Old Man Jiu Jitsu

What is old man BJJ? Are you too old for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or martial arts? Have you ever considered trying BJJ but avoided it because you thought you were too old? What is your midlife dream? How can you be effective in training Jiu Jitsu as an older man in his 40's, 50's, or 60's?
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[@Krufessor_Rad]

Are you over 40 and training BJJ? Are you over 40 and considering starting Jiu Jitsu? If you are an older man training BJJ, how is your training going? If you're an older man who is considering Jiu Jitsu. Why haven't you started yet?

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

Yes I’m 51 👨🏻‍🦳

[@donniehallaman7685]

41 year old 2 year blue belt here , jiu-jitsu has been the best thing I have done for myself. My favorite part of jiu-jitsu is how you with time and practice can out play younger people to a point I love when I am fortunate enough to catch one of those young bucks , I usually pay the price for it but God damn if it don't feel amazing.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

@@donniehallaman7685 I love it, my man. Keep it going!

[@andrewkarl5174]

I turn 65 soon and have been training both BJJ and Judo for 6 years. My keys to training are, yes strength training, but as important for me is, lots of stretching and yoga, and focusing on my diet. Also stay humble.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

@@andrewkarl5174 good points and advice. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽

[@geraldduenas2391]

Started BJJ at 41. Now a one year blue belt. Best mid life crisis.

[@pinderbupinder1598]

My dad started bjj at 44 and we all thought he was funny, such an old unfit man. 10 years later he is bjj and training boxing....nobody is laughing anymore..he keeps the tv remote now

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That's awesome man! So happy for him! Keep supporting his journey for sure.

[@Nickel138]

He keeps the remote now. 😂😂😂☠️

[@pinderbupinder1598]

@@Nickel138 Brother, he is doing Shaka hand in the picures at my sisters wedding

[@neilacarr5224]

I'm a 56 year old Blue belt started Ju Jitsu at 50 years old. At the end of the day I love training and learning I'm in possibly the best shape of my life. I have the total respect and admiration of all the younger guys I train with. They all tell me I inspire them. But I do get smashed quite a lot, but realize this is part of the game. Everything you mentioned in this video I have found to be true I'm a very defense orientated player. My motto is you never get to old to play. You get old when you stop playing. OSSS

[@marceloestephan1672]

Great words of wisdom! Purple belt, long time survivor at 62 years old.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. Keep ti going my man!

[@neilm6412]

I started Jiu-Jitsu about 6 months ago. I just turned 63 and recently got my green belt. I train at least 2 days a week. I am sore all the time but I love rolling and I think I am in better shape right now than I have been in a long time.This was very inspiring to me. Thank you.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to enjoy the journey. Thank you for the feedback as well.

[@DavidMoore_Golden]

That's awesome! I'm 62 and you've inspired me to start looking for a place to roll.

[@reginaldanglin4264]

I'm with yea on this. 😅 keep going man. I will too.

[@davidwhitenz]

Thanks. 58 years old and 3 lessons in. So far so good!

[@Krufessor_Rad]

awesome! I hope you truly enjoy the journey.

[@aaronlawrence2779]

53 yrs.. 1st Degree BJJ Blackbelt, 17th year soon.. Train hard, Train safe and Leave your Ego at the Door..

[@Rohen8587]

This is still very insparational and something that has weighed heavily on me. I am 50 and started BJJ in Jan of 23 and never did anything like this in the past. What started out as father daughter time has grown. I have struggled so many times by getting into my own head, especially lately after just under 9 months. I have put on muscle, lost weight and generally enjoyed learning knowing that my daughter sees me as a hero really fuels my tank. What is obviously hard is when you are rolling with folks in their early 20s and 30s. I strive to do my best and I've come to the realization that this is my journey others will come in after me and pass me up but I will never quit. I wish I would have started earlier in life but it just didn't happen that way. I apprecaite the time and message here. It really helps. I hope other 50s + are encouraged enough to start too!

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so proud of you. These realizations are hard but so rewarding and they bring us such peace on this journey. Stay the course and enjoy yourself. Thank you for watching and thank you the comment.

[@adreanortez613]

I started my journey with this incredible art 3 months ago. This is fantastic knowledge thank you.

[@ModernSamuraiProject]

Enjoyed this video very much

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@natschooler]

Great info. I started last year at 46 and strength training and showing up for as many classes as possible is key…oss 🤜🤛

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I agree! Thank you very much for the comment and enjoy the journey.

