Is Judo a Good Idea At 40?

[@OGFITNESS]

What do you guys think? Would you risk it or not? And why? Osu🥋

[@OGFITNESS]

@@perapeki oops 😂🤷‍♂️, or… i saved you from injuries you don’t want to deal with. 😁, You welcome 😁🥋

[@frederickmorton275]

@@perapeki he is 100% right. I have transitioned from bjj to judo and sticked to judo for years- started when i was 36 also. During my bjj years I had maybe 1 injury in years of training. In judo I had 1 Injury a Per month. It got to the stage that it was becoming ridiculous and I didn't feel fitter but less fit. I loved a good scrap and touchiwaza randori was always my favourite part of the session. He is right though to start just with drills then newaza randori and eventually after 2 or 3 months touchiwaza with trustworthy not ego driven partners. Nevertheless if you are like me and you have wife, kids and dog and you have stable job that you want to keep I wouldn't start judo. As a matter of fact I have recently quit myself as it was too much risk and some injuries could really get you into serious financial difficulties that judo insurance will not help much with. Talk to other og players I don't know too many without acl, mcl or other knee problems. Me personally after years of judo i feel like I have accelerated aging process

[@alexbelfor9451]

I still want to try it. I'm 45. I don't have aspirations of competing but it would be fun to learn at least some of it for self defense. And I get I won't be an Olympian. But heck, at least I could get better than if I didn't know it. Just need to listen to my body and pace myself.

[@BillGathen]

My daughter did a few months of Judo at college last year and loved it, but she's home now and thinking about restarting at a local club. I'm fairly certain she wouldn't if she was by herself (at least at the start) but she's excited for us to do it together. I'm 55, with 2 years of TKD in my 20s, but just running/cycling/lifting since, so I am all about that "take it slow" approach! We have a month before the fall session starts, so I can start integrating some of your "bulletproofing" exercises into my schedule and be a little better prepared. Fingers crossed I survive long enough for her to feel at home and happy to continue by herself. Wish us luck!

[@fatsock1]

I'm 47, been doing BJJ for 3+ years. Going to my first judo class today with the intention of developing a stand up game. My initial goal is 1 class per week, let's go 😎

[@Billy-qm3dm]

I just started Judo at 42 and this is spot on. I love it but it’s pretty hard on me but I’m loving every minute of it. My oldest son earned his brown belt last week and I was able to be on the mat to watch, I was very proud after understanding the commitment and dedication it takes . Great video! 🥋 🥋

[@watamutha]

At the rate I'm going, I'll start at 45. Raising kids takes a toll on us.

[@argoshikan]

Just turned 40 here, not in shape, not athletic, obese, no martial arts. Started Judo about a year ago. Loving it. Some minor injuries, but I figure the body is going to wasste away eventually any way. Would rather fall a lot now and not fall and break my skull in the nursing home.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@argoshikan Thats the spirit! Osu🥋

[@argoshikan]

@@OGFITNESS and of course I am in much better shape now. Did move slowly into randori of course!

[@carlosllanos4689]

Dude I’m like seriously thinking of switching from karate to judo because I’m a big guy and I feel karate is for skinny people. But I’m afraid of injuries. I already got a busted knee from sparring. Don’t know what to do. I’m in limbo right now

[@argoshikan]

@@carlosllanos4689 do it! It’s a different art for sure but find a club that gives you a good gut feeling and start. Take it slow, work up to randori, and don’t feel pressure to be good right away. Learn how to fall.

[@argoshikan]

@@carlosllanos4689 this channel is great so is diamond state martial arts for judo breakdowns.

[@MasterPoucksBestMan]

People don't realize how much of a workout just doing breakfalls by yourself can be if you've never done them. Take a breakfall class, learn the breakfalls and practice 10 of each kind on both sides of the body, and see how you feel the next day. I bet you'll feel like a 7 foot tall Viking gave you a deep tissue massage for 2 hours lol. Do that until you don't feel like that the next day, then start doing 20 of each both sides. THEN go to regular class lol. Everyone should learn breakfalling, even if they don't do a martial art.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@MasterPoucksBestMan you touched on something there, people really underestimate how break falling can add up, the whole body being slammed to the ground is quite an impact even when you fall perfectly.

