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Jiu-Jitsu Practioners over age 50
6 year(s) ago • 18991 views • 62 replies
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
Being 54 myself, I am curious to know how many people began their Jiu-Jitsu journey after age 50, how they are doing along the way and the treatment they receive from the younger practitioners.
Older people often have life secrets to share, on topics like setting and achieving goals.
More importantly, older people by the shear nature of being older, are often granted the automatic luxury of respect from the onset.
I find it extremely important to remind myself that my opinion carries substantial weight and can alter younger peoples lives and thus am very cautious about the effects and implications of any life advise I give.
I am also fortunate to seem to have the physical structure for Jiu-Jitsu.
Where I train, they call me a big guy, even though I am only 5'10" and 203lbs.
There are plenty of bigger people, but older people seemingly tolerate more pain and have considerably more patience, lending to a belief that they are virtually indestructible. Despite the beliefs in being super human, we do feel pain and can get injured, albeit rare. I attribute this to patience, wisdom and our understanding that whining about it, won't make it better. So even though we may be injured, we aren't telling everyone to change their game to work around our issues.
Being older seems to make younger practitioners slightly apprehensive when they first roll with me.
I find myself often talking them down on their breathing rate, to a calm place where they can think about what they are doing.
Those that listen last the round and those that do not, burn out to exhaustion, usually under the old guy.
I have competed much since I started and haven't had a match with anyone within 10 years of my age yet.
I don't compete for the medals or a track record, I do it to train my body to properly react to strain and threat.
A match against an unknown opponent is a great way to test your investment in Jiu-Jitsu.
Several people in their 40's to 50's have started Jiu-Jitsu at our academy in the last 1.5 years, but none of them have continued beyond a few lessons.
It's not because the school is aggressive or abusive, but I think more the mindset that progress and conditioning come at a much slower rate for older people.
I read about older people out there in the Jiu-Jitsu community and see bio's on their successes, but other than Black Belts, they seem to be extremely rare in my circles.
I train on average 6 days a week, which younger people probably do not have the luxury to do.
This gives me the opportunity to seemingly advance much more quickly than most, but further alienates me and feeds the myth of indestructibility.
I enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu and often get the opportunity to inspire others, but I find my position in the school more of a father figure than a brother or teammate. Being a father and grandfather in the eyes of younger students does not bother me, but it does make it sometimes uncomfortable for some younger people to have grandpa tap them or resist everything they have to throw at him. After about 10 rolls with me, people seem to forget I am older and start to settle in, but every new student I work with has the same apprehension.
I am positive that if I had started Jiu-Jitsu in my 20's I would have likely given up long ago.
Waiting as long as I did was for me a blessing. I am not saying that people should wait, people should benefit from Jiu-Jitsu as soon in life as possible.
Being over fifty has afforded me more opportunity to fully commit my attention to Jiu-Jitsu.
If you have a story to tell about what its like for you to be over 50 and a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, I am very interested to hear about it.
I am looking to share tips, advise on how to train, injury recovery and the general mindset we have and how it differs from younger people.
I would also like to find out where this small sector of the Jiu-Jitsu population trains around this big planet and maybe even go visit some of you.
Older people often have life secrets to share, on topics like setting and achieving goals.
More importantly, older people by the shear nature of being older, are often granted the automatic luxury of respect from the onset.
I find it extremely important to remind myself that my opinion carries substantial weight and can alter younger peoples lives and thus am very cautious about the effects and implications of any life advise I give.
I am also fortunate to seem to have the physical structure for Jiu-Jitsu.
Where I train, they call me a big guy, even though I am only 5'10" and 203lbs.
There are plenty of bigger people, but older people seemingly tolerate more pain and have considerably more patience, lending to a belief that they are virtually indestructible. Despite the beliefs in being super human, we do feel pain and can get injured, albeit rare. I attribute this to patience, wisdom and our understanding that whining about it, won't make it better. So even though we may be injured, we aren't telling everyone to change their game to work around our issues.
Being older seems to make younger practitioners slightly apprehensive when they first roll with me.
I find myself often talking them down on their breathing rate, to a calm place where they can think about what they are doing.
