Training MMA into middle age?

vancitybb

vancitybb

Well-known member
Trusted Member
Hey friends,

I've trained in martial arts, in some form or another, throughout much of my life. Most recently I was doing MMA (Muay Thai and BJJ) back when I lived in Vancouver.

However, it's now been at least 10 years since I've stepped on the mat, I'm approaching 50 yrs old, and find myself eager to get back into it.

Can anyone relate? If I'm not mistaken, @Bagua you are a martial arts guy of somewhat "advanced" age? I think I just need someone to tell me this isn't a ridiculous idea.

What should I look for in a gym/instructor? I don't want to join a hyper-aggressive gym, nor a "McDojo".

Anyhow, I'd love to hear about similar experiences, both positive and negative.

Cheers!
 
Sorry as far as a club I looked at places closest to home first for obvious reasons. Went to one place and watched a class, busy disorganized and large class. Place was also not very clean.

Second place offered 2 free individual trial classes to assess my interest and what would be the best program. Great experience, people are great and supportive and place is spotless.
 
The Old Guy said:
Hey man,

I’m 52 and just started back at kickboxing and CSW last summer. Definitely don’t preform like I did 25 years ago but still really liking it.

Plus great cardio that’s fun to do. Not a fan of gym cardio.
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That's mostly what I'm looking for: a good cardio regime in the form of combat sports. I'm not planning to get in the ring or anything, just get fit through punching, kicking, and rolling.

Hearing that you're starting back at 52 does make me feel better.

Are you worried about injuries? I'm pretty good at taking care of myself in the gym, and working within my limits, but I swear I get hurt in the strangest ways after turning 40 lol.
 
I'm 67 and have been going strong since I was thirteen in the martial arts, and six when I was boxing at a Navy Club. Listing all the styles I have ventured into would be useless, but I must say I have adapted over the years while maintaining a Wing Chun and Shotokan base. I added Kali, give or take thirty years ago, because it has many similarities to Wing Chun trapping, plus the weapons are awesome. I realized at the time that in the future (which is now) I would be hard-pressed to continue in the "hard" styles; therefore, I took a more Chinese route and investigated the Internal styles of Hsing I, Tai Chi Chuan, and Baguazhang. Tai Chi Chuan permeates everything I do nowadays, because constantly going all out is counterproductive to my long-term training goals.
I recommend checking out many clubs and finding one that may fit and enhance your foundation in Muay Thai and BJJ. I would stay away from the sports methods, but that's just me. Have fun, because if you don't enjoy it, what's the use?
 
Bagua said:
I'm 67 and have been going strong since I was thirteen in the martial arts, and six when I was boxing at a Navy Club. Listing all the styles I have ventured into would be useless, but I must say I have adapted over the years while maintaining a Wing Chun and Shotokan base. I added Kali, give or take thirty years ago, because it has many similarities to Wing Chun trapping, plus the weapons are awesome. I realized at the time that in the future (which is now) I would be hard-pressed to continue in the "hard" styles; therefore, I took a more Chinese route and investigated the Internal styles of Hsing I, Tai Chi Chuan, and Baguazhang. Tai Chi Chuan permeates everything I do nowadays, because constantly going all out is counterproductive to my long-term training goals.
I recommend checking out many clubs and finding one that may fit and enhance your foundation in Muay Thai and BJJ. I would stay away from the sports methods, but that's just me. Have fun, because if you don't enjoy it, what's the use?
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Thanks for this @Bagua, it's incredibly reassuring to hear your story. I actually have some experience with kali as well, and really loved it; I still have my rattan sticks in the closet. I was training at a place called Creative Fighters Guild in Richmond BC, and they offered kickboxing, bjj, and weapons/kali. Unfortunately I now live in rural southern ontario, and there are fewer options around me. I've got a few MMA gyms shortlisted in the nearest city.
 
When i was younger Martial Arts was a pretty big part of my life now I hit the bag 3 days a week nothing competitive but I absolutely hate just walking away on the treadmill.

I ruptured my Achilles back in 2020 kickboxing and now I'm gun shy to do any type of rolling or kickboxing because at 44 I really dont want to have to come back from another rupture, I've got a pile of buddies doing Jujitsu at my age so I say go for it, stretching as you know is vital.
 
Just tell them instructor you value your safety and not to have you roll or spar with any hot shots or cowboys. If you aren't competing there's no reason to go 100%. Keeping it light is fun and still great cardio
 
Hussell said:
When i was younger Martial Arts was a pretty big part of my life now I hit the bag 3 days a week nothing competitive but I absolutely hate just walking away on the treadmill.

I ruptured my Achilles back in 2020 kickboxing and now I'm gun shy to do any type of rolling or kickboxing because at 44 I really dont want to have to come back from another rupture, I've got a pile of buddies doing Jujitsu at my age so I say go for it, stretching as you know is vital.
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I tore my Achilles in give or take 2017 after having both knees replaced. After I rehabbed it, I avoided the boxer's stance and stuck with stances from Shotokan and Wing Chun. It was the injury that forced me to wake up and realize I was getting old. I want to be the old grey beard giving out useless wisdom.
 
