40 yrs young and will begin to train BJJ extensively

[sensei8]

Take it as easy as possible and hang in there, Shojiko.

[DarthPenguin]

Thanks, Patrick! Unfortunately, our human bodies age like clockwork; we simply need to train smarter, add strength training to off days to continue practicing with less risk of injuries.

Plus remember you aren't in a race against anyone.

People are also more understanding than you realise - i was talking to my judo coach the other day (a relatively recently retired international competitor) and said to him that i need to get a lot stronger and bulk up more for Judo for gradings etc. and he said to me directly that, i'm mid 40s and it's totally fine to do the technical grading path and lots of randori in class. No-one frowns upon it as you are older and have kids / a life etc. If i was 30 then he would expect competitions for grading but not needed when older. Be realistic and don't kill yourself, who am i competing against - surely i am training for me?

Surprised me a little but was reassuring to hear tbh. Still would like to try some of the comps etc (in the appropriate age groups) when i am ready but nice to know it won't be mandated!

[bushido_man96]

Mandating competitions like that would for sure seem to bring in a younger crowd. It's great that it's not mandated.

[DarthPenguin]

Mandating competitions like that would for sure seem to bring in a younger crowd. It's great that it's not mandated.

Yeah totally though it is definitely mandated for the younger ones!

[KarateKen]

Is it tough on the knees? 

[DarthPenguin]

2 hours ago, KarateKen said:

Is it tough on the knees? 

Is what tough on the knees - BJJ in general?

[sensei8]

I'd tend to think that a lot of things, including BJJ, is tough on the knees as one gets older.

[KarateKen]

15 hours ago, DarthPenguin said:

Is what tough on the knees - BJJ in general?

Yes

[KarateKen]

11 hours ago, sensei8 said:

I'd tend to think that a lot of things, including BJJ, is tough on the knees as one gets older.

I agree with this but would add that it can happen even when young.  I dropped to a knee at age 25 when I asked my first wife to marry me.  That still hurts to this day. 

[DarthPenguin]

On 9/28/2024 at 3:03 AM, KarateKen said:

Yes

Personally i have never found it to be so, but i also know plenty of folk who wear knee braces! Likely depends on your personal style tbh. For me i always feel it more in the hips than the knees