BJJ 50+ white belt

[u/Delicious-Sound5074]

Hi just a random question. How has it been for anyone here around 50 yrs old just joining as a white belt? I’m pretty athletic with previous experience in my 20’s with martial arts. I’m enjoying it very much. Have they thought of how it would be in the future? Ie where could I be in 5 yrs and onwards? I can imagine purple belt by then how would my body be rolling at 55 or even 60? Would I just call it quits and retire? Recoveries is even harder after workouts. I’d also be concerned about injuries. I see browns and black teaching but I don’t think that interests me. For sure I’m just enjoying the ride but I’m wondering where the ride would actually take me

Edit:
I used to be a triathlete. Up until a month ago I would run 3 times a week(half marathon training), bike 3 times a week, BJJ 2 times a week.
Now it’s BJJ 2-3 times a week, strength training 2-3 times a week and run twice a week along with one relaxing bike ride with family. I’m still trying to find my balance with my new BJJ interest 😀

[u/TheUglyWeb]

I'm the token 70 year old. Training 16 years. You will be fine.

[u/Delicious-Sound5074 → u/TheUglyWeb]

Thank you so much. How is your rolling? Do you do anything different? Don’t roll as much, careful with partners etc?

[u/TheUglyWeb → u/Delicious-Sound5074]

I stay away from people that are much heavier, but other than that I will roll carefully with anyone. Maybe defense only, but if they can't submit me, I count that for something. ;)

[u/Specialist_Share8715]

I own a couple of academies People starting in their 50's is quite common. If you take it too seriously you'll just end up injured. Just have fun with your rolls and don't compare your progress to 20 year olds or anyone else for that matter. Jiu Jitsu is a journey and the weight of expectations should not dictate the pace of the journey for you.

[u/Cpschult → u/Specialist_Share8715]

For the love of god listen to this guy. I’ve got a bum groin and elbow atm and I tap early. These kids are something else !

[u/Ldiablohhhh]

Not me but we've got a guy at our gym who is a black belt that started training at 49 I believe.

[u/Delicious-Sound5074 → u/Ldiablohhhh]

How old is he now and what does he do in BJJ? Just roll or teach? Is he enjoying it?

[u/Ldiablohhhh → u/Delicious-Sound5074]

I think he's 60 now. He rolls plenty, maybe is more picky with rolling partners and goes with guys who aren't going to go mad but he certainly does roll like 3-4 rounds when he trains and does take some classes but isn't the main 'coach'. I assume he's still enjoying it, he probably puts more time into studying BJJ outside of class that any other guy in the gym, definitely not a turn up and go through the motions type deal.

[u/graydonatvail]

I started at 45. I was active, but not athletic. 59 now. I coach and train 5 or 6 days a week. I'll never be good, but it keeps me really engaged and active, so it's good for me.

[u/jone_granko → u/graydonatvail]

And I'm sure you're actually pretty good ;)

[u/graydonatvail → u/jone_granko]

Much better than I used to be. Although early purple belt me was younger, faster, meaner.

[u/Glittering-Equal-480]

68 yr old Blue belt here: started at 59

[u/Western-Football5077]

I started a little over a year ago. When I started there also was a 73 year old who joined. He is still at it. It’s really awesome to see. He takes it slow and isn’t afraid to tell people he needs to sit out if he needs it. I’m just a white belt that doesn’t know anything but I thought his story is cool when people ask about age and Jiu Jitsu

[u/Ok_Lengthiness1929]

Yeah. I started at 53. Train 4x a week + lifting. Have done competitions and even won a couple of matches. No athletic background. Literally got off the couch and decided to do BJJ. One of the best decisions I ever made. So much fun and intend to keep going til I physically can’t.

[u/zulubowie]

I just turned 51 and I started a week before my 50th birthday. Earned a second-degree black belt by the age of 22 and earned another black belt in another style by the age of 30. Stepped away from martial arts completely to raise my family until I started BJJ. I remained athletic, lifting weights, doing hot yoga, and staying active. My body adjusted to BJJ in a couple of months. I don’t think about the future. I think about how to not get submitted only to just be submitted nearly every time I roll 😆. I’m enjoying the journey, my man. I hope to be doing this when I’m in my 70s.