Those that listen last the round and those that do not, burn out to exhaustion, usually under the old guy.
I have competed much since I started and haven't had a match with anyone within 10 years of my age yet.
I don't compete for the medals or a track record, I do it to train my body to properly react to strain and threat.
A match against an unknown opponent is a great way to test your investment in Jiu-Jitsu.
Several people in their 40's to 50's have started Jiu-Jitsu at our academy in the last 1.5 years, but none of them have continued beyond a few lessons.
It's not because the school is aggressive or abusive, but I think more the mindset that progress and conditioning come at a much slower rate for older people.
I read about older people out there in the Jiu-Jitsu community and see bio's on their successes, but other than Black Belts, they seem to be extremely rare in my circles.
I train on average 6 days a week, which younger people probably do not have the luxury to do.
This gives me the opportunity to seemingly advance much more quickly than most, but further alienates me and feeds the myth of indestructibility.
I enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu and often get the opportunity to inspire others, but I find my position in the school more of a father figure than a brother or teammate. Being a father and grandfather in the eyes of younger students does not bother me, but it does make it sometimes uncomfortable for some younger people to have grandpa tap them or resist everything they have to throw at him. After about 10 rolls with me, people seem to forget I am older and start to settle in, but every new student I work with has the same apprehension.
I am positive that if I had started Jiu-Jitsu in my 20's I would have likely given up long ago.
Waiting as long as I did was for me a blessing. I am not saying that people should wait, people should benefit from Jiu-Jitsu as soon in life as possible.
Being over fifty has afforded me more opportunity to fully commit my attention to Jiu-Jitsu.
If you have a story to tell about what its like for you to be over 50 and a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, I am very interested to hear about it.
I am looking to share tips, advise on how to train, injury recovery and the general mindset we have and how it differs from younger people.
I would also like to find out where this small sector of the Jiu-Jitsu population trains around this big planet and maybe even go visit some of you.
Edited 6 year(s) ago
DBBlue beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
Super cool
To Hear from you.
Nice read and motivating.
We have a guy in our gym he will turn 61 this year.
He is very strong and fights pretty smart.
I started at the age of 43 and see myself on the mats the upcoming years My goal is to earn a very dark belt by the age of 60.
I’m very stoked to hear from you.
That’s fantastic and motivating.
Maybe we met one day and attempt murder to each other.
To Hear from you.
Nice read and motivating.
We have a guy in our gym he will turn 61 this year.
He is very strong and fights pretty smart.
I started at the age of 43 and see myself on the mats the upcoming years My goal is to earn a very dark belt by the age of 60.
I’m very stoked to hear from you.
That’s fantastic and motivating.
Maybe we met one day and attempt murder to each other.
Edited 6 year(s) ago
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
I am an over 50 yr old practitioner but luckily I started when I was 26 (1995). Jiu Jitsu, as wonderful as it has been, has destroyed my body. (my own fault)
Not because the art is rough in itself but because the training methodology when I started was kill or be killed all the time.
I think it's a North American culture thing. At least I think it is. Over time instructors became smarter on running classes with the progress of their students as
their end goal. When I started it was a smash them and try to make them quit mentality (which is a terrible business model) and if they came back they were
worthy of learning but still gonna try and make you quit all the time always. Lol.
God forbid you said something or questioned your instructor in those days too because you were going to pay for it physically. (and just be injured for awhile)
Now it seems everyone works together and trains to get good together. They can still train hard but with their partners safety as well as their own in mind.
If I had a dollar for everyone who quit along my journey I'd be a rich man. That is terrible when you think about it. Jiu Jitsu has lost many potential great students
because of this in the past. Of course, I don't pretend to know everyone else's experience. Just my own.
Not because the art is rough in itself but because the training methodology when I started was kill or be killed all the time.
I think it's a North American culture thing. At least I think it is. Over time instructors became smarter on running classes with the progress of their students as
their end goal. When I started it was a smash them and try to make them quit mentality (which is a terrible business model) and if they came back they were
worthy of learning but still gonna try and make you quit all the time always. Lol.
God forbid you said something or questioned your instructor in those days too because you were going to pay for it physically. (and just be injured for awhile)
Now it seems everyone works together and trains to get good together. They can still train hard but with their partners safety as well as their own in mind.
