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For the 38 and Up Crowd.... (And you Young un's for the future)
5 year(s) ago • 1005 views • 27 replies
RRBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I've hit 44 last month, and since last year, I've signed up more and more for tournaments and events. When I was 38, I injured my back (lower lumbar) pretty good, to the point where surgery was thrown around as an option many many times, but due to my work, I wasn't going to do that (so I PT'ed and rehabbed for years until I got better). For a while, I honestly though I would have to stop doing Jiu Jitsu, and at that time, being nearly 40, I was resolved in never competing again. Last year when I returned to competition, I was probably more scared than I was as white belt all those years back (the fear of "OMG, will my back go out and fuck me for life" danced into my head as I was walking on the mat)..... But nowadays, a year later, I find myself hungrier to compete more than I did for probably the last 15 years. Have any of you had this late competitive fire/renaissance in your late 30's/40 and up years, or am I the only moron who is still enjoying going out there like an idiot doing this? LOL.
I am not doing it for anything to prove, or to "make a name" for myself, I've had my accolades and accomplishments in BJJ, and definitely with my other careers, so I am not some glory chaser, I just have fun with this, win or lose (it's always a blast seeing these other guys who I've know for 20 years now, still out there competing too)... Am I alone in the later in the career desire to compete, or is anyone else feeling the same way?
I am not doing it for anything to prove, or to "make a name" for myself, I've had my accolades and accomplishments in BJJ, and definitely with my other careers, so I am not some glory chaser, I just have fun with this, win or lose (it's always a blast seeing these other guys who I've know for 20 years now, still out there competing too)... Am I alone in the later in the career desire to compete, or is anyone else feeling the same way?
CBBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I started BJJ when I was 40. Generally speaking I'm normally the oldest on the mat by far. Been competing regularly since white belt. Honestly, in my case, I think age isn't that big a deal. Honestly feel fitter now than when I was 30, I was never a particularly athletic person when I was younger.
Honestly speaking, I think that enjoyment is in the end any of us are doing BJJ. And that's the only reason anyone needs anyway.
Honestly speaking, I think that enjoyment is in the end any of us are doing BJJ. And that's the only reason anyone needs anyway.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I definitely see myself getting back into it a bit more when kids are a bit more self-sustainable. Right now (I mean RIGHT now there's no travelling anyway right) it's tough being away from family for a few days too often to participate in a fringe hobby.
RRBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Yeah the general training (past the injuries) has always been fun, and for 2 decades I've competed and ran tournaments. When you've taken a 4 year layoff from competing, then jump back in mid 40's, and get hit with that fire/passion to do it with the same intensity as you had in your 20's.... That's the thing I wonder about.. if other people here have that same mid 40's desire to go compete like kids still.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Competition is funny.. I had my first Burmese Boxing match at 15 and fought till 26 and broke my neck. I was told I was done and 10 years later got medical clearance to fight again and came back and did KB, MMA and grappling events until 44.. First time around I was driven and all I wanted out of life was to beat people up.. Second time it was like I was going through the motions to prove something.. So after a total of 119 pro fights and I don't know how many grappling matches I thought I was done and focused on teaching and training..
I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer at 47 and after several years of fighting it and at one point a year off from training I got my health back,, At 52 started training again and 53 started competing again. I am about to turn 58 and have over 250 matches since coming back.. This has been a tough year as I only competed in 3 events.
Truthfully I am a shit's and giggles competitor now. I have done a bunch of pro shows and tons of tournaments . I am enjoying it more now than ever before. The results have become secondary I do adult division, masters divisions and open divisions. I win mush more than I lose and do really well in Masters divisions but even thowhen I lose it is about the pure joy of doing it.
I will be competing as long as I am physically able to and still enjoy it.. By the way not only is training around injuries tough but try and do at least a tournament a month around them.. I plan on doing 2 in December
I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer at 47 and after several years of fighting it and at one point a year off from training I got my health back,, At 52 started training again and 53 started competing again. I am about to turn 58 and have over 250 matches since coming back.. This has been a tough year as I only competed in 3 events.
Truthfully I am a shit's and giggles competitor now. I have done a bunch of pro shows and tons of tournaments . I am enjoying it more now than ever before. The results have become secondary I do adult division, masters divisions and open divisions. I win mush more than I lose and do really well in Masters divisions but even thowhen I lose it is about the pure joy of doing it.
I will be competing as long as I am physically able to and still enjoy it.. By the way not only is training around injuries tough but try and do at least a tournament a month around them.. I plan on doing 2 in December
Edited 5 year(s) ago
WDBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's motivating to hear your stories of competing through your 40s and 50s. It's a goal of mine to do the same and I currently put a lot of effort into staying healthy enough to compete when the opportunity arises again. I also have serious injuries from earlier in my life and I know how tough it is to be sidelined for long periods of time.
SCBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
when i was a white and Blue belt ( around the age 28-32) I was doing every and any tournament i could find in the adult and Masters division at the same time trying to get as many accolades as possible. i Traveled and competed for Worlds, pan, nationals, and ADCC trials. but when I became a purple belt. I scaled back ALOT. I stuck with only doing certain tournaments and Superfights. That stuff added up ot about 12k with a year . I didnt want ot keep spending that. so as purple belt i only competed about a tenth of what i did as a blue belt. when i was promoted ot brown, I did the same time. only took Superfights and did only 3 major tournaments, and no locals. I wasn't really pressed to do any real locals ( nagas or good fights). IM over that standing around all day for one and going late in the day. Now that im a black belt. ,I have only done Fight2win matches and other super fights and not even a thought about entering in to local tournaments at 38 and 12 years in . I don't have anything else to prove to anyone.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
SBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Fight2Win is the best. It's the only competition I would do at this point. I did a lot of no gi tournaments as a blue belt before they had belt color divisions and then a little as a purple. I don't have any pull to compete outside of a single match at something like Fight2Win. I'm waiting for them to offer me a 3 minutes 50-year-old plus match. At this age, we'd start from our knees so no one pulled something trying to take the other guy down.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Fight2Win is the best. It's the only competition I would do at this point. I did a lot of no gi tournaments as a blue belt before they had belt color divisions and then a little as a purple. I don't have any pull to compete outside of a single match at something like Fight2Win. I'm waiting for them to offer me a 3 minutes 50-year-old plus match. At this age, we'd start from our knees so no one pulled something trying to take the other guy down.
They can roll us down in wheel chairs and just dump us on the mats
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm having a real slump ATM with actual performance (only 37) - when I get to class in the evenings I'm often very tired already, coordination feels off and body stiff. And my constant wrist pains bother me enough to take the enjoyment out of actual practice... :(
CBBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm having a real slump ATM with actual performance (only 37) - when I get to class in the evenings I'm often very tired already, coordination feels off and body stiff. And my constant wrist pains bother me enough to take the enjoyment out of actual practice... :(
Used to have the same problem. Thing that honestly helped the most in my case was a nightly stretching routine before bed. Also helps me get to sleep more quickly. Nothing intensive, just some relaxing Yogajitsu as a bit of a sleep ritual.
RRBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm having a real slump ATM with actual performance (only 37) - when I get to class in the evenings I'm often very tired already, coordination feels off and body stiff. And my constant wrist pains bother me enough to take the enjoyment out of actual practice... :(
I've found for myself that adding a yoga/stretching routine prior to training helps that a lot. In my gym, I'm the only black belt that will also still do the warm-ups with the classes (I know, INSANE that anyone over purple belt doing warm-ups, and in their 40's too nonetheless).
I get made fun of a lot for this (I live in Orlando Florida, buncha meat eating rednecks here), but I've found that my plant based diet has helped too. Been my lifestyle for 11 years now, prior I use to do that typical MMA fighter grilled chicken, broccoli, brown rice diet.... Felt great some days and sluggish others, once I changed to plant based, my energy always stayed consistent. Give it a shot for a few weeks and see how you feel.
I get made fun of a lot for this (I live in Orlando Florida, buncha meat eating rednecks here), but I've found that my plant based diet has helped too. Been my lifestyle for 11 years now, prior I use to do that typical MMA fighter grilled chicken, broccoli, brown rice diet.... Felt great some days and sluggish others, once I changed to plant based, my energy always stayed consistent. Give it a shot for a few weeks and see how you feel.
SBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
They can roll us down in wheel chairs and just dump us on the mats
I’m down. That’s my kind of rule set.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
when i was a white and Blue belt ( around the age 28-32) I was doing every and any tournament i could find in the adult and Masters division at the same time trying to get as many accolades as possible. i Traveled and competed for Worlds, pan, nationals, and ADCC trials. but when I became a purple belt. I scaled back ALOT. I stuck with only doing certain tournaments and Superfights. That stuff added up ot about 12k with a year . I didnt want ot keep spending that. so as purple belt i only competed about a tenth of what i did as a blue belt. when i was promoted ot brown, I did the same time. only took Superfights and did only 3 major tournaments, and no locals. I wasn't really pressed to do any real locals ( nagas or good fights). IM over that standing around all day for one and going late in the day. Now that im a black belt. ,I have only done Fight2win matches and other super fights and not even a thought about entering in to local tournaments at 38 and 12 years in . IM dont have anything else to prove to anyone.