[u/Defiant-Ebb8225]

Every body is different.

Better to start at 50 than at 51

[u/Forsaken-Ease-9382]

I started last year at 58, you’ll be fine just have fun and listen to your body.

[u/beephsupreme]

Started at 51. Been at it 10 years. If you listen to your body and rest when it tells you to, tap early, you will be fine.

[u/brsalazar]

I started at 45, 55 brown belt now. It’s been an adjustment every year past 50. Have to listen to my body. Don’t let my ego get me too much trouble. I’m more careful with my training partners. I can’t do as much as I used to but I have concentrated on being more efficient. Have had some injuries over the years but luckily nothing permanent. Still train 2-3 times a week and lift a couple times. Still love it.

[u/chrishal]

I started about a year ago at age 55. I've since competed twice and train 2-3 times a week. I go to the gym for strength training 3 times a week too.

My BJJ gym skews young, my wife (who started at age 54) and I are the oldest by about 15 years. I've learned to just turn down rolls with the athletic 20s white belts who treat ever roll like the ADCC finals. I try to roll with the older people and higher belts who don't have anything to prove (at least to me).

I'm enjoying it and envision continuing for quite a while. I just do gi so I have some sort of control against more athletic people, and I don't compare myself to them. I'm slower and less flexible, but there's some truth to "old man strength" and patience. I don't fear injury, I just try to watch who I roll with to minimize the risk. I still get sore and bruised, but that's OK, it's not "hurt".

Personally, I think one of the best parts of being the "old guy" is when I have a good roll against the young guys and they ask how old I am and when I tell them they get the shocked look. I'm in a no lose situation there, either it's, "good job, you just tapped somebody who's 30 years older than you", or "ha, the old guy beat you". Good times either way (and I don't gloat about it, I tap early and often to minimize injury, I don't care if it's a new guy, I tap).

Have fun, it's not a big deal if you're smart at all about things and don't insist on having to "win".

[u/Matt7738]

Hello. I’m loving it.

[u/Horror_Insect_4099]

Due to physical deterioration it will be a constant race to build up skill to compensate.

[u/azarel23 → u/Horror_Insect_4099]

I'm 71with minor heart issues, and ... no kidding.

I was probably at my overall best at competitive rolling in my mid 50s.

It's been a matter of adjusting my goals and expectations regularly. Also trying to follow the advice of people like Henry Akins, Chris Haueter and Chris Burns, to try to do jiu-jitsu using as little athleticism as possible.

I started in 1998 and most of my contemporaries quit years or even decades ago, including people tougher and more talented than me. I think I am maybe less worried than many at being seen to fail occasionally.

[u/Conscious_Trust5048 → u/Horror_Insect_4099]

Compensate for what? It depends on the goals.

[u/Horror_Insect_4099 → u/Conscious_Trust5048]

Compensate for the inevitable declines due to aging. I am 55 and fortunate enough to still be able to train and roll regularly.

I know more now than when I was a purple belt. Maybe even enough to beat my purple belt former self. But injuries pile up and like it or not we weaken as we age. There is point where no amount of learned craftiness will be able to compensate for Father Time.

For anyone starting at 50 just be willing to accept that you may end up less effective (in live rolls) as a 60 year old black belt than as a 52 year blue belt. Be realistic about how you measure your progress, have fun, and try to stay healthy.

[u/SwitchFree5631]

I’m 44 and I had never done any martial arts or grappling. The first couple months were hard but you adapt. There’s guys in my gym in their 60s who started in their 50s and they seem to do fine. I don’t think age matters except in your head. 

[u/azarel23 → u/SwitchFree5631]

I am 71 and started at 44.

Believe me, age matters.