If I had a dollar for everyone who quit along my journey I'd be a rich man. That is terrible when you think about it. Jiu Jitsu has lost many potential great students
because of this in the past. Of course, I don't pretend to know everyone else's experience. Just my own.
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
Super cool To Hear from you. Maybe we met one day and attempt murder to each other.
It's nice to hear from you as well.
As it turns out, I will be in Germany in May for two weeks.
Maye we can hook up and you can show me how they roll in Germany!
I have three nephews that are German and two have expressed interest in Jiu-Jitsu.
The purpose of my trip was to visit them and encourage them to pursue some form of more active lifestyle.
As it turns out, I will be in Germany in May for two weeks.
Maye we can hook up and you can show me how they roll in Germany!
I have three nephews that are German and two have expressed interest in Jiu-Jitsu.
The purpose of my trip was to visit them and encourage them to pursue some form of more active lifestyle.
HLPurple beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I started BJJ after turning 50. I'll be 62 in two weeks. I don't know about other listening. I kind of feel that it's better to do my own thing and let youngsters find out about reality on their own. It's their time to be invincible or at least aim for the starts.
I am oldest member at our club, but I'm not old. Just my date of birth was a long time a go.
I am oldest member at our club, but I'm not old. Just my date of birth was a long time a go.
RBBlack belt 6th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
62, still surfing and choking out those that take off on me :-)
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I am an over 50 yr old practitioner but luckily I started when I was 26 (1995). Jiu Jitsu, as wonderful as it has been, has destroyed my body. (my own fault) Not because the art is rough in itself but because the training methodology when I started was kill or be killed all the time.
As an older practitioner, I have had to learn the ropes a bit differently than a young person might.
Kill or be killed was my mindset at first, but age limitations quickly adjusted my thinking and resulting behavior.
Finger tape turned out to help a considerably. You don't see many young people with finger tape, so I learned that lesson the hard way.
There is also the addiction aspect of it. I never realized that the rush you get from rolling all the time is habit forming enough, that when you take a break for a week, you can actually experience terrible withdrawal.
All in all, Jiu-Jitsu does test my limits, but in many ways has moved the bar up substantially on those limits, to levels I would otherwise never have been able to achieve.
I do worry about the wear and tear at times, but I also take it very seriously. When I encounter a mat bully, I usually stall them out and the roll is tamed down to safe levels, or I just don't roll with them, which is extremely rare. Being an older person, I am not afraid to call bullshit on someone, when it is what it looks like. This as you know is the right of old people, as they have put in the time in this world and are allowed to call out things like they see it.
I have high hopes of running into others over 50, who love Jiu-Jitsu just as much, but I realize the commitment one has to make is very high.
I feel like if more people over 50 were only aware of the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, they would live happier healthier lives.
The reality is, older practitioners have more opportunity to train Jiu-Jitsu and as is often the case, better financial means to do so.
Understanding this reality would be a serious gain for any schools, looking for better income stability from its student base.
Kill or be killed was my mindset at first, but age limitations quickly adjusted my thinking and resulting behavior.
Finger tape turned out to help a considerably. You don't see many young people with finger tape, so I learned that lesson the hard way.
There is also the addiction aspect of it. I never realized that the rush you get from rolling all the time is habit forming enough, that when you take a break for a week, you can actually experience terrible withdrawal.
All in all, Jiu-Jitsu does test my limits, but in many ways has moved the bar up substantially on those limits, to levels I would otherwise never have been able to achieve.
I do worry about the wear and tear at times, but I also take it very seriously. When I encounter a mat bully, I usually stall them out and the roll is tamed down to safe levels, or I just don't roll with them, which is extremely rare. Being an older person, I am not afraid to call bullshit on someone, when it is what it looks like. This as you know is the right of old people, as they have put in the time in this world and are allowed to call out things like they see it.
I have high hopes of running into others over 50, who love Jiu-Jitsu just as much, but I realize the commitment one has to make is very high.
I feel like if more people over 50 were only aware of the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, they would live happier healthier lives.
The reality is, older practitioners have more opportunity to train Jiu-Jitsu and as is often the case, better financial means to do so.