[@darrelhawthorne743]

Thanks for your perspective and words of encouragement. I am a new BJJ student with only about 2 months of mat time. I am soon to turn 65. As you suggest it all comes down to the work we do off the mat, outside class. I have been a long-time student of yoga and palates. I also do one HIIT class each week along with some sprint 8 workouts. 3-year carnivore diet follower. This helps and separates me from typical men my age but yeah, I struggle with the youngbloods and lack of knowledge. I do have my ego and expectation locked down hard and I approach each class with thanks and gratitude to my professor and training partners. So far... so good. Barring any serious injury, I feel like I could do this for another decade or so. Liked and suscribed!!

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I love this my man. Thank you for sharing and I'm very excited for you journey and love your enthusiasm. Keep it going and give 'em hell.

[@darrelhawthorne743]

@@Krufessor_Rad Thank you so much for your personal response, much appreciated.

[@FR-ty5vn]

You are the man!! Consider a pescatarian diet for longevity…

[@theagilerooms]

Inspiring words, thank you.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Thank you very much.

[@huansitoaguilar9405]

dope advice , respect .

[@chuckduncan9098]

Yes there are more old men in jiu jitsu and some of us are late starters, i.e. like me, 72 when I started and just trying to stay active and learn.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I love it, sir! Keep it going and enjoy the journey!

[@mr.sushimikeexperiment520]

Great knowledge and great advice, so, thank you😅

[@cyungle]

Im definitely in this demographic, 54, just started Jiujitsu and I love it. Looking forward to years of improvement!

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That's awesome! Enjoy the journey.

[@timschmidt5469]

Great advice/perspective on this video. I'm 52 and started 4 months ago. Defensive style is great to "ease" into BJJ, particularly against the youngs. High patience and low ego. Also, if people get used to you being defensive, pulling the ol' rope-a-dope, they're surprised by a sneak attack, once in a while ;) I'm here for technique and fitness, not belts or competition. My immediate goals are weight loss, cardio, and flexibility, with a focus on keeping injuries low and temporary (I've already failed this with turf toe). Don't overdo it, submit (yourself) often, be wise, be humble. Keep pushing yourself, but only so far. Make sure you can get to your next workout. Use your wisdom, age, and weight to your advantage :)

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Great info. Thank you very much for sharing. Keep enjoying the journey 🙏🏽

[@jamesbrewer1130]

I'm 58, train 3 times a week. One thing about this age is to know your body and also there is NO ego at this age. Tap soon and often...

[@colinslider]

As one of the 'old guys'on the thumbnail, and at 2.28 in the video ( brown belt in the blue gi) - thanks, and I agree with pretty much everything you say. By the way- that picture was taken around 2015 I think - got my black belt Dec 2017 and stlll going. 61 and a few months at the time of writing. Come visit at Bangkok Fight Lab if you are ever in Thailand.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Wow! That’s so Awesome!! Thank you so much for commenting on the video 🙏🏽 and much love and respect for your inspiration! Lastly, congratulations on earning your black belt. Keep inspiring, sir!

[@mwithers13]

Man I know an 82 year old who enjoys going through flows with us from the position to the submission and if you stall he’s going to submit you and believe me his submissions hurt a lot (joint locks for days).

[@shelbukowski1443]

Good stuff.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Thanks!

[@NewsyNinja]

I started Jiujitsu in my 40's. I started cage fighting in my 40's and now I am in my 50's hunting for my Black Belt. I may be on the opposite side of the spectrum or maybe I am just dumb, but I refuse to let my age be the reason I can't be respected on the mats. I am a short ultra heavy weight and I have no problems rolling with bigger guys than myself. I understand that youth has it's advantages but I am still going hard. My last tournament I had a choice to compete against a brown belt 23 years younger than me. I chose not to, maybe fear or maybe common since, I don't know but what benefits a younger guy to potentially beat a middle aged man? The whole point to this, is I am older and I refuse to let these young bucks rough me up.

[@thepathtoenlightenment]

Thank you for this, started at 39 now 40 2nd stripe white belt enjoying the journey, doing things I have never dreamed of doing 😀

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That's awesome. Keep it going! Thank you for sharing.