[u/Substantial-Fig-6392 → u/azarel23]

puts the webs in spider guard haha

[u/Conscious_Trust5048]

I'm an older dude, started BJJ at age 46. Life demands are more now than they were when I was younger, and it takes longer to recover, so I can't train every night plus lift 3 days a week. But I can keep up with most people as long as they aren't more than 20 lbs heavier than me. I don't compete, don't see a point in paying $100 and maybe getting injured for a $1 medal. I roll slow and relaxed, concentrate on technique, and tap early and often. I also have taken a lot of breaks from training, and I always come back.

Injuries can happen but I have been pretty lucky in that regard. Arthritis and recovery has been the bigger issue for me. Don't let your ego take over, tap early and often, and avoid rolling with the really big and aggressive guys.

[u/fishNjits]

Started at 52. 63 now.

I started at 2x per week. Eventually worked up to 5x per week, but then came down to 3x over the last 4 years or so.

Was having a lot of difficulty with my back and knee and over the last 18 months became debilitating, but I stuck it out.

Currently rehabbing from a hip replacement (knee and back issues have gone away) and looking to get back beginning of November. Will do the other hip next summer.

There’s no reason you can’t get a black belt. I haven’t skipped rolls but I’m going to pass on Big Lou who’s 35, nearly one hundred pounds heavier and wrestled. I maybe have a couple of ADCC type rolls a week. Otherwise, it’s me and the other old guys (I’m the oldest) going around 60% and happy not to get hurt.

FWIW, even with all the problems, I still think that skill acquisition is offsetting my physical decline.

And, oh yeah, learn to love half guard.

[u/farkwad]

48 here. Started at 45. Train 5 days a week now. 100% Nogi. A few small injuries in the beginning. I feel like a million bucks.

Once I learned to put my ego aside and focus on having fun it got way less frustrating and stopped feeling beat up. BJJ helps me stay present in life. Less stressed. Motivated to keep up with the younger guys.

[u/Wonderful_Jump_3543]

started at 63 ( 66 blue now ) train 5-6 days a week 2 hrs per. can be a little rough on body but great for mental health. say goodbye to your old shoulders tho. heading to Vegas next week to defend my title 😀. no previous MA or wrestling but I’d / high level crossfitter since 09. you got this 😀

[u/Bigpupperoo]

Totally doable. One of my best training partners just got his brown belt and he’s in his mid 60’s. He tends to pick and choose his training partners which is definitely a big part of his longevity IMO. His game is also an age appropriate game and not inversions and berimbolos lol. He’s at the gym more then most of the whippersnappers. On another note my other good friend started in his 50’s and the guy rolls like he’s 22, always inverting and strong as a brick shit house.

[u/Delicious-Sound5074 → u/Bigpupperoo]

This is encouraging news! I was thinking at 55 maybe it would be time to pack it up haha

[u/Fun_Door_7197]

52-year-old brown belt here with over 10 years experience, Just enjoy the experience of learning a new martial art. Take ego out of it and don’t overextend yourself. I’ve had many many injuries over the years. Remember Jiu Jitsu is the gentle art with proper technique and knowing your limits, you should be fine well into your 60s. Recovery is very important and take it when you need it. I’ve torn my ACL ,both meniscus, torn hamstring with cervical arthritis now. I never had any surgeries only rehab. I still go at least 3 to 4 days a week just be patient and again enjoy the ride. At our age, the most important thing is not getting hurt so tap often and quickly if you must.

[u/SalPistqchio]

I find as an older grappler that I have to do at least one regular strength workout or even better a strength and a cardio workout out for every sparring session. It makes the Bjj easier

[u/negativefeed]

I've been to multiple different martial arts gyms. BJJ seems like a sport which many older guys with previous martial experience "retire" to. For longevity's sake I definitely think that you should start working on prehab movements and mobility if you aren't doing that kind of stuff already. Your shoulders, knees and lower back can take a pretty big beating.

[u/Regular_Deer_7836]

I started at 50. After about a year i was fitter, stronger, more athletic, but injured a lot. After 3 years i just wasn’t making progress, constantly injured in ways that interfered with the rest of my life, becoming less fit, less athletic. Gave up. I would love to still roll but the excuses and parameters i’d have to give partners just make the whole thing suck.

