What is Old Man BJJ?

[@WConn100]

I'm 73 and started BJJ last week. Have attended class every day for just over a week now. Have a background in Judo, TKD, boxing, wrestling, and Krav Maga. Went 40 years with no martial art work, then did a couple of years of Krav Maga, subsequently had a back injury which I have been rehabbing for the last year. Fully realize I am not going to keep up right away with people half to one quarter my age but I will be there every day I can trying.

[@donlovato5468]

Good for you for getting after it!!!!

[@STARSanSTRIPES]

I started at 71 a year ago. Keep after it. ❤❤❤

[@Sendit-ttatt]

Awesome! Thanks for the inspiration 🙏🏼 45 here and I’m starting too 🙌🏼

[@SuperBluehaze]

keep at it my friend. I am a 70 year old blued belt, not far from a purple belt; It is hard, but really satisfying; Use the gi to slow down the game, and one thing you do not lose is grip strength; I have been at it for almost 5 years now, and have never been injured; I tap early and care not; Good on you!🙏

[@danielsharples7649]

Def don’t train everyday old man

[@phx4closureman]

8:22 *DAMN THAT WAS FAST!!*

[@haraldodunkirk1432]

I’m 41, have a past in MMA, competitive wrestling, and lifelong BJJ guy (black belt)… I recently joined a new BJJ club, and have been destroyed by two much older black belts- a 59 year old and a 52 year old. Both exemplified the old man style. To me it’s very inspiring- many more years left to enjoy BJJ, and improvements yet to be made.

[@jedsanford7879]

I am inspired :)

[@crewdawg16]

“Precision beats power and timing beats speed”

[@rodrigorodrighi9098]

Not if there’s 30kg gap

[@DrHarbirSingh]

Until you get smeshed

[@SHNTRU]

Nope. Strength Athleticism ability to generate explosive power and size Try be precise on some one thats heavier and stronger

[@xTwistedFleshX]

Never in a million years.

[@85Funkadelic]

Timing and precision are enhanced by speed and power and help with their development.

[@rolotomase1440]

One of the problems with people talking about "Old Man Jiu Jitsu" is some of the people talking about it aren't even old. They litterally have no idea what it's like to be old and doing BJJ. And being old but having done BJJ for 20 years is substantially different than the 47 year old guy that starts BJJ.

[@66maelstrom]

Rick. Im a 52 year old blue belt. Been training for 2.5 years. Some days i hate being 52, coz i cant compete physically with the young guys, but then i remember my life experience, and I slow down, breathe and work MY strengths. Resilience. Tenacity. Courage. And so many more. I also keep the mindset that I either 'Win' or 'Learn'. Now winning can be as simple as a full roll with a higher belt and not allowing them to submit me. Jiu Jitsu offers so much more than people who view it from the outside can actually see. Its what it gives me inside that far outweighs anything that people will ever see if they are just looking at me from the outside.

[@veteransowhat5669]

I really like what you are saying, can you give examples of who has "Old Man Style Jiujitsu" and "Dynamic Jiujitsu?" I am asking for the speaker opinion like, who is a good example of Old Man Jiujitsu and of dynamic style......? Like names of professional Jiujitsu practitioners that you can get a good idea about skills development, athletic ability and techniques used. Does that make sense?

[@66maelstrom]

@@veteransowhat5669 I'm not really sure what you are saying here. I don't think there is a style taught like Old Man Jiu Jitsu, it's more the fact that older people who are training use a style that suits their age/abilities. It's the same stuff they learn, it's just the difference in their ability to apply or use the techniques isn't the same as say a 25 year old who is in decent shape and has good flexibility. There are moves I'll never be able to do, nor do I want to in some situations, as they are dangerous to me in terms of possibility of injury, etc. My old man Jiu Jitsu is about using what I have learned and applying it within my own personal limitations. What Jiu Jitsu gives me in terms of my life, and how I feel about myself, far outweighs anything that people will ever see when they just view the physical aspect of the art.

[@SuperBluehaze]

Well said.🙏

[@ThatguyFirst]

As a certified old man, I appreciate this type of information. Thanks for another valuable video lesson.