I am just curious because when I retired from fighting / competing at 44 my mental attitude was actually the same. After over a 100 fights and hundreds of grappling matches I had won titles and all the accolades I could ever need..I really did think I was done and one the things I always told myself is "what do I have left to prove"
In hindsight I realize when I was young teens and 20's I loved competing but truly loved winning, but in my late 30's and early 40's I kind of was going through the motions mote to prove the doctors wrong.
After almost dieing of cancer in my late 40's I thought I was done with training but when I got my health back I started training again and realized I LOVE to compete. For me now it is a pure passion. Don't get me wrong but that moment of standing across from someone just prior to going is so pure for me it is great..
As I said please don't take this the wrong way as it is a question do / did you love competing or feel like it was just an extension of training because I was that way for a while and thinking I would never walk out there again made me feel how precious it is and that I truly love it..
By the way at almost 58 I would not waste my time doing it if it was not an actual passion as I have a business to run and a family so I do understand why some one would not feel the desire
In hindsight I realize when I was young teens and 20's I loved competing but truly loved winning, but in my late 30's and early 40's I kind of was going through the motions mote to prove the doctors wrong.
After almost dieing of cancer in my late 40's I thought I was done with training but when I got my health back I started training again and realized I LOVE to compete. For me now it is a pure passion. Don't get me wrong but that moment of standing across from someone just prior to going is so pure for me it is great..
As I said please don't take this the wrong way as it is a question do / did you love competing or feel like it was just an extension of training because I was that way for a while and thinking I would never walk out there again made me feel how precious it is and that I truly love it..
By the way at almost 58 I would not waste my time doing it if it was not an actual passion as I have a business to run and a family so I do understand why some one would not feel the desire
Edited 5 year(s) ago
RLPurple beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
(I know, INSANE that anyone over purple belt doing warm-ups, and in their 40's too nonetheless).
I cannot even imagine starting class without a proper warmup. The only reason I hate morning classes is that I feel like no matter what, I am not warmed up by the time we roll... So when I eventually get promoted and older (34 now) I will be that one purple/brown/black belt guy doing the warm-up too.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
So when I eventually get promoted and older (34 now) I will be that one purple/brown/black belt guy doing the warm-up too.
Yes, you might think this way as a blue... but once you actually get your purple, you will find out that wearing that color somehow causes you to feel physical disgust when in proximity of any warm-up activity. You'll see.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I cannot even imagine starting class without a proper warmup. The only reason I hate morning classes is that I feel like no matter what, I am not warmed up by the time we roll... So when I eventually get promoted and older (34 now) I will be that one purple/brown/black belt guy doing the warm-up too.
When you get to my age the whole class is a warm up and you still haven't gotten loose,,, And yes morning classes should be outlawed
Edited 5 year(s) ago
DBPurple beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
46 here - I am finetuning my warm up after two longer naging injuries...
Regarding competition, I would love to compete against 30+ year olds, 5-8min matches, one match per event. Just for the fun of it, to test myself, no rules on guard pulling or not, just whatever you want. Win or learn.
Kinda like rolling during class, but then for real.
I do not enjoy competition against 20-25 year old, super lean guys that start super explosive - let them do that against eachother. I do love to compete and go full blast, but my 46 full blast is a nice a gentle 50%, slowly increasing to 70% of what my body can handle.
To be honest, after having some pulled calf muscels (the last during heavy bag training) I never ever do anything 100% anymore. Goal is to stay strong and flexible and be able to do this jiujitsu journey (which I found late in life) for many many years to come.
Maybe at some point I will organize some of these 40+ tournements myself, just small with some local gyms. Define our own ruleset, have some matches and close up with a nice BBQ and some drinks, watch UFC whatever...
Regarding competition, I would love to compete against 30+ year olds, 5-8min matches, one match per event. Just for the fun of it, to test myself, no rules on guard pulling or not, just whatever you want. Win or learn.
Kinda like rolling during class, but then for real.
I do not enjoy competition against 20-25 year old, super lean guys that start super explosive - let them do that against eachother. I do love to compete and go full blast, but my 46 full blast is a nice a gentle 50%, slowly increasing to 70% of what my body can handle.
To be honest, after having some pulled calf muscels (the last during heavy bag training) I never ever do anything 100% anymore. Goal is to stay strong and flexible and be able to do this jiujitsu journey (which I found late in life) for many many years to come.
Maybe at some point I will organize some of these 40+ tournements myself, just small with some local gyms. Define our own ruleset, have some matches and close up with a nice BBQ and some drinks, watch UFC whatever...
Edited 5 year(s) ago
BBBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
They can roll us down in wheel chairs and just dump us on the mats
Thats what I tell my sons. When I'm 80 just pick me up and put me on the mats, Ill roll a few rounds and then put me back in the wheelchair.
JTBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I competed a bunch in my 20s and it slowed down in my 30s when I started teaching. After I stopped teaching I started competing a little more and doing better. There's something about teaching that takes away too much time away from focusing on your training. Than competing went back down as work wants more, relationships, kids, etc.. I think it'll always ebb and flow. I hate competing but it makes me better so I do it. I almost find traveling and get some training sessions in is more fun. I guess like anything else, priorities change as you get older.
JBBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I have the competitive spirit... Health concerns don't allow me to compete to the level I would like.
GHBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I just turned 40 last month and had my first Brown belt featured match. I have competed since I started 9 years ago, but now that I am teaching I am more interested in my students performance than I am my own.
You guys are motivational! Keep it up!
You guys are motivational! Keep it up!
JDBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Absolutely not alone. I'm 38, still competing. I'm a purple belt been one for a few yrs. Compete now and then. I enjoy competing. I'm smart in training, I dont let myself get destroyed. I'm also a larger stronger purple belt so that helps.
JABlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Sadly didn't get to compete this year, but I normally try to compete a couple of times a year. Its a great way to pressure test what you really know and point out what you need to work on. I'm only a young 52 and hope to still be rolling and competing until they nail the lid down.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I feel some pressure to compete, but I wouldn't call it "desire", per se. Since I'm an instructor and I encourage my students to compete, I feel it's important for them to see that their instructor is going through similar things they are, including things like dealing with nerves and executing a game plan. Not too many of the other instructors in my town compete at all, so this is another thing that I can offer that they can't (so competing is good for business).
Oh yeah, and I really love that there is a Masters' division. Lol.
Oh yeah, and I really love that there is a Masters' division. Lol.
WABlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
About to turn 38, definitely the road blocks seem to pile on more constantly. Mentally I feel focused and physically my cardio is much better than I can remember. That all can be do to me coaching full-time. Planning for class, watching students constantly train added on top of my own has helped keep me sharp. I finally had gotten the hang of taking time off from training to heal up.
JWBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm 40, closing in on 41, and I still don't warm up. If I'm feeling stiff I'll grab a white belt and make them roll with me for 5-6 minutes before class as my 'warmup'. I train 5 days a week, including lifting 2x a week and I can not WAIT to get back to competing next year.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm 40, closing in on 41, and I still don't warm up.
I am a year younger and only talk shit about warm ups mainly because of the type of warm ups I'm used to & that we still mostly do (OK and also because it's the classic joke about purple belts), meaning a mini S&C session before doing anything more sport-specific.
I absolutely do need to open up my back, hips and shoulders before starting to roll properly, especially if I've sat on a desk/car seat the previous 10 hours before class.
Also a comp warm up is a whole other matter... I have to get my heart properly racing and some lactic acids to kick in already during the warmups, otherwise I will be toast in the first match. Typically even then I start to perform to my full capacity only from the 3rd match onward. I blame my slow-starting diesel engine...
I am a naturally non-competitive person & competing is totally stepping out of my comfort zone. I still try to do at least the four major national comps each year. We have such a good comp class/team, and training with them improves my game the most. I also still do the main national Adult comps, even though I do like Masters better whenever available. Those comps always have a more gentlemanly vibe.
I absolutely do need to open up my back, hips and shoulders before starting to roll properly, especially if I've sat on a desk/car seat the previous 10 hours before class.
Also a comp warm up is a whole other matter... I have to get my heart properly racing and some lactic acids to kick in already during the warmups, otherwise I will be toast in the first match. Typically even then I start to perform to my full capacity only from the 3rd match onward. I blame my slow-starting diesel engine...
I am a naturally non-competitive person & competing is totally stepping out of my comfort zone. I still try to do at least the four major national comps each year. We have such a good comp class/team, and training with them improves my game the most. I also still do the main national Adult comps, even though I do like Masters better whenever available. Those comps always have a more gentlemanly vibe.
MBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I am getting 44 but I don’t feel any pressure to compete.
It is not about the fear of loosing matches (I get tapped often enough in rolling/sparring anyway), but it is absolutely not my priority. I am happy enough to be able to teach and train 3 times a week (if no lockdown is in the way) and to enjoy being on the mat with my friends and family.
It is not about the fear of loosing matches (I get tapped often enough in rolling/sparring anyway), but it is absolutely not my priority. I am happy enough to be able to teach and train 3 times a week (if no lockdown is in the way) and to enjoy being on the mat with my friends and family.
HSBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I started bjj at 36, competed the first time at 37, and plan to compete for awhile longer. I have not been training much over the last month, but I am hoping to hit a tournament Q1 2021. Maybe two if I can get my cardio back before NAGA comes in January.
