When Are You Too Old?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

If you've been to start your martial arts journey wait no longer! If you know someone who has been wanting to start share this video with them. If you want to be a pro fighter get the process started. Don't let your age limit you.

[@2North0Star6]

I started kickboxing when I was 23. I’m 31 now and martial arts has greatly enriched my life. My focus is no longer on competing, but I have the goal to still train when I am 80 - I get just as much satisfaction with the idea of seeing my teammates grow and get better as I do winning a match.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

I gas out watching your into champ and it gives me vertigo. 😂 and i broke my hip trying that 💩 Somebody should put up a disclaimer note. I made this far and now I'm in traction. Just kidding champ. You are the best Gabe. A warrior and great champion. And always a class act. Ps. This should of been the 1st video champ. You got my hopes up for nothing 😂 Have a good one Gabe. Thanks for all you do for the community brother. Oh yeah a like and i won't sue about the vertigo or the hip thing buddy 😁

[@A.85444]

☝️

[@JehuMartin]

I’m 46 and I started last year. I hope I’m not too old for StreetBeefs 😂

[@kingdavid2120]

W dude bruh what martial art u do ?

[@kritapaspetchana1237]

Let get it champ🥊

[@danielsouthey1143]

Never too old for streetbeefs 😂

[@pinkithecat9101]

You are never old for beefs !!

[@AlligatorAli]

Have you heard of Bernard Hopkins ? He became a boxing world champion at the age of 46, then at 48, and then finally at 49.

[@shonnas77]

I started Muay Thai when I was 32. Took my first fight at 38 then my last fight at 42. I only regret not starting earlier in life. This was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I now help train fighters in my gym.

[@bluecat6902]

That sounds amazing man🙏 thank you for helping others learning this amazing art👍

[@mateom1875]

Thank you for helping motivate other old timers!

[@SamirNabil]

That's really inspirational! Can I start training at 30 and compete in professional matches?

[@markjuarezmma]

I started training at 28, was casual for the first 2-3 years, had my first amateur fight at 31. I’m 33 now, my eighth amateur fight (2 MT 5 MMA) will be Saturday, I’m 5-2 overall and I plan on going pro later this year (MMA) or next year at 34 or 35. I know I need to be as active as I can and win my fights if I want to make it to a big promotion but I’m very happy I found mma and I’m doing what I love to do everyday. I moved to a top gym and I’ve trained full time for the last two years with some of the best in the sport and I’m planning to take my fighting career as far as I can and coach after that. Something funny when looking at it now, the longer I’ve been training and fighting the more confident I am I can make it to the upper levels of the sport. When I first started I didn’t think I’d fight as an amateur much less a professional. Thank you for the video Gabriel, great content per usual 👊

[@mohsin7702]

That's awesome bro hope you make it!

[@TheTarunS]

Manifest it you got this!!

[@markjuarezmma]

@@TheTarunS 🙏 🙏

[@claudiogarofalo6982]

Hope you continue your journey!!!

[@guillermoramosiii879]

I’m 28 myself and I just started kickboxing and BJJ a few months ago. For my own reasons I want to compete soon. If you wouldn’t mind I’d love to hear more of your story and insights.

[@Tianshanwarrior]

52yrs old and competed in light kickboxing over the weekend. I lost but it was a good experience.

[@KelpWolf]

Awesome!

[@totfosk]

Awesome!!!

[@aldrinpano9062]

Started Muay Thai at 35 years old and never looked back. 37 now and with continued training and discipline, I’ve been able to lose and keep off 25+ lbs. Mentally, aesthetically, and athletically better than myself of 10 years ago. It’s true, martial arts is for everyone. Stick with it no matter how early or how “late” you start.

[@Skazzo]

Started when I was 33 (right before the pandemic started) and never looked back. One of the best personal journeys I've started for myself

[@eddard9442]

I started Muay Thai 3 months before i turned 31, i felt like i was old compared to some of the young guys i train with but at the end of the day i don't aspire to be a professional fighter like them, i don't want to risk getting injuries. I get fitness, have fun and learn new skills, that is enough for me.

[@bizznick444joe7]

But are you a good fighter?

[@richardcolipano6422]

Do you have any competitive fights?