[@miguelpagan8436]

Thank you Professor 🙏. I started my journey at 52, in to my 5th year at 57 and just received my Purple belt. I also follow Professor Chewy. The both of you have great point and an experience opinion sir, especially you , being well over 10yrs older then Professor Chewy. Here’s my take. When I decided to do JJ, it was and still is Too enjoy the art, my main concerns was injuries and it’s not the art it’s the classmates that want to do every move in the world they see on what ever platform. Here are a few legitimate thoughts of Old Man JJ for most of the 45 and over. Want to do JJ. No competition. Don’t care about fancy moves. Nothing to prove. Always rather flow roll. Still always willing to help a classmate. Does his share of fair training. Catch and release. Will release a technic if the uke doesn’t want to tap, and so much more. Some of the things I mentioned are also done by young athletes, but we do them more often. FYI: 33 years in MA’s , and JJ is the best out of all of them. Thank you Sir👏👏

[@jasonOfTheHills]

I trained for a little bit and then covid. I just turned 50 this year and have been really itching to get back to it but I have again and again wondered if it would be worth it, of value as basically a brand new newbie and "old".

[@miguelpagan8436]

Yes it will be worth it, set the tone with classmates. All my classmates know that I’m not there Ginny pig from day one, but I am always will to help with drilling, flow roll, and situational drill, and to this day no back lash. So enjoy JJ and don’t second guess yourself, only second guess the dojo your in if there is no cooperation, it’s everyone’s journey.

[@andrewkoehler4541]

Hello from Australia. I did BJJ for ten years and I am ranked a purple belt four stripe. I left my gym because my coach was disrespectful and it was time to go. I've had three and half years away from the sport. I've just returned to Jiu jitsu at a different gym 2 weeks ago. I'm small in size and turning 50 next year, so it would be better if I didn't have to wear my old belt. I'm definitely not the person I was. I'm definitely not purple at the moment. I do love being back on the mats. Even my wife says I'm happier in myself. I put no expectations on myself before I returned, now I have nothing but expectations and pressure on myself!!!!

[@RadicalTrivia]

4:06 - This is exactly what I tell the brand new people in my class. Efficiency above all. Whoever is least tired when we're done with class is the winner. Thanks for another great video, Rick - I'd love to have you on my podcast!

[@ByronC900]

I love Chewie, and he's a big influence to me. He's a top 3 content creator that I've been enjoying for a long time now. With that said, I physically have very little in common with guys like him or Jordan Teaches Jiu Jitsu. Chewie and Jordan are real athletes. A quick glance at their profiles shows things like "Jiu Jitsu champion, Undefeated Muay Thai, etc." As a 36 year old dad, pretty fresh into my BJJ journey (got my blue belt in February), who's never been an athlete... when I think of "Old man jiu jitsu", I think of Jiu Jitsu I can use effectively against typically less trained people, without having to rely on any physical advantages, because the chances I'm going to have any physical advantages are slim to none, especially as I get older.

[@markchavarria5187]

Couldn’t agree more. We old guys gotta be way more technical than rely on our physicality

[@Sunyayana]

Hello friend, I hope this message finds you well. I think there is something that we, at any age, may start to tell ourselves in our own heads. That message essentially amounts to the "myth of the natural athlete." That we are not naturally gifted in some capacity (or that we're simply less gifted) - speed, strength, agility, flexibility, mobility, or just overall athleticism. Of course, as we get older, our athletic prowess tends to deteriorate. Furthermore, it is also obviously the case that certain members of the human population are more gifted in certain attributes. Usain Bolt is fast, and Brian Shaw is massive and strong. But this doesn't logically or physically necessitate that the myth I highlighted is any less deceptive. The fact of the matter is, looking at the evolution of human beings as high-endurance runners who are generalists with opposable thumbs - tool users who can throw, swim, climb, run, and sprint - not to mention wrestle, dive, and numerous other skills, we see that our ancestors were essentially ALL athletes. That is, we're all genetically predisposed to be physically competent. To be, in a word, athletic. But modern lifestyles and being sedentary and generally unhealthy has crippled our athletic potentials. Being put in a chair for 8+ hours a day - starting in childhood - also does not do any good when it comes to developing us as physical beings. As the months and years pass by, we too begin to degenerate. And suddenly, we find ourselves in our 20s, 30s or 40s, frail, slow, and exceptionally weak. Still, this isn't supposed to paint a bleak picture. It's merely a diagnosis of the problem. Athleticism is physically developed, realized potential. And it is my belief that every human being, man, woman or child, can forge themselves into a very competent and skilled athlete with the right training, dedication and mindset. There is so much untapped room for you at the young age of 36, despite (in your own words) having "never been an athlete," why not start becoming one? Especially as a father. What child wouldn't want a physically competent and skillful father to play with? I wrote this in an attempt to persuade you that, perhaps, having the particular thought of "I'm not an athlete" to be not only unhelpful, but actually pernicious. That it not only imposes limits on what kinds of actions we may take, but that those same limiting beliefs are actually false. That they are nothing more than delusions. You, my friend, are simply someone who hasn't tapped into their athletic potential yet. YET. Start today. Start now. There are so many resources - free and widely available - and so many like-minded, positive, and disciplined people to become friends with on this path. So I say to you, why live life without exploring the immense power of your human body?

