5 Tips For People Who Want To Start BJJ In Their 40s

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a well-known martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.

It prioritizes technique and leverage over strength and size, making it a great sport for anyone in their 40s. Moreover, BJJ is suitable for both self-defense and sport applications, and is widely practiced around the world. 

That said, if you’re over 40 and just beginning your jiu-jitsu journey, here are some useful tips to help you stay in the game for as long as possible.

Start Slowly

If you’re looking to become a master of techniques like ONE Middleweight World Champion Reinier de Ridder, don’t expect to do so overnight. 

Take your time in building your skill level gradually. Starting slowly helps to ensure that you learn the basics of the sport and master them before attempting more advanced techniques. 

This will help prevent injuries, as well as make the progress to more advanced techniques faster and more successful.

Warm Up Properly

Before each training session, warm up your body to get ready for the movements and techniques you’ll be learning. Taking care of your body helps you channel your inner Mei Yamaguchi, who’s fast and fearless.

Warming up properly prevents injuries by increasing blood flow to the muscles and tendons, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and improving coordination. 

Additionally, a proper warm up also helps to improve your mental focus and alertness for the task ahead.

Build A Strong Foundation

Before perfecting your jiu-jitsu skills, it’s important to build a strong foundation of fundamentals. To help you in this endeavor, look to athletes like Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all time.

The 17-time BJJ World Champion has repeatedly demonstrated proper posture, effective grips, and a powerful base during his matches, which has led to his successful transition into MMA.

It is important to learn and practice the fundamental movements, such as guard passes, sweeps, and escapes, as well as the basic submissions, like arm-bars, chokes, and leg locks.

Listen To Your Body 

As you get older, your body may not be able to keep up with the physical demands of younger BJJ practitioners. Even world-renowned fighter Shinya Aoki is careful to note how he feels during drills.

Pay close attention to how your body responds to training, and don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort.

Listening to your body can help you avoid getting hurt. Knowing when your body is tired and needs a break will prevent over-training and pushing yourself too hard.

Have Fun

Don’t forget to have fun while you’re learning jiu-jitsu.

Even after all these years, MMA GOAT and ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson is still enthusiastic about his practice and loves to jump onto the mats. 

Having fun keeps you motivated and focused on your training. It will also take your mind off the difficulty of learning a new skill and helps you enjoy the journey through martial arts a lot more.