There’s no right age to start training Jiu-Jitsu.
Doesn’t matter if you are a 5 years old child or already over 60, the gentle art has a lot to offer you.
A huge part of new practitioners that join everyday at academies all over the globe, do it after hitting the 30-year-old mark.
GRACIEMAG decided to go after our readers that started after the big 3.0 and asked them why they decided to start their BJJ journey at that point in life.
One post on our Instagram account (@graciemagazine), got some massive response with people from all over sharing their stories and also telling in what aspect being on the mat improved their daily lives.
Read below some of the best answers and get inspired to share your own story in the comments.
“I’m 36 and started five months ago to see why my kids were having such a great time. It is now a family affair. Me, my husband (blue belt) and both sons (white belt and yellow and white belt) are part of this amazing sport and we all love it. It gets me into the gym, gives me confidence and helps me relax” – @pizzalvr67
“I started when I was 34 because my life needed a “tap out” so I could keep “rolling”…gotta love Jiu-Jitsu” – @erikapatriciaab
“Started when I was 38 after not being able to find enough motivation in other sports (most are pretty brainless). The beauty of BJJ is that it combines rigorous physical activity with high creativity and intelligence. Three ingredients that were absolutely necessary for me to make BJJ a huge part of my life” – @eugenebnyc
“I was in a full contact event and after a good fight I was caught in a rear naked choke and had to tap out. I thought my stand-up training was enough to keep out of range and defend any grappling setups. I swallowed my pride and started looking for a place to train BJJ. I’m a blue belt now after 5+ years into the journey. Along the way, I shed close to 50lb, changed my diet and sleeping habbits for the better. It strengthened my relationship with my wife and children and found a rythm and peace that only comes from the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle”– @barthubbard
“I was over 330lb and got diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor said that I needed to change my life if I wanted to life to be 50. I hate running but I love BJJ and MMA so I looked for a gym close to where I live. Now I am down to 240lb and managing my diabetes with some medicine and Jiu-Jitsu. I feel like I owe my life, health and happiness to BJJ“- @bjerkander_beserker
“As my master Eduardo Carriello says, besides many physical benefits like lowering the blood pressure, control weight, improve flexibility, Jiu-Jitsu improves and enhances your sexual life. I believe after your 30 years of age, this is a great gift to have“- @enjoyexercise
“I started training almost 8 years ago. One new year’s eve, I met my neighbor and he asked me what my resolutions were and I said ‘none’. He then told me to start training and two days later I was hooked. I stopped smoking that same day and training made me a better father to my children. Now, my son is 8 years old and is becoming my training partner and my motivation to show him this lifestyle and way of life“- @razagoo
“I went through a tough period in my 20’s. Everything from knee to spinal surgery, lost my career, lost family members to cancer and friends to violence. By the end of it i had lost all of my self confidence and was basically angry at myself and everyone else. I used to surf and train to keep my sanity but it just wasn’t helping anymore. When a mate introduced me to Jiu-Jitsu at GB Central Coast I was 32 years old and keen to try it out. At first, it took me a while to to warm up but it didn’t took long to become hooked and train as much as I possibly can. Jiu-Jitsu has transformed my life in ways I didn’t believe possible to regain and surpass what I had lost. I owe a lot to Jiu-Jitsu and will train and study it for the rest of my life“- @_ckr_
“Started at 36 because my youngest brother kept getting mount on me and I couldn’t do shit about it. Stayed because now he can’t do a damn thing! – @lilbigvince
“Started at 32, lost 20lb and totally forgot that ex-girlfriend! Lol!” – @mardumpa
Click here and read all the amazing answers shared by our readers.