and made Ikkyu in 3 years (undefeated) Many duck walks and bunny hops back then. American football took over in the USA I got back into Judo at age 48. They started me back at white belt and even though I'm fluent in Japanese and can compete with any Black belt at -90kg. I did all the Natl. events and even my 1st IJF world cup event 1st match beat a Black Belt in 25 sec. Now I'm down to -81kg. and ready to compete at age 58. I'm not worried about making Shodan because I can compete as a Brown Belt and I'm still learning this beautiful sport. Welcome to Judo at 40 and Good Luck to you!

[@ReisterJP]

I started Judo at 6 as well. Not in Japan but my sensei had got his blackbelt at the Kodokan under Risei Kano. Now I am one of the old teachers who is always talking about the old sensei.

[@stevenkern5848]

I am turning 54 in 2024 and been in the martial arts since 8 years old. Had a career as a martial arts instructor and school owner for over 21 years. I retired 5 years ago and got back into training just last year. Had already achieved brown belt in bjj - so transitioning back intothat art was not a problem. Humbling...but not a problem. Judo, although is a bit challenging because ofmy age. I would agree the absolute #1 thing to learn if you are a beginner in the martial arts, and you are over 40, is your break falls. I take it for granted that i can fall correctly without any injury or real worry. But i learned that skill 40+ yeats ago and always practiced as an everyday part of my job. If i had not, i wouldnt have made it past my 2 nd lesson. All the weight lifting and conditioning in the world wouldnt matter. Keep your chin tucked, work on your disbursement of weight as you make impact the ground with slapping the mat with your whole arm (at the correct angle in relation to your hips, because that usually hits the ground first), and breath out with the impact. Or, if your rolling with the fall, remain tucked. And, again, keep you freaking chin down! As is said, im a life long instructor - so this advice comes through years of teaching and time on the mat. Good luck

[@OGFITNESS]

First thing I preach, osu!

[@daviddenson3324]

I'll be 54 in August and I want to get into Judo. I do have some athletic and martial arts past. I am nervous about getting injured and possibly not able to work or something, lol. But I think I'm still going to do it.

[@jorjajorjan3863]

Any updates?

[@AmericanPatriot0076]

I could TOTALLY relate to this! I am now 42 & I recently tried getting back into Kodokan-style Judo last year, and no can hang anymore, bruddah. I started Jūdō in my 20’s and 10+ years of not doing Jūdō will take it’s toll on you! I plan on joining again soon, but you’re right, you need to get back into shape to get back into it, because Jūdō can be strenuous at times. 😉🤙🏽

[@OGFITNESS]

man i accumulated more injuries in 2 years of judo then i did with 6 years of bjj. lol, Judo is HARD on the body. Lifting weights 4-5 times a week is what enables me to keep going. And your absolutely right, flexibility and joint mobility is super important. Osu my brother!

[@AmericanPatriot0076]

O.G. FITNESS Oh yes, kettlebell workouts are essential too, because it helps with the quick-twitch muscle movements of Jūdō, as well as power-band workouts for the joints, in fact, I prefer those two workouts over just weight-training for Judo any day! Also, wind-sprints for pre-comp training, as well too. 😉🤙🏽

[@TalkingIsh100]

Iight weight high rep rotator cuff exercises along with proper warm ups and stretching works wonders for shoulder injuries. I thought I needed suregery on my left shoulder years back because I injured it ego lifting. It didn't get better until I finally set my ego aside and stopped lifting for a few months to let it heal and learned to rehap it with stretching and lightweight rotator cuff exercises. Thank God for youtube.

[@midlifemma3049]

hey!! Wish me luck, I will take my first lesson tomorrow at 46.. I used to be athletic, but now I am sedentary for over one year.

[@tylerdurden4289]

How did it go? I’m in the same position, about to start next month

[@ReisterJP]

How did it go? I am starting to teach Judo again I am 47. Started when I was 6.

[@AmericanPatriot0076]

Oh yes, I have sciatic nerve damage because I’m a right-handed Judo player too, & I got the damage from doing Uchimata ochikomis! 😳🥋 I agree, master falling, but also cardio and stretching is HUGE too! 👍🏽

[@Globalnomadsj]

I would also highly recommend finding a club that is less competitive but also teaches the importance and how to be a good uke. I see too many clubs that dont teach enough ukemi but also how to be an uke. You see far less injuries in judo clubs in asia or good clubs because they teach to get thrown. As a black belt, i dont mind junior belts throwing me if the technique is good and i think thats key. I would also do less randori and focus more on technique as well as conditioning exercises. Im almost 40 and it still hurts haha

[@OGFITNESS]

good points brother! if your partner is always resisting in randori and acting if its a shiai cuz the mofo os scared of falling, goddamn its hard to develop your judo and the risk of injuries increase alot.

