im 32 years old. former college athlete (basketball). thought i was in decent shape. walked into my first BJJ class 2 weeks ago and had the most humbling experience of my entire athletic career.
some highlights from my first two weeks:
- a 155lb purple belt submitted me 7 times in a 6 minute round. im 6'2" 200lbs. size means NOTHING in this sport
- i learned what a rear naked choke feels like. its terrifying and effective. i tapped in about 2 seconds
- i was out of breath within 3 minutes of my first roll. my "cardio" from basketball was completely useless for grappling. completely different energy system
- a 16 year old blue belt pretzel-twisted me into a position i didnt know the human body could be in and then calmly choked me while explaining what he was doing. i nearly quit on the spot
- i had to do laundry 4 times this week because gi smell is a real thing
- my fingers hurt, my neck is sore, and i have bruises i cant explain. i have never been happier
the thing nobody told me: this sport is ADDICTIVE. the problem-solving aspect of grappling — figuring out how to escape, how to control, how to submit — its like physical chess. my brain lights up in a way basketball never did.
im hooked. im bought in. im going to be terrible for a long time and i dont care.
AMA about starting BJJ as a 32 year old former athlete with zero grappling experience. if you are on the fence about trying it, ask your questions.
the basketball cardio to BJJ cardio transition is real. i was a marathon runner and gassed out in my first BJJ class. grappling uses muscles you didnt know you had in patterns your body has never done. it takes 3-4 months for your "grappling cardio" to develop