Understanding this reality would be a serious gain for any schools, looking for better income stability from its student base.
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I started BJJ after turning 50. I'll be 62 in two weeks. I don't know about other listening. I kind of feel that it's better to do my own thing and let youngsters find out about reality on their own. It's their time to be invincible or at least aim for the starts. I am oldest member at our club, but I'm not old. Just my date of birth was a long time a go.
Knowing you are still doing your thing, inspires me to keep doing mine.
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
62, still surfing and choking out those that take off on me :-)
I like it!
Well Professor, what happens when you are a black belt at 62, do you still train like you did before you got to black belt?
Well Professor, what happens when you are a black belt at 62, do you still train like you did before you got to black belt?
RBBlack belt 6th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Nelson my friend, I do home privates with some cops and security personnel (private drivers) keeps me on my toes. :-)
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Nelson my friend, I do home privates with some cops and security personnel (private drivers) keeps me on my toes. :-)
Very cool
SGBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
48 years old, started in 1996 and still rolling but it's getting harder and harder, my body let me go slowly. That's why we have to adapt and change your way to roll, if not you are going to pay and even worse have to quit earlier. My doctor was telling me, keep in mind that doing nothing is worse, you have to go smart.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
48 years old, started in 1996 and still rolling but it's getting harder and harder, my body let me go slowly. That's why we have to adapt and change your way to roll, if not you are going to pay and even worse have to quit earlier. My doctor was telling me, keep in mind that doing nothing is worse, you have to go smart.
Truth! Getting older and training actively long enough and the you ones will pass you by. Its part of the evolution. It is humbling but if you love this it is worth it.
VCBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Nelson my friend, I do home privates with some cops and security personnel (private drivers) keeps me on my toes. :-)
Awesome!
VCBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Started around 35 and past 50 now and wrong training partners with a combination of ignorance, less than optimal gym culture at that time has left me with several chronic injuries but can still chug on and find that working on my conditioning really pays off but am distracted with easy weekends and good food :)
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Started around 35 and past 50 now and wrong training partners with a combination of ignorance, less than optimal gym culture at that time has left me with several chronic injuries but can still chug on and find that working on my conditioning really pays off but am distracted with easy weekends and good food :)
I second that!
VCBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I shall consider myself most fortunate to have started so late in life.
Since my physical prime was almost two decades ago, I thankfully do not have the basis for comparison of the good ole days when I was in my Jiu-Jitsu prime.
Aside from a little shoulder fatigue and some elbow pain from time to time, I do not have any chronic injuries and I intend to benefit from the wisdom all of you are bringing to light.
I can also see that those black belts and the bars on them, came at a pretty high price for each of you and can't be anything but inspired.
As they say, "youth is wasted on the young", as only the old truly know what to do with it.
Since my physical prime was almost two decades ago, I thankfully do not have the basis for comparison of the good ole days when I was in my Jiu-Jitsu prime.
Aside from a little shoulder fatigue and some elbow pain from time to time, I do not have any chronic injuries and I intend to benefit from the wisdom all of you are bringing to light.
I can also see that those black belts and the bars on them, came at a pretty high price for each of you and can't be anything but inspired.
As they say, "youth is wasted on the young", as only the old truly know what to do with it.
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
Well then if you ever find yourself in this part of the rock by me up
Vince, I may just take you up on that.
What an amazing family the Jiu-Jitsu community is!
What an amazing family the Jiu-Jitsu community is!
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I started BJJ after turning 50. I'll be 62 in two weeks. I don't know about other listening. I kind of feel that it's better to do my own thing and let youngsters find out about reality on their own. It's their time to be invincible or at least aim for the starts. I am oldest member at our club, but I'm not old. Just my date of birth was a long time a go.
62 and still at it, is like the frosting on the cake to my ears!
So many great things in life expire or end far to soon.
Hearing that you are still at it and clearly enthusiastic about it, just inspires us all to keep at it.
I hope to keep that fire going for as long as possible.
My wife is joining in on the fun now. It has been a tough process getting her to give it a shot, but she has relented and finally agreed.
I had to trade country dancing for her to give in, but I guess if I can get used to people smothering me and covering me in sweat, country dancing with my wife should be a breeze.