[@aegystierone8505]

Started boxing at 35 last year, one of the hardest thing I've done.... getting injured, getting knocked dizzy etc...... overall it's still a net positive to my life. 😊

[@bobbob3458]

Something else to consider for those older people (mid 20s-early 30s) who want to start martial arts and get competitive with it: a big part of the reason elite guys who started in their early teens age out in their mid to late 30s is because they often rack up a lot of wear and tear during their late teens, all of their 20s and most of their 30s. If you start later and your body isn't already beat to shit, you can still get a good competitive amateur/regional pro run going. Especially if you train smart with longevity in mind and avoid gym wars. Sure, you'll be behind on skill when compared to guys of the same age who started earlier, but you'll also probably have less overall damage. Nowadays is a good time to get into it, too, because a lot of gyms are starting to move towards a more technical approach to training that preserve's a fighter's health for far longer, instead of wearing their chin down with excessive hard sparring.

[@evanchen5360]

great great points points bob bob

[@AlexN2022]

What takes a 18 year old two weeks to recover from, take a 30 year old four month, and a 35 years old never does fully recover. When we're young, we're made out of rubber and magic. Closer to thirty the magic goes away. To compete injury free one needs a ton of experience. And accumulating that experience is not injury free. A great coach can help avoid injuries, but great coaches are hard to find.

[@markjuarezmma]

@@AlexN2022 no matter what age you are you’re going to deal with injuries. You can recover fine in your thirties you just have to do all the right stuff: diet, recovery, sleep, supplementation and can’t drink or at least not regularly.

[@RuboXing]

You know your shit

[@1Xzss]

@@AlexN2022 it depends on the individual tbh, my dad could recover quicker in his 30s than when he was late teens early 20s, its all individual

[@Alxei23456]

I'm 24 been training kickboxing for about a year now and my end goal is to make it to ONE Championship. I just want to make it there to say I did it. Wish me luck people 🙏

[@868ApexBarber]

Same here

[@madthevillain]

I’ve been doing MT for about 15 years, I’m 35 now. My wife, a year younger than me, is training for her first amateur ‘point’ MT match! Never too old to set a realistic goal to push yourself towards!

[@casillasscorer]

I’m 26 and I debated it for too long. Watching this channel made me decide to go ahead and start kickboxing and Muay Thai. Thank you for the inspiration Gabriel

[@Freiheit1232]

26 is young man. I started at 29.best thing I did

[@zlobert9877]

Im starting at 25...wondering how you guys are doing with your fighting..i wanna fight amateurs and i hope its not too late.

[@arturogotti3790]

How’s it going

[@GabeGettinRich]

I'm 29, almost 30. Wrestled four years in high school and trained bjj for 2 years after high school. Decided when I was 28 to give it a go, had my first pro fight with no amateur experience last year in LFA. I don't care about belts, I want to fight and get paid well. Wish I had gone through amateurs first but no turning back now.

[@eddiegranberry5276]

you are truly an inspiration.

[@MisterAdamus]

Thank you Gabriel. I started martial arts right at my 22, its half year later, im sparring with guys that's training for like 5 years (of course I'm vissible worse than them, but still its not a full domination). My coach told me that in 3-5 months I will be ready for my first amateur fight (in kickboxing) but I still was like "Isn't that's too late?" But you gave me more faith, that when my spine injury is over I can start training MMA and be competitive at world level, or at least be champion in smaller organisation than UFC. Thank you once more.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Happy to hear the video gave you some extra hope.

[@siegfriedgottz698]

I started muay thai last may on and off u till sept because of long down. Since then I've grinded out almost 6 to 7 classes a week and I've got my first amateur fight this Saturday! I'm 24 last martial art I did and was karate when I was 16 it's never too late my friend!

[@windytv7511]

@@siegfriedgottz698how’d it go

[@siegfriedgottz698]

@@windytv7511 went to decision was an exhib bout so no winners round 1 was his round 2 either way and round 3 i dominated think he touched me like 2 3 times

[@windytv7511]

@@siegfriedgottz698 nice bro congrats man’s when you getting back in there? I just had my first amateur kickboxing bout June 3rd, got pieces up because he rushed me and used all his energy but I recovered well and finished him in the first round. Did you feel anything that you weren’t ready for?

[@Goofypikz]

Great post! I’m 57 and still going. One thing I’ve observed is that you should never stop! The old guys I’ve seen that never did are capable of things other people their age can only dream of.

[@bizznick444joe7]

What do you think changed at that age

[@Goofypikz]

Several things changed. One does not recover as quickly; work capacity and vo2 max drops. One has to train smarter, pay more attention to rest, nutrition, sleep. You can’t stop the decline, but you can slow it down!

[@rhexsusx4428]

I feel like this video was created for me. I'm 22, I had my first striking session at an mma gym today. I started because of your videos. Thank you.

