re: Starting BJJ

I was in a similar spot as you, except pretty out of shape. We put my 4yo son at the time in BJJ, and he trained for probably 2 years before I started. Then my now ex-wife had started a year after my son started. The gym owner was always hitting me up asking me was I going to give it a try, and I would always respond that "rolling around on the floor with sweaty dudes hugging me was not my thing."

Then one day while swimming and playing, my ex jumped on my back and sunk in RNC. I was panicking, had no idea how to get her to stop or get her off. I was tapping, but she wasn't letting go. I had no choice but to start swinging and pulling hair before I blacked out. That promptly ended the playfull swimming to say the least and was the downhill side of that marriage, but that got me thinking about what if that were a real situation? I needed to start learning how to defend myself better.

Once I signed up, it didn't take long to understand there wasn't a sense of "this is gay" to moving towards "how do I stop this other guy from trying to murder me." It's a great workout, but a better mental workout. You'll find yourself at random times trying to figure out how to tie-in certain moves in different situations, sizing up strangers and coworkers and think about what attack would work best on them, and watching all kinds of BJJ videos on YouTube. You'll have trouble falling to sleep after classes, not because of the physical part of it, but the mental part of it, replaying moves and situations in your head. My new wife laughs at me because she'll see me start leaning with a thousand yard stare and slowly moving my hand, arm, or foot, and simply say "you're practicing a move aren't you?" Yep, it'll change your life. Now 6 years later, into my 40's, and 35lbs lighter, I'm glad I jumped in, and plan to keep it up. Have made some really good friends along the way, as your long time training partners can become family.

1. As an older guy, I will say that stretching is key, before and after class. Hydrate and take multivitamins to help with recovery and preventing cramps and soft tissue injuries. Don't overdo it unless you're some sort of masochist. 2-3 classes a week is plenty, and you will still be able to go lift weights, run, or crossfit if you're a workout warrior. I try and put a day of rest in between classes. I find after going several days in a row I don't have nearly enough energy on day 3-4.

2. Tap early, tap often. The only way to keep doing jiu jitsu is by limiting injuries, and you're white belt ego will try and write checks your body can't cash. Worse thing that can happen from a choke is you fall asleep, joint locks on the other hand are another story. Don't try and fight off an arm bar, wrist lock, or ankle lock while training at the gym. Sometimes you get got, tap and try again.

3. Find a gym that fits you, and has a good demographic mix. Especially one that's kid friendly. You don't want a gym that is full of lower 20's guys that all fight MMA. Look for a gym that offers classes multiple days a week, teaches both gi and no-gi, has a good turnout of kids in the kids classes, and has a good mix of age groups for both men and women. If you see a few older guys and some women in the classes, you at least know its not just a bunch of young assholes trying to rip your arm off.

Don't get discouraged. The first few months are tough, and will be like information overload. Keep showing up. You will improve and things will eventually start clicking where you'll react instead of think too much. Good luck, and keep us updated.

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What do I need to bring to first class?

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rash guard top, or at least a tight fitting athletic shirt, and athletic shorts that aren't too loose or baggy.
Bottle of Water
Mouth Guard

My two cents.
Don’t join a gym based on convenient location. Pick a place that matches your attitude. Much more likely to stay with it that way. Some places have that MMA “frick yeah!” attitude. Some places are friendly and chill.
And invest in a lot of Hibiclense: staph is no joke.
Also, having decent cardio to begin with is a huge factor in how much you enjoy the beginning stage of training.

BJJ fricked me up in a real way, mostly because I don’t do it anymore. Maybe I am romanticizing it, I feel like I’ve taking the red pill and know what I missing.

It satisfied so many of my values, most I didn’t even realize I had, that most people have.

The rhythmical warm-ups simulated ancient primal rituals, the camaraderie and intimacy between the group, doing something worthwhile with a group of people trying to achieve the same goal, the feeling of something bigger than yourself. The opportunity to be creative in your style, to learn and share with others.

After blue belt, the skyrocketing learning curve the first year becomes much more difficult. Two times a week feels like the bare minimum to just maintain, and at that rate your body feels like you continuously gotten in an automobile accident. It’s all excuses, if you really want it you will make it happen. But there’s a reason why so few last. Fortunately I think that trend is changing, antiquated traditions of overtraining in favor of longevity, and varied classes.

I'm glad I was able to get back on the mats this week after a 7 week absence due to a broken thumb, non BJJ related.

My coach wants to move me to blue belt Monday, but I'm feeling the imposter syndrome hard after the layoff and a poor tournament performance back in August. I was hoping to stay at white a little longer for 1 or 2 competitions, but that wound be the only reason to stay.

Anyone else felt they weren't ready to level up?

not every person on the street will be wearing a rashguard or bare chested either

honestly if you have a great instructor then it shouldnt matter, as Henry Akins would say, dont let gi or no gi dictate how you learn jiu jitsu. great fundamentals and concepts will always override those little nuances

You are my teammate. I train at Team Jucao Alexandria.

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Northshore Aggie

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You may have kicked my arse a few times.

I train at Gracie United/Team Jucao in Mandeville off 59.

I’m still a lowly white belt. I suck, but I suck less than I used too.

I’m 38 and starting BJJ in August at Gracie Barra the Woodlands. I would highly recommend the gym. It’s a very competitive gym but they love to welcome newcomers of all ages. I’ve been going twice a week. I’m trying to go slow and focus on the basics. It’s the most addictive thing I’ve ever done. Like a few already said on here. Be humble, tap often, most of the time you will get treated as you treat others, and be open to help.

Also look up the podcast my white belt.