Some may suggest that you shouldn’t start training in martial arts when you have passed a certain age. In fact, I once heard someone say that once you’re 30, you can’t practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This article will answer the following question and all of the other sub-questions it may attract; does BJJ have an age limit?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has no age limit because it’s suitable for all ages regardless of your flexibility or movement ability. Nonetheless, some may find BJJ training more demanding or difficult than others. But, that doesn’t mean they should give up. Instead, they should let the hard times improve themselves.
That said, seniors may need to participate in BJJ schools that can adapt their workouts to those that’ll fit them. To clarify, I’m not suggesting that the elderly can’t compete with the young fellas. However, it may cause frustration to see others progress faster than yourself.
You may still be skeptic towards the idea that seniors can do martial arts or BJJ- in particular. Because of that, the following sections will continue to debunk some of the common misconceptions. Moreover, they’ll present more evidence towards my previous claim.
Is BJJ good for seniors?
Martial arts are suitable for anyone at any age. Nonethless, some claim the opposite is true. Specifically, that seniors can’t participate in martial arts. Well, numerous studies have proved that it is- indeed, false. Let’s present some of the evidence.
BJJ is good for seniors because it betters one’s physical and mental conditions. As a result, BJJ trainees can improve their well-being by staying consistent with training. For instance, it’s not uncommon to witness BJJ trainees improving their confidence, self-esteem, endurance, and overall mental health.
The following study proves my previous claim.
Training in martial arts has been shown to alter experiences of control and vulnerability, self-esteem, self-concept, fitness, confidence, and relaxation. As a result, some researchers characterize martial arts practice as a form of self-help.
Source
However, that study refers to trainees in various ages. Because of that, you may still be skeptic towards the fact that seniors can do BJJ- while improving themselves. Regardless of your current opinion, I encourage you to give the following video a view with an open mind.
You can honestly see the sincere hope BJJ grants this person. His wish in the beginning of the video was to have started to train in martial arts when he was a kid. Thus you shouldn’t hesitate and end up like him. Instead, act on your will and start training as soon as possible- regardless of your current age or physical condition.
Lastly, I wrote an article on whether you need to be in shape before starting to do BJJ. I encourage you to give it a read as well.
What is the best age to start practicing BJJ?
I decided to include this question in this article since you may still wonder whether there’s a golden age you should start to train. Honestly, I have a rather straightforward answer. If you read what I’ve written thus far, you most likely can guess what the answer will be.
The best age to start doing BJJ is as early as possible because you’ll reap the benefits sooner in your life. For instance, a study proved that individuals with PTSD benefited from consistently doing BJJ. In summary, their well-being improved. Thus it’ll be best to reap this benefit as early as possible.
Here’s the study I mentioned in the previous paragraph.
A study of active-duty service members who participated in a 5 month BJJ program found that the participants had “meaningful improvements in their PTSD symptoms” as well as improvements to depression and anxiety. Another study explored levels of aggression in BJJ athletes.
Source
If you still believe there’s a golden age to start practicing BJJ, you’re not moving the right direction. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art- grants its trainees with many benefits, such as confidence and self-esteem. Today, people would do anything to have their mental health in a healthy place.
Thus if you can achieve such a state while learning to fight- there’s no losing. However, you’ll need to keep up with training and dedicate yourself to it; or else, noticing any progression will be more difficult than what you may think.
Is 30 too old to start BJJ?
Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is suitable for seniors since it doesn’t include movements that’ll cause permanent damage. Of course, some will be unsuitable and may cause harmful consequences. However, if the BJJ school is qualified, it won’t be any problem.
30 isn’t too old to start doing BJJ because the training is suitable for such ages. Moreover, BJJ has no age limit and thus everyone can enjoy its benefits. For instance, 30 year olds can drastically improve their well-being by keeping up with training.
Eventually, the number of benefits you’ll receive from training consistently in BJJ exceed many sports and activities. Thus investing in BJJ- is worth it and you should do it.
Many people find out about the potential value BJJ has to offer to the public relatively late in their life. However, that shouldn’t stop such people from beginning their martial arts journey. Instead, it’ll be best if you begin as soon as possible- so you’ll enjoy the countless benefits it has to offer.
Is it too late to get into BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as I mentioned previously, has no age limit. Moreover, people of all ages can enjoy the many benefits it offers. For example, some BJJ trainees experience their overall mental health bettering the more consistent and dedicated they are.
BJJ has no age limit and therefore it’s not too late to start your journey. For instance, some people find out about the incredible benefits and world of BJJ later in their life. Yet, they still manage to start their BJJ training and reap the many mental and physical benefits it offers.
Eventually, if there’s a single piece of advice I’d like you to take from this article is to begin training as soon as possible. As a result, you’ll reap the benefits it has to offer as soon as you dedicate yourself to it. Some invest their lifetimes to master BJJ. However, to experience an improvement in your well-being, all you need to do is keep up with training.
If you want to read about how many times per week you should train, follow the link to an article of mine on the subject.
Final words
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic martial art that greatly benefits its trainees. Moreover, you can expect to learn to fight appropriately and therefore know how to use your body for self-defense. As a result, your confidence and self-esteem will increase in the long term.
There’s no age limit for starting to train in BJJ. In fact, beginning your journey as soon as possible- is critical for noticing more benefits sooner. Nonetheless, some still claim that it’s too late for them to begin their martial arts journey.
To those who think that way- I would suggest to read the many studies professionals conducted on the benefits of martial arts. If you still think that BJJ has a golden age for training- watch the YouTube video I listed previously in this article.