[@sinister3vil]

@@Sunyayana I believe his point is that he never did tap into his athletic potential up to now, for whatever reason, and he's too pressured by the adult lifestyle to properly do it now. Hence, he's not much of an athlete, regardless if he could have been or can still be.

[@smokeyBJJ]

@@RaveyDavey he would compete in Master 2. That’s old especially compared to hungry 20 year olds

[@SuperBluehaze]

Wow! that triangle was amazing! Thank you Professor! you have given this 70 year old blue belt, pure inspiration and real hope.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thank you!

[@CyberwaveOrchestra]

Danaher understands this concept too, that speaks a lot

[@byronwhite9631]

As a 52 year old purple belt 3 stripe. Thank you for your knowledge and information. I realize I cannot go as fast as the younger bjj practitioners. I'm currently paying for it with a pulled muscle strain under my right arm pit and pectoral. I got armbar. Thankfully I am not im severe pain. While rehabbing my injury I will still go to class and drill but will not roll until I'm 100%. I'm going to take notes and learn how to slow down and move more efficiently. Oss...

[@charlesmandelin2499]

I call "precision of movement" "economy of movement" (or substitute efficiency for economy); in all cases, eliminating waste is so important as an older athlete (I am 54, white belt).

[@smokeyBJJ]

The economy can be either hood or bad tho 🤔

[@gavinschneider7420]

i started at 43, now 49. Defensive rolling and rest days are crucial as well as weight training for injury prevention.

[@buzzardcry]

Hi Rick, I know this is an older video, but I wanted to just say that I find your videos very motivating. I'm 60 and just started BJJ for the past 5 weeks. I can relate to the 'old man' aspect being out of shape and no history of martial arts... but I'll keep going and keep training! Thanks for all your wisdom!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@Jknudsen0523]

I play a slow game, but I also use explosiveness and timing when I need to. It’s amazing how necessity is the mother of all invention and there is no replacement for mat time.

[@TraciC23]

Thanks for this. At 44, I appreciate the focus on being conservative and moving when necessary; that's pretty much how I play at the moment since I still get stuck on the bottom, but it's fun annoying all the dudes and stopping their submission attempts. And I can outlast them because I'm not using nearly as much energy.

[@gh3444]

I’m 62 3 stripe white belt. Renzo Gracie school Chicago. love your content. Thank you Rick.

[@paulleaming6786]

Wow this is super valuable! Thank you for sharing

[@wrxstock2820]

Nicely said. Old man bjj is really energy conservation/efficient bjj. As much as I enjoy chewy’s content it’s always amusing when younger players talk about old man bjj. Rick on the other hand has sme experience 🙂

[@stephenroyalphillips]

We all have to work with the tools we have at the moment. I started training over 40 years ago and have trained in karate, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu. When I first started teaching, I thought everyone needed to be the same, but as I have gotten older, I understand the difference between younger and younger practitioners. I teach accordingly and work towards developing the strengths of each practitioner now. I train the same way. Sometimes you have to change the tools in the toolbox.

[@Tobby4063]

Great video. We were talking about still using short bursts even as old guys. We might use two 10 second scrambles to pass or to sweep and end up in a good position. The thing is it needs to be used strategically and it's important to end up in a good position. I think of it as winning a mini race, but the thing is you don't need to race faster - you just need to cross the finish line first. So yeah efficiency is key.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Well said.

[@jimkrebs1706]

Another great video, I’m 52 years old and been practicing jujitsu for six years now. I definitely try play an old man style jujitsu to be very technical efficient and be able to slow the younger opponents down when I can at the same time I’ve always prided myself as being extremely fit, I lift and so conditioning often and take my nutrition seriously, so I can also bring it when I need to so I love the idea of being able to tap into both. I play a more controlled game but save the ability to mash the gas for quick transitions or scrambles until I can bring it back. I feel I go still go with the young ones but just not for a full round non stop. So I like the concept of playing the “old man style” while always reserving the ability to bring some dynamic explosive movements to the party as needed on occasion!!!!! Love the material. I also love chewy, but the art of skill is my dude!!!!