[@Globalnomadsj]

O.G. FITNESS love your work and thoughts around judo! Stay safe and keep the content coming buddy! Btw Asian genes definitely worked well! You dont look anywhere near 41! Haha

[@OGFITNESS]

@@Globalnomadsj lol, thx! Genetics and alot of training does wonders

[@duckfoot238]

I had no idea you were that old from the few videos I've seen lmao that's crazy. you're a beast guy

[@OGFITNESS]

Thx brother!

[@Shikami85]

@@OGFITNESS You look mid twenties ;)

[@chengezhussaini1464]

There should be a physical examination for Judo incomers and should be judged accordingly to their results from giving such physical exams, whether they can enter Judo then or later.

[@digitaldaemon74]

Waikiki Surf Lesson is now my new hero

[@ramondiaz2851]

I have been and seen many martial arts schools ,but ,I never O.G. seen a judo school!!!

[@ThePrietoPrinciple]

How many throws have you taken in your Judo career? Of those how many would you say were psychology/physically jarring?

[@jorjajorjan3863]

I am 37 years old 105kg 6 feet tall did basketball,soccer, swimming for years and some kick boxing and planning to start judo next month any tips for me? Thanks for your great videos!

[@OGFITNESS]

Yo, appreciate the compliment, i made some recent vids about judo, lots and lots of tips, just keep watching and ask me questions in the comment section if you need any clarification. 🙏🥋🙇‍♂️

[@plexibreath]

I'm a 65 year old guy. Back in 2014-2015 I was training in Krav Maga and I loved it, but I kept getting injured. My training would keep being interrupted by getting injured by things like "throwing knees" drills, etc. Seven years later I'd like to get back into some kind of martial art, I considered Gracie Jiu Jitsu, but now I'm wondering about Judo instead. But it doesn't look like Jiu Jitsu is as hard on the body as Judo for an old retired guy, is this the case? And should go with my first idea and get into Jiu Jitsu instead to reduce the likelihood of getting injured?

[@kathyandtimslattery2879]

I do both judo and bjj and am 64 years old. I've been doing judo forever, but started bjj when covid forced the judo club to close temporarily. Judo can be hard on your body, but in bjj I've personally had more (minor) injuries. A broken rib and a broken metacarpal. On the other hand as the judo sensei in my club that teaches breakfalls and rolling, I've seen my share of beginner injuries. Most often an old injury irritated by the new workout, or by trying to progress too fast. In my opinion you need to know your own vulnerabilities and what you are willing to do to compensate for them. If you have deficits (you mentioned your knees) look at what each sport does, and how will your physiology will react. I think either sport is safe with adequate preparation, and not trying to progress before your body and skills are ready. Build strength and flexibility before either one. For judo make sure your legs are strong, to stabilize your knees. Work your neck so that when you fall you can keep your chin tucked tight. Don't be afraid to wear knee braces, or other supportive gear (check with your sensei to make sure it has no hard spots that could injure your workout partner). Last, communicate, both with your teachers and your workout partners. Let them know where you are starting from and any limitations you have. Most partners will be happy to adapt to what you can or can't do. Start slow, accept slow progress. You can still get there, but it may take longer. For judo in particular, learn to fall to the point it is spinal reflex to fall properly. It is boring, but is certainly worth the effort.

[@plexibreath]

@@kathyandtimslattery2879 Thanks

[@ThePrietoPrinciple]

I’m fascinated with Judo as well. One key thing to consider, is that seeing men 40 and older in BJJ is not uncommon. I think that BJJ is very hospitable to people with no martial arts background and perhaps limited athletic prowess. Perhaps it’s the emphasis on ground attacking and defense, rather than stand takedowns and throws. I’m planning on continuing to cut my teeth on BJJ so I can add Judo. Training to break fall alone is worth the price of admission.

[@tasoscrazy2301]

How many years it takes to get to black belt and go to championships cz i am pretty impressed with judo and i want to join ! i have wrestling backround

[@jambo7322]

Is Judo good for self defense from groups?

[@OGFITNESS]

Nope

[@OGFITNESS]

Always depends on the fighter

[@Balaclavaballistics]

I want to get back into judo but my knee is worthless. 26 years old

[@OGFITNESS]

thats a hard one, whats wrong with your knee?

[@Balaclavaballistics]

@@OGFITNESS tore acl and army messed up the surgery

[@daveyponderosa9549]

@@Balaclavaballistics 5x’s knee surgeries here. Left knee is a mess, still train. Well not now with COVID but soon enough. My orthopaedic surgeon said Judo OK, but no more kick boxing or long distance running. Just my 2 cents pal.......and I’ll be 50 next week.

[@callumbus7690]

Hey guys I'm just about to start judo for first time, ive done krav maga for the last 4 years, any tips for me ?

[@Balaclavaballistics]

@@callumbus7690 study break falls and grips