[@yeehbee]

Started training MT seriously in my mid twenties at both MMA/MT gyms and private training. Almost turning 33 and excited to try and book my first amateur fight! Even if I don't end up with a career in this, training in martial arts has made me way more athletic than I ever was in my twenties when I was only focused on weightlifting.

[@crystalmoreno6020]

Thank you Gabriel, I really needed to hear this message today. You broke this down in such a realistic but positive manner. I started training at 25, and getting into the UFC is something I’ve wanted to accomplish ever since I found the sport. Hearing the old age stereotypes about age, and realizing there would be a disadvantage since I didn’t start younger became very discouraging for me. I would always feel anxious like I’m on a time crunch, beat myself up when I miss a training session or compare my journey to other people who are younger than me. It got to the point where I needed to take a break and step back just because it became too stressful. I almost felt like I wanted to quit, but I can never be at peace with that decision. I know it’s only me setting limitations on myself. These discouraging thoughts didn’t start until I started hearing them from others. I’m working on blocking out the negativity so I can focus on what I need to do and take it as far as I possibly can. Thank you Gabriel for more of your encouraging words! You are a true inspiration and I’ve already gained so much from your channel in the past 4 years that I’ve been watching you 🙏

[@aslanaslan9500]

Same :(

[@shin5996]

Brother, I turned 27 a few months ago, started MMA 1.5 years ago at around 25 years of age. I trained boxing , jijutsu, kickboxing and wrestling . My only regret in life was I should have started it earlier. I only do amateur fights now , to fight pro it would take some time. All my life I was addicted to bad things. Smoking and drinking all day. MMA changed my life. Got into good shape, become disciplined , everything. I'm now addicted to MMA. I left all bad habits because of it. I am always training more than any of my MMA friends. When I see pictures of them winning medals on our gym advertisement pages of instagram I feel sad for myself because I dominate them in grappling and also outstrike them but I am only amateur . They had been training in the gym for many years and had many fights , I am a newbie. That's why I always push hard. Sometimes I trained 5 hrs a day. But it's nothing compared to full time fighters who train 8 hrs everyday. Maybe if I had started earlier I wouldn't have been much serious about it. I don't have much time left , I need to push. I was happy and training when I was 25 , now I'm sad because I'm 27 and I m feeling old. This year I will win some more matches . I want to feel the feeling of becoming a pro fighter.

[@oldmate1342]

If you are asking your self this question, you never would have competed in the first place. People who are going to compete do so regardless of their age. Deontay Wilder wasn't asking online forums if he was too old to join a boxing gym at 20, he did it anyway. Same with Khalil Rountree.

[@flyingknee23]

Kevin Ross

[@SpölhovNakMuay]

Dead wrong lmao. I’ve asked this question since I started and I’ve competed multiple times and will absolutely compete more. Some people just lack a confident foundation, that can be assessed and fixed.

[@NickPilmeyer]

I'm 32 and just started Kickboxing. I got so addicted that I'm finding myself going like 5 times a week. I don't have aspirations to become a professional but I would love to do some amateur fights when I'm ready for it. In the meanwhile I'm just enjoying the fuck out of training hard!

[@dariusjavidan5609]

Love it. 48 this year and training on and off (due to injuries) since i was 12. Still having fun :) Made some changes to my training to stop knees and shoulders from being an issue again.

[@AmbitionClinic]

60 years in October. Did martial arts all through twenties until late thirties. Stopped until age 54, started again with boxing, kickboxing, mainly Muay Thai for the past 3 years. Train at clubs 3 time a week, shadow box and practise technique almost every day, spar every Wednesday for 30 mins. I encourage everyone to do martial arts. The only competition is yourself.

[@aegystierone8505]

Just curious though, do you worry about blows to the head?

[@Charlie_Toben]

I´m 60 years old and just signed up for my first ever kickboxing class.

[@codyochoa3749]

Started training at 38 with my daughters and have had a blast. I'm about to turn 42 and have no plans of stopping. We have a great instructor and community of people where we train.

[@fightfitkickboxingthaiboxi3167]

I started k1 kickboxing age 42 im 50yrs young now and ive had a few competitive fights and now im going into a British open championship k1 kickboxing event in the vetrans&masters category in june at 45yr+ it excites me knowing i could be a brittish open champion at age 50 yrs young so ive been watching alot ofyour videos to get some good pionters and good fight training advice

[@stressedandbored6692]

im 16 and i was worried i was too old haha this videos and your message on instagram really made me more calm im determined to be at the top and train my ass off

[@shin5996]

You shouldn't even watch this video lol.A young kid like you shouldn't even worry

[@sumitsarkar4992]

I started when I was 20 years old, now I'm 21+ with 4 amateur fight including 2 Boxing and 2 Kick boxing..and I have a dream to be pro

[@mikaeelbarrington5644]

where are you now ?