[@billdublewhopper3064]

Fantastic advice

[@reginaldjenkins6852]

Great content

[@walkwithme6103]

Old man jiu-jitsu: "you're going to give me the position, youngster. The only variable is time."

[@JonOcasio]

I follow both of you and to me there is no real difference. You can be athletic and technical. I think efficacy is the real measure. When you said timing, that I agree with wholeheartedly. Having the speed and strength helps to drive technique and vice versa. You can dominate without knowing technique, just energy and movement. Towards the end of ones journey in BJJ. It becomes a timing and efficiency game. You can't stay fast, strong and flexible forever. Everyone has different philosophies but I love both your guy's takes.

[@joamo7747]

Glad I came across your channel… I am 45 and want to do BJJ. I was concerned about injuries but I really want to do it.. thanks for all your advice..

[@dadmindmatters]

Awesome video got a lot from it as a 47 year old purple belt.

[@Eric-yb9is]

Truth. Thank you for the content.

[@phluaria]

GOAT of old man jiu-jitsu: Roger Gracie in his 20s.

[@Rainavina]

Thank you professor. I think all of these are great advice for the small athletes as well. Being 5ft and barely over 100lb, all rolls are very hard on the body and requires deliberate recovery off the mat to prevent injuries. #8 is the hardest to implement😅

[@FrankSGuerra]

Back and shoulder PT are a part of my daily routine.

[@Simply_chase]

Just started with my two kids. Theyre both taekwondo blackbelts so figured lets do that together! So 36 and learning. Popped a rib out of place, broke a pinky, damn feeling old. Very in gym bro shape, but damn bjj is a different beast

[@interestedpart2650]

Excellent

[@Piergiu74]

Love that tshirt...

[@Oliverisloved]

Well said and great explanation!

[@TrishCanyon8]

I get what you're saying and I agree. We can conserve energy then have an explosive burst. Timing and efficiency. As a newcomer I won't be really grappling for a while. Still just learning positions and techniques. Waiting for that old lady T-shirt 😂❤

[@kettlebuilt5191]

One display of efficiency that made an impression on me was Roy Harris and Roy Dean's roll for Dean's 3rd stripe I believe. Harris was so relaxed and exacting. Beautiful.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Very astute observation.

[@jedsanford7879]

I was using an old man technique tonight in no gi. Im a white belt so take it with a grain of salt. Works on white belts lol. My oponent never gets to lean. Whatever he puts weight on, I take away. A leg, an arm, on me- whatever. So hes always working and Im never working. A minute later and his tiredness has caught up with my age! Then explode on him.

[@FrankSGuerra]

I'm more of a 1977 Gremlin with dented doors, a missing bumper, and a rusty frame. Still having fun, though!

[@alexcoutinho4193]

I'm 215 athletic and I adopt old man jiujitsu style and love it. Even as a seasoned white belt I catch colored belts by surprise because of it with sweeps and escapes. Submissions not so much😅

[@IBleedBolts]

I knew RIGHT AWAY this video was a response to Chewy's video. 😁

[@EliteForceLHP]

Great insight, as always 👊

[@fteambjj]

Im 38, im more used to no gi fast and explosive cause you cant grip and pin someone for too long. But man does my body breaksdown afterwards. I love to smash pass knee slice style. But now i need to focus on my pressure timing and efficiency. Thanks for this vid

[@3nt3rtain]

Appreciate you sir 🙏🏼 43 yr old here. Picked up my purple belt last night. I agree with your take 100%. Oss!

[@tanvirsinghheer5059]

Mr Ellis, love the videos dude, I watch them all. Where can you get the tees that you wear in the vids?

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks! artofskillgear.com

[@PaTrick-cf6ev]

I'm almost young, but slow jitsu has always been a thing for me, hehe.

[@tomtrader6559]

awesome video!

[@genieotl]

What is an older athlete? What age do you start being old?

[@verdybhawanta1780]

Im 44 yearsold bjj purple belt we love the art only we are more aware and more strategic game

[@joelsook2140]

No such thing. What about athletes with injuries? I think every athlete has to adapt to what’s best for them to be successful in submitting their opponents. Pressure is on a spectrum. The man that created BJJ was a 130 lb sickly human being. Adapt your style to balance and efficiency NO MATTER YOUR AGE .