[@x-Musashi-x]

I see old folks entering my Judo club and they do just fine. Sensei is always respectful to hobbyists and older folks who just want to learn it for self defense. He always asks their permission if they feel okay to do Randori. Most of the time they would say no and will practice more Uchikomi on the side. But the older folks who do Randori they usually go with the brown and black belts because the upper belts have better control when doing throws. So yes, I’d recommend for even 40 years old and up to do Judo. Many clubs out there are respectful to the young and older hobbyists

[@sifublack192]

One thing I've noticed over the years when I take a hiatus from the martial arts I've studied (Kung Fu, Boxing, Jujitsu, Sanda, Judo, and Combatives) is that being fit always allowed me to be able to handle the workouts when I came back. I recently returned to Judo after a hiatus and while the workout was no joke, it actually felt GREAT afterward. This may have to do with me training like an athlete with Olympic lifts and metabolic conditioning, but fitness is the key to ALL physical activity. Even at 38, I'm going strong! Great video!

[@OGFITNESS]

@@sifublack192 Olympic lifts and metabolic conditions is definitely good for Judo, good job brother! And thanks for the support🙏

[@brahamwijaya1039]

It is not even a question if youve been working out as an athlete since ur young. I think its a different story with older people who are obese. i am 20-ish and i just join karate. I already feel like i learned it a bit too late. Because my joints are already too tight. And i think why i can sustain the workouts is because i already went to the gym and do some calisthenics. For older people they pose more risk, the body is less conditioned, less flexibility and less recovery speed. So for people in their 40s its not wise to choose judo out of other sports that are a little bit friendlier on the joints and body...

[@sifublack192]

@@brahamwijaya1039 no it's not, but you don't need to be an athlete all of your life to train Judo at 40. You just need to be in shape. There's a 53 year old in my class who has just started and while he has no plans to compete, he works on his fitness regularly.

[@brahamwijaya1039]

@@sifublack192 i'm young. I'm 20and just starter my martial arts journey. Its not judo. But ive already felt it and meet guy who also join martial arts in their 50s. If you are obese out of shape and old. Thats tough. Even i feel tough training at these age because of certain reason. Its just my opinion. Ofc anybody who wants to be healthy and get a good workout, if they want Judo. They should do it. But do it mindfully and with certain precaution in a reputable dojo

[@brahamwijaya1039]

@@sifublack192 its tough, i only sit down in class all my life. Martial arts demands a different type of strength and some Mobility For me as a 20year old guy. It feels like using a small car for F1 race overnight... I imagine its gonna be more tough for older people. Its still good tho to do any physical activity for old guys

[@Raadestdude]

Idgaf if it’s a good idea or not I’m doing it and I’m 40. I’m living life and wil not have regrets or think what if.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@Raadestdude Respect 🫡

[@NicHaris-l1b]

I started Judo with 48 and i love it. The Training is hard and I feel every bone in the next morning. But it’s ok. I also go to the gym. I feel fit for it.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@NicHaris-l1b awesome brother!

[@ricocentola1]

Very wise, informed advice for older athletes.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@ricocentola1 thank you brother🙏

[@ughmo353]

I started Judo at 45 and received my Shodan at 53. I was the oldest person in my class, and I competed in many judo tournaments throughout the years. Age is not a problem; however, it depends on the sensei and how he/she instructs the class and understands the practitioner's limitations, including knowing your limitations. Yes, it can be brutal on the body, and the recovery takes a little longer, but taking care of your body after class and on off days is paramount. Having a good instructor, knowing your limitations, taking good care of your body (self-care), and training at your own pace; therefore, age shouldn't matter.

[@blankbandits]

I agree that there are a lot of fat bjj black belts, but I've seen my fair share of judo fatties as well. I think you have to be fit for bjj as well. At my school, takedowns are heavily emphasized, so, while we do a lot of judo instruction, we also have wrestling, and this is all hard on the body. I also agree that the ideal marriage is both judo and bjj, but for us in our 40s, that's not too realistic. Bottom line is that if you engage in martial arts in your 40s, it's mandatory to weight train, to have a nutritious, healthy diet, and to work on mobility.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@blankbandits at least the fat bjj guys roll, while the fat judo guys mostly just stand there and teach, and throw kids around, while teaching them of course, which is not a bad way to spend your time.

[@djsangre]

42 yo here, I’m going to start judo next month. It’s doable. My background is: I started in 1990 with karate for 12 years, then wing chun and Sanda for 20 years. In the meantime I got a bjj blue belt, I’ve done one year of boxing and one year of tai chi quan. I’m fairly muscular but not in super shape. With my 2 years and 10 kg daughter on my back I can do 50 pushups, 50 squats and keep the plank for 3 minutes. Then my daughter gets bored and I have to chase her around. I can surely do better without her on my back but I couldn’t measure it 🤣 . I want to do judo to improve my grappling, to stay fit and to do something I can share with her once she’s the right age.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@djsangre solid!