[@sumitsarkar4992]

@mikaeelbarrington5644 I live in India. Now I have a kickboxing record with 5-2 brother

[@jovil666]

Am a 26 year old Ugandan. I just started boxing last month. Actually hope to do Muay Thai, kickboxing and mma (which has just finally got its first promotion in Uganda last month). This has given some glimpse of hope. I enjoy your videos. They are educational and entertaining too. Keep up with the good work. And thanks for the encouragement

[@willow519]

hows it going?

[@eliottmontero]

I’m about to turn 37 and started Muay Thai last year, hoping to have my first fight within a year, train in Thailand, and do amateurs for as long as I can. I know I’m late to the game in becoming pro, but I’ve fallen in love with the sport, it’s improved my health and athleticism so much and I want to take it as far as I can as long as I can!

[@mattsilvera4759]

Thanks so much for making this video! I started seriously training at 22 and am currently 23, and have had to take some time off due to concussions (3 in 6 months). I Rushed back to training eagerly getting ready for my mma debut before my brain healed and now im at a point where I cant train with any contact for 2 years (doctor advised) . A big part of why I rushed my training was the anxiety that I wouldn’t have enough time to achieve my dream at fighting at the highest level, so I would overtrain and train through injuries due to that anxiety. This video really helped put things into perspective and is exactly what I and many people like myself needed to hear. Thank you so much and appreciate all the content you are putting out.

[@ur.averagegamer4133]

Concusion already damn you need to chill w the hard sparrings bro speedy recovery see you at the top

[@gerbracken2480]

Hi Gabriel i started martial arts at the tender age of 55 best thing i ever did could not recommend it highly enough 1 of my sons is a good level amateur national champion and he got me to go 1 night to hold pads for him me being an idiot thinks no problem this will be easy well i can tell you it was not i came out of the dojo in a ball of sweat but i loved it we were talking in the car on the way home and he suggested i try it for a month 2 nights a week so i did after the 1st night i was hooked 2 nights soon turned to 3 nights soon after my youngest son who is autistic (not badly ) decided to come and try he loved it to the improvement in him as a person has been unbelievable he is much more confident much more outgoing i cant believe the improvement in him he even took a light contact fight last year and loved that. So yes martial arts for everyone no age limit for us older guys go at your own pace i have found instructors dont mind. Congrats on the 100,000 subscribers love the channel best martial arts on you tube keep it up

[@mateom1875]

I'm 37 and going to make my amateur debut soon hopefully, have 3 PBK's. Wish me luck

[@giorgiociaravolol1998]

I'm 26 and have done Kudo for 6 years now. Take off injuries that kept me at bay, gym closing up for covid for a whole year+summer closing for 2 months. Realistically I have done 3/4 years, I didn't had the chance to do competitions but I reached brown belt and our graduation tests are full contact fights. I have seen people like Anatoly malykyn becoming triple champs in ONE and starting pro at 28. I'm planning to do become pro at that age too. I don't want to become champ, but I'd like to get to cage warriors and do a couple of fights. Thank you Gabriel for everything, wish me good luck boys.

[@gantonia99]

Right on brother, I've been doing some form of martial arts as long as I can remember, can't imagine life without it.

[@ManuelC97]

Well, I started in Martial Arts when I was a teenager, I did Aikido and trained Taekwondo for a short time. When I started training Kickboxing I was 19 years old. Now I'm 25 (My birthday was in this month), I did a lot of sparrings but haven't had a fight yet, and I started to think that I'm too old to start a fighting carrer; I'm confident about my skills (I need to prove in a fight if that confidence is justified or not), about my trainers, but not about the time, and the situation here is... complicated, but this video gave me a little more confidence, thanks Gabriel. Sorry if my english isn't good enough, I'm still learning

[@AnsonHunnell]

Great video...the backup career thing is such an important point It is very easy to develop a toxic relationship with fighting and training when you put all your eggs into that basket It makes it easier to enjoy the process when you have a career outside of fighting/training and that is where rapid growth and learning takes place Humans don't learn very well or fast when we are stressed

[@ruasmartiallifestyle-pt339]

Thanks Gabriel i needed to hear you saying that wisdom. Restarted karate when i was 18, stopped because of professional reasons at 25 (i did a few months.of kickboxing and boxing while i was away), restarted again at 29, now that im 30 and got my black belt im now sure that it can be done. I want, one day, to enter Karate Combat, at Light Heavyweight division (-93kg). Thanks again for giving me hope!

