To be 100% truthful, yes you can. Whilst 35 or above is considered “old” to begin training there are now many black belts who began training in their late 30’s or even older. The trade off compared to starting young is that you’re going to have to accept the following things:
- You will never be the best
- You will take a lot longer to recover after each session than the younger guys
- It will possibly take longer to learn new things
- Your susceptability to get injured is probably a bit higher
However, if we look at this from another perspective, there are also many benefits:
- You will be a lot better than if you never start training
- You don’t need to compare yourself with people who are atheltic and 15 years younger
- Learning a new thing is good for your brain and will stop it from growing older
- If you look after your body injuries are less likely to happen
Starting BJJ In Later Life & Not Quitting
Look After Your Body
As mentioned above, you are not in the same category as a guy who is 21. You will no longer be able to do the same things as him and feel OK in the morning, unfortunately this is life. Always remember to go at your own pace and win your own battles, nobody will give you any medals for being a hero and refusing to tap.
Remember you will need to warm up more than most people, so you can opt to arrive early to class to do this. You may also opt to add in a yoga routine as this will both strengthen and make your body more flexible, thus making you less likely to become injured.
Remember, looking after your body is extremely important, if you do not look after it you may be forced to quit. There is nothing worse than wanting to train, but being made to give up due to a chronic injury.
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Get Your Mindset Correct
Following on from the previous subject, but is more about your brain than the rest of your body. You must fully accept that you are not going to train for 2 years and destroy everyone in the gym like the 21 year old. If you think like this then you will become discouraged and quit.
Instead of thinking like this, you should begin to think how much you have improved every 2-3 months or so. Would the new you be able to beat the old you if they were forced to spar?
Make Friends With The Other Older Guys
This is a great way to continue BJJ if you have the option of a friend group, or at the very least acquaintances. You may not really have any other old people doing the classes with you, if not this is no problem. But if there are other guys over 35 you will form a natural affinity with one another. If you all have an unwritten agreement to turn up on a Tuesday, then you’re more likely to do it, even when going through the tougher times of your training.
Make A Schedule
If you have a written routine then you’re more likely to stick to it. Of course this can be flexible if you’re injured or if a real emergency comes up, but with a commitment in both your mind and on paper, you are more likely to stay the full course and get the most enjoyment out of your BJJ training.
How Old Is Too Old?
Finally, how old is too old?
Helio Gracie was still training when he was 94 years old. There is no doubt that he was in better shape than almost everyone and had a much better diet, but do you really think that at 45 you cannot improve on a 94 year olds physique? This really shows as long as your body and mind are in good condition there is no real age limit to training. Like most things in life, when you think you’re too old for something, then you are. Before this though you may as well enjoy yourself and make the most of things whilst you’re still living.