Bagua said:
I tore my Achilles in give or take 2017 after having both knees replaced. After I rehabbed it, I avoided the boxer's stance and stuck with stances from Shotokan and Wing Chun. It was the injury that forced me to wake up and realize I was getting old. I want to be the old grey beard giving out useless wisdom.
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Hussell said:
When i was younger Martial Arts was a pretty big part of my life now I hit the bag 3 days a week nothing competitive but I absolutely hate just walking away on the treadmill.

I ruptured my Achilles back in 2020 kickboxing and now I'm gun shy to do any type of rolling or kickboxing because at 44 I really dont want to have to come back from another rupture, I've got a pile of buddies doing Jujitsu at my age so I say go for it, stretching as you know is vital.
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My dad snapped his Achilles playing squash when he was younger than I am now, he even brought it up when I told him I'm looking to get back into MMA. Thanks a lot, Pops. 😫

I like to think I've checked my ego and work within my limits these days, and I do listen to my body. I'm relatively convinced I can train safely, but there's always a chance of injury. That's one thing about getting old, recovery takes a lot longer, so I'll be as careful as I can be.
 
Bigbear said:
Just tell them instructor you value your safety and not to have you roll or spar with any hot shots or cowboys. If you aren't competing there's no reason to go 100%. Keeping it light is fun and still great cardio
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This is good advice, thanks. Even a chill gym with a good culture has a handful of hotshot "tough guys", and the instructor should be wise to who they are.
 
vancitybb said:
This is good advice, thanks. Even a chill gym with a good culture has a handful of hotshot "tough guys", and the instructor should be wise to who they are.
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Yea a good instructor will keep you comfortable. My wife didnt want me rolling with any women so I had to ask to only be paired with guys. The instructor was happy to help
 
Hey,

I am 53…turning 54 next month. Still on the mats.

I have two phases: in one i lift 3 days per week and do jitz twice snd the other i lift twice (upper lower) and do jitz 3

I can do everything on the mats that i use too but the key consideration at this age is recovery
1. Typically we spar 3-5 5 min rounds each class. I will only do 2 and then supervise. Easy for me as i am the instructor but i have a few older guys that after the 2 rounds i will pair them with a new student or they sit one out in between rounds. This should be part of the club culture
2. I pick my training partner and pick carefully my older student’s sparring partners. If you are <200lbs you don’t need to be sparing the 265 jacked 25 year old that compets. Too much risk.
3. You have to plan what you lift the day before jitz or else too fatigued to train properly or you will tweek something. Legs are typically fine for example but other than that i train, lift, day off….
4. Stay consistent, even if only once on a busy life week, get in every week. 3 times one week and zero the next not good. As you know the body gets in impact shape and once you get back into it…. Maintain it

Ultimately the right club, should support the above type culture, chat with the instructor.

PS you should likely not get punched in yhe head anymore. Hence i do jitz now and not mma. But if you are going to do mma class when striking just drills, no striking sparring
 
Yea a good point too but don't quote me on it, different classes may be different but your usually safer sparing with advanced guys like purple brown or black belt. They know not to go 100% on you and can be safer for you. The worst risk is rolling with beginners because they try too hard lol.
 
Oldguyjiujitsu said:
Hey,

I am 53…turning 54 next month. Still on the mats.

I have two phases: in one i lift 3 days per week and do jitz twice snd the other i lift twice (upper lower) and do jitz 3

I can do everything on the mats that i use too but the key consideration at this age is recovery
1. Typically we spar 3-5 5 min rounds each class. I will only do 2 and then supervise. Easy for me as i am the instructor but i have a few older guys that after the 2 rounds i will pair them with a new student or they sit one out in between rounds. This should be part of the club culture
2. I pick my training partner and pick carefully my older student’s sparring partners. If you are <200lbs you don’t need to be sparing the 265 jacked 25 year old that compets. Too much risk.
3. You have to plan what you lift the day before jitz or else too fatigued to train properly or you will tweek something. Legs are typically fine for example but other than that i train, lift, day off….
4. Stay consistent, even if only once on a busy life week, get in every week. 3 times one week and zero the next not good. As you know the body gets in impact shape and once you get back into it…. Maintain it

Ultimately the right club, should support the above type culture, chat with the instructor.

PS you should likely not get punched in yhe head anymore. Hence i do jitz now and not mma. But if you are going to do mma class when striking just drills, no striking sparring
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Hey,

Thanks for the advice! Balancing mma/bjj with lifting is something I'll need to get dialed in, so I really appreciate those tips.

Yeah I'm not planning on sparring kickboxing, just pad work and drills. The gym I'm looking at has separate classes dedicated to sparring, so it'll be easy to avoid.

Cheers!
 
If your worried about recovery get a fitbit or something better. It tells you daily readiness which is a score based on heart rate and sleep and the higher it is the more you can work out. It made a big change for me dialing in different routines
 
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