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How To Deal With Getting Older In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

How To Deal With Getting Older In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art for everyone; young and old, male and female, newcomers and those who are just coming back after a long hiatus. And it will remain that way as long as there are people interested in the Gentle Art… In other words: forever.
However, there’s no denying that things change as you train. Time takes no prisoners and, as you get older, you’re bound to experience a setback or two on the mats.

But how are you supposed to deal with this passage of time? How are you supposed to deal with getting older in BJJ? Professor Ryan Young, from Kama Jiu-Jitsu, shares a few words of advice.

 

ON DEALING WITH GETTING OLDER IN BJJ

Professor Young emphasizes an important point: after you reach a certain age, your brain gets accustomed to it (in terms of wisdom and knowledge). However, the body seems not to recognize that it isn’t what it used to be; you still think of yourself in terms of a 20-something year old!
So, the absolutely most important thing you could do for yourself… For your BJJ, your longevity on the mats and love for the sport, is to change your expectations. You’re not 20 years old anymore and, yeah, you can’t do the same things you were once able to do. However, at the same time, you now know the stuff you didn’t know back then – and you have the wisdom to back it up.

Utilize these advantages to the best of your ability. And you’ll keep making progress, no matter how old you get.