[@shannonsalsman2071]

Started Muay Tai at 44 yrs. Watched my kids do classes for a few years & thought I would join the fun. I am in the best shape of my life, love the gym, the people & the connection it gives me with my kids. Nothing more fun than having a mother daughter sparring session every week.

[@dusitthehto1946]

I'm 21 and I'm going to turn 22 in 3 days I just want to learn to do any martial art and be an expert of it.

[@jesusestrada449]

Im 28 about to turn 29 I have Minimum experience so you actually just motivated me much more thanks man thanks

[@lordvoldemort3209]

Thanks man, im motivated now :D

[@hassanmars5250]

over 43 if purpose is streetbeefs its old actually，but for self defence purposes its never old

[@nindonighttv155]

I got mad respect for you man.. one the only ppl I would allow to teach me.

[@jordanbowey4175]

Hey Gabriel, I'd love a video on brain trauma from light and medium level sparring where you're getting hit with shots but your head isn't snapping back. I love martial arts, it's done amazing things for my confidence, fitness and anxiety but I worry about my brain at the other end of life and the effects of being punched even at a light level on a daily basis. Thanks

[@paulpelle3046]

Very inspirational video Gabriel. Martial arts definitely make you a better person: mentally, physically, and spiritually...it’s also easier to walk away from situations, because you have nothing to prove. 🙏

[@Docinaplane]

One warning based on what I've seen. If you start a serious martial art in your 40s, you are young enough to go very hard, but old enough to get very hurt.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Wise words from a great champion.

[@alexrose785]

I started at 20 in karate now I am 28 because of work I have put it aside but I continue training, this video inspires me to achieve my world championship in wako in the light contact modality

[@jubailijoseph6971]

Thx man i am 36 too and i have started home training ... u inspire me to be aware of my body and have good discipline... my goal is not to be a fighter but to me in good shape.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Love to hear that. I hope all the training goes well.

[@jubailijoseph6971]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial i want to add one thing beeing an ectomorph gives u the opurtunity to eat anything and in the same time stay agile ... i learned from you that this is not a weakness but a plus thank you man ... love your content...

[@GenX50]

I started taekwondo at 34 and earned my black belt at 37 i already had an athletic background when i went into martial arts the only draw back is all the injuries you will have as the years go on and especially if you compete in tournaments in my first 3 years i had small hairline fractures in my foot, torn miniscus right knee needed surgery , bruises on my legs and arms i also had a cracked molar from a kick to my face .... Martial Arts is awsome to learn but it comes with many injuries and as you get older you dont recover as fast besides all that im proud of earning my black belt its one of the proudest moments in my life .

[@lukeashcroft7584]

29 first MMA class tonight lets get busy 💪🏼

[@BarryStyles]

Thanks Gabriel :) 33 with no experience but gonna give it a shot anyway!

[@elcarlid]

Thank you Gabriel! I'm hitting 30 this year and thanks to your channel I'm making some progress. :)

[@deividoliveirafaria6541]

I'm 37, started on kickboxing 2 months ago. I know I don't have the time to aim the professional fights anymore but I'm willing to go for my state's amateur competition next year on K1 rules wich would be the closer to professional rules in amateur competition here in Brazil. I know I'm old af to start but I feel the need to test myself. I regret not starting on fighting sport in my twents, I advice to all youngs out there that if you have just a little bit of will to start a fighting sport, to give it a try, do not wait. If it does not go as you thought you can just quit if you like, but waiting and letting your youth pass can be a serious regret later. Go for it , you have nothing to lose by trying it.

[@NoviusInfernalBerserk]

That's great to hear I turn 29 soon and think about going to a mma club and taking martial arts more seriously. It's not like I have no experience at all, I have done some stuff when I was younger and trained a bit on and off at home and sometimes did private sparring or fights with friends, but I don't have much technical experience, so I'd basically be starting from zero. Just wanna be the best I still can and fight, I don't even mind if it's a private match, something like streetbeefs or in a serious competition.

[@allenwiththeMK7.5]

I just turned 32 this year. I've trained for approximately 3 years. Took 5 months off at the end of 2021 due to an injury. I started back training the beginning of this year and have been thinking of competing either at the end of this year or sometime next year, but thought that I might be too old to start competing.

[@shadowform1264]

thank you Gabriel! you are the best man...!

