Starting Jiu Jitsu - is there such thing as too late?

[pburt207]

Jocko,

I studied Kajukenbo in college, but unfortunately had to stop after I graduated and moved home because there is no instructor nearby. It's been a while now, and I'm ready to get back on the mats. Our Grand Master was taught by the founders of Kaj, so training sessions were very intense, which I know Jiu Jitsu is too. Because of it's intensity, our Master was hesitant to start teaching anyone once hey reached a certain age (late 30's/early 40's). My question is: Is there an age at which you advise against trying to start Jiu Jitsu? I'm only 28, but I was just curious...

[mynewunit]

I think octogenarian. Jocko has recommended guys in their 50's start. I think if you can complete a lesson, you can roll. The real answer is that he gives is that there is more to being mentally ready. Practice and preparation always make you better. Would you recommend running, reading, weight lifting, to every one?

Now I would say that the younger or older you are, the more selective you should be in your gym or teacher. Sam Harris said something to the extent of "Try for a month. If it isn't harder to stop then it isn't for you."

[JasonGSTBJJ]

I came from a Kempo background too, out of Hawaii. Our GM came up in Kajukenbo from the Pacific Palisades projects. Great stuff. You'll love BJJ. My only regret was waiting to start because I was so loyal to my Kempo Ohana. My wife finally told me to quit making excuses, and I've been a bjj regular nearly 7 years. I'm 43 now and have no plans to stop before 98. BJJ can be practiced by everyone at most ages. Training does change with age, but the bjj is for everyone.

[trooper1912]

I started Jiu Jitsu in August of 2016 at 34 years old. We had a seminar at our gym with 9th degree red belt, Grandmaster Alvaro Barreto, in December. He had a student start Jiu Jitsu at 75 and get his black belt at 85 years old. You're never too old to try something new.

[CJ]

I realize you addressed your question to Jocko but I'll add my two cents. I am 50 and started BJJ last year with my kids. Maintain your strength and flexibility through regular conditioning and you should be able to train BJJ effectively and safely.
- CJ  

[misterP]

Apologies inadvance for the long post and for hijacking the thread but I have a somewhat similar question.

I live in London (UK) and have been training in MMA for just over a year since moving to an area that such a gym was within driving distance. I'm already 31 so started the grappling game late (I had muay thai and boxing experience but not grappling) but I'm absolutely passionate and thrilled and fallen in love with it and have been focusing on it a lot.

However, we only train no gi(there are dedicated grappling classes and open mat sessions but they are no gi) as part of the overall MMA training and technically it is not a BJJ academy and hence we don't actually do grading/belts either. So I feel like having an "incomplete identity" as I'm sort of training in BJJ but I'm not really (as I don't get gi training and all that comes with it).

I love the overall nature of MMA but at the same time I would like toknow how/whether I am (in theory) progressing had I been in a traditional/pure BJJ academy, i.e. how do I "stack up"? The main reason I am asking is because I would like to compete in nogi submission-only events in the near future(just for fun) but have no clue how that works if you don't actually take part in the grading/belt system etc! I almost feel like a cheat andbeing disrespectful if I were to say I train in BJJ

[mynewunit]

Great question. You are about 80% of the way there just because your attitude is in the right place. Attend an event as a spectator. Find one or 2 people who are helping run the event and ask them if they care. Some types of events want you to have a sponsoring school/coach to ensure you have an understanding of the rules, etc. To be totally honest, I think that the BJJ guys would love having an MMA only guy on the mats. As long as you don't sneak in a punch or a kick, they would probably look at you as fresh meat.
I think you enter un-ranked. They should just put you with the white belts. And belts, like weight classes, people try to end up where they will be most effective. So even if you should be a blue belt, a few of the guys will be recent blue belts in the white belt class. And JP Dinnel fights 2 weight classes up because he can't find opponents in his classes.
Wonder into a BJJ school. Talk to them. Tell them what you do have for experience. They will find their blue belt female to submit you 4 or 5 times in a 5 minute round, and you will understand how much you know.

[aiko492]

I turn 50 this year and with the encouragement from the Podcast I did my first bjj class last week. I do a ton of hiking and trail running and have a TKD BB. Honestly, the floor exercises (shrimping...) I struggled with the coordination of those for whatever reason. My brain couldn’t get left and right figured out.