[@watamutha]

At the rate I'm going, I'm probably not going to start judo until 45. I just started wrestling at my age of 43. Also in NYC, judo and BJJ are the same price, usually 200-250 a month.

[@NOYFB982]

So I guess at 62 years old this may also be a bad idea. I’m in very good shape, practicing striking martial arts and conditioning 4 to 5 days a week. I’m at worst normal weight.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@NOYFB982 You don’t sound like your avg 62 year old, i would go to a club im interested in, talk to the coach and explain that you want to learn judo but you want to approach it safely as to avoid major injuries, and ask him if there is a way to progress into it. A good coach will know what to do.

[@robertkearney4458]

46 y/o judoka here. It hurts. Having a good sensei that understands you're not trying to make the Olympic squad and training partners that are respectful of any physical limitations you have is crucial. And do strength training.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@robertkearney4458 Agree, those kinds of clubs are out there. And sometime its just about talking to the coach and explaining your goals and situation. Suffering in silence trying to keep up with high level 20 year olds is no bueno.

[@TheTomasVerse]

I'm 45 yo and out of shape but wanted something to train with my son who is 10 yo and really into japanese pop culture. We will train in the same group, a beginners group mixed with kids and adults. Once a week until we have earned the first belt. Then I might try 2 a week. At the same time we will do aikido (which the say is better for learning to break fall). Will also get back to the gym for strength and cardio. I have tried many types of martial arts during the years but want to find something without taking strikes and kicks to the body and something to do together with my son. The fee for the whole semester (half a year) is $68 for adults and $48 for kids and the gym does not seem that competitive. It might be a risk, but I figure that I work all day long in front of a computer and the sitting might be even more dangerous than judo?

[@mattviney8642]

Do you think getting a grappling dummy could help in terms of preparing the body for the demands of throwing? Would that see like decent judo specific pre lesson training?

[@OGFITNESS]

@@mattviney8642 waste of money, no one whos ever bought one ever uses it, and unless you already know how to throw you might just develop bad habits, core strength, isometric and rotational, and strong legs will help.

[@BanjoleleGamer]

Never too old to learn breakfalling 💪

[@pablomedina1878]

Good video bro, I'm 38 years doing Judo and I love doing randori with the youngster but I can see my body is not the same. I got injured 2 times this year. I recommend the people that wants to start doing Judo at old age to do some strengthening and Calisthenics exercises. Thanks for the Video!

[@lmh4162]

Just curious I would like to know where are these cheap Judo schools. In terms of New York and New Jersey I have not seen any cheap school but I agree in general it is more affortable than BJJ.

[@djkadlubek-sp2lq]

Exacrly same in Poland, Judo for adults costs same as BJJ or even more maybe because there are not so popular nowadays for adults.

[@foolishyish]

Im 33. I started bjj and we have judo once a week. 4 classes in had my first little spar. I sprained my ankle. Almost 2 weeks later im still feeling it😅

[@rajatgadekar-xm5fp]

I love your videos very much bro

[@OGFITNESS]

@@rajatgadekar-xm5fp much appreciated🙏

[@rambito56]

I started Judo just 1 month shy of turning 40. I am now about 5 months in and I like it a lot. It's been a great motivator to get back in shape. I'm not fit, overweight and not very flexible, but I am working on those aspects apart from Judo. I'm even planning to enter a novice tournament in about two months. My goal would be to be able to do the gymnastics aspect of Judo, I did Judo for one semester in college and I was able to do that with ease, but now my body feels heavy, not flexible and can barely support my weight. He is spot on on Judo being better for younger people, so if you do Judo at 40+ I would suggest you train your body for mobility and flexibility and CARDIO. Be careful, listen to your body and take some time to let it heal when you get injured. Also you don't have to compete, I'm just crazy probably going through a middle life crisis thinking this will be the last time I can compete in anything martial arts.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@rambito56 i have friends in their 40s that feel like that as well, developing your athleticism later on life is very possible, we just have to approach it slowly by exposing ourselves to more and more movement patterns, its a marathon not a sprint.