[@blockmuse]

This is exactly what I needed to hear as I joined BJJ at the age of 47 last year and just came off my first tournament experience. A major part of my focus now is toward the off-mat "working smarter" approach. Realizing that it is a lifestyle and a journey too, means that you get out what you put in.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Good job! Enjoy the journey 🙏🏽

[@stangdude5593]

I've been doing jiu-jitsu since 2003. The problem is I took a hiatus from 2009-2021. Returning to the mats in my mid-40s was not easy. Other than just getting in there and training, the next best thing I feel that helped me was my diet. I extremely reduced my alcohol intake to maybe 1 drink per week. I also reduced processed foods to the bare minimum. Bread on a sandwich might be about it. Lots of fruits, veggies, meats, nuts, etc. It has helped me with recovery between training days and unintentionally lost weight around my waist. I wasn't so sure about getting skinny , but the result is quicker core and hips to keep up with these whipper snappers.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I'm so glad you found your way back and you're right about the way you went about it, and I'm happy that is worked out for you ,sir. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@oldercloudify]

I started at 38; I’ve been training for a decade. I’m currently at a very competitive no-gi academy. It’s a struggle to learn new moves and keep up with the younger guys.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

yeah, that's a tough spot sometimes when you're in that kind of academy. Take your time if you love being there and just go at your own pace. If you're not in love with competitive culture and looking for something more of a martial arts school with more students that competitors. That's always an option. In the end focus on your journey and not anyone else's. ensure you are being provided the knowledge that best suits the way you will need to do your BJJ to be most successful, but you'll have to discover what that is. I hope you hit a stride in your learning.

[@timothyotoole8224]

way to say it, yah I am preparing myself to get back in 4 strip blue, 50 years, me and son headed back in 2 months, diet and conditioning is what I need. thanks.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Awesome! So glad you're getting back to it!

[@mattirondog549]

great advice. as a 43 year old rocking a purple belt, my experiences have brought me to many of these same realizations, even if i couldn't rationalize them. its such a relief to hear them laid out so clearly. i still go hard. the advice on conditioning spoke to my lazy side. if i want to stay in the mix, i have to put in that work. "the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. the next best time is now." -Some wise old Chinese dude

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I love it. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽

[@danielblanco7241]

Thx I'm 58 and stay healthy keeping my strength up by weight lifting 1 a week for 3 days BJJ so according to your video I'm doing the right thing thx

[@armyofficer11a]

47, blue one stripe. I try to get at least 1x Gi and 1x No-Gi a week, if I'm on a good week, I can get 2x of one, and 1x of the other, for 3x a week. I'm generally pretty fit outside of jiu-jitsu, and have found that helps for sure, but mat-endurance is a different animal. I'm in a place of my journey as I'm finding moves, attacks, setups, sweeps, and transitions that I favor; just enjoying the flowing and taking in all of the sensitivities my mat-time is making feel-impressions. It's cool, often times there are moments during rolls that are like slow motion where I see/feel what my opponent is about to do and I can thwart it, sometimes I can't, but at a minimum I'm noticing important details of movement from my opponents/teammates with good timing. I've been able to get some submissions on purple belts, and take a strong pressure game to both purple and brown, but I have not yet submitted a brown belt, and never yet a black belt. Just recently about 5 months ago, started at a new school because I moved across the country. One of the black belts thought I was 35 and was shocked when I said I was 47. Naturally, I took some pride in that first impression compliment. Hopefully, Lord willing, I'll be able to continue taking care of my body - no major injuries to date, knock on wood - this way and have a long, satisfying journey in jiu-jitsu. I still feel aches and pains, a gluten for punishment, they remind me I'm human but also that I'm alive and enjoy the hunt for subs! Jits is so therapeutic, I'd recommend it to anyone of any age to start and stop missing out on the fun!

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

I’m 51 years old I have the same philosophy more defensive and flow around their strength aggression 😬👍🏻

[@benjamingroeneweg4097]

😮😍 I love this move! @7:38 Knee on belly Knee on shoulder - yes yes Then turning back into triangle - armbar 👌🏻

[@Krufessor_Rad]

😊🙏🏽

[@MsSmoothieking]

Started at 54, brown belt at 63. It’s all about being humble and having fun!

[@jnng7463]

i started at 40, was training daily till 47 at a Gracie gym i noticed that i didnt have to roll at the same pace as the young guys as i progressed in my journey. at 53 i roll to what im given both from my opponent and how i am feeling on the mat presently. I define Old Man JJ as working with what I have and what is presented to me on that roll. Before 47 I went full on, forced my will and took what i needed to win. So I used way more strength, speed, and game mentality back then; not so much now but to roll efficiently. Thanks good topic

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Great info and mentality. thank you for sharing.