[@abhaymohancm4565]

Thanks bro I started when i was past 20 Now I have pretty good base This really gives me hope

[@DanielRamirez-qn7bw]

I'm 21 started training martial arts at 13 on and off due to financial reasons started with mma, , etc but i quit then went to wrestling after i quit wrestling at 16 i went to boxing when i was 18 and then after at 21 i just started picking up muay Thai don't give up i honestly gave up as a professional fighter now i was inspired so I'm following my dreams! Anyone who thinks its to late it's not train martial arts be the best version of yourself so i been training on and off for a good couple years but i was so uninspired because i wasn't consistent it's never to late now at 21 i love training muay Thai! And eventually would love to transition to mma

[@WeareIF]

I am in my forties and Muay Thai helped me lose 30kg get healthy and have a bonus is that at this age I never thought I would be going for 3 rounds with kids half my age.

[@PrinceAkaiVtuber]

Thanks for this Gab, I'm really losing confidence because I'm starting late in my martial arts career but I'll keep going through with it since it's always been my dream.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Good idea. You can learn a lot and improve dramatically if you’re super passionate. It doesn’t need to take a decade to get darn good.

[@mrhockeyfreak2000]

One thing to consider is that not everything goes to plan. Injuries can and likely will happen at some point and depending on the severity, the recovery time can take a decent chunk of your career if you are trying to be a pro.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

True story. Injuries slow things up so much and it’s very frustrating when you’re trying to your movement forward.

[@jamesjean2652]

I started muay thai at my academy last year at the age of 46. there is some people thinks I'm way pass it to be doing this kind of thing. However I did not let these few minorities deter me from continuing my training. OK I admit I take longer to keep up with the guys in the class, or my body take longer to recover and my stamina is not the same as the majority of the group but I still enjoy it and until the day my body physically and mentally stop me going any further then I will continue as long as I can. All thanks to your videos it had motivated me and kept me pushing on.

[@AmbitionClinic]

Hi James, it came get better and you can even get ahead of the other guys. Good on you.

[@jamesjean2652]

@@AmbitionClinic hi Jeff yes that is what I am hoping if I'm persistent then at least I can say I have given it everything.

[@mohsin7702]

Thank you so much Gabriel for calming me down lol I'm 21 I want to compete in mma I've been training boxing since like 5 6 years old but I started MMA just this year I'm already keeping up with pro guys in striking due to my boxing fundementals it's just the ground game I need work on constantly I have this thing where I fee I don't have enough time and I'm too old I know lol but this vid has made me relaxed knowing I can take my time and grow more in the sport increase my knowledge

[@mohsin7702]

@@Gurkha-z8s I mean even If i was to go pro at 23 I can fight till 35, 36 maybe 37 that's at least 10 to 12 years that's a good shot

[@AusPole]

Ngannou started boxing training at 22; his MMA career at 26. You'd have told him it was unrealistic too, and no doubt would have been right. But that's definitionally the difference between a dream and reality. A dream *becomes* reality through hard work (and a little luck and good timing on the way). Who cares if you fail, at least you had a go, champ.

[@mohsin7702]

@@AusPole exactly this! thanks for your comment bro

[@mohsin7702]

@@Gurkha-z8s I'm looking to fight later this year yeah, I picked up wrestling quite fast started this year feb I'm keeping up with pro MMA guys who've had 10+ in wrestling training gone hard 5 6 rounds like 3 times a week of sparring with these guys I picked up fast coz of my athletic background so I give myself a shot at this

[@mohsin7702]

@@Gurkha-z8s you seem bitter dude like you haven't gone for your dream that's why you're watching this vid... I know I'm not Francis lmao but i believe in myself

[@russfong5555]

Great insights and advice! Thank you

[@outlawpat8038]

I'm 31 and didn't train for 5 years. Have ammy mma (5)fights and KB (4) fights. Kids and misc injuries. Still wanna be a pro. Started training lightly like recently. Pray for me guys. I love MMA since 12 years old. Still my dream.

[@lucasmacedo7145]

started doing martial arts casually at 17, im about to turn 22 and feel like realistically its late to become a good pro

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

All UFC champs right now are in their 30s. That a long way off from 22. Imagine what you can accomplish in 8 years.

[@ahmedalhamadi1231]

Interesting topics thanks gabriel

[@carthaginian1153]

Thank you!

[@28maqboolpt70]

Thank you Gabriel 😘😘Big fan of you 💓

[@oversipelio983]

Im 24, always loved martial arts but don't have gyms around, i have some experience and have been training at home for the past few months. I don't know if I'm going to get far but im gonna give it my all.