[@nmr20067]

Since you have a great background in Judo and modern day BJJ. So you were more than qualified to speak on the two disciplines. As I’m sure you know, one is the ancestor of the other with a lot of similarities. Would love a video on it from you.

[@OGFITNESS]

Ill put it in my list, osu🥋

[@MrPotatoesLatkie]

It depends on the age and attitude of your training partners. If you have guys to train with in their 40s and 50s, who were just in it to "play" Judo for recreation, fitness, and physical toughness, say 3 days a week, then you should be fine. The problem is that there aren't many 40 year old and older Judo students. You'll find yourself in with kids and 20+ year olds who you'll have trouble keeping up with, especially if they compete regularly.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@MrPotatoesLatkie Exactly’

[@Fury851]

Could you do a video showing us maybe 3 or 4 judo moves we could practice at home without a gee, which would be ideal for self defense? I practice boxing mostly, and I train with friends. Id like to add some judo moves or grappling to the sessions. Obviously we won't have crash mats, so maybe not full throws. But Trips or wrestling drills could work. Thanks

[@ed1726]

I would say there are roughly four training categories. 0. Nothing. 1. Light training - Low intensity. At it's worst can be infected with magical chi type stuff. Won't learn much or improve much, but risk of injury is very low. 2. Normal training - mid to high intensity. Will improve. Can lead to injury but risk of injury (in my opinion) remains tolerable. There is a risk to not training that is higher I believe. Most people if they are only thinking of longevity and quality of life should probably be aiming to do exercise at level 2. 3. Elite - high intensity. Obviously you are training to be the best you can possibly be. Some injury becomes almost unavoidable - but it's part of the process really. If you are super out of shape and haven't exercised in for ever then consider taking up level 1 to start with. You need to find a gym that respects your level and what you want (it is hard for top level people to respect people who don't train). For example a judo gym catering to that level won't be chucking you in to a full stand up battle on day one, it's something you might build toward over the course of a year. Not every gym caters to level 1, just take a trial class and go to as many gyms as you can and see how it goes. In BJJ it can depend a lot on who you are rolling with. Don't be afraid to say no to rolling with someone. And tap fast if you are in doubt. P.S. There is more in this world than Judo and BJJ. Any PT at level 2 will be great for you, the trick is to find something that you enjoy doing.

[@fitzhugh2542]

BJJ gyms where I live are about 3x to 4x more expensive than Judo. You have to buy a gi and rash guard for nogi, compared to just the judogi. Most BJJ schools offer "unlimited" classes (you can go to as many classes offered as you want) whereas Judo classes are offered maybe 3 times a week in the evenings--which you can argue is about as many times the average BJJ practitioner goes to class (maybe even fewer times). So yeah BJJ is definitely more expensive, but if you make good use of it, I'd argue it's only somewhat more expensive. Not to mention, some BJJ gyms will also offer Muay Thai on top of BJJ for a marginal fee. I'm 45 and already getting a lot of injuries in BJJ and although I will give Judo a try at some point, I think I'll stick to BJJ for now.

[@Babygirlly555]

I wouldn't compete in tournaments at 40, but to just train for self defense or fitness. I say go for it.

[@matthewpowell-l5l]

Hey brother, I’m 41 in good shape and starting judo. I’ve trained Muay Thai for years and have a small rotator cuff tear in my left arm, I’ve strengthened my rotator so much I don’t need surgery per the ortho. Does it matter which stance I start in? Like southpaw vs ortho? Thanks

[@OGFITNESS]

@@matthewpowell-l5l people will tend to attack the arm thats in front more, so in your case it might be a good idea to have an southpaw stance where your right side is in front, in judo its the opposite side than in striking, if your a southpaw in striking, you’d stand orthodox and vice versa, the power side is in front in Judo. Since i fight right handed (so right side in front) my right shoulder is more damaged then my left side, which is practically 100% healthy

[@matthewpowell-l5l]

@@OGFITNESS cool bro thanks so much!