So many great things in life expire or end far to soon.
Hearing that you are still at it and clearly enthusiastic about it, just inspires us all to keep at it.
I hope to keep that fire going for as long as possible.
My wife is joining in on the fun now. It has been a tough process getting her to give it a shot, but she has relented and finally agreed.
I had to trade country dancing for her to give in, but I guess if I can get used to people smothering me and covering me in sweat, country dancing with my wife should be a breeze.
Edited 6 year(s) ago
TPBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I am positive that if I had started Jiu-Jitsu in my 20's I would have likely given up long ago. Waiting as long as I did was for me a blessing. I am not saying that people should wait, people should benefit from Jiu-Jitsu as soon in life as possible. Being over fifty has afforded me more opportunity to fully commit my attention to Jiu-Jitsu. [...] I shall consider myself most fortunate to have started so late in life. Since my physical prime was almost two decades ago, I thankfully do not have the basis for comparison of the good ole days when I was in my Jiu-Jitsu prime.
So refreshing to see this attitude, Nelson! (Which I share.)
Most people tend to say "I wish I started earlier", which I think is a total cop-out, just another way of saying that they wish they were better already without having put it in the actual work.
I'm not over 50 in a while, but started in my 30s, and luckily had no sports background at all. :D (So zero sport injuries also.) Thus, thanks to jiujitsu, I'm now at 38 in a lot better shape, physically way more able, stronger & more flexible than I was at 28 or 18 years old. (I'm still not flexible by most standards, but never was.) Of course I'm also wiser with more life experience. Definitely in my prime so far. :)
I also never experienced what it's like to have "a young man's game" based on power, speed, endless cardio & flexibility, so most probably the style I've been adapting is going to work for me for the next few decades as well.
I like to roll with older practitioners with some experience, being old and achy enough myself to know how to adapt my game so that the risk for injury is minimized. But the problem often is the 50+ beginner who's been a stud in his sport 20-30 years ago and goes way too hard from the get-go. It's really difficult convincing these dudes that they need to chill out, take it slower, accept losing, and they're very likely to enjoy the journey. Most of the time the type won't last too long.
Very inspiring to see so many practitioners of advanced age still at it here, keep it up granddads! :)
Most people tend to say "I wish I started earlier", which I think is a total cop-out, just another way of saying that they wish they were better already without having put it in the actual work.
I'm not over 50 in a while, but started in my 30s, and luckily had no sports background at all. :D (So zero sport injuries also.) Thus, thanks to jiujitsu, I'm now at 38 in a lot better shape, physically way more able, stronger & more flexible than I was at 28 or 18 years old. (I'm still not flexible by most standards, but never was.) Of course I'm also wiser with more life experience. Definitely in my prime so far. :)
I also never experienced what it's like to have "a young man's game" based on power, speed, endless cardio & flexibility, so most probably the style I've been adapting is going to work for me for the next few decades as well.
I like to roll with older practitioners with some experience, being old and achy enough myself to know how to adapt my game so that the risk for injury is minimized. But the problem often is the 50+ beginner who's been a stud in his sport 20-30 years ago and goes way too hard from the get-go. It's really difficult convincing these dudes that they need to chill out, take it slower, accept losing, and they're very likely to enjoy the journey. Most of the time the type won't last too long.
Very inspiring to see so many practitioners of advanced age still at it here, keep it up granddads! :)
Edited 6 year(s) ago
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
It's really difficult convincing these dudes that they need to chill out, take it slower, accept losing, and they're very likely to enjoy the journey. Most of the time the type won't last too long.
This 100%
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
This.. You want longevity in this art your profess to love?.. lose that ego and pride or you will be forced to quit. Eventually you will be forced to accept your decline but that doesn't mean you can't train and still be effective.
https://www.jiujitsutimes[...]pKVvtpJxR8
https://www.jiujitsutimes[...]pKVvtpJxR8
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I have been tapped countless times as likely most people are. When I finally land a tap of my own on someone who has tapped me countless times, I truly hope it is not ego that drove me, rather the basic human desire to finally get over a seemingly impossible hurdle. I will be tapped much more for sure, but that particular hurdle has now been proven to be surpassable at least once and by me.
