Injuries in BJJ are pretty common and also preventable. It’s easy to chalk it up to “It’s a combat sport!” But that doesn’t really address the real problem of why does this even happen? By understanding why this happens, we can prevent it. Remember, you didn’t start this sport so you could wreck your body. You did it because it’s fun, challenging and it can make your life even better! Poor Flexibility – Having poor range of motion is one of the most common reasons people get injured. As we age our flexibility tends to decrease and become more limited. This is especially true if we are carryin ..read more

Protecting Your Body on and Off the Mats BJJ is not just a hobby, it’s a lifelong journey that tests the limits of one’s body and mind. As practitioners over the age of 40 continue to roll and evolve on the mats, taking care of their joints becomes paramount. The wear and tear of regular training can exacerbate issues like arthritis and tendonitis, making joint care crucial not just for performance but for quality of life. Here are some essential strategies for protecting your joints, both on and off the mats. BJJ is inherently tough on the body. The continuous grappling and pressure can put ..read more

In the world of BJJ, all of us face the challenge of balancing our deep passion for the sport with family commitments and life’s other responsibilities. This balance becomes even more pronounced for over 40 BJJ athletes where individuals are often juggling careers, family life, and personal growth, all while striving to stay active and competitive in BJJ. The first step in finding balance is understanding what true balance even means. True balance is rarely ever found to the far left or the far right, nor is it always in the center. It really moves a little to the left, a little to the right ..read more

This week we’re joined by BJJ After 40 founders Mike and Sheena Bidwell. Always an interesting conversation about the jiu-jitsu mindset that has helped them motivate Jiu-Jitsu practitioners over 40 around the world. Check out the episode and let us know what you think! Be sure to check out the latest collaboration between BJJAFTER40 and XMartial! The dopest gear with the coolest designs. Available now!!! Use code: BJJAFTER40 ..read more

BJJ is a martial art that embraces practitioners of all ages, promoting physical health, mental sharpness, and social interaction. However, as we age, the approach to training needs some modification to ensure longevity in the sport. For those over 40 stepping onto the mats, it’s crucial to balance passion with prudence. Here are five essential tips to help older BJJ practitioners stay safe and enjoy the journey in this profound martial art. Prioritize Injury Prevention Injury prevention is paramount for practitioners over 40. The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” hol ..read more

In the journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, age is not just a number; it’s a testament to your enduring passion, resilience, and the wisdom you bring to the mat every day. Whether you’re eyeing that next belt, aiming to perfect a challenging technique, or simply striving to remain active and healthy, setting realistic, achievable goals is your roadmap to success. Let’s dive into the art of goal-setting in BJJ and how you can achieve these milestones, proving that age is merely a backdrop to the canvas of your achievements. Begin with the end in mind. Visualization is a powerful tool in your BJJ to ..read more

In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, the saying “technique conquers all” is particularly resonant for the over-40 practitioner. As we mature, the raw physicality of our younger years gives way to a need for smarter, more strategic engagement. This shift is not a limitation but an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the art. Today, let’s explore how emphasizing technique over tension can transform your roll, making it not just a physical endeavor but a chess match played with the body. The Wisdom of Efficiency At the core of BJJ is the principle of using leverage and technique to ..read more

There is nothing more important that leaving training injury-free. The goal was never to have surgeries or be chronically in pain. The mission, if you choose to accept it, is to improve the quality of your life through BJJ. Not make it worse. One of the most important ‘off the mat’ habits we can adopt is a good nights sleep. I know that seems obvious and in some case difficult for others. Our most important healing and recovery happens when we sleep. This is also where we consolidate memories and build neural pathways. Think of sleep as the second half of your BJJ training! The moves you lear ..read more

issue-5-gwtgDownload ISSUE 5 No Ads – Easy on the eyes! Welcome to the much-anticipated Issue #5 of the Grappling with Time Gazette, your quintessential read tailored for the over-40 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast. This week, we delve deep into the enriching journey of training in BJJ with your life partner, exploring the dual paths of personal growth and martial artistry. We also tackle the ever-important topic of maintaining motivation on the mats after the age of 40, sharing invaluable insights and strategies to keep the fire burning. Excitingly, we announce a new chapter for our Gazette ..read more

issue-4Download it here – EASY ON THE EYES NO ADS Welcome, esteemed readers, to the much-anticipated Issue #4 of the Grappling with Time Gazette, your premier source for chuckles, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia on the BJJ journey for the distinguished practitioner. In this edition, we’re rolling out the red (or should we say, blue) mat with features designed to tweak your technique, tickle your taste buds, and teach you a thing or two about the history and hilarity of our beloved art. Dive into “Technique Tune-Up: Guarding the Fort at 49” with the Mat Mechanic, who promises to bolster your ..read more