[@bealedozer88]

I recently started Judo as a supplemental addition to my jiujitsu at 35. I only go once or twice a week cus it's really Hard on the body. I'm a jiujitsu brown belt so i know my body pretty well. I don't hate it. In fact, I like it. But I have the benefit of years of martial arts before going in.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@bealedozer88 listening to our bodies, understanding our current limitations, super important, good stuff! Osu🥋

[@frederickmorton275]

he is 100% right. I have transitioned from bjj to judo and sticked to judo for years- started when i was 36 also. During my bjj years I had maybe 1 injury in years of training. In judo I had 1 Injury a Per month. It got to the stage that it was becoming ridiculous and I didn't feel fitter but less fit. I loved a good scrap and touchiwaza randori was always my favourite part of the session. He is right though to start just with drills then newaza randori and eventually after 2 or 3 months touchiwaza with trustworthy not ego driven partners. Nevertheless if you are like me and you have wife, kids and dog and you have stable job that you want to keep I wouldn't start judo. As a matter of fact I have recently quit myself as it was too much risk and some injuries could really get you into serious financial difficulties that judo insurance will not help much with. Talk to other og players I don't know too many without acl, mcl or other knee problems. Me personally after years of judo i feel like I have accelerated aging process

[@MrPotatoesLatkie]

There is no reason why a Judo instructor could offer Judo classes to adults that are taught differently than the kids classes. There is a video on youtube called "Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki - Newaza of Kashiwazaki." A curriculum could be based off of this video, and the focus would be on the ground for randori, but also include Tachi-Waza training, understanding that that will take much longer, but the students could get into shape safely. They may also never appear in a Shiai, but would make for more Judo players in the USA.

[@jumbothompson]

Judo seems fun but no I would not do it at 40. I can feel the aches and pains already and I have to work hard just to keep my body strong. If anything I would recommend boxing. All the rotation can actually have a positive impact on the spine.

[@OGFITNESS]

@@jumbothompson for the spine i believe you need to elongate, flexion, extension as well to keep it healthy. The issues i see if we rely only on rotation of the spine in boxing is we tend to do it a lot more on one side. Judo we rotate like crazy, very good core development in Judo , but same issues, we tend to be very dominant on one side.

[@jumbothompson]

@@OGFITNESS Out of all the martial arts boxing is probably the lightest on the body. You're almost never in a compromised position where you can do any real damage to your joints like in grappling for instance. I've done it recreationally before and it's had positive effects on my body. Other sports(not martial arts) have done nothing but beat my body up.

[@brennansnowdon4642]

Find a more traditional judo club not one that's just focused on ijf judo because they mostly focused on sport side of judo

[@OGFITNESS]

@@brennansnowdon4642 Thats makes sense. Osu🥋

[@mattviney8642]

*seem

[@foolishyish]

I remember you from ramsey dewey

[@OGFITNESS]

@@foolishyish yup, we did a podcast together a few years ago

[@marksoberay2318]

I was winning tough tournaments kicking 25 year old hammers asses at 40

[@OGFITNESS]

@@marksoberay2318 😂, nice! Whats a hammer ass? 🤔

[@marksoberay2318]

@@OGFITNESS i was beating 25 year old guys that were hammers...that double plural is confusing haha Judi is 100% technique...i got in a horrible accident and lost my leg or i would have competed till 65!!!

[@Per12189]

Guys take into consideration that if you are trained and have hypertrophyied muscles BMI is not gonna work for you

[@ArtistDaynz90]

40 is still relatively young, so why not.

[@brahamwijaya1039]

For older people my advice is go to the gym first for at least a month. Get in a little bit of shape. Get that cardio in either by doing 1-2km joggs a couple times a week. Train leg muscles, flexibility, shoulder exercises. Then go join a martial arts class. By that time id advice to avoid Judo if your weight is 80kg+. Because ur own weight will not be friendly with ur joints, body,etc. Its different with karate although its more friendly for 30ish people. It might gave a bit problem to flexibility, hip mobility. But ive been in BJJ class and they took me down incorrect and not safe. I already feel pain in my shoulder and everything surounding it. Imagine have to be thrown down more than it already is in a BJJ class.... Anyways BJJ is more effective overall as a martial arts. Even though i love Judo...

[@djkadlubek-sp2lq]

So You suggest karate ( od kung tu hung gar for example in my town) would be better for me 40+ ? I had also torn shoulder in past on judo randori. What do you suggest better and safer ? However I have some fai hip impingement cam type- can side split max to 90-95 degrees angle. Front splitting gives me no pain and impingement

[@brahamwijaya1039]

@@djkadlubek-sp2lq whatever it is. (At the end of the day do as you please). Take any martial srts with a grain of salt. What i mean is take it slowly at the beginning. Your body is like an abandoned car. Especially when u are older like me too😅. Take it slowly and dont be afraid to tell ur partner to slow down because of age, etc... Be patience, take everything slowly. Injuries are bad at that age. U cant afford one...

[@brahamwijaya1039]

Stay consistent too....