Are you training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s? This video is all about how older grapplers can stay healthy, avoid injuries, and keep improving on the mats.
I’m Marc Barton – black belt, full-time instructor, and former emergency medicine doctor. I started BJJ at 30, earned my black belt at 40, and now at 49 I feel stronger and more resilient than ever. In this video, I share my Top 5 Tips for Older Grapplers – practical advice backed by science and experience.
What you’ll learn:
✅ How to choose training partners wisely and avoid unnecessary injuries
✅ Why strength training off the mats is essential after 40
✅ The best mobility and warm-up routines for older grapplers
✅ Nutrition strategies that actually improve recovery and performance
✅ Why sleep is the ultimate recovery tool for BJJ longevity
These tips are for anyone training BJJ later in life – whether you’re a beginner starting at 40+, a seasoned grappler in your 50s or 60s, or just someone who wants to train smarter and roll for years to come.
Who this video is for:
• BJJ beginners starting later in life
• Grapplers over 40, 50, and beyond
• Instructors who want to help older students train safely
• Anyone interested in injury prevention and Jiu Jitsu longevity
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve got your own tips for training BJJ as an older grappler.
👉 Want even more help improving your Jiu Jitsu? Download the free How to Suck Less at Jiu Jitsu eBook here: https://www.jiujitsubrotherhood.com/pages/how-to-suck-less-at-jiu-jitsu
Massive thanks to the legendary @jamescooperbtx for making this video possible!
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📚 References & Further Reading
Tip #1: Training Partners & Injury Risk:
– Scoggin JF, Brusovanik G, Izuka BH, Zand MS, Rettig AC. (2014). Assessment of injuries during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. Orthop J Sports Med, 2(2):2325967114522184.
– Andreato LV, Lara FJD, Andrade A, Branco BHM. (2017). Physical and physiological profiles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Sport Sci Health, 13:157–165.
Tip #2: Strength Training & Longevity:
– Westcott WL. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Curr Sports Med Rep, 11(4):209–216.
– Momma H, Kawakami R, Honda T, Sawada SS. (2022). Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Br J Sports Med, 56(13):755–763.
– Fragala MS, et al. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. J Strength Cond Res, 33(8):2019–2052.
Tip #3: Mobility & Warm-Ups:
– Behm DG, Chaouachi A. (2011). A review of the acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on performance and injury prevention. J Strength Cond Res, 25(12):327–341.
– Herman K, Barton C, Malliaras P, Morrissey D. (2012). The effectiveness of neuromuscular warm-up strategies, that require no additional equipment, for preventing lower limb injuries during sports participation. Br J Sports Med, 46(14):103–110.
Tip #4: Nutrition & Recovery:
– Morton RW, et al. (2018). A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. Br J Sports Med, 52(6):376–384.
– Monteiro CA, et al. (2019). Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutr, 22(5):936–941.
Tip #5: Sleep & Recovery:
– Walker M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.
– Fullagar HHK, Skorski S, Duffield R, Hammes D, Coutts AJ, Meyer T. (2015). Sleep and athletic performance: the effects of sleep loss on exercise performance, and physiological and cognitive responses to exercise. Sports Med, 45(2):161–186.
– Mah CD, Mah KE, Kezirian EJ, Dement WC. (2011). The effects of sleep extension on the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players. Sleep, 34(7):943–950.
– Spiegel K, Leproult R, Van Cauter E. (1999). Impact of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine function. Lancet, 354(9188):1435–1439.
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