You’re Not Too Old to Start BJJ

As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to grow, more and more people of all ages are beginning to take note. Good news – you’re not too old to start BJJ, although there are a few factors to consider. Here’s what to know if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and ready to roll.

Recovery time

Recovery time is the biggest differentiator between older and younger athletes. As we age, our bodies just don’t recover as quickly from heavy training and workouts. Fortunately, you can maximize recovery time through quality sleep, proper nutrition, effective pacing of your training and listening to your body.

Preventing injury

The focus at Guerrilla BJJ here in Reno is always on member safety, and you’ll be matched with opponents and partners appropriately. Still, it’s important that you listen to your body to avoid pushing yourself beyond your ability.

A strong body is also less prone to injury. A fitness program with a focus on functional strength and compound exercises (as opposed to isolation work) will complement your BJJ training. Don’t overdo it. Just make it a goal to stag healthy enough to be on the mat.

Factoring for nutrition

The metabolism slows as we age, and a poor diet catches up to us in ways it may not when we’re younger. But proper nutrition isn’t just about maintaining a healthy weight. BJJ is a physically demanding activity, and you’ll need the right macros to keep your energy levels high during class and to help you recover afterward.

Tip: Joint pain can be a common complaint for older BJJ participants, and the right diet can help reduce inflammation.

Defense is the great offense

Emphasizing defense in tricking positions and focusing on strategy is the older athlete’s best bet for overcoming younger, stronger and faster opponents. Fortunately, that’s exactly what you’ll learn in BJJ.