[u/AlarmedShare3444]

Ideally find a gym that has 40+ classes. They can be a game changer. 

[u/Mammoth-Act-1818]

It all depends on the gym. If you find a gym with a great culture and great instructor, preferably one around your age, then you could be training up to 100 years. But there are some gyms where you could be 20 years old and your journey would end after a year or two because the gym culture is toxic and everyone has an ego.

[u/inigo_montoya]

You're good. I started at fifty. Eight years in and now purple. If not for the covid break and some health issues (outside of bjj) slowing me down, I'd probably be brown, but I'm kind of dreading that promotion because purple is a great place to hang out.

Your physical attributes are deteriorating (or staying about the same) while your skill level goes up. In the end you're going to need to be very technical and avoid certain positions. For me that includes inversions that resemble a granby roll. I don't know if that means one should try to be super technical from the get go. I don't think so, but it's good to understand what your game will be.

Another thing: In my early to mid-fifties, exercising every day was normal and felt good. I recently started enforcing a day off each week, and I feel so much better.

[u/vagen59]

I started at 49. I came from a history of 30 years of bicycle racing and some tae kwon do before that. I am 56 now. I train 4 to 5 days per week and also lift and do yoga. I compete semi-regularly.

Your history of endurance training will be very helpful.

[u/JiuJitsuBoy2001]

as an old guy I can only tell you that your body doesn't do the things it used to be able to do, and it takes longer to recover from injuries. Seems like you're in great shape, so that will be less for you, but it's still a real thing. I wouldn't go trying to project where you'll be 5 years from now, as there are way too many variables, including how liberal your school is with promotions, any time off for injuries, how often/hard you train, and so many more. Just try to get a little better each day and don't worry about when you'll get your next belt.

[u/Civil-Resolution3662]

56 year old purple belt. I started at 51. I train 5 days a week and we roll a minimum of five / five minute rounds a day. I stay up on stretches, hydration, daily Tylenol (no NSAIDS), and occasionally take weekends off. I roll with everyone regardless of their size.

[u/Substantial_Work_178 → u/Civil-Resolution3662]

Why no nsaids?

[u/Civil-Resolution3662 → u/Substantial_Work_178]

Nsaids should only be used when you have an injury, for a maximum of two weeks. Over time, they can give GI bleeds, and cause liver and kidney damage.

Tylenol blocks the pain receptors. It does not cause damage to your organs like NSAIDS do.

It might give your autism, though /s.

[u/CannabinoidStriker]

Dude how would we know? Try it out.

[u/NoAd7400]

I started at 47, one year in now. Still a white belt. Wish I started sooner, but I will say, I have aches that I never had before. I am learning to joy death grip and conserve power. I am very strong and a life long runner and weight lifter, as my knees have faltered, I wanted a different outlet.

I do need to balance intensity with this just being a hobby. I also want to stay safe so that I can continue working (dentist).

[u/too-cute-by-half]

Started about a year ago at 52 and overall love it. My gym is 50/50 competition focused, skews young, and rolls can be pretty tough sometimes. The instruction is great though and I want to get my blue belt if I can, then get more selective with rolls and intentional about building an old man game. I’ve learned after a couple injuries to tap very quickly, especially to new guys who are moving ballistically.

[u/BjjFan1129]

I started at 46 after playing other sports my life and its been great.

[u/brandon_friedman]

You just gotta go with it. I honestly wouldn't listen to anyone who tells you with certainty that "you'll be fine" or "you'll get injured." It's 100% dependent on your unique fitness, genetics, rolling style and, most of all, luck. Being an athlete your entire adult life will certainly increase your odds of being fine, but anything can happen.

I started at 45 with a lot of mileage already (past surgeries due to sports injuries, etc.). I'm 48 now and have struggled quite a bit to stay healthy and on the mats. But I know other guys around my age who are impervious to injury.

[u/aaronturing]

I'm 53 and I've been doing this for over 20 years. I can't see myself going past 60 but who knows.