I can honestly say that I have learned more being submitted than doing the submitting myself and I do not judge myself negatively for being submitted by anyone.
The way I see it, everyday I am able to physically show up and still train on the mat, is a victory for me.
Two years ago I would have measured my victories in how many walks I took per year from my front door to my garage, or how many times I passed up desert to prove to myself I still had the willpower.
Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly changed my entire outlook on life.
Unless people experience it for themselves, it is just about impossible to explain it to them.
For all of you that take the time to teach it to others, I can only say that I am truly humbled and thankful for your dedication.
I can honestly say that I have learned more being submitted than doing the submitting myself and I do not judge myself negatively for being submitted by anyone.
The way I see it, everyday I am able to physically show up and still train on the mat, is a victory for me.
Two years ago I would have measured my victories in how many walks I took per year from my front door to my garage, or how many times I passed up desert to prove to myself I still had the willpower.
Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly changed my entire outlook on life.
Unless people experience it for themselves, it is just about impossible to explain it to them.
For all of you that take the time to teach it to others, I can only say that I am truly humbled and thankful for your dedication.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
I have been tapped countless times as likely most people are. When I finally land a tap of my own on someone who has tapped me countless times, I truly hope it is not ego that drove me, rather the basic human desire to finally get over a seemingly impossible hurdle. I will be tapped much more for sure, but that particular hurdle has now been proven to be surpassable at least once and by me. I can honestly say that I have learned more being submitted than doing the submitting myself and I do not judge myself negatively for being submitted by anyone. The way I see it, everyday I am able to physically show up and still train on the mat, is a victory for me. Two years ago I would have measured my victories in how many walks I took per year from my front door to my garage, or how many times I passed up desert to prove to myself I still had the willpower. Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly changed my entire outlook on life. Unless people experience it for themselves, it is just about impossible to explain it to them. For all of you that take the time to teach it to others, I can only say that I am truly humbled and thankful for your dedication.
Amazing
TJBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I will be 50 in June and have training in the art of jits for nearly 7 years after traing in MMA previously. I train 5 to 6 days a week. Multiple injuries and wear and tear has sidelined me numerous times but I still go to class and watch from the sidelines, as I do not want to lose the habit of going to the gym. I compete as much as possible to test myself against my peers and I enjoy the craic meeting older screwed up guys like myself...it keeps me sane otherwise I would need serious therapy. I train with the young guns in the gym as I find that they keep me young in terms of speed, cardio, and new moves..ie ankle locks, heel hooks etc... which is the fashion at the moment.. I will keep training as long as I can and will adapt to my injuries. Death will be the only cause of me not training any more. Oss.
RBBlack belt 6th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Keep training, RESPECT ALL :-)
TNBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
Death will be the only cause of me not training any more.
I understand the sentiment.
Professor Gonzalez is correct in his previous statement to you, you are a machine!
There is a very fine line between training all the time and debilitating injuries for sure.
All my life I was told to stretch before working out or training, but I see more and more athletes now doing stretches afterwards as well.
I think a lack of stretching after training might be one of my weaknesses, but I am curious to hear any recommendations on the topic.
This week one of my instructors implemented a two man stretch program, before teaching double under counters and it just about killed me. My mind was all for it, but my body cried terribly. Tonight's combatives class was difficult to say the least, with my legs in total agony.
Since I train Jiu-Jitsu or MMA six days a week, I no longer weight train.
I am more fit now, than any other time in my life that I can remember, but I feel like my flexibility is a more of a handicap then even my age.
I can not recall any time in my life when I was even remotely flexible.
Is it even possible at my age to get flexible or should I not even be concerned at this late stage?
Professor Gonzalez is correct in his previous statement to you, you are a machine!
There is a very fine line between training all the time and debilitating injuries for sure.
All my life I was told to stretch before working out or training, but I see more and more athletes now doing stretches afterwards as well.
I think a lack of stretching after training might be one of my weaknesses, but I am curious to hear any recommendations on the topic.
This week one of my instructors implemented a two man stretch program, before teaching double under counters and it just about killed me. My mind was all for it, but my body cried terribly. Tonight's combatives class was difficult to say the least, with my legs in total agony.