[@tkflex2332]

I am 39 years old and my question are: How do I get licensed to compete in mma? Medical? Do I need to have amateur fights or can I go straight into pro? What equipment do I need? Mouthgaurd, jock, wraps,gloves, etc. How much to expect to make in my first professional fight? How much do I pay gym trainers? 10%? If you already covered some of these questions please kindly send me a link to your videos. As u know being 39, time is becoming my enemy but I am blessed with great genes (Asian/Canadian) Thank you for the time, I highly appreciate your videos to get me through my day to uncage my depression. Much Respects. Blessed 🙏🏾

[@Combatgoblin83]

Been training 5 & fighting for 3 years and I’m 40….. gonna push til the mrs or the doc tell me enough is enough

[@SL-eo5pz]

I started boxing/muy Thai around my 31st bday a couple months ago as it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and got the opportunity. I got married last year and decided in the event that I have kids, I can teach them a skill after becoming proficient in a couple years, but man, I regret not starting in my early 20s. But hopefully I can learn a lot as I have decided it’s going to be my hobby for life

[@william.the.writer]

Love your videos and this is one is definitely hits close to home.

[@nvanguy6868]

Im 44 and started muay thai at 41 But i trained and fought in kyokushin in my 20’s Recovery is super important in your 40’s I still have great power, maybe some speed lost but still pretty fast, can beat lots of the younger guys in sparring still

[@mrgloverlicious7724]

I'm 24 going on 25, started doing muay Thai, always done some kind of martial arts on and off, was doing Jujitsu and MMA, before covid but then the gym I trained at closed, so now COVID rules are not so heavy I'm training muay Thai and really giving it a go this time, it's helped me with my depression and anxiety so hopefully I can get some fights and build more confidents :)

[@arvyguzman5866]

I started at 27 with just learning punching . Had my first kickboxing am fight at 28 . Currently have 3 k 1 fights. Lost the first 2 won the last. No grappling experience for now but I definitely wanna do mma fights too. Never too late to start . To be a superstar in the sport of mma I would say the age cut off probably late 20s maybe early 30s if your a total beginner. There’s a lot of factors like your current condition and the quality work you put in. Definitely have a backup plan. Best wishes to all 👊🏼. Train hard but also smart . Peace ✌️

[@minhducnguyen9276]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I started at 25 and I already thought it is too late for me. I just want to aim for a few amateur fights see how far I can go.

[@arvyguzman5866]

@@minhducnguyen9276 25 is not bad , if anything since you started later your more focused due to your maturity level too . Another thing is you are not burned out from having been doing it for years. Wish you success on your fights 👊🏼.

[@minhducnguyen9276]

@@arvyguzman5866 Thanks. It just that I realized that I'm not mentally hardened for fighting yet. Many younger guys in the gym say I can actually punch really hard, I had been lifting weights for a long time before MMA, but I lack the aggression and not used to taking shots. In short, I tend to get panic despite only taking light damage compared to what I can actually handle or dish out. Most of other guys are just used to take a beating and are willing to trade shots.

[@arvyguzman5866]

@@minhducnguyen9276 it’s just a mental barrier you’ll overcome with time. Just have to be patient and keep training. I have a similar problem .when I’m sparring sometimes I tend to not let my hands go and be too defensive . It’s great you have weight lifting as a foundation, definitely helps for mma.Stay positive and focused. You’ll be good

[@heart3356]

Cyril gane ufc interim heavy weight champion has started martial arts at the age of 26, he started with Muay Thai and then transitioned into other disciplines he went 10-0 until he meet Francis nganou who's widely considered to be the scariest man in the ufc and he lost to him by decision

[@badchadb33]

It's like I tell all of my fighters, be realistic and do everything you can in the time that is given to you. On a side note one of our older coaches, Sue, turned pro in boxing at 37 and fought twice for the women's world title at 42.

[@ajshiro3957]

I started training technically at 10, but I had to stop for a while due to moving and stuff. So I picked back up it back up at 25. My instructor's like 40 something years old, so I say it's never too late.

[@Shiestyy21]

Am 21 i wanna check in tomorrow

[@ljclarke6538]

I’d done boxing when I was 14 done it for about a year but I stopped training after I had 2 fights I started training Muay Thai 4 months ago and I been smashing it I’m having my first fight next month after 5 months of training so hopefully if I keep putting in the work I’ll be pro by the time I’m 26 I think I’ve still got enough time to go pro I’m 23 now

[@arkapravakargupta5189]

Hey gabriel love your content. Can you make a video about how much should I train mu defance

[@alivm2531]

I think it depends on the martial arts too If its boxing If you train with your trainer you can become pro in 3-5 years If you wann be a,world class wrestler you need atleast i tjink so about 10 to 15 years or even 20

[@RuboXing]

Im going pro at boxing at 28 soon . idc what others saying, god gave me best arsenal to go and achieve what ever so !

