Question for judoka: Too old to start judo?

[meh985]

To emphasize what bongo is saying, as long as you know how to fall, it doesn't matter how fast the throw is. But if you don't know how to fall, nearly any throw could mess you up. So, look forward to learning how to fall for a few months!

[ours01]

I started BJJ with 50 and had to stop because of to much weight and stress. But i try to remove 10-15 kilos, so i can again go to training. I'm 53 and still enjoy fighting. Also sessions are more interesting...

[rennurliart]

So, I went to my first Gracie Jujitsu class today. It was fantastic!

In case you don't know, there is a distinction between what is refered to as Brazilian jujitsu (BJJ) and what I take which is Gracie Jujits (GJJ). GJJ is the original self defense art, or BJJ with more self defense emphasis. Whereas BJJ de-emphasises the self defense techniques and gears the curriculum toward tournaments and MMA. In other words, BJJ skips the headlock and strangling defenses for more competition techniques.

Why not Judo as originally planned? Well, I am intrigued with judo and have respect and admiration and would love to do it. But, there just isn't a decent judo school in my area that has a schedule I can live with.

But, GJJ was great, and it was all a bit serendipitous.

There is also an attractive, fiesty and very game lass in the class. So, yeah, I'll go back.

Oh, another nice thing about taking a grappling art: when you have a lady friend over, you can say "let me show you what I learned in GJJ class last night!!" ;-)

[Njordin]

Originally Posted by Andrew Kanagal [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

There's nothing wrong with enjoying to roll around with them, they can't see inside your head.

They can't see inside your head but they can feel inside your gi and they will, if you don't control your head. Also, if you are enjoying to roll with someone specifically because she's an attractive woman it will be apparent to everyone watching. I find it repulsive, despite my fetish. Also, rolling with a woman in a dojo is nowhere as sexy as it sounds. It may be the first couple of times but after a while they're just another opponent.

[suplex]

Judo is a rough sport, and I've always considered it a young mans (womans) sport. The only permanent injury that I ever received was in Judo at the ripe old age of 28. I'm now an older guy (60) martial artist (Black belt - Jeet kune do) and train between 5 and 6 times per week. That's more than most, but being bounced off the mat on a regular basis (judo) would't do my body much good. I also train BJJ and find it tough. Most BJJ guys quit when they hit around 35 years old so I'm also a bit of a special case. If you really are determined to get involved in judo, hey, go for it, but just be aware that there are risks involved. Martial arts are a wonderful way to stay in great shape, hone your reflexes, and generally keep your mind sharp. All good things that I believe slow down the ageing process and help to avoid many age related maladies. Just be realistic and know your limitations.

[kyguy2016]

Never too old to start - the last post had good advice though. Be realistic and know your limitations. I used to know a guy in his mid/late 60s who was still active in judo, to the point he was competing in international "masters'" (as in, "older age group") competitions, representing his country. Every so often, we see stories of 90+-year-olds running marathons. It's all over to you. How much do you want to do, and how much can you do safely. Every person is different. Talk with your sensei and maybe (especially if you want to do it for a little more than just fun and fitness) also your doctor. And enjoy yourself. :-)

[suplex]

Country singer Toby Keith does a number called "As good as I once was". Lyrics...My body say's you can't do this boy, but my pride say's - oh yes you can.

[martin17]

if you are 50 years old and still sexy in a miniskirt, and men are getting excited by you, then you have probably good legs and muscles, so why not doing judo?

[suplex]

martin17...where the F... did you come from?