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

61, recently retired. I went 3-4 times a week for a little over a year to a Gracie school. I am currently traveling and living in the mountains of Nicaragua. For the last year I have had a painful left hip flexor. I have tried every physical therapy exercise and stretch and it is still sore. It never seems to get worse, or better. We will soon be moving to a larger city that I think has a BJJ school. If my hip flexor doesn’t get any worse, I’m thinking, why not get back into class ??? Thoughts ???? In the meantime I am hitting the weights HARD AND HEAVY, and longggg walks on off days. I am getting into great shape ( except can’t do squats or leg press due to the hip flexor -psoas ).

[@davidrivas6412]

Old man jiu jitsu works well but not so much in competition jiu jitsu.

[@johnbabb296]

It has been 30 years since I practiced karate. I am interested in taking up BJJ for the fitness aspect and self defense. I am apprehensive about taking on BJJ because of an old shoulder injury. The sports orthopedic did not recommend me taking up BJJ. I’m thinking I would take it at a slower pace. Do you know of BJJ players that started even with old shoulder injuries?

[@HeydarMirza]

Thank you!

[@josephmoreau9615]

Word, homie

[@KazzArie]

There’s a 15 year old grey/white belt where I train. Being almost 41, despite having an athletic build, there’s no way in hell I can keep up with his speed for a full 6 min so it’s hard to catch him. But when I do… that’s when old man muscle can dominate the speed of youth 👴🏼

[@silenciummortum2193]

I will start finding a good bjj gym in Monmouth County NJ.

[@alfiesolomon3531]

It's half guard. You are welcome.

[@billybob1620]

My old man jujitsu as when I dream about how good I was in my 30s 😂😂. In my head I’m still that good but…. That’s why I’m always armed.

[@usbsol]

My idea of older manly bjj is Efficiency Breathing through the nose always Having your ego foundation in other things than winning - for example; experiencing or teaching. 🤙

[@randyhelgeson1254]

Isn't there 2 types of sequential moves? The moves you will do. The moves your opponent will do. If there was an art to teach what they will or can or cannot do. Then fighting should slow down significantly. Could this really be why Master ipman was so good?

[@Babayaga130]

Question here: which bjj style is better/safer for old folks: gi or nogi? I think gi is slower and safer

[@TheArtofSkill]

I love no gi but it’s definitely a faster pace, and it takes more skill to slow opponents down.

[@craigholliday]

I like to imagine myself as a 93 camery. I don't wanna be a Lincoln.

[@jessezeigler2995]

Hey Rick, where can I find that T shirt?

[@TheArtofSkill]

That was a shirt Roy Dean made for one of his events. You can get it on his swag site: roydean.shop/collections/all

[@gilkennedy7638]

I cannot talk about BJJ for handicapped Im not in a wheel chair, so I can't bring too much value to the conversation, I think the same apply if you are in the 20 or 30 you cannot bring too much value to the conversation about old man BJJ, just saying....

[@CoachSteveJandS]

❤❤

[@lehoff]

I'm a 100kg "older man" the thing I find is recovery that causes me the biggest issue. I'm not as flexible or fast as the younger generation, however I'm probably one of the physically strongest in my gym, whilst it helps it's the skill and applying the strength and power at the right time. I can apply speed and explosive movements when I need to however I can't keep it up it has to be strategically used. Otherwise I gas out too quickly. I'm as fit as a fiddle but will never will keep up with a 20 something year old.

[@johnwill8467]

The funny thing is .. Chewie is NOT yet an old man. Yikes.

[@Cocinaybienestar]

+10

[@tra1in1]

Everything is good. Chewy and Rick are two different people. Chewy is right because his jiujitsu is better (way more comprehensive knowledge). Rick is right because he is older.

[@markmitchell8374]

I am 70 and my farting makes everyone tap out.:) good video.

[@Nethezbet]

I actually wondered if this was in response to Chewjitsu lol

[@trooperjoe73]

I tried that guys channel in the past. Not a fan.

[@guillaumel7484]

so in short, you're definition of old man jiu jitsu is basically just good jiu jitsu... hahah Efficiency and control over athleticism and brute force

[@InVancouverBC66]

I need to find a grappling partner my age

[@tariktyler]

71” olds ? Damn 😂😂😂😂

[@insidethevelvetglove3919]

I know what old man BJJ is. Bad knees, bad kneck, painful fingers.. oh and the back? Did I mention the back?

[@6bullets903]

vous pensez qu'un homme de 43 years est vieux pour le jiu-jitsu