[@TheDiolulaLife]

I love BJJ, started when I was 45, 49 now and as a blue belt, I am able to handle the 20 year old and up blue belt, but against the 25 year old purple belts, I’m having a tougher time and I guess this is normal, just sometimes when getting tapped by them I start getting hard on myself. Thank you for the video 🙏🏽

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Keep it going sir. Thank you so much for the comment and feedback.

[@mikeriordan248]

Started 2 1/2 years ago at 48. Just received my blue belt in September. Definitely play a defensive type game with sweeps and escapes while looking out for an opening for a submission. BJJ has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life 🤙

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That’s awesome! Enjoy the journey 🙏🏽

[@davidecapps65]

I started at 43. I was 300lbs at 5ft 9 when I started. I’m now 48 at 239 lbs purple belt. I feel better than ever, how; However, I do feel the difference when I roll with someone significantly younger. Their gas tank is waaay more full than mine lol.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I love it my man! Keep it going. You’re not lying about the energetic youth. I do my best to fry them a bit before subbing. They are just balls of energy.

[@judorican973]

I believe that age does make a difference 30s to 40 .'s you good. Once you hit 50 your body aches and pains. Im 52 brown belt in judo & bjj. 11 surgeries in my lifetime. I just stay away from white belt. Kid in 20:s

[@Stevecollinsclear]

65yr old here - started as a 58yr old ; after a hip replacement. 240lbs- not fat; has gotta help :-0😂. Your words made a lotta sense to me. Encouraged me to do more OFF the mats. Much respect

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽

[@FR-ty5vn]

Good stuff…here’s my two cents - the Boyd Belt System addresses two factors, age and weight - it provides a belt for every 10 years and a belt for every 20 lbs difference. I think you need to factor in both age and weight. For example, I’m a 55 1/2 year old 185 lb 2 stripe purple - when I go against a 20’s something 230 lb muscle bound marine in my class, it’s not really fair to say I should beat him easily because he’s blue and I’m purple. Sometimes I catch him, but you gotta factor in those two things imho. And each decade gets harder - yes, your 40’s are tougher than your 30’s - just wait for your 50’s 😂

[@badxradxandy]

It's a cope.

[@anonymouslakernerd7214]

I've been watching these videos for a few days now and I think I know what's bothering me. (Btw, I'm 51 years old, back in the gym these past few months after having been away nearly the entirety of the pandemic.). It's the assumption that younger automatically equals stronger. Like I said, I've only been back for a couple months and am busting the asses (pause) of guys half my age.I'm old, but I'm an old ox. And I'm in much better shape than I was in my twenties or thirties. Overall, I mean. I eat better, I sleep better. And having had the crap kicked out of me by life, I process more wisely. I would beat the shit out of my twenty year old self. Why are we acting like all 20 year olds are stallions? I know I wasn't.

[@rickluoni9763]

I'm 60 and have been training 3-5X a week for a little over four years. I often remind myself that I'm not 25 (though my brain thinks I am). I've been in martial arts for over 50 years. I've had my wins and glory days. The fact that I'm on the mat and showing up is a win. Now, I try to have some fun and learn a little jiu-jitsu in the process. P.S. Today after training, my body feels like I was hit by a Mack truck. LOL! (other days are better)

[@user-ul5qp2tu3l]

I started Jiu Jitsu at 53, I’m 59 4 stripe blue belt now. It’s all about mental toughness and realistic expectations. I get smashed a ton by guys less than half my age but the rewards of this struggle far outweigh the negatives !

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I love it. Keep it going and enjoy the journey 🙏🏽

[@gmenendez9569]

I just took my 4th class at 53 and I know it’s gonna be an very uphill battle but I don’t got anytime to even think about it. I don’t care about belts. After 1 year or less I’ll hit MMA and once or twice a week BJJ because I grew up as a karate kick boxer so I love it but I prefer to know how to really fight that to roll. Rolling is gonna be great to age with though. Mental and physical Agility, cardio and overall high level fitness in to my 60’s is the goal. OSS

[@Krufessor_Rad]

🙏🏽

[@retro6652]

"You can't just do jiu-jitsu and expect to be able to hang with these younger guys." Thanks coach, that's exactly what I have been doing. The challenge for me is finding the time to address those other things such as drilling or strength/conditioning given responsibilities to the wife, kids, etc. And that's assuming my back, hip, and knee want to cooperate with me when I get around to those things!

