Whether you are new to BJJ or a seasoned veteran, we are sure you will find plenty of content that will assist you in your own BJJ training, development, and wellbeing.

BJJ Over 40 is not a ‘how to’ website for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners over 40, there are tons of other resources out there that will teach you techniques, instead we aim to focus on sharing advice and tips on intelligent training for senior grapplers that will help you spend more time on the mat and less time nursing injuries and recuperating at home.

That’s not to say that you won’t find any BJJ instructional or how to articles at BJJ Over 40 it just isn’t the primary focus of the website.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a tough sport for anybody, no matter what your age, but is especially tough for people who are advancing in age, specifically those over the age of forty. But why forty? Why not thirty or thirty-five?

Well, the simple answer is that when this site was started back in 2012, Simon, the founder of BJJ Over 40 was over forty at the time himself and was finding it more and more difficult to train regularly and consistently without burning out or without getting injured, so he was looking for a place to share experiences and advice with like minded practitioners.

A more detailed answer would be, that when you turn forty, your joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles are also forty years old, making training much more difficult. Therefore, you may need to modify your training intensity and routine in keeping with the physical, physiological and hormonal changes that are taking place.

At forty plus, we are also much more susceptible to injury, as our bodies are much weaker, and our bones are much more brittle. At forty most people usually have much more going on in their lives, what with children and work commitments, plus there is the added possibility that we have or will develop more long-term ailments than when we were younger. Once we reach forty, we are also more likely to have a general decline in our health and wellbeing.

For those of us over 40, there is also a tendency to gain more weight, specifically about ten pounds per decade, this is primarily due to loss in muscle mass and an increase in fat, if you gain ten pounds this is usually from adding fifteen pounds of body fat and losing five pounds of muscle. This increase in weight gain can make it much more difficult to train, we will likely fatigue quicker, and it will put extra strain on our heart.

That’s not to say that practitioners in their teens, twenties and thirties don’t have any of these issues, some of them do, but it is more likely when you are over forty.

All of this means that training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is incredibly difficult for most over forty’s, most of the time. Of course, there are exceptions to this, some over forties are in phenomenal shape and don’t have these issues.

Here at BJJ Over 40, we want you to keep training way past your forties and long into your fifties, sixties and beyond and to do this we need train intelligently.

 

Training in BJJ Over 40 is hard!

There’s no denying it, training in BJJ after 40 years of age can be very hard for the majority of people. It can be even more difficult if you are the only member of your gym at this age and you are training and rolling with much younger people. In my experience, training and rolling with partners your own age does make things a little easier, but even then I am sure you will feel the after effects on your body the day after.

There are of course ways that we can lessen the effects BJJ has on our bodies and that is one of the focal point of this website and Facebook group.

When I started seriously training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in 2010 at the age of 42, little did I know that my journey would unfold into a lifelong dedication. Today, I am proud to share my knowledge and experiences through BJJ Over 40, a vibrant community that celebrates the art and lifestyle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for individuals in their 40s and beyond.

A Community for Passionate Practitioners

BJJ Over 40 is not an online training portal. It’s a community where mature grapplers like myself come together to discuss theories, philosophies, and skills that keep us on the mats well into our 40s and 50s. While BJJ Over 40 provides valuable resources, its primary focus lies in fostering a supportive environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations and share our stories.

Navigating the Challenges

Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a later stage in life presents unique challenges. Our bodies may not be as resilient as they once were, and we may require a more thoughtful approach to training. BJJ Over 40 understands these challenges and aims to provide guidance on intelligent training methods that prioritize longevity, injury prevention, and overall well-being.

Inspiration and Motivation

The heart of BJJ Over 40 lies in the inspiration and motivation it offers. Within the community, I find a treasure trove of personal stories, anecdotes, and triumphs shared by individuals who have embraced BJJ in their later years. It serves as a constant reminder that age should never limit our potential to pursue our passions and achieve greatness.

Diverse Perspectives and Interviews

BJJ Over 40 prides itself on its commitment to showcasing the experiences of older grapplers from all levels of skill and expertise. Through interviews and profiles, I gain valuable insights into the journeys of seasoned practitioners who have overcome various obstacles to remain active on the mats.

Expanding Knowledge and Skill

While BJJ Over 40 is not primarily focused on teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, it does provide a wealth of resources to expand my knowledge and skill set. The platform offers instructional videos, articles, and training tips that cater specifically to the needs of mature practitioners. From adaptability and modification to efficient training methods, BJJ Over 40 equips me with the tools necessary to thrive in my training journey.

Join the BJJ Over 40 Community

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner seeking to connect with like-minded individuals or someone who has always been curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but thought it was too late to start, the BJJ Over 40 community welcomes you with open arms. Together, we challenge the notion that age defines our potential and prove that it’s never too late to embark on or continue your BJJ journey.

BJJ Over 40 is more than just an online platform—it’s a community built on shared experiences, resilience, and growth. Through insightful discussions, personal stories, and a dedication to empowering mature grapplers, BJJ Over 40 offers a space for us to thrive and redefine our limits. I invite you to embrace the journey, celebrate the art, and find inspiration to keep rolling on the mats well into your 40s and beyond.