[@alializada9921]

Thanks for motivate bro love from Afghanistan 🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫🌎🔥🔥🔥

[@JWMCMLXXX]

I started muay thai at 41. Beer belly to 6-pack in like 14 months. It's been incredible. It will change your entire life if you find one that you enjoy. GO!

[@MrZed_11]

Needed this comment. Mine is starting are starting to show in 3... Hope to have the full 6 in another 3-4

[@lemures87]

Started to train in boxing at 29, now 35 and just starting my amateur career

[@rol407]

I'm 28 fat weak emotional wreck from childhood bs is it too late for me?

[@BoskoBuha99]

Also depends on your weight class. Lightweights are already kinda old at 35-38 while heavyweights at that age are still in their prime. Just look at Yoel Romero or Evander Holyfield...

[@swordleo]

Alex Pereira at 24 kickboxing Randy Couture at 37 mma

[@zickzack987]

I started martial arts at age of 7. Now I am 53 and still do 3 sessions Muay Thai a week. But fighting is another level. I stopped at 34, because it was no longer fun to get smashed by 10... 15 years younger guys 😁

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Yeah. It's nice to spar with guys who want to have fun. If I'm in fight camp it's serious sparring but otherwise people need to chill out.

[@lucast.6474]

i notice a lot of people starting with the dream of becoming pro. It's cool, but i wish they would do it a bit longer before settling on pro or failure kind of mindset. I love martial arts but if you want to turn it into a career, be ready to eat a lot of humble pie on the way up.

[@NanosNanoNanos]

I'm 16 in a month, been training for a year (Muay Thai) I'm currently training on the fighting team in my gym and have a dream of becoming a world champion but I'm worried I started too late, my friend is 15 has had 34 fights and is a national champion he started at 5 years old.

[@geometrix236]

you shouldn't bother it,you are still young,just focus on yourself and your development, improve your skills, be confident in your abilities, the rest will eventually come. I just turned 20 and gonna start kickboxing training, let's go

[@alexdomino23]

What about somebody who wants to dabble into the pros. Not a championship fighter. Somebody who wants to do one or two pro fights. What age range is that still achievable in? Also what are your thoughts on someone aspiring to be at a pro level. However works a regular 9 to 5:00. And what it takes to get to that level

[@TwistedMist77]

I started at 28 and im 29 got to the advanced class which takes 2 years but did it in a year of hard work. Im just gonna do like 10 amateurs I wanna get good at kickboxing but ya its my hobby even though I'm obsessed. Focusing on other things for money/ career gotta be realistic.

[@VGEmblem]

Being realistic leads to a mediocre life ;)

[@TwistedMist77]

@@VGEmblem you might be right

[@Damesanglante]

@@VGEmblem Best comment.

[@jodajoda3791]

I am 50 and still træning and can give the Young Guys a Hard time When sparring :) Start træning from 1989 to 2000 and fighting from 1993 to 2000.(træning 3-5 times a week). long break for 15 years and then back træning but only 1 a week.

[@SonOftheBattleCry]

Have you thought about fighting for one championship can’t help but like to see you vs Liam Harrison

[@jamielondon6436]

I think what's missing from this a bit is how early one needs to start with high level physical exercise to get to professional, let alone world class level. Techniques can be learned later on, but if the physical basics aren't there from a *very* early age, it's next to impossible to get to the highest levels. I basically agree with everything else in the video. :-)

[@bpswank429]

This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough ! Huge difference between someone who’s at least played sports from a young age to adulthood than someone who was more into the books and gaming etc / never played sport or even worked out a day in their life . I’ve just started my journey in mma at 23 with no prior experience whatsoever but I grew up playing Rugby, basketball and lifting weights/working out from a young age so I’m glad I have an athletic base to work around .

[@johnjcru]

I’m 20. I wanna train and eventually compete. I started at 18 in terms of flexibility, mobility, agility training that helped me a lot in kickboxing but all is self taught. I move pretty well though. I did wrestling in high school but never competed above state.

[@kantandamma7555]

24 got good basic and I recently started training seriously after three times the coach asked me lose weight so I can start fighting sorry for my english im french

[@judajitsu]

I started boxing on and off at 22 and I’m getting into combat sambo at 26 I just wanna see how good I can get. Competition wise I’d just want it to test my skill set and would prob only do about 5 bouts I’m happy with that I know it’s unrealistic to try getting into a world class organization