[@Krufessor_Rad]

🙏🏽 thank you for the comment

[@FR-ty5vn]

I swim during the summer and my cardio improves tremendously and I do curls (thumbs vertical) to make the motion like a choke as well as shoulders with 40 lb dumbbells on my off days as well as abs - 56 year old 3 stripe purple…just food for thought 💭

[@pw1979]

Hey y’all I’m 54 started in December last year Roll for 4 hours a week and hold my own It’s an absolute brilliant sport Trust me get down hi try it’s fun it’s tuff it’s brilliant 🥋

[@oldtimerbjj]

Got my brown belt in april, age 47 and I started unfit at age 34 and 110 kg at the time. Now I'm at 81 kg. Training Jiu-Jitsu and lifting heavy.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That’s awesome! Keep it going for sure!

[@robertoportocarrero1595]

to me seated guard is not a deficit..I use a lot of offense from it

[@tededo]

Interesting. In boxing they say you're as old as the huge amount of punches you sustained on a long career. That, even if Gatti was in his mid to late 30s, he was physically in his early 50s. In BJJ , there are various layers of old men grappling. The ones in their mid 35 wounded and under surgery coming back to the mat, the ones in their 40s feelingit the ones in their 50s, 60s and 70s smashing younger ones, the older getting smashed.

[@Joez86]

"Old Man Jiu Jitsu" is simple. If you're a senior citizen rolling on the mat with injuries and taking it easy and pulling the basics on your partners than that's "old Man Jiu Jitsu". You're not killing anyone, and spend the time to think during the roll. I started in my 40's and now 60. The injuries take their toll and then you breath and play the smart game (basics). But note, even old men (and women) can always apply the pressure and sneak in a lock or two. Never underestimate "Old Man Jiu Jitsu" LOL... 😁

[@JustT0m752]

100% I start seated and I try and absorb the agression, strength, and quickness of the young BJJ guys. However, I often get crushed. I am 49 and just a white belt myself. However, I play BJJ the same way you do, which might mean it is an old guy tactic.

[@robertoportocarrero1595]

the Boyd belt system is really flawed...

[@RadicalTrivia]

I feel like we can just call it "Better Jiujitsu".

[@Krufessor_Rad]

I like it.

[@NMIBUBBLE]

I Think it depends on the person and how much money you have to supplement you habits. If your a higher belt you should know the principles of BJJ!

[@dr.josegomez7554]

thank you! I start BJJ this week👍🏼

[@Krufessor_Rad]

awesome! very exciting. Be sure to enjoy the journey!

[@emilyhops2566]

I'm a woman, and i have just started bjj, i'm 52. Its liberating, and i'm enjoying realising i can get out from under, my brain is having to work, and my fitness has improved. I just wanted to know that i could get away if i had to.

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That’s so awesome! I’m so glad you found it and that you’re enjoying it. Keep going! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽

[@b4dmaash]

90 yo white belt here, started last week...

[@Krufessor_Rad]

That is so amazing! That's awesome! Enjoy the journey.

[@thomas-de6db]

51 yr old WB- I think there is a BIG difference (outside of skill obviously) between a dude who started BJJ at 50 than a 50 yr old who has been doing BJJ for their whole lives… unfortunately, some Professors don’t make that distinction… 30 yr of specific muscle memory may prevent injuries whereas the beginner 50 yr wouldn’t I have those safeties in place

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Great point sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@jujitsuman9934]

This is the silliest subject when it comes to jiu-jitsu or any martial art for that matter. It just makes the argument that bjj is all psychical. All the pioneers are still on the mats. Go tell a guy like Megaton he does old man jiu jitsu 🙄

[@troydendinger1780]

Old man here 53 purple 4 stripe

[@Krufessor_Rad]

Hell yeah! Keep it going!

[@sduncan3838]

Older man, or woman. Yes we are out there :)

[@santiago44735]

Debería de estar jubilado y no estar en estas cosas

[@trevsedgwick3324]

No way are you an old man in your forty’s, over sixty yes ,I rand rings around people 20 years younger than me in my forty’s so I disagree

[@hi-q2261]

Old man jiu-jitsu ? A metaphor for being Patronised & Pittyed 😆 everyone gets the trophy there are no losses here 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rollinOnCode]

how old do you need to be to do old man jiu jitsu?