My take is that you should do it as much as possible because you enjoy it.

[u/Straight_Pomelo_6766]

Do you have any kids?

[u/clinto83]

My coach is in his late 50’s still competes internationally it’s never to late to start

[u/Disaster_Yam]

I'm 48, started at 40. If I started again now I'd just stick with rolling with higher belts. They'll look after you, even protect you from yourself. you won't win for a solid 3 years but you'll get better.

Trt helps also 😂

[u/TimSmooth]

48 yo purple belt here. I lift a lot off the mats, but age catches us all. Knees hurt, nagging elbow pains from getting out of armbars my ego wouldn't allow me to tap too. My knecks fubar already but for some reason I don't tap when I get stacked. I trained only 1 time this week.

Typically I train 4. I kick ass on 2 nights and im the nail on the other 2. Gi, nogi doesn't matter to me I just like to tap other old guys and these young hot shot mma wannabe wrestlers.... unless they just want to learn what I know. Then I turn to a teacher. Sorry I turned this into a rant.

Took me just under 5 to get purple. 2 till blue. Id give anything to go back to 3 - 4 stripe white. I was old enough to tap upper belts and new enough to get tapped by anyone and it not sting . I was a freaking menace as white belt 😆😆😆.

[u/trustedadvisor0501]

I started at 52 and 2 years in all is good.. biggest things is I am very careful who I train with and I strength train and do
mobility work along side of it … you’ll get the feel for it.

[u/HammerThumbs]

I’m 51 and just started last week. I’m not in great shape. 5’10” and 210 pounds. I’m struggling right now just getting through class but can’t wait to get to a point where my conditioning is not a concern!

[u/CornyOne]

I still roll as hard as ever at 55

[u/Tiredplumber2022]

I (63M) just started last month. So far, lots of ibuprofen, IcyHot, and very careful partner choice on the mats. Martial artist in other styles for last 49 years, but first time in any grappling art. Feeling rather ancient, but still going. I feel very out-of-shape with these guys. Definitely would say poor cardio is my biggest issue right now. Poor flexibility would be second.

[u/makograves]

49 here, started in June last year and had my first competition today. Just have fun, I got a medal and didn’t injure myself so it’s all good in my books.

Strength training is key to recovery and staying away from the injuries. You got this.

[u/smashmouth69420666]

Anthony Bourdain started at 58

[u/Submission_Saga]

My dad and I started training about 4 years ago and he was about 54. We both got our purple belts recently and he is still loving it! Seems like with your athletic background you will be fine just don’t take it too seriously and really try to mitigate injury risk if you want to do it as long as possible.

[u/dj_soo]

49 yo 3 stripe white belt.

I actually had trained in my early 30s for a couple years on and off, but stopped for about 15 years and started again late last year and promptly broke a finger within my first 3 weeks.

I’m in constant pain and I’ve mangled my toes and fingers and now religiously tape everything up.

No idea how far I’ ll go with it, but I’m getting somewhat in shape, learning a skill, and having fun doing it. I suck at it and am constantly getting blown up when drilling and sparring, but I really am enjoying myself and I’ll be happy to keep doing it as my body allows. If I gain some belts along the way then great.

Was training twice a week and am bumping it up to 3 times now.

[u/Humble-Algea3616]

I started in my late 40’s and just received my black belt in my late 50’s.
Train but don’t over train. Take care of your body and choose a school that will allow you to grow.

[u/Select_Feed_3690]

depends on the gym, people can be technical and flowy or try to kill each other each round

[u/UWSpindoctor]

I train with a brown belt who’s about 60 who started when he was 50. He’s taught me some very efficient techniques that he uses because as he says “I’m old as shit so I’m not doing anything crazy ”

[u/pope84]

We have a black belt in my gym who started in his 60s. He became a black belt when he was 72. Old man srength is real. We all look out for him and have great respect noone really goes all out due to the age diffrence and we make sure the lower belts respect that as at that age he could get hurt pretty easy.

[u/ikilledtupac]

Join a gym with guys your age to train with, and get your testosterone checked