I began Studying BJJ a few months shy of my 50th Birthday. Although I had been studying martial arts for many years, the Brazilian form of Jiu Jitsu intrigued me as many sparring and self-defense sessions ended up on the mat and I asked my self: “now what.” I asked a friend who would be a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Indianapolis and she told me about Marcello who was teaching her son. So, I booked an appointment to go see his Indianapolis Jiu Jitsu school. I immediately recognized that Marcello Monteiro was good instructor by his patient guidance and the enthusiasm of his students. However, I was a little intimidated as most of his students were in their 20s and 30s and here I was knocking on the door of the big 5-Oh. Nevertheless, I was determined to give it a try and no one seemed to care about my age, they all just welcomed me as another brother in the Indianapolis Jiu Jitsu family.
I will say that for the first few weeks, my muscles ached, my joints creaked, and I huffed and puffed like choo choo train while sparring. But slowly, I began to build my endurance and I could feel myself getting stronger and more agile. Sure enough, my brethren gingerly submitted me time after time, but soon that happened less and less as my technique improved. It still happens, but it is part of learning the game, and I enjoy the challenge.
I would also say that there are advantages to being older and learning how to play Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I know from life experience and from other disciplines that one has to be patient as well as listen and watch the higher ranks for pointers. I know that I cannot muscle everything, so I concentrate on proper technique and use strategy as much as I can. This is really a good argument as to why older people should study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, because it is truly a great equalizer against an opponent who is stronger than you.
Sometimes, my friends think I am crazy when I tell them what I do for fun, especially when I show up with a little rub mark on my face or have a hand print bruise on my arm. But I find it no less crazy than their beer belly or watching them huff after they have walked up a few stairs.
From a personal standpoint, I can say that having BJJ in my life is a blessing. Many of my friends have commented about the bounce in my step these days and I don’t seem to get tired at work like I used to. I have lost some weight and I simply feel better and enjoy life more.
My goal is to one day be a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I realize that I may be close to 60 when that happens, but when you see it presented to me, my other goal is for you think that I am 40.
- By Christian Cross
Indianapolis, IN
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