Can Old Guys Beat Young Guys in BJJ? 

I recently went against a big 200lb 6'1 foot 19 year old kid in open weight. he's a blue and I'm a purple but I'm 148 and 48. he killed me....but I still have a full head of dark black hair and his hairline is noticably receding. I'll take that as my win.

I'm 53 and just started in March of this year; I was wearing myself out w/ the young bucks...thanks for this!

If there is anything that I have learnt from you, it is to slow the game right down and wait for opportunities.

Wow, thanks for those tips, guys. I’m a 58 year old blue belt, and I pretty much get crushed every time I go up against guys that are 20 to 30 years younger, heavier and stronger. I’ve learned/am still learning the hard way to slow everything down, control the old ego and never go force against force. Framing, positioning and maintaining posture/alignment are things that have consistently helped me, and any successes I have are generally due to these factors. I might sometimes get away with a surprise Iminari roll or rolling kimura when my opponent thinks I’m gased and doesn’t expect it, but it’s a rare thing and not a reliable strategy. That advice about controlling the hips is gold. Definitely going to be working on that!

For a more “Freeform” kind of video you put a lot of great stuff in there. Going to have to watch again with paper and pencil.

Thank you both! Learned a lot. AXT Jiu Jitsu has an excellent reputation in the Chicagoland area. Nikolas

From my experience: Attach - get grips and play guards like knee shield half which attach you strongly to them. Slows them down to your speed. Pace - you will get gassed before them so pay attention to your gas tank and rest when you can, set a steady pace. Give up on your own terms - know when you are passed, stop fighting it and move to a planned early escape instead. Don’t waste your limited energy on a lost cause. And for your own sanity - accept that there is a reason all pro athletes are young. They will learn quicker. They are faster. They are fitter. They are stronger. So of course you’ll get beaten by some lower belts. Get good at defence - if you’re really hard to submit even from bad positions and can escape them, it messes with the head of the younger opposition

Love the video and great advise : I’m a 53 year old purple belt and I have a deal a lot young strong blue and white belts and I know the feeling

The intro was awesome 😂😂😂

Man, I'm really loving this channel....Chris was my favorite black belt test vid, so much heart and conviction.

As usual, this is great info for us “older” players. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

I will def work on my hipcontrol from now on:-) Thnx for sharing guys.

Just turned 50, been a purple belt for a year. Have lived with debilitating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 2004 (started in 1993 when I was 19) and I have NO problem with the age gap. My medications allow me to function 3-4 hours a day so I use the time to exercise, train, and keep up my house. And honestly? I don't feel like my age has been a hindrance. Sure, recovery time is ABSOLUTELY a factor. But if you eat well, train for strength, LISTEN to your professors when they tell you to SLOW THE HELL DOWN, and develop some actual technique to go with your attributes, you should be able to mitigate quite effectively the advantages that come with your training buddies' youth and speed. I'm honestly baffled at the number of students who absolutely WILL NOT slow down, then spend years wondering why their technique doesn't go anywhere. The simplest piece of advice in the world but people tend to receive it like they've just been asked to kick a puppy to death.

44 years old (45 next month) blue belt here. it's a war every day on the mat but never step out of a rolling session with those young guys. just know your limits and try your best. thanks for the video you are doing a great job there

Loved this one.

Great vid, thanks!

Absoutley nailed it! Love this!

Excellent video.

Nice exchange of information in a discussion format. Does not need to be perfect. Enjoyed and needed this topic.

Thanks Rick. I was able to implement some of the concepts today when I was rolling.

Haha, tried the stretching out recently, forgot the kid was several inches taller, didn’t work. Live and learn

I am not willing to be put in bad position even to keep it playful. That is how I get hurt. Stay on top as much as possible. Tap immediately to any good submission. Use frames and submissions. I admit that I do let whites and blues tap me out so they gain confidence when I feel safe. Follow the hip. I will give that a go.

phenomenal video masters show revenge on Brody 😁😁 make playlist BJJ series techniques on him leg locks, arm locks, chokes (GI back, ezekiel and more) etc. please thanks 💪💪🔥🔥

Great 👍🏼 tips!! I like to stay ahead of if I can positionally, but if I can’t and/or I’m too tired I go to bottom halfguard and work from there.

Yeah, i do it all the time.

Old heads very often style on me, blue belt here

sure can keep up, we just feel like we were hit by a truck later that night and half of the next day.

out of curiosity, why is jiujitsu considered a game? I've been doing it almost 15 years and not once considered it a game.

Priit Mihkelson @defensivebjj has been one of the biggest factors in surviving while rolling with younger and larger athletes. Well worth investigating. www.youtube.com/@DefensiveBJJ

The answer is no :) I never tap to old guys