Since I train Jiu-Jitsu or MMA six days a week, I no longer weight train.
I am more fit now, than any other time in my life that I can remember, but I feel like my flexibility is a more of a handicap then even my age.
I can not recall any time in my life when I was even remotely flexible.
Is it even possible at my age to get flexible or should I not even be concerned at this late stage?
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
I understand the sentiment. Professor Gonzalez is correct in his previous statement to you, you are a machine! There is a very fine line between training all the time and debilitating injuries for sure. All my life I was told to stretch before working out or training, but I see more and more athletes now doing stretches afterwards as well. I think a lack of stretching after training might be one of my weaknesses, but I am curious to hear any recommendations on the topic. This week one of my instructors implemented a two man stretch program, before teaching double under counters and it just about killed me. My mind was all for it, but my body cried terribly. Tonight's combatives class was difficult to say the least, with my legs in total agony. Since I train Jiu-Jitsu or MMA six days a week, I no longer weight train. I am more fit now, than any other time in my life that I can remember, but I feel like my flexibility is a more of a handicap then even my age. I can not recall any time in my life when I was even remotely flexible. Is it even possible at my age to get flexible or should I not even be concerned at this late stage?
It's just Dave Sir..Professor is still on Gilligans Island :-p
TPBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
All my life I was told to stretch before working out or training, but I see more and more athletes now doing stretches afterwards as well. I think a lack of stretching after training might be one of my weaknesses, but I am curious to hear any recommendations on the topic. Is it even possible at my age to get flexible or should I not even be concerned at this late stage?
I would substitute "stretching" with "mobility" exercises.
There's plenty of science supporting my stretching skepticism, especially when the stretches are done the "traditional" way. However, I do need to lightly warm up & then do certain movements to get my back my lower back, hips, shoulders, neck etc. ready for a jiujitsu class. Which I'm sure is the case with most non-young practitioners.
I've always been a stiff mf, and in fact am a lot more flexible now than I was as a youth. But that isn't saying much in my case. My hamstrings and inner thighs are made of unstretchable steel wire. I have never been able to lift my foot to hip height, or open my legs to 90 degrees without pain.
I had bad lower back issues a few years ago, and figured out working on my mobility/flexibility might resolve them. So I did yoga style movement exercises (20-60 minute sessions) every day, for one year, focusing on lower back & back body. Result: my hamstrings/inner thighs became maybe 2% more flexible, after a year of daily work. So pretty much worthless in that sense. BUT the routine opened up my hips greatly, and this actually compensates my tightness issues adequately when for example playing open guard. Also my back issues did get alleviated. Good news also is that the gained hip mobility has been easy to maintain with much less work.
So, speaking of personal experience (I am no professional), if you have always been a stiff person, don't worry so much about stretching after class, but instead focus on movement & mobility. And hips might be one area worthy of attention for a older jiujitsu athlete.
There's plenty of science supporting my stretching skepticism, especially when the stretches are done the "traditional" way. However, I do need to lightly warm up & then do certain movements to get my back my lower back, hips, shoulders, neck etc. ready for a jiujitsu class. Which I'm sure is the case with most non-young practitioners.
I've always been a stiff mf, and in fact am a lot more flexible now than I was as a youth. But that isn't saying much in my case. My hamstrings and inner thighs are made of unstretchable steel wire. I have never been able to lift my foot to hip height, or open my legs to 90 degrees without pain.
I had bad lower back issues a few years ago, and figured out working on my mobility/flexibility might resolve them. So I did yoga style movement exercises (20-60 minute sessions) every day, for one year, focusing on lower back & back body. Result: my hamstrings/inner thighs became maybe 2% more flexible, after a year of daily work. So pretty much worthless in that sense. BUT the routine opened up my hips greatly, and this actually compensates my tightness issues adequately when for example playing open guard. Also my back issues did get alleviated. Good news also is that the gained hip mobility has been easy to maintain with much less work.
So, speaking of personal experience (I am no professional), if you have always been a stiff person, don't worry so much about stretching after class, but instead focus on movement & mobility. And hips might be one area worthy of attention for a older jiujitsu athlete.
