Is Jiu Jitsu For Everyone?

There are certain people that it just never clicks with... but physical athletes and mental athletes are both needed in Jiu Jitsu...

Originally Posted by Josh Passini

I feel that if this person has the will and desired to get there Black they will. It may take them a really long time but definitely possible. I feel your jiu jitsu changes and becomes these athletic and more cognitive. There is a video floating around with a 65-70year old high level black still hold there own with a mid 20's black belt. Although low percentage still viable. There is a dude that won the expert division in Chicago that was almost 70 and his shit was on point. I think it is totally possible with a lot of hard work and dedication.

Surely this guy is the exception rather than the rule, though?

Of course you dont take it away. The question is, can you 'become' a blackbelt at 40?

I think its def possible. But, that old man will be a badass. All Im sayin..

I dont think that everyone who practices jiu jitsu can achieve a black belt. I think it is a combination of knowledge, application of that knowledge, physical ability, intelligence and mental toughness that enables someone to achieve it. That being said, you dont have to be a great teacher or a great competitor to pull off this huge accomplishment. As matt said, you should have the ability to help the lower belts if they need it, but some people just dont have it in them to be a teacher. Its a lot to ask, youre asking students to have complete faith in you and trust that what youre teaching them is right. That is a lot of pressure for some people. On the other side of the coin, some of the best people i have had the pleasure of training with never compete, for them its not what jiu jitsu is about. My instructor recently awarded his first black belt to a fellow student, and while he has only competed a few times in his 11 year jiu jitsu career, he is an amazing jiu jitsu practitioner, one of the best i have ever rolled with. He is actually a great teacher as well, but we also have a ten stripe brown belt at our school who whoops some serious ass at competitions, but for some reason he has some difficulty when it comes to putting technique into words that lower ranked students can comprehend. So I personally believe you can earn a black belt while not being a great competitor or a great teacher, but thats just one mans opinion. What do you guys think?

Not sure most people are open minded enough for jiu jitsu to be for them.

[QUOTE=bobby rivers;131147 The question is, can you 'become' a blackbelt at 40? [/QUOTE]

Well, I just turned 43 last week. I haven't been able to take Jiu Jitsu because of family responsibilities. Now that responsibility is over. So I was going to get started 2 weeks ago, then I got hurt at work. So today I'm going to get a MRI on my knee.

But, I will tell you right now. I have every intention on being a Black belt and being able to kick some ass in my 50's.

Originally Posted by Jack LaBarge

Well, I just turned 43 last week. I haven't been able to take Jiu Jitsu because of family responsibilities. Now that responsibility is over. So I was going to get started 2 weeks ago, then I got hurt at work. So today I'm going to get a MRI on my knee.

But, I will tell you right now. I have every intention on being a Black belt and being able to kick some ass in my 50's.

Fuckin A Jack!! That's what I'm talkin bout!

Originally Posted by bobby rivers

And part of being an elite belt is working with and around your limitations and injuries to the point that all lower belts wont even be able to tell on account of they're bein smashed. And other higher belts will recognize his demeanor, timing, pressure, technique, etc.

Truth right thur!!

I'm 38 and workin my ass off every day to improve myself in every possible way. Trust me when I tell you, I'm working towards my black belt, but taking it step by step. In my mind I'm focused on getting my Purple belt by a certain date which I wrote down on paper. I look at it every day because it's on the wall in my basement above my mats where I exercise and drill every morning. Some people may think I'm crazy for saying this but there is something to be said about the law of attraction. Focus, focus, focus, execute, and it will come. Just don't try to skip a step. And remember, the most successful athletes in the world failed more than 70% of the time. It's all about changing your approach when something doesn't work and trying again. I speak the truth! Everdade!

I have a love hate with the whole belt thing. Reading this kinda make me pissed I didn't work thru the belts in my late 20's. I can't even imagine the physical training I would have to dedicate myself to, to get in the correct shape to get my Black belt. Two nights a week BJJ and no other training just ain't gonna get me there. I think my head and technical ability and teaching ability could get there pretty fast, but my Blue belt body would need off the charts dedication. What does a black belt brain and a blue belt body get you? Surely not a black belt. I get emails from a BJJ black belt that has given 50-70 year olds thier black belts, so obviously it is possible under certain instructors, but is it legit?