I did get a gnarley mat burn on my foot which has a staph infection as a first class door prize. But I’ll be heading back next week after it clears.

[hungry4more]

Hi all,
Man!!! what I would do to be 28again!!
Im 51 years old from Sydney Australia - and I have never been to a martial arts school. Always made excuses why not to go and do it. After listening to Jocko and Echo, I faced my fear of martial arts and signed up with a local gym to learn BJJ. It has only been 3 weeks now and I enjoy the training very much. Surprisingly, I actually have more confidence and control in my thinking and dealing with situations at work and everyday life. I am not talking about fighting - I am talking about how it has helped me in everyday interactions with people. The people you meet and interact with on a daily basis; my wife, kids, friends, work colleagues, everybody! The way I speak and respond now I have noticed has changed for the better! As now it isn't about just confront and attack! It's about how to read and set up the situation, just like in BJJ you are looking to maneuver in ways to overcome your opponent. So, that being said, I don't think any training/learning has an age restriction to it. The only restrictions a person has are in their own mind! As Jocko would say "Get AFter It"!! Good luck.

[mynewunit]

Boom. Aussie nailed it. It helps you be result focuses. You don't worry about intent, unfair, or externalizing. You prepare, adapt and work toward the result. To get even with those who beat you, you steel their knowledge. To reward those who come to you to learn, you give them knowledge. So much more productive than trolling comments sections or winning social media arguments.

[misterP]

hi people, just wanted to feed back since my previous entry in March. I found a way to accommodate (financially and time-wise) both the MMA training and BJJ so in mid-June I also joined a BJJ academy here in the UK. Training BJJ 4-5 times a week and MMA a couple of times a week. Like everyone says, "I wish I had started earlier"

My impression from the first few weeks: the gi is a whole new world, so many more things to think about and so much more technique-driven (less chance to power through moves etc) and, despite transferrable skills, my gi game is certainly not on the same level as my no gi game. But hey it's just the beginning and I am HOOKED so practice practice practice. The first stripe came fairly early, I guess due to my no gi grappling skills helping the gi game and already having an understanding of basic concepts. Not that ranking is the drive but feeding back as it was part of my initial question. Looking forward to being immerged more and more in this awesome lifestyle and I hope one day I get to fly across the pond for an immersion camp with Jocko and the team.

Safe training everybody

[mark2791]

Some great comments in here so far, thought I'd add my thoughts.

I'm from Melbourne, Australia, 46 years old. Purely by accident I discovered the local MMA/BJJ school (I was taking my daughter to her dancing class and noticed the boxing ring through the window). At around the same time I'd started listening to Joe Rogan in earnest and discovered Jocko (via the brilliant first interview with Jordan Peterson on ep.98). Decided to take the plunge and do a tryout class. Did another one. Have since signed up and have been training for about two months now.

I had studied Karate in my mid-twenties but jiu-jitsu is just something else. You're not too old. You will feel it, particularly the joints at first. But keep at it. It's awesome and for me is now becoming addictive. I rolled last night and cannot wait to hit the mats again. You'll get tapped out, so just embrace it, it's a long journey, and for me I'm miles away from troubling anyone with submissions. But stay patient, relax, breathe, and keep learning. It is just awesome and I seriously feel at least fifteen years younger.

Bottom line, just get out there on the mat. You will not regret it.

[ironmaker]

I had zero martial arts or wrestling background and I just started this year at age 44.  It has been great.  I check my ego and tap early and tap often. 

[mark2791]

I'm now closing in on 6 months of training (and also my 47th birthday). I stick pretty religiously now to 3 sessions per week.

A curious thing has occurred over the last week. I can't explain it, but all of a sudden I feel much calmer. Drilling techniques is as fun as ever, but once rolling starts I'm not nearly as apprehensive. Even now at the bottom of mount I've stopped freaking out and try to think through the situation (not always successfully of course).

The other weird thing was a new guy started last week and I rolled with him. Almost subconsciously and without thinking I was moving him around and submitting him easily. Felt surreal. Plus guys who were regularly smashing me and subbing me 5-6 times per roll and are doing it once or twice and sometimes not at all. And last night I got one of them with a kimura. Progress.

Consistency over intensity. Keep at it.