A little encouragement needed.

[Glelas]

Can a 34 year old totally out of shape male join a BJJ school? I am not looking to compete, I am intrigued at the overall challenge. Anyone experience "older" "not fit" beginners in BJJ at their school? are you one? were you one? I always had the impression that BJJ students were wrestlers in high school and now in their 20's and want to compete. Help me dispel this myth. I am also afraid of passing out on my first day.

[DickHardman]

its ok if you are a fat grappler. just use this throw over and over again.

http://www.judoinfo.com/images/animations/blue/hanemakikomi.htm

[Tom Yum]

Can a 34 year old totally out of shape male join a BJJ school?

No. The bouncer will make you stand outside the red velvet rope, while he lets in the hot blondes who are "with the band".

I am not looking to compete, I am intrigued at the overall challenge. Anyone experience "older" "not fit" beginners in BJJ at their school? are you one? were you one? I always had the impression that BJJ students were wrestlers in high school and now in their 20's and want to compete. Help me dispel this myth. I am also afraid of passing out on my first day.

Help you dispel the myth?

Ok.

1. Open your yellow pages.
2. Look up "Martial arts".
3. Call the instructor. Ask about a free lesson.
4. Set up an appointment.

Its going to be very physical, but its nothing you can't handle.

[Garland]

No. The bouncer will make you stand outside the red velvet rope, while he lets in the hot blondes who are "with the band".

Sounds like a nice gym.
MMA groupies at every practice...it's like highschool football all over again... madre de dios!

[bigboywasim]

At the place where I use to do BJJ there was a Japanese man who was 55 years old but he was a blackbelt in JJJ. I think you will be ok. It will take a little getting use to but you are not too old for martial arts.

[wildcardjd]

I started BJJ when I was 34 (just turned 35). I'm in pretty good shape though. Class was very tough at first - i never wrestled or anything like it so i got worn out quick! What i've learned is that it's all about your attitude. You're going to get beaten and beaten up - i never leave class without some soreness or something a little painful. But if you take it slow, pay attention, and can deal with losing, you'll be just fine. BJJ is a very friendly atmosphere. People are more than willing to help you and show what to do to get better.

Plus, it's a great way to get in shape. It's a great challenge, a lot of fun, and a great way to get in shape - worth it in every way.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

Go for it,

years down the road you don't want to look back and realise that you could have learned a great martial art, got in better shape, gained more confidence and focus.....

but you didn't....

[jeff5]

Age is irrelevant. (at least for non-competiton) Martial Arts are for life. You should have no problems with BJJ at 34, even if your out of shape, it will get you in shape. If your unsure about yourself physically and think you need to, you may want to consult a doctor. But at 34 you probably don't have to unless you know you have some medical problems. Good luck and have fun.

[mfpd]

I am 35 now. I started when I was 34. I am 5'-10". I weighed between 210 and 215. I have been training for a little over a year. I now weigh around 175-180. If I want to compete, I could easily make the 173 weight for the division.

It was hard at first. I was out of wind quickly. I was tired after about the first 30 seconds of "rolling." Now, I can typically go 4 rounds without feeling like I am gonna die.

I have also added MT to my training. That has further helped the cardio.

My only advice is get off the computer and go train!!!

[Mr. Miyagi]

I think you should go try it. The first few months won't be that easy. You'll get worn out and worked hard. The only way to do it is to dive right in and train 3x/week as well as cardio on days you don't go to class. It'll be really hard at first but after a couple months your body will get used to it. Don't dip your toes and dabble, just dive in! 35 isn't that old, I've seen guys in their late 40's that are in excellent shape.

Yes, many bjj guys were wrestlers or some other athletes in high school or college. Some of them show up to their first class already pretty good at grappling and as masters of takedowns. Better work on the guard for those guys. And most of the guys that show up are pretty tough and muscular.
I was 25 when I started, with no wrestling or martial arts experience. I'm in ok shape but I weigh a lot less (145) than most guys. I've trained mostly in one school, but have taken classes at three others. I've found that people are usually helpful to those who are less experienced. I think BJJ guys tend to respect anyone else who trains, regardless of level or ability.

This may be controversial, but I've noticed that skinny out-of-shape guys tend to get in shape much faster than fat out-of-shape guys. So if you're carrying around extra pounds, make sure you train cardio hard, it's much harder to function when you're carrying around 30 extra pounds.

[gregimotis]

Get in there, man.


We get guys in all the time in all kinds of shape. 34 isn't important at all for beginning - heck I don't think it's too old for competing either for that matter.


You've got to take the good advice of your new e-friends and get on down there. Then start a new thread telling us how sore and torn up you are after your first day - we love hearing about somebody else's pain around here.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

Best of luck!

and keep us informed of your progress