JIU JITSU over 40

[Jayamilne]

I feel that recovery is one of the most important factors, plus pacing yourself when you roll. I am big on supplements (fish oil, tart cherry, curcumin), stretching and I see an ART physical therapist about 1x or 2x/month to keep things working correctly. Also, tapping early and keeping my ego in check helps keep the injuries at bay. And of course, having a great diet plays a huge part. The less weight I have, the less effort it takes to move.

[kevinculp]

Felt my first drop at 42. My cardio just seemed out of nowhere to not perform as normal. Up till then I had relied heavily on my wrestling. It forced me to play more off my back. Then when I recently turned 45 it dropped some more. Now I'm far more conscious about not wasting movement and playing a much stronger defensive game until my partner get tired. It forces me to be better at everything since I can no longer rely on strength and explosion to get where I want.

[NelsonLucca]

This is a great thread. I'll be 37 in September but my body feels old. I've been a martial artist my whole life and I was a jock in school. I still strive to reach a high level and my sons interest has given me a second wind.

[Dan Rizzuto]

age is definitely a factor. I turned 40 this year, and although I still roll 5x a week, I don't push myself all 5 days. The importance of rolling till i'm 90 is more important then trying to kill everyone I roll with daily. The beauty is in the flow and mastering the technique..so i don't have to use muscle.

[Dan Rizzuto]

age is definitely a factor. I turned 40 this year, and although I still roll 5x a week, I don't push myself all 5 days. The importance of rolling till i'm 90 is more important then trying to kill everyone I roll with daily. The beauty is in the flow and mastering the technique..so i don't have to use muscle.

[Eric Schuettenberg]

Thanks for all the great replys guys

[scottross]

One of the most powerful lessons in jiu-jitsu is that I find myself constantly shattering perceived limitations. That having been said, the old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be.

I think it's important to know where you are at physically, and take breaks when you need them. When I'm in top shape, I can stay on the mat the entire night but when I am recovering from an injury or time off, I need to listen to my body and take breaks until I condition myself to endure a full session. My last set of knee injuries were due to pushing too hard, too soon. Even two years ago I would just throw myself into the mix whole heartedly